Introduction

Merrell is an American footwear company that specialises in outdoor shoes and boots for activities like hiking, trail running, backpacking, and more. Founded in 1981, Merrell aims to provide durable and high performing footwear built for the trail. Their products are designed for both men and women.

Merrell Hiking Boots

Merrell makes a variety of hiking boots to suit different needs and preferences on the trail.

Merrell Hiking BootsTechnologies

Merrell incorporates several proprietary technologies into their hiking boots to enhance stability, traction, durability, cushioning, and moisture management including:

• Vibram Outsoles: Many Merrell boots feature Vibram rubber compounds in their outsoles which are specifically formulated to provide traction on varied terrain from wet granite to dry dirt. Different lug patterns offer multi-directional grip.
• M Select DRY & GORE-TEX: Select waterproof Merrell models use either an M Select DRY waterproof yet breathable membrane or GORE-TEX waterproof, breathable lining to keep feet dry while allowing sweat vapor to escape.
• Air Cushion Heel: An air cushion insert in the heel absorbs impact with every step to deliver a smooth, stable ride over miles. It also laterally stabilises the foot.
• Q Form 2: Found in some women's boots, Q Form 2 cushioning matches the shape and movement of women's feet to enhance stability and comfort.

Merrell Hiking Boots Materials

In terms of exterior materials and construction, Merrell hiking boots feature:

• Full Grain Leather: Premium leather options provide durability and customise to the wearer's foot shape over time. Oiled full grain is also water resistant.
• Suede Leather & Mesh: Lightweight performance suede along with mesh fabric balances durability and breathability for comfort while shaving weight.
• Vibram Soles: Nearly all Merrell boots use Vibram rubber outsoles tuned for grip and flexibility on trails. Lug depths and patterns vary by model.

Popular Merrell Hiking Boot Models

From their extensive hiking boot lineup, some of Merrell's most popular models are:

• Moab 2 Mid Waterproof: All around hiking boot balancing support, grip, and hike-ability at a moderate price point.
• Siren Hex Q2 E-Mesh: Women's hiking boot with athletic female-focused fit backed by support for miles on uneven terrain.
• Sawtooth Mid Waterproof: Utilises oiled full grain leather and aggressive lugs to create a durable, grippy boot.
• Thermo Cross 2 Mid: Winter snow boot featuring 200g insulation and waterproofing to keep feet warm in frigid temps down to -25°F.

Merrell Hiking Shoes

For those who prefer hiking shoes to bulkier boots, Merrell makes many styles of light hikers.

Two top options include:

• Siren Sport Q2: Athletic-inspired low cuts hiking shoes for women, featuring Q-Form 2 cushioning technology, Vibram XS Trek outsoles, air cushions in the heel, and breathable mesh.
• Trail Glove 5 Sneaker: Barefoot-style hiking shoes with thin, flexible soles allowing feet to move and grip naturally. The vegan-friendly upper is made of breathable mesh with protective rubber toe bumpers. They deliver trail protection in a lightweight shoe.

Merrell Trail Running Shoes

Merrell makes various trail running shoes built for moving fast over technical terrain.

Merrell Trail Running Shoes Technologies

Key technologies Merrell employs in their trail running shoes include:

• Vibram Megagrip Compounds: Featured on many models, Vibram Megagrip rubber utilises a sticky compound giving traction on wet or dry trails and adapting to changing surfaces.
• Float Pro Insoles: Molded EVA foam and air cushions under the heels absorb impact for smooth landings and can reduce muscle fatigue over long miles.
• Hyperlock Heel: Found on some models, a firm external heel counter provides foot lockdown preventing slipping while allowing Achilles motion.
• Gore-Tex Membranes: Some waterproof models use GoreTex waterproof, breathable membranes keeping water out while releasing heat/sweat buildup.

Merrell Trail Running Shoes Materials

• Breathable Mesh Fabric: Light, fast-drying mesh uppers promote ventilation as feet heat up attacking ascents. Overlays provide structure.
• Durable Synthetics: Protective toecaps, overlays and heel counters made of durable synthetics prevent trail debris damage while retaining light weights.
• Moulded EVA Midsoles: Lightweight cushioning matched to footstrike dynamics to absorb impacts. Some models remove midsole sections for ground feel.

Popular Merrell Trail Running Models

• Agility Peak 4: Delivers nimble footing over uneven terrain courtesy of an EVA midsole and integrated footbed working together for dynamic stability.
• Bare Access XTR Sweeper: Nearly barefoot feel with 0mm heel/toe drop gives ground feedback while Vibram soles grip.
• Nova 2 GTX: Waterproof GORE-TEX trail runner keeps feet dry through unavoidable wet spots and streams during sloppy trail runs while wicking heat.

Merrell Waterproof Hiking Boots

To keep feet warm and dry through wet conditions on the trail, Merrell offers several waterproof hiking boots. The most popular options are:

• Moab 2 Mid Waterproof: Featuring waterproof leather and mesh paired with bellows tongues to block moisture and debris out. M Select DRY seals water out while allowing vapor to escape for moisture management and comfort.
• Siren Hex Q2 E-Mesh Waterproof: Utilises a lightweight waterproof membrane to lock water out without compromising breathability in this women's specific hiking boot. It has air cushion heel absorption and a compression moulded EVA midsole.
• Thermo Rogue 2 Waterproof: Designed for cold winter use, the Thermo Rogue 2 offers waterproof full-grain leather and 200g Heatseeker eco insulation to seal warmth in and keep moisture out. It also has a Vibram Arctic Grip outsole for snow/ice traction.

Merrell Winter Hiking Boots

In cold winter weather and snow, Merrell winter hiking boots feature insulation technologies paired weatherproof exteriors to keep feet warm while blocking moisture. Recommended winter boots include:

• Thermo Cross 2 Mid Waterproof: With 200g Primaloft max insulation and M Select WARM lining, feet stay warm in temperatures as low as -25°F. It also features a waterproof leather/mesh exterior to seal out snow and slush while allowing breathability.
• Thermo Chill Mid Shell Waterproof: Uses lightweight, low-bulk FLEXconnect padding blended with 200g insulation for warmth paired with a waterproof suede/mesh exterior for sturdy winter and snow protection.
• Thermo Shift IV Tall Waterproof: Knee-high women's winter boot made to protect the lower legs/calves with its waterproof leather upper and faux fur collar to help seal warmth in. It uses 200g insulation to retain heat in cold temps down to -25°F.

Merrell Lightweight Hiking Boots

Many hikers aim to lighten their load by using lightweight gear - and Merrell caters to these needs with several lightweight hiking boot options including:

• Moab Flight Lightweight Waterproof: 30% lighter than standard hiking boots. It uses performance suede leather with mesh fabric, air cushioning and shock absorption, Vibram traction, and waterproof membranes - providing both lightweight and support.
• Galactic Lightweight Hiking Waterproof: Athletic design backed by hiking boot support make this option 50% lighter. It has air cushion heel pads, antimicrobial agents to minimise odour, and waterproof leather/mesh uppers for protection from the elements.
• Choprock Waterproof: Among the lightest hiking boots from Merrell at 1 lb 5 oz. It delivers hiking boot durability, grip, and waterproofing in an ultralight package. Vibram soles offer wet/dry traction and protection.

Merrell Gore-Tex Hiking Boots

Gore-Tex waterproof, breathable membranes are the gold standard for keeping feet dry on the trails while releasing heat/sweat buildup. Popular Merrell hiking boots using Gore-Tex include:

• Ontario 85 Mid Waterproof Gore-Tex: Mid-height men's leather hiking boot lined with GoreTex to keep feet dry along with a padded collar and bellow tongue blocking moisture. It delivers long-lasting durability and stability mile after mile.
• Siren Hex Q2 E-Mesh Gore-Tex: Features a women's specific narrow design and athletic profile backed by GoreTex waterproof membranes invisible to the eye yet blocking liquid water while allowing sweat vapor to escape.
• Thermo Glacier Mid GTX: Uses GoreTex membranes along with 200g PrimaLoft insulation and structured leather/fabric exteriors to create a winter-ready boot that seals out slush and snow yet breathes if feet overheat while hiking.

Merrell Leather Hiking Boots

For hikers seeking traditional all-leather constructions, Merrell utilises premium leather hides selected for comfort, support and durability. Two of the top choices are:

• Moab 2 Mid Leather: A classic leather and mesh hiking boot providing rugged support. Key features include air cushion heel pads, Vibram TC5+ outsoles for grip on varied terrain, breathable mesh lining with anti-microbial agents, and durable leather exterior.
• Sawtooth Mid Waterproof: Uses oiled full grain leather plus waterproof membranes to create a sturdy boot which breaks in to feel like a custom fit. It has air cushion heels, supportive insoles, and aggressive lugs delivering traction Wet or dry conditions don’t stand a chance.

Merrell Hiking Socks

Pairing moisture wicking hiking socks creates optimal comfort in Merrell boots. Recommended socks include:

• Mountaineering Quarter Socks: Lightweight yet warm socks blending wool and synthetic yarns to insulate while moving moisture away from the foot better than all cotton socks that retain heat and wetness. The perfect weight for cool to cold hiking and backpacking trips.
• Trail Crusher Crew: Utilises highly breathable mesh zones backed by durable synthetics for moisture management and comfort during high activity like fast hiking or trail running. Medium cushioning stabilises and protects feet over long miles.
• Thermo Lite Liner Crew: Thin yet warm socks providing a touch more insulation for cold hikes while still fitting in boots layered over a moisture wicking athletic/hiking sock next to skin for optimal moisture control in winter boots like Merrell Thermo models.

Merrell Hiking Pants

On the apparel front, Merrell makes both casual pants plus more technical hiking pants engineered for active pursuits like day hiking or backpacking.

Merrell Hiking Pants Technologies

Key features and technologies found in Merrell hiking pants:

• UPF Protection: Many Merrell pants incorporate UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) technology to shield skin from the sun's harmful rays. This prevents UV damage and sunburns.
• M Select DRY and M Select WARM: Some designs utilise M Select DRY moisture wicking treatment to accelerate evaporation keeping pants comfortable in sweaty hiking conditions. M Select WARM boosts insulation for warmth.
• Antimicrobial Agents: Added primarily for odour control, antimicrobial treatments found in some Merrell pant models prevent the growth of odour causing bacteria in the fabric.

Merrell Hiking Pants Materials

• Softshell Fabrics: Tough woven yet stretchy softshell fabric resists abrasion, wind, and light moisture while allowing freedom of movement during rigorous hiking activity.
• Nylon Fabrics: Light yet rugged high-tenacity nylon is both quick-drying and retains abrasion resistance for durability when bushwhacking trails. Some models incorporate spandex for improved stretch and mobility.

Popular Merrell Hiking Pants Models

Top selling pants in Merrell's lineup:

• Canopus Pants: Athletic-inspired nylon softshell hiking pants with durable water repellency plus UPF 50 sun protection in a streamlined, non-bulky regular fit design.
• Ridgeline Pants: Backcountry storm protection courtesy of the waterproof yet breathable Ridgeline's 3-layer H2NO membrane reinforced with sturdy front panels protecting against abrasion when hiking on exposed ridges.
• Ashland Pants: Providing a casual look crossing over from trails to town after hiking, the comfy polyester twill Ashland Pants include UPF protection from the sun in a relaxed fit.

Merrell Hiking Shirts

Merrell hiking shirts and tees enhance comfort on the trail.

Merrell Hiking Shirts Technologies

Key features that enhance performance:

• UPF Ratings: Many Merrell shirts sport UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) shielding wearers from the sun's harmful UV radiation to prevent painful burns and long-term skin damage.
• M Select WARM and M Select DRY: Some designs utilise M Select WARM synthetic insulation to retain warmth. M Select DRY moisture control pulls sweat off the skin keeping shirts dry and comfortable mile after mile on the trail.
• Odour Control: Added to certain shirt models, anti-microbial treatments prevent the growth of bacteria that causes unpleasant odours even when wearing shirts consecutive days hiking.

Merrell Hiking Shirts Materials

Crafted using high-performance fabrics like:

• Lightweight Nylon: Highly breathable, durable and quick-drying nylon makes an ideal hiking shirt material - especially when blended with spandex for enhanced stretch and mobility.
• Softshell Fabrics: Tough yet flexible woven softshell fabric balances abrasion resistance, weather protection from wind and light moisture with great range of motion.
• Popular Merrell Hiking Shirt Models
• Sawtooth Long Sleeve: Durable yet breathable nylon/spandex blend hiking shirt sporting UPF 30 sun protection and a relaxed athletic fit allowing easy layering over base layers.
• Birdseye Half Zip: Softshell fabric grants the Birdseye both breathability and weather protection from wind and light precipitation while locking in warmth as temperatures drop.
• Terran Convertible: With zip-off sleeves converting it from a long sleeve shirt to short, the Terran adapts as weather shifts using moisture wicking, quick-dry fabric.