Twenty-eight years ago, three people came up with the idea that what the world wanted was superior shoes for the outdoorsman and athlete, and Merrell shoes were born in Waitsfield, Vermont. The people who had the idea were C. Matis, R. Merrell and John Schweitzer. Since 1981 this brand has kept its commitment to excellence and high quality shoes for hikers, runners and just general outdoorsmen. The first product that the company made was a hiking boot that was tailored to the feet of Americans rather than Europeans, with a much wider toe and a smaller heel shape. For women and men, the Merrell’s shoe styles include slip ons, boots, lace ups and sandals. If you need active footwear, choose from winter, running, hiking, and sport shoes.

Merrell shoes are known for the well-built, long lasting construction of their footwear, the Vibram sole that is the signature of the brand, as well as an air cushion positioned in the heel of the shoe (or boot) that cannot be popped and which creates padding for the heel that is unbeaten in comfort. The variety of styles the Merrell brand is today one of the widest in business. The company was first sold to Karhu USA and again in 1997 when it was purchased by Wolverine Worldwide Outdoor Group. Obviously, there are several other shoe brands that offer active shoes, but Merrell has proven to be a popular favorite because their footwear is both stylish and functional.

Merrell shoes have continued to push the boundaries of outdoor recreational shoes and outerwear and has a commitment to the people that it serves, to offer the best fitting, most comfortable, best quality product that can be delivered, for the most reasonable price. And customers have rewarded the company for its loyalty to them by remaining loyal to Merrell! Merrell shoes are known the world over for their quality in construction, craftsmanship and design. The company has expanded its focus from shoes to a clothing line which uses materials that are literally on the bleeding edge of outdoor technologies.

In some cases, companies have failed to see the signs and change with the times, but this isn’t the case with Merrell hiking shoes. As with all things, this brand has continued to make and develop new markets since it was first founded in 1981 and people who like to get outdoors and exercise will continue to rely on the superior products from Merrell for their footwear and outer clothing needs for many years to come.