45 Years on the Trail, Painted in New Light

For 45 years, Merrell has been made for movement.

Across mountain paths, city streets, forest trails, and everything in between, we’ve always believed that stepping outside has the power to change something. Your perspective. Your energy. Your mood. Sometimes, even your entire day.

Merrell’s story began in 1981, when custom bootmaker Randy Merrell joined forces with Clark Matis and John Schweizer. Their belief was that you shouldn’t have to choose between comfort and performance. This idea shaped their goal: to help people spend more time outdoors, in dependable footwear.

That goal quickly found its footing.

Over the decades, Merrell grew from its hiking roots into trail running, outdoor lifestyle shoes, and versatile footwear designed for wherever the day takes you. Products like the Moab became trusted favourites on trails around the world, while new styles and technologies helped introduce Merrell to a much wider community.

Forty-five years later, the purpose remains the same.

Get more people outside.

Moab

Decades of Moving Forward

A lot has changed since 1981.

Technology has changed. The way we dress has changed. Even the idea of what it means to be “outdoorsy” has changed.

Adventure doesn’t have to mean summiting a mountain or spending days in the bush. It could be a morning trail run, walking the dog, or exploring a new part of your city.

There is no right way to experience the outdoors.

That thinking has played a big part in Merrell’s journey. The brand has always moved with the people wearing its shoes, finding new ways to combine comfort and performance with changing styles.

Our 45th anniversary is a chance to celebrate that journey while also looking ahead.
And our next step is going to be a lot more colourful.

Walk The Dog

The Trail Is About to Get Louder

Look outside, and colour is everywhere. The orange and pink of an African sunrise. A fynbos bloom in spring. A stormy ocean churning against purple clouds. Frost over Drakensburg mountains.

Nature has never been neutral.

So, as we celebrate 45 years of Merrell, we thought it was time to have a little more fun with colour too.

Next month, four exciting new limited-edition styles are joining the Merrell line-up.

Bold. Bright. Designed not to blend into the background.

Still built around the comfort and performance the brand is known for, but with more personality, more colour, and some unexpected edge.

45 Anni 2

Four Styles. Four different energies.

The outdoors means something different for everyone, and personal style should be the same.

Some people like to keep things understated. Others want their outfit to do the talking.

These four new arrivals are very much for the second group.

Each brings a different combination of colour and character. Energetic. Playful. Bright. Confident.

We’re keeping the full details under wraps until October, so for now you’ll have to use your imagination.

Are you drawn to colour that feels like the first light of the morning?

Something vibrant that instantly changes the mood?

A combination that makes even your everyday jeans and T-shirt feel more fresh?

Or would you go straight for the wild card?

Which palette matches your energy?

45 Anni

45 Years Behind Us. Plenty More Ahead.

An anniversary naturally makes you think of the past.

At the trails travelled, the shoes that became old favourites and the countless muddy kilometres, weekend adventures, early mornings and unexpected detours along the way.

But 45 years is also a reminder to keep moving.

To try something different.

To make room for a little more fun.

This September, we’re celebrating the history, people and adventures that have shaped Merrell since 1981, while giving you a small glimpse of what’s coming next.

Four new styles. A lot more colour. And a bold new way to step outside.