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Our Chameleon hiking boot has come a long way since its first iteration, and today, it is still one of our most successful hiking boots in our collection.

From early misty mornings to rocky mountain trails, this hiker became the choice of note among hiking enthusiasts all over the world. Celebrated for its reliable grip, comfortable fit, and lightweight design, our Chameleon was the ultimate adventure partner.

But the innovation did not end there. In fact, it underwent eight transformations. Living up to its name, this style adapted to the times to give hikers exactly what they needed on the trails.

In this blog, we’ll enjoy a nostalgic trip down memory lane, discussing some of the features that make our Chameleon such a fan favourite, while also delving into features you can look forward to in its newest adaptation.

Merrell’s Chameleon In Its Early Conception

First released in 2001, the Chameleon took the hiking sales rack by storm.

Revered for its Vibram outsoles, breathable mesh uppers, and overall lightweight design, it seemed as if this design had it all! In fact, various reviews also praised the fit, noting specifically that it felt comfortable even for those with slightly wider feet.

However, here at Merrell, we have always taken pride in going the extra mile. Trying to determine what our customers need even before they do!

This brought us to the next generation: The Chameleon 2

Comprising all the existing features of its predecessor, this style levelled up with its bungee lacing system, which offered wearers convenience, speed, and reduced pressure on their feet. It also featured a stretch collar, which offered supreme comfort as it allowed the boot to stretch and conform around the ankle.

Already, this sounds like a pretty solid design, right? What more could our hikers need out there on the trail?

Pushing Our Hiking Gear Further And Further

Well, we considered this deeply, and brought to you our Cham 3 and 4.

In these designs, not only did we improve the colourways and overall style, we also implemented a waterproof membrane to accommodate wetter hiking conditions.

While these two generations were released in separate years, respectively, and of course featured differences in their appearance, it was the introduction of waterproofing technology that ultimately changed the game.

Merrell Adapts Our Narrative Around Outdoor Adventures

At this point, the narrative began to change a little bit. While Merrell always prided itself on creating footwear for the outdoor enthusiasts who were all seasoned hikers, trail runners, and nature adventurers, we wanted to spread this message of enjoying the great outdoors to everyone!

And what better way to do that than to create a completely comfortable outdoor experience?

Therefore, our next few generations of the Chameleon set this plan in action: Cham 5 - 8

In these designs, we improved our waterproof technologies for ample support in wet conditions, but we also spent more time and energy designing enhanced cushioning for maximum comfort.

This included technology such as our Kinetic Fit™ BASE, which is a removable, contoured insole for flexible support, as well as a lightweight EVA foam midsole for stability and comfort.

By now, you might be asking, ‘Can it really get any better?’ The answer: yes, and it lies in our latest design.

Introducing The Cham Redux Storm GTX SE

Raising the bar once again, we bring out our Cham Redux Storm GTX SE: the perfect hiking boot to help you tackle the toughest terrains.

This design features a convenient toggle lace closure with an elastic lace keeper to ensure it stays in place.

The moulded TPU heel counter adds extra security as it locks the heel in place and provides you with stability on uneven terrain.

Finally, our FloatMax™ Foam midsole offers a soft and smooth underfoot experience, meaning that even the toughest terrains won’t fatigue your feet.

Available in two muted colourways, this hiking boot just opened up a new chapter, and one that we are excited to write: active footwear that works for your day-to-day life AND the trails!

Is This The Final Chameleon Generation?

Who’s to say, really? The world is always evolving, and when it comes to footwear, Merrell is always looking for new, innovative ways to enhance our products.

But what we do know is that our goal is to get as many people enjoying the great outdoors. Now, this doesn’t necessarily mean tearing it up on mountain trails.

Having footwear that looks great with your everyday outfits and performs on the trails is a step in the right direction: making nature feel accessible to everyone.

Being outdoors is not merely for athletes or extreme adventurers - it is a vital experience that everyone should enjoy!