Profile of Merrill Shoes Designer

The evolution of the Merrill shoe company is an interesting tale of how a designer who acclimates themselves the requirements of a changing market can grow into a world-wide designer label. This story begins humbly enough when the founder Randy Merrell decided to produce a better hiking boot in 1981. Since that point in time, the main theme of the Merrill shoe company has been to foster the spirit of an active lifestyle whether it be indoors or outdoors. The company has developed some signature features in its shoes which exhibit significant advances in style and comfort. Regardless of the climate, landscape or conditions, Merrill has features which accomodate every situation you'll encounter. They believe in treating the urban jungle of a major metropolitan city the same as the trails of Yellowstone National Park. As a result, their shoe collection is as diversified as the environments their clients use them in. The main theme you'll find throughout is the unparalleled quality, comfort and performance they made their reputation on. Combine that with the contemporary styling their shoes exhibit and you'll truly appreciate why Merrill has developed a loyal following around the world.

Distinctive Characteristics of Merrill Footwear

The Merrill shoes company has made considerable investment in research to stay on the cutting edge of footwear technology. They have invested substantially in research which results in features that are only found in their shoe collection and which deliver a superb fit and level of comfort. By using such materials as Polartec, their footwear keeps your feet properly protected by being waterproof, cushioned, and insulated. Another feature only found in their shoes and boots is the patented AirCushion midsole. This unique AirCushion will absorb up to four times the wearer's body weight and keeps the heel properly aligned in the shoe. The benefit to the wearer is unmatched stability, comfort and cushioning both on the rugged trails or on pavement. Another feature specifically customized to accomodate the unique physical properties of a woman's foot is the Q-Form cushion system. In order to maintain a secure and snug fit, Merrill utilizes the omni-fit lacing system. This lacing structure offers major advantages over the typical eyelet lacing system by threading the laces through the upper and tongue area using D-rings making for a more snug fit. Finally, to ensure superior traction, a better grip and increased durability, Merrill built in their exclusive Vibram Chameleon Sport sole and patented Sticky Rubber sole crafted with a sticky rubber material which is dual-density. The final results are innovations pioneered by Merrill which represent new technology in footwear that deliver superior comfort, control and stability.

Well Deserved Industry Recognition

In an industry where some designers have been in business for over one hundred years, like Birkenstock, the Merrill shoe company has managed to earn the accomplishment of being named "Footwear Brand of the Year" in a relatively short time span of 26 years. The industry's premiere publication awarded them this prestigious label in 2007. However, Merrill is no stranger to being recognized as a footwear leader before this. As an example, in 1988 Backpacker Magazine identified their leather boot the Best Hiking Boot. In 1999, once again, Footwear News Magazine named Merrell the 1999 Athletic/Outdoor Brand of the Year. So, with accolades like these, its not difficult to see why Merrill has flourished into a global member in the world of footwear designers.

You can also find more information about Merrill Shoes here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merrell_boots