This American brand is highly respected among lovers of outdoor activities, long walks and tourism.
It all started in 1981, in the town of Waitsfield, Vermont, when Randy Merrell, in collaboration with Clark Matis and John Schweitzer, founded Merrell, which was engaged in sewing cowboy boots. Main Feature This shoe was that it was all made by hand, on a personal order. Moreover, the production of each pair, costing $ 500, took at least six months. The unusual approach and high quality played their part - the company quickly gained enough popularity, enough to start actively developing.
However, Merell did not manage to remain independent for long - already in 1987 it was acquired by the Montreal company Karhu, whose line of business was accessories and equipment for skiers and hockey players.
By 1990, Merell shoes were already being produced in hundreds of thousands of pairs a year, and the company had offices in Europe.
In 1997, Merell changes hands - this time it is acquired by the American corporation WWW (Wolverine World Wide), the owner of several famous brands shoes like Chaco, Hush Puppies, Hytest Safety Footwear, Sebago and a few others. In addition, WWW licenses shoes under brands such as Caterpillar, Patagonia Footwear and Harley-Davidson.
To date, Merell shoes are one of the most famous. The company's main competitors are manufacturers such as Timberland and Geox. The Merell brand already produces the most diverse footwear for outdoor activities and tourism, designed for both adults and children. Consumers are offered several series of shoes, each of which has its own unique characteristics and unique design solutions (for example, a map of the world is depicted on the soles of the World series shoes). These products have repeatedly received prestigious awards and have been mentioned in leading specialized magazines, such as Footwear Plus.
Merell is headquartered in Rockford, Michigan, USA (Rockford, Michigan, U.S.A). Shoes under this brand are already known in several dozen countries around the world.
Company history in dates
1982
Plans are expanding. Bank of Vermont invests in growing company.
1983
Boots are sold in stores! Growing in popularity across America. Merrell manufactures men's and Women's shoes. The appearance of the first boots with Gore-Tex.
1984
Merrell decides to produce shoes with a wider last specifically for the US.
1985
Revolutionary introduction to the ski market of Velcro boots called XCD Velcro. Merrell introduces 2 bestsellers: Merrell Eagle (athletic + functional) and Merrell Super Comp, the first ski boots with plastic cuffs and buckles.
1986
Randy Merrall sells his shares in the company and returns to Utah to make custom shoes.
1987
Montreal-based Karhu, a manufacturer of ski and hockey equipment, acquires Merrell. Karhu licenses the Air Cushion system for increased comfort. Production is moved to Southeast Asia, prices are falling. The office moves to Burlington.
1988
Merrell is making headlines again. Merrell is named the best hiking boot by Backpacker magazine. Establishment of a representative office in Canada.
1989
A representative office is opened in England. Sales are growing. Ski production begins.
1990
Sales reach about 300,000 pairs of shoes per year.
1991
First Merrell pair sold in Scandinavia. Celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Appalachian campaign.
1992
The first boots are sold in Japan.
Merrell introduces its first performance sandal. A water protection technology, Weather Tight Construction (WTC+), is being developed.
1993
The Merrell range grows to 82 models. Installed hotline for consumers, received about 10,000 calls in the first year. Shoes are packed in environmentally friendly cardboard.
1994
Merrell is already sold in 22 countries. The new Fuzion technology is introduced, providing extraordinary convenience.
1995
Merrell and Vibram partner to develop a range of innovative high traction outsoles for Merrell hiking shoes.
1996
Merrell introduces the Millennium Series. Boots are becoming lighter, faster, more technologically advanced.
1997
American corporation Wolverine World Wide, one of the world's leading manufacturers of branded footwear, acquires Merrell. The acquisition gives Merrell the opportunity to reach a new level of its development.
1998
Merrell opens new category Aftersport including moccasins and clogs. These shoes are designed to be worn after climbing, cycling, skiing, when comfort is paramount.
1999
Merrell named OUTDOOR Athletic Brand of the Year.
2000
New millennium, new day, new OUTDOOR. Merrell is expanding its collection of urban, outdoor activities. From Bangkok to Boston, from Sydney to Sarajevo. The journey continues.
2001
Merrell introduces the Chameleon line, hiking boots for light trekking. The women's and children's collections are expanding.
The European office is opened. Japanese marketer Junichi Yokoyama runs over 26km in Merrell Topo shoes in the 51st Ganalulu Marathon. Merrell is celebrating its 20th anniversary with the release of its beer.
2002
Merrell introduces a new urban World line with a map of the world on the sole. Merrell is recognized as the 2001 Brand of the Year for excellent design.
2003
The MERRELL brand receives 2 Award Plus awards: the best footwear in the OUTDOOR category and for GORE-TEX Innovation.
2004
Merrell wins its second award from Footwear Plus magazine as the best footwear in the OUTDOOR category.
It is universally recognized in the world as shoes for outdoor activities and travel, giving the opportunity to discover something new and interesting, make new friends and unite all fans of outdoor activities and travel. Hiking life is easier and closer to nature. It allows us to digress from the flow of information, political news, propaganda and finally find out the truth about ourselves, our life, the real world. We can liberate ourselves, organize chaos in our own consciousness and operate with clear categories, principles of eternity, which are in harmony with the universe and human essence.
Everyone enjoys traveling, regardless of age, culture, income level; city dwellers and rural dwellers. Travel erases the boundaries between people and helps to achieve true understanding without the artificial barriers of everyday life. Travel feeds you with new energy, restores your strength, clarifies your thoughts and understanding of what is really important for all of us.
What started in the Utah Mountains years ago is now roaming the world. For over 20 years, Merrell has been providing outdoor enthusiasts with high quality footwear. Brand success is driven by close relationship with the OUTDOOR market.
Merrell's goal is to keep up with the ever-changing needs of its target audience.
Today, the OUTDOOR concept has been significantly expanded and includes new types of outdoor activities, both in the city and in nature.
It is not the destination that matters, but the journey itself. So join us on our journey with Merrell . 
Vernal, Utah: Randy Murrell, custom cowboy boots maker, starts making hiking boots. Comfortable last, precise instep, wide toe are the main features of the boots. Handmade costs $500, production takes 6 months.
1982
Plans are expanding. Bank of Vermont invests in growing company.
1983
Boots are sold in stores! Growing in popularity across America. Merrell manufactures men's and women's boots. The appearance of the first boots with Gore-Tex.
1984
Merrell decides to produce shoes with a wider last specifically for the US.
1985
Revolutionary introduction to the ski market of Velcro boots called XCD Velcro. Merrell presents 2 bestsellers: Merrell Eagle (athletic + functional) and Merrell Super Comp, the first ski boots with plastic cuffs and buckles.
1986
Randy Merrall sells his shares in the company and returns to Utah to make custom shoes.
1987
Montreal-based Karhu, a manufacturer of ski and hockey equipment, acquires Merrell. Karhu licenses the Air Cushion system for increased comfort. Production is moved to Southeast Asia, prices are falling. The office moves to Burlington.
1988
Merrell is making headlines again. Merrell is named the best hiking boot by Backpacker magazine. Establishment of a representative office in Canada.
1989
A representative office is opened in England. Sales are growing. Ski production begins.
1990
Sales reach about 300,000 pairs of shoes per year.
1991
First Merrell pair sold in Scandinavia. Celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Appalachian campaign.
1992
The first boots are sold in Japan.
Merrell introduces its first performance sandal. A water protection technology, Weather Tight Construction (WTC+), is being developed.
1993
The Merrell range grows to 82 models. A consumer hotline is being set up, with about 10,000 calls received in the first year. Shoes are packed in environmentally friendly cardboard.
1994
Merrell is already sold in 22 countries. The new Fuzion technology is introduced, providing extraordinary convenience.
1995
Merrell and Vibram partner to develop a range of innovative high traction outsoles for Merrell hiking shoes.
1996
Merrell introduces the Millennium Series. Boots are becoming lighter, faster, more technologically advanced.
1997
American corporation Wolverine World Wide, one of the world's leading manufacturers of branded footwear, acquires Merrell. The acquisition gives Merrell the opportunity to reach a new level of its development.
1998
Merrell is launching a new Aftersport category including moccasins and clogs. These shoes are designed to be worn after climbing, cycling, skiing, when comfort is paramount.
1999
Merrell named OUTDOOR Athletic Brand of the Year.
2000
New millennium, new day, new OUTDOOR. Merrell is expanding its collection of urban, outdoor activities. From Bangkok to Boston, from Sydney to Sarajevo. The journey continues.
2001
Merrell introduces the Chameleon line, hiking boots for light trekking. The women's and children's collections are expanding.
The European office is opened. Japanese marketer Junichi Yokoyama runs over 26km in Merrell Topo shoes in the 51st Ganalulu Marathon. Merrell is celebrating its 20th anniversary with the release of its beer.
2002
Merrell introduces a new urban World line with a map of the world on the sole. Merrell is recognized as the 2001 Brand of the Year for excellent design.
In 1981, Clark Matis, Randy Merrell, and John Schweitzer from Vermont, Utah, decide to start a hiking boot company. The initiator of this decision was Randy Merrell, who had previously been engaged in tailoring cowboy boots to order. Randy decides to use a last from cowboy boots for boots. Production takes a lot of time, namely half a year and a pair of custom-made shoes costs $500. For 6 years, the company has gained popularity in America.
In 1987, Karhu (Karhu) - a company from Montreal (USA), which produces hockey and ski equipment, buys the Merrell brand. In addition, Karhu licenses new system, which provides improved walking comfort - Air Cushion. With the advent of a new owner, Merrell receives a good investment in development.
So in 1992, sandals were introduced that had a system to protect shoes from water - Weather Tight Construction (WTC +). The sandal box was made from eco-friendly cardboard.
In 1995, Merrell and Vibram (Vibram) - which specializes in the development of shoe soles. Together, the two companies invented high-traction soles.
Seeing the great potential of the Merrell brand, the American corporation Wolverine WorldWide buys Merrell. Wolverine WorldWide is the largest footwear manufacturer in the United States. A lot of money is being invested in Merrell, as the Wolverine concern considers Merrell as one of the priority brands.
In 1998, a new line of shoes Aftersport (Aftersport) was released, which is represented by moccasins and clogs. It is comfortable to walk in these shoes after climbing, cycling, skiing, in a nutshell, the feet rest in these shoes.
In 2001, Merrell was named "Brand of the Year 2001" by Footwear Plus magazine for its great shoe design. That same year, Gore and Associates presented Merrell with an award for excellence in the use of GORE-TEX fabric.
In 2002, the World shoe line was released with a world map on the sole.
In 2003, Merrell received two more Award Plus awards as " The best shoes in the OUTDOOR category and for GORE-TEX innovation.
In 2004, another Merrell award from Footwear Plus magazine for "Best Footwear in the OUTDOOR Category".
In 2005 Merrell takes the path of diversification and expands the range. This is how the so-called Continuum concept is launched, which offers customers a complete range of footwear for all kinds of leisure and sports activities. Merrell now produces walking boots, all kinds of leisure footwear, as well as specialty hiking and mountain footwear.
And Merrell is also starting to produce bags and backpacks.
In 2006 Merrell released new model Overdrive, which was developed in collaboration with Robyn Benincasa! These shoes are designed for extreme travel.
In 2007, the assortment under the Merrell brand has seriously expanded. For the first time, a collection of activewear was released, as well as a new line of versatile Siren boots, the Multi-Sport series, which was developed specifically for women!
It is worth noting that for the fifth year in a row, Merrell received an award from Footwear Plus magazine as the best outdoor brand.
Merrell shoe lines
Merrell brand shoes are recognized worldwide as one of the best for leisure and travel. For a long time, Merrell produced shoes only for professionals and lovers of tourism, outdoor activities and sports. And the brand began in general, with the production of shoes self made to order. Now the brand produces a wide range of shoes that will suit people who value comfort and convenience.
There are two shoe lines: Continuum and Transit.
Continuum more suitable for all kinds of outdoor activities, tourism and light trekking, running, cycling and various water sports.
transit it is a more civilized shoe that combines urban style and high technology. These shoes are suitable for all residents of the city, those who prefer casual style.
Merrell produces shoes for men and women. Almost all Merrell shoes are made from leather combined with new technologies.
Technologies used in Merrell shoes
Air Cushion. The technology provides good cushioning, and the Air Cushion creates a cupped heel shape that keeps the heel centered and stabilizes the foot as a whole.
Q Form- midsole, which is designed specifically for women's feet and takes into account the peculiarities of their anatomical structure. It's basically an EVA midsole that has 3 different density areas that provide consistent cushioning and stability from heel to toe.
Polartec. Insulation to keep your feet warm.
ThinsulateTM. Insulation with which it is comfortable in winter and the foot fogs up a little.
Vibram. Durable outsole that will last for many years. In addition, the design of the shoe protects against water.
Merrell concept, target audience
The Merrell brand is priced above average. Mostly these shoes are bought by men. The shoes are really very comfortable and last a long time. If we talk about Merrell's competitors, then of course they are, they are trade marks like: CAT, Hush Puppies, and . However, each brand has its own characteristics and target audience. Merrell is more suitable for outdoor activities and travel, that is, when there is no way to take off and change shoes. For the price, Merrell is slightly lower than Timberland and Salomon. Merrell is the third largest outdoor footwear company in sales behind Timberland and .
Now under the Merrell brand you can buy: men's shoes, women's shoes, children's shoes, clothes for men and women, bags, accessories.
Where to buy Merrell, store addresses
There are many Merrell branded stores around the world, the addresses of which can be found on the official website of the company, for this you need to select a country. In addition, the site has an online store through which you can order Merrell shoes and clothing.
Unfortunately, there are no official Merrell stores in Ukraine, so you can buy Merrell products in various multi-brand stores or online stores. But beware of fakes! The price of shoes in the official online store starts from 100 USD. , in Ukraine, it cannot be cheaper, therefore, a lower price often indicates a fake!
When you need mega-comfortable shoes, it is best to give preference to those brands that specialize in the production of sports and tactical types. In this regard, it is difficult to find a more worthy representative thanboots Merrell, reviewsthat's exactly what they're talking about. True connoisseurs of high quality and convenience have long preferred this brand exclusively.
Among the undoubted advantages is the availability of products. So, finding a boutique of this brand in large cities of Russia is not at all a problem. A wide range also plays an important role.
history of the company
The main production of the company is located in the USA, in the city of Vermont (Utah). Merrel may well claim to be a company with a long history. Randy Murrell (brand founder) started development sports shoes in 1981, but long before that time he was engaged in the production of cowboy shoes.
Manufacturers approached the creation of sports shoes with great care. This is quite understandable, because they set themselves the goal of creating shoes that would serve as a faithful and reliable assistant even on long difficult hikes.
Excellent quality, wear resistance and comfort felt while wearing, buyers noted immediately. It was this fame that helped the company sell hundreds of thousands of pairs of shoes every year. After some time, the popularity of the new shoes reached European countries, where consumers bought “all-terrain” boots with the same pleasure.
To date, Merrell is a large company that manufactures a wide range of sports shoes:
sandals;
sneakers;
low shoes;
boot.
In addition, under this brand go various models sportswear and equipment for travelers.
Winter models deserve special attention.otinok Merrell (reviewsmany buyers leave about them). The manufacturer effectively combined convenience, the ability to withstand the cold and stylish design.
Features of Merrell winter boots
To achieve maximum comfort when wearing shoes, low shoes and boots, the manufacturer took into account all the structural features of the human foot.
Well thought out lift. This characteristic promotes easy descent and does not allow the foot to slip in the boot. In other words, the shoes “sit down” exactly on the foot. For sports and tourist shoes, this feature is mandatory.
Wide cape. The wide front of the boot is a hallmark of all Merrell shoe models. Thanks to this, the toes do not experience pressure and tightness, which is very important when hiking long distances. In everyday life, this can also be very useful for those people who are forced to be on their feet most of the day.
Heel counter with anti-slip function. This feature adds comfort while wearing and reduces the risk of injury.
Production technologies
Despite the great popularity of the goods, the manufacturer does not stop there and constantly develops and improves the quality. Today, Merrell uses several technologies at once, which make their shoes truly comfortable and unique.
Air Cushion Technology. This innovation involves the use of an air cushion in the sole area. It contributes to better cushioning and increase the level of comfort when walking and running.
Q-forms. This technology is not available on all Merrell models. It is a special midsole that also enhances cushioning and stability.
Vibram. Boots equipped with this characteristic have a thick sole made of special rubber. This makes the shoe extremely durable and waterproof. Manufacturerapplies this technology in the manufacture of touristMerrell boots (reviews on them confirm this advantage).
Polartec. This name hides a special thermal material. It can be found on all winter models of shoes of this brand. It is he who prevents freezing and allows you to keep your feet warm even at very low temperatures.
thinsulate. Another feature of insulated models is Thinsulate insulation. It not only warms the feet, but also prevents sweating.
Dimensional shoe grid
When buying products of this brand, you should take into account the features of the sizes offered by the manufacturer. The sizes are not the same type, but they correspond to the average fullness "B".
At the same time, such specialized shoes need careful selection of the insole. If you buy a sports model, then you can limit yourself to a light insole with an average density. If we are talking about hiking boots, it is better to choose insoles with a seal.
Merrell women's boot collection: reviews
The company developed Merrell winter outdoor bootsdesigned specifically for the beautiful half of humanity. This is due to the fact that the structure of the female leg is very different from the structure of the male: it is somewhat narrower and has a large rise. 
Among the features of the women's collection of winter boots:
increased rise - girls will be as comfortable as possible in such shoes;
elongated narrow cape - the shoes are quite spacious, but at the same time it looks more elegant;
carefully thought-out design - women make more demands on the appearance of shoes.
In the presented assortment of winter boots, every woman can choose the right option for herself, even if her purchase requirements are quite high. So, choosing Merrell winter boots, the customer gets the warmest, most comfortable and at the same time very attractive pair of shoes.
Types of winter shoes
All insulated women's andMerrell men's shoesis divided into 2 categories:
Some boot options have a special coating that prevents moisture from getting inside. These models are perfect for athletes and lovers of active winter recreation. Byreviews, Merrell trekking bootssignificantly outperform those of other firms.
Design
The manufacturer paid a lot of attention to the appearance of shoes. Thanks to this, Merel products are not just comfortable and warm shoes for tourism and sports, but modern stylish models. This statement is equally true for female and male options.
Reviews about Merrell shoesfor men confirm: buyers find the proposed models concise, but at the same time quite stylish. Men's boots and low shoes are available in traditional colors (black, brown, gray).
Women's models are more sophisticated, among them there are not only black and gray, but also brown and white options. There are many of those models that are decorated with bright details.
Children's boots winter boots Merrell (reviews)
The manufacturer is of the opinion that absolutely everyone should wear comfortable ergonomic shoes, regardless of gender and age. For children quality shoes even more important than for adults. The fact is that in childhood there is a formation of the whole organism. Poor quality or ill-fitting shoes can lead to problems in the development of the foot, which provokes various diseases. That is why Merrell has prepared collections of stylish comfortable shoes for children.
In the winter line of shoes there are insulated low shoes and boots. All products are made of high quality materials, so their service life reaches several years of active use. In other words, a child can wear boots until their foot grows out of this size. At the same time, the shoes do not lose their external attractiveness.
Models are made in classic color scheme. It is black, brown, blue and grey. At the same time, children will certainly love the stylish design. Insulated models Snow Bank, Polar, Moab,boots for boys Merrell Hilltop reviewsfrom buyers have the most flattering.
Winter shoes for girls
Among the models presented, there will certainly be a couple winter shoes worthy of the attention of little fashionistas.
Stylish boots are made in pink, gray-pink and purple. Thanks to this, girls will always look amazing, and parents will be calm for the child's legs.
Models Moab, Polar for girls are available with a wide size grid (from 25.5 to 40).
Merrell shoe prices
In the first few years after the appearance of shoes of this brand, the products were very expensive, but gradually the prices began to decline. Now summer, autumn and winter boots "Merel" belong to the average price range and are quite affordable for every resident of Russia:
warmed men's boots can be purchased for 7,000-12,000 rubles (depending on the model);
women's shoes for winter will cost 7,000-10,000 rubles;
children's models are available at a price of 4,000 - 6,000 rubles.
Since the arrival of spring in Ukraine is once again postponed indefinitely, winter things are returning to their relevance. I will take this opportunity and describe my winter purchase, the shoes of the legendary American company Merrell. Why legendary? - Yes, because I myself have a legend about them :).
And the legend is that my Merrels are already three years old, and they are all like new. In fact, they are already full five years of operation, and I would be embarrassed to pass them off as new ones :).
My legend
They were taken for a winter hiking trip to the Carpathians. The first three years really affected them slightly, but the autumn-winter-spring renovation in the new apartment seriously spoiled the appearance. They finally finished off three days of the December move (this time my brother moved), after 14 hours of the cyclic route apartment-slush-car-slush-new apartment under wet snow with rain, they began to leak on the fold of the skin. The model is autumn and not insulated, but I wore them throughout the snow-mud-wet period, from autumn to spring, because. they turned out to be much warmer than “model” leather and fur boots, not to mention comfort and convenience. For all the years, there was no need to glue, repair or stitch anything, even the laces are still native. 
Preface, motives, criteria
But back to the subject of the review. Every two years (sometimes more often) family life a serious test awaits - a 3-4-day shopping trip / bazaars in search of winter women's boots, and I will have the classic role of a dull, irritated and grumbling "tail". By the end of the fourth day, when I am ready for anything and any expenses, just to stop these quarrels and torments, the question is closed by another waste of a hundred "with a touch" of American money, and the hidden discontent of my wife - because such boots as she wanted, I couldn’t find it (yes, sometimes it seemed to me that there were no such things!). And after the first winter slush / frost, the question arose again, because despite all the leather and the presence natural fur innocently murdered animal, model shoes leaked, and didn’t particularly warm. This year, the last straw that overwhelmed my wife’s patience was my remark (after 14 hours in the rain and in the snowy “porridge”) that my Merrels had leaked, and presented with a small wet spot on the socks from the side of the fold. And at this time completely wet wife's socks and boots were dried on the radiator - the result of a 15-minute dash from work to home. And an ultimatum was delivered: ". Due to the urgency, the search began in local offline stores, Intertops, Sportmasters and others like them. I looked at Ecco, Columbia and Merrell shoes. The models of the first were either waterproof without insulation, or vice versa, and it didn’t “sit” well. The rest were so brutal that not every hipster would dare to put on this under a sheepskin coat (with a dead raccoon on the collar).
That's how smoothly the search moved to my favorite couch-comfortable online. The search criteria were still the same: a well-known outdoor brand, mud-water-snow-frost resistance plus "decency" appearance under the duvet To my surprise, I found quite a lot of suitable models in the Merrell model line, but, for some reason, only masculine women's shoes are imported to us. And he was also surprised by the level of prices - they were almost identical to domestic ones, apparently, a single price policy brands. And taking into account the delivery, the price came out quite inhumane. This time I will not describe the fascinating duel with the inhabitant of the swamps, I will only note that she had no chance against the industrial “circular”, the striped amphibian rested in peace (I know, it’s a bad joke, but it’s too late to edit - water for the homeless package is boiling on the burner , the bathroom is equipped with a comfortable bed :)).
And when the mouse cursor was already reaching for the coveted “buy” button, the remnants of common sense and innate greed prompted us to turn to the well-known auction site with an indecent name. A short search gave its results, a suitable model of the right size was found at the auction, the seller. From experience I know that Merrell shoes run a little small, so they took one European size more. I was ready to bargain up to $120, but with the help of a bet in the last seconds, I managed to bargain a lot for $51. Incredible luck, the second identical lot from the same seller "left" for $96 four hours later. The manufacturer's recommended price is $169, and, I'll tell you in advance, every dollar requested by the manufacturer is fully justified. The seller does not have such a model anymore, in the header there is a link to a similar product.
Despite the pre-New Year hype, the American USPS worked as expected reliably and traditionally expensive. For 15 days and 40 American rubles, the parcel reached Vinnitsa (Ukraine), met New Year at the post office, and already on the second day, the wife happily searched the Christmas tree in search of a huge box. But Father Frost was cunning and not festively cruel, and in the first ten minutes he didn’t say a word that the “main Christmas tree” today is on the top shelf of a 3-meter closet.
Now on business. The parcel was a large package with a shoe box, the jacket won at an auction from the same seller for oneself unloved acted as a “pimple” (well, why waste such expensive mail, right?). 
Hmm, a shoe box… It remains to be glad that the American state turned out to be not a cowboy, and obviously the parcel was not used as a target. 
An invoice and a business card were enclosed in the middle of the box - you see, they are luring customers from among the curious customs officers. 
And finally<звучат литавры>slowly approached the heroes of the review, meet: MERRELL Women "s Encore Apex. In an approximate translation into understandable, the model is called" Top Encore "(for such a joke, climbers can offer to play the main role in the play" Trotsky and the ice ax: "braining" the past "). 
Now it's time to talk about what is the peculiarity of this shoe and why it is so, to put it mildly, not cheap (if at the manufacturer's price). The fact is that these are very technological shoes. Especially for writing a review, I went to the Merrell website - from the abundance of scientific names and patented technologies, my head went round. I was even visited by the seditious thought that the laptop on which I type this text is much simpler). However, I will not take bread from marketers to brainwash gullible American consumers, and move on to description and impressions. For the most unimpressive, a description of the technologies used in this shoe model is under the spoiler.
Merrell Technologies
Merrell shoes for women
Merrell designs lasts separately for women and men because:
The female foot is narrower than the male at the toe, heel and around the ankle.
Women have proportionately longer toes than men.
Women have a higher rise.
In women, the calf muscles are longer.
When walking fast, the emphasis falls on the toe and the heel, as it were, slips out of the boot. Because Merrell shoes conform to the contours of the foot, this does not happen, which helps to avoid chafing. All sizes of Merrell shoes take into account the thickness of the toe, for hiking shoes a thicker toe, for sports shoes - thin and medium thickness.
Q-FORM™ midsole (for women's shoes).
Merrell's patented Q-FORM™ technology is designed specifically for women's feet, taking into account their anatomical features. It provides consistent cushioning as you walk from heel to toe. Q-FORM™ is an EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) midsole with 3 different density areas.
1. In the heel, Air Cushion absorbs the brunt of impact and centers the heel.
2. When walking, the foot begins to fall inward. To avoid this, the inner area is made of high density EVA.
3. When the center of gravity shifts to the outside, the foot is stabilized by a second high-density EVA zone.
4. The softest part of the midsole provides cushioning in the highest pressure zone.
AIR CUSHION
Merrell's patented Air Cushion provides air cushioning and added stability. Maintains cushioning in the heel against bruises when loaded up to 4 times body weight. Air Cushion also creates a cupped heel shape that allows the heel to be clearly centered, which in turn stabilizes the foot as a whole.
Air Cushion is not a bubble or capsule that could burst.
Aegis™ Microbe Shield
Aegis™ technology forms a rigid structure of polymer bundles that destroys the cells of causing bad smell microbes, rendering them harmless. Does not contain chemical elements that lose their effectiveness over time and can resume the action of bacteria. Aegis™ technology is included in all materials that have direct contact with the foot or toe, including sandal and boot linings, sandal insoles. Aegis™ technology is non-degradable and alkaline-resistant, so it's resistant to shoewashing and won't harm
foam insoles OrthoLite®
OrthoLite® insoles are made of open cell polyurethane, which allows them to retain 95% of their elasticity after the first year of use, when EVA insoles retain only 30%. The open-cell foam also allows air to flow freely, quickly evaporating moisture, thereby reducing odors and the likelihood of insole surface swelling. For environmental safety, a biocide has been added for additional microbial control. Merrell has developed single, double and triple density OrthoLite® insoles as well as insoles built into the patented Q-Form™ system.
insulation OptiWarm™
This is a reliable synthetic material that provides the effect of "dry heat" due to the high degree of ventilation and low moisture absorption coefficient. It is extremely light and warm material.
You can read more details and pictures.
The most notable and technologically advanced part of Merrell shoes is, without a doubt, the outsole. The leg immediately solidifies with the shoe, which is practically not felt in the future. Impressions are similar to good running shoes, the foot literally rolls from heel to toe. The sole consists of several layers, the outer one is hard but wear-resistant rubber, the inner ones are porous materials. As a result, they have excellent depreciation, and it is unlikely to freeze from the ground. The manufacturer in this model claims "Cement construction" for the sole, which means manual sewing of the shoe upper combined with gluing. Small traces of glue, unfortunately, are visible on the sole. I, of course, would prefer a vulcanized construction - where the upper of the shoe is fused into the sole. The insole is a separate song, thanks to it the foot is clearly fixed in the center and does not sweat. 
All layers of the sole are connected into a single monolithic structure, about the fact that this is not a single whole - you can only guess from the different density of the material. I have never heard of Merrell sole splitting either. 
In the photo above, you can see the only marriage-s, a thread sticking out. 
The letters are fused, will not fall off. 
And here is the mention of heel stabilization and cushioning technology 
There are traces of glue on the toe. 
The toe of the sole with the top of the shoe is connected securely, not the slightest loophole for moisture, work for the shoemaker is not expected in the near and distant future (a little self-confidently, but there are reasons and statistics). 
When choosing a model, I paid the least attention to the materials of the shoe upper. Still, a respected and well-known company among tourists, no matter what shoes are made of, you can be sure that it will be reliable. But still, the rag insert made of woven material was embarrassing, but the wife insisted. And not in vain, in general, the material is soft, but it has a rather hard surface, it does not get wet - water and snow just roll over it. 
The lacing is mainly decorative, we hoped that thanks to it it would be possible to adjust the shoes to the foot - it was not necessary. 
Also suspicious was the appropriateness of the white-gray edge on the top of the boots, but also in vain. She makes shoes more elegant (especially in the presence of snow), well, and successfully hid a small gap between the ankle and the bootleg (my wife’s ankle is narrow, and because of this, picking up classic boots has always been a huge problem). The rest of the upper materials of the boots are pig suede (they saved money, I found out only when writing a review from the official page of the model) and nubuck (rather nubuck-oil - nubuck, which was protected from moisture during the production process, more wear-resistant and unpretentious, easy to clean and does not require special care ). Suede is impregnated and treated with something, the surface gets wet, but does not let water through. The inscription Waterproof (waterproof) is fully justified. There were no complaints about the seams on the shoes. 
In the middle of 200 grams of patented insulation, there are stretchable elastic bands for more voluminous calves, the zipper is protected from leakage by a valve from the inside. 
But the ends of the insulation would be nice for the manufacturer to close up, it would look neater. 
This is what they look like on the legs: 
And so, after almost three months - the view has not changed, the photo was taken immediately after returning home from work, half a meter of snowdrifts on the street, the city was covered with snow (March 23, February 50). 
Well, in the morning. This time I managed to adjust the white balance, and the boots look almost like in kind, solid black. 
And so as not to be accused of masking defects, the photo is brighter: 
Throughout the entire operation, the shoes were not particularly looked after, the maximum is to wash the sole and wipe it with a damp cloth. Basically, the parts protected by nubuck get dirty, the dirt is easily washed off.
Characteristics of shoes from the model, there are also bourgeois reviews:
UPPER/LINING
Height - 30.5 cm.
Circumference (lower leg) -30.5 cm
Cement outsole construction provides lightness and durability.
Materials - pig suede, nubuck (natural), waterproof soft material
Waterproof membrane provides an impenetrable yet breathable barrier
Lining treated with Aegis® antimicrobial compound
200 grams of lightweight Opti-Warm synthetic insulation keeps you warm.
Anatomical Ortholite® insoles.
MIDSOLE / OUTER SOLE
Cast shank (heel?)
QForm Merrell ® Comfort EVA midsole provides women's stride specific cushioning
Air Cushion in the heel absorbs impact and adds stability to the stride.
Weight 795 grams (pair).
I apologize for the approximate and inaccurate translation, I omitted something. For me, marketing English turned out to be unnecessarily shamanistically complex.
The results of the interrogation of the wife with predilection (in my artistic processing): FUCK (joke)!
And now the decryption:
As the manufacturer promises, the shoes (with the right size selection) fit perfectly and did not require tearing. Merrell shoes should be taken a size larger than usual, we took US 7.5, which corresponds to the European 38th (usually wears 37th), under a thick sock you can take even more. Walking is very comfortable, like in sneakers, you almost immediately forget about the presence of foreign objects on your feet, your legs do not get tired. Soft, the stones are not felt, they absorb well. In puddles, in rain and snow, they do not get wet, they are easily washed from dirt. Warm, worn all the time with a thin sock, 20 minutes at -12 at the bus stop were not felt, during long walks - the same way. Approximately equally warm in shoes both indoors and outdoors, the foot does not sweat. You can wear both under pants and under a skirt, they look good both with a sheepskin coat and with a down jacket. One pair of shoes is suitable for walking around the city, and in the snowy forest, and for work (don't forget to change your shoes).
My opinion: the desired effect is fully achieved. Despite the difficult weather conditions, for almost three months I haven’t heard complaints about wet and frozen shoes and I don’t worry about my wife’s health after another warming / cold snap, and I also hope that this state will last for the next few years. Move the wife back to regular shoes is not possible, I will be immediately charged with malicious intent and deliberate damage to health.
By the way, almost immediately after receiving the boots was ordered Women's Down Jacket Columbia c Omni heat technology, after which the sheepskin coat with the sufferer baby raccoon also went to feed the moths, but that's another story ...
Pros/Cons: this pair of shoes has only two pluses - right and left). At the risk of being accused of bias, I will write that my wife did not find any cons (and I, as an experienced Muscovite with a trained eye, will add - a single thread sticking out, raw edges of the insulation).
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