The big news from Merrell at Outdoor Retailer is the release of their own line of barefoot shoes. It seems barefoot running is continuing to gain traction, with just about every shoe company jumping on the bandwagon. The difference with Merrell is that their barefoot shoes still look like shoes, as opposed to frog feet.
Merrell’s Barefoot Collection is comprised of six different models (three for men, three for women.) Above is a look at the Trail Glove, a minimalist design shoe for hiking and trail running. They still provide all the protection needed from rocks and roots thanks to Vibram soles, but they’re ultra-lightweight with a low-profile design to create a close link from foot to ground.
Merrell says their Barefoot Collection will better engage your foot and legs muscles, strengthen your body’s core, and make you become a more agile, injury-free runner by encouraging, “forward momentum to a midfoot landing with lower impact and a more aligned and efficient gait.”
I’ve avoided the barefoot running craze because the shoes that have been available so far look too damn funny. But I’m very intrigued at what Merrell is doing here as the shoes look normal enough to wear to the office as well as take to the trail.
From cutting edge to old-school classics, Merrell has you covered. They’re coming out with some throwback designs like the Wilderness Boot. These leather stompers will make you feel like a 1950’s-era park ranger with their leather and welt construction.
Merrell is also rethinking the classic down jacket with the Wilderness Down. It’s your standard down coat with 800-fill insulation, snap closures, and polyester fabric. But the modern update allows you to pack it into an internal pocket, not for storage, but to transform the jacket into a neck pillow. Perfect for backpacking!
For more from Merrell, visit them at www.merrell.com
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