Outdoor leader releases new pinnacle
trail-running shoes to help elite athletes perform in unpredictable
environmental conditions
ROCKFORD, Mich., July 6, 2022
/PRNewswire/ -- Merrell®, the world's leading outdoor footwear
brand, released the next evolution of outdoor performance offerings
designed through its Merrell Test Lab (MTL), a product
incubator where the brand's most technical and category disruptive
innovations are conceived. Merrell's newest elite trail running
shoe collection, debuting with the MTL Long Sky 2 and MTL
MQM, was purposely engineered for athletes who embrace the
unpredictability of the trail. Lab verified and athlete validated,
Merrell's MTL collection was rigorously examined to guarantee
agility, versatility and trail specific protection, even in the
roughest off-road conditions.
For more than 40 years, Merrell has been at the forefront of
studying the unpredictable nature of the trail from uneven
surfaces, to varying terrain, to changing weather
conditions. This is what is at the core of the Merrell Test
Lab, which continues to set the tone for breakthroughs in the
outdoor industry.
"Our Merrell Test Lab is the epicenter of all our product
innovations as we utilize the latest scientific technology,
equipment, and elite trail running athletes to prototype,
rigorously test, refine and create products that continue to push
the boundaries in the outdoor space," said Shaun Bohnsack, vice president of product
management at Merrell. "This collection is just one of many
innovations that have come out of our MTL as we continue to outpace
the offerings of our competition."
To celebrate this initial wave of category innovation and
visually show a look at the future of trail performance, Merrell
has launched an integrated marketing campaign - "Same is Boring," a
rallying cry celebrating the ever-changing nature of the trail and
a call to get elite runners to choose Merrell for their trail
running.
"We did global research with competitive runners and found that
the vibrancy of nature is a key motivator for them. Running roads
and treadmills was functional and monotonous – but the road and
trail are different, so we set out to provide a solution to give
runners confidence in new terrain," said Nathan Buelow, senior brand marketing manager at
Merrell. "This integrated marketing campaign is so much bigger than
just multimedia. We hope 'Same is Boring' inspires the next
generation of runners to think about the trail as the next level of
their competitive pursuits and educates them about how our product
innovations can propel their performance."
The 2022 MTL collection features
two elite designs - MTL Long Sky 2 and MTL MQM:
- The lightweight Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 features a
first-of-its-kind multi-dimensional system that expels 30% more
water than the next best competitive shoe in quick dry testing. The
result? A product that allows athletes to quickly get back to
optimal performance conditions, giving them an edge above their
competition. Underfoot, Merrell's FloatPro Foam midsole helps
reduce fatigue, while the Vibram® Megagrip outsole with 5mm lugs
delivers world class traction and durability.
- Merrell MTL MQM, standing for Moving Quickly over
Mountains, was built with abrasive durability to handle the
demands of the toughest of terrains. This ultimate scrambling shoe
was inspired by an unmet need from Merrell's most adaptable
athletes looking for a hybrid shoe that could do it all – hiking,
scrambling and running. Providing best-in-class traction are two
unique Vibram® rubber compounds – IdroGrip under toes and forefoot
which is inspired by climbing rubber, and MegaGrip® under the heel
for the best traction on wet and dry surfaces.
"As an elite trail runner, I am constantly faced with changing
weather and terrain conditions and I need a shoe that can keep up,"
said Rachel Tomajczyk, Merrell Trail Athlete and 2021 USA Half
Marathon Trail Champion. "What the MTL products offer me is the
confidence I need to hit the trail and outperform my competition
while pushing myself to perform my best."
For more information on Merrell's MTL collection, please visit
merrelltestlab.com or follow Merrell Test Lab on social
@merrelltestlab.
ABOUT MERRELL:
Merrell® exists to share the simple power of being outside and
is committed to building an inclusive and sustainable
environment for future generations to enjoy. As the global leader
in outdoor active footwear with the Moab hiking boot and
Jungle Moc, Merrell is focused on merging performance,
styling, and comfort to empower all people to confidently explore
the outdoors. Visit Merrell.com or follow us on social
@Merrell. Merrell® is a division of Wolverine World Wide, Inc.
(NYSE: WWW), one of the world's leading marketers and licensors of
branded casual, active lifestyle, work, outdoor sport,
athletic, children's and uniform footwear and apparel.
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SOURCE Merrell