Merrell's "PROMORPH" Paves the Way for a New Outdoor Genre

MERRELL, an outdoor brand born in the USA in 1981, has earned a stellar reputation for everything from hiking and trail running to everyday city wear. Now, the brand is dropping its latest creation: the "PROMORPH," a high-performance, multi-terrain outdoor running shoe built on a "ROAD to TRAIL" concept. It's designed to conquer any environment, from urban streets to mountain peaks. So, what’s the big idea behind this shoe, and what kind of tech is it packing?

A Model That Redefines Running!?

Since its inception, Merrell has been all about innovation. The brand boasts iconic footwear like the "MOAB" series, a favorite among backpackers worldwide that has supported the adventures of over 28 million outdoor lovers. Then there's the "JUNGLE MOC," a pioneer in the after-sport category since 1998, with over 17 million pairs sold. And let's not forget the "CHAMELEON" series, a hit both on the trails and in town. These are the legends that define the brand.

Merrell's latest game-changing proposal is the multi-terrain outdoor running shoe, the "PROMORPH."

"If you look at the United States, which has vast natural landscapes compared to Japan, a wide variety of outdoor activities like camping are incredibly popular. Because nature is so accessible, outdoor culture is deeply ingrained.

As a result, outdoor gear is part of everyday life. Activities in urban areas and natural environments are closely linked, creating a constant demand for versatile products.

It's with this background that the PROMORPH was created. Based on the \"Road to Trail\" development concept, it’s a high-performance, multi-terrain outdoor running shoe designed to be an all-rounder, excelling in various fields from the city to the mountains.

An all-in-one shoe is a truly \"American\" product. We see it as a model that encourages a redefinition of running—not just assuming running means paved roads, but that running is fun everywhere, including on trails and in nature.

We believe there is a particular demand for it among those who want to engage in \"all-around activities\"—people who might casually run on the road and then, in the same shoes, venture into a park's uneven terrain or up a mountain," says Yusuke Tange, Field Marketing Manager for Merrell at Marubeni Consumer Brands Co., Ltd.

Packed with Features for All Kinds of Terrain

Running on uneven ground in road shoes can leave you feeling insecure about support and grip. On the flip side, running on pavement in trail shoes often means dealing with stiff lugs and a jarring feel. The \"PROMORPH\" is engineered with the perfect balance for comfortable running on both roads and trails. The midsole features FLOATPRO+, a technology also found in Merrell's flagship trail running models.

"FLOATPRO+ is a foam based on our existing sustainable EVA foam, FloatPro, which already balances the conflicting properties of being lightweight and durable (long-lasting performance). We then inject nitrogen and apply high temperature and pressure to create a supercritical foam. This further updates its lightweight, durable, propulsive, and cushioning properties, so you can expect a light, responsive feel and great stability."

The outsole is equipped with Vibram's high-performance new standard grip, Vibram XS TREK EVO.

"Compared to conventional standard grips, its grip and durability are improved, delivering excellent traction across a wider variety of outdoor terrains. The outsole pattern features a custom lug design primarily intended for road running, but we've also placed 2.5mm deep lugs across the entire outsole to ensure grip on trails. Merrell's main trail running shoes use Vibram MEGAGRIP, which provides excellent grip on wet surfaces and rugged, rocky ridges, but that compound sacrifices some durability for higher grip. If you use that on high-friction paved roads, it wears down quickly. That's why for the PROMORPH, we chose Vibram XS TREK EVO, which strikes a balance between durability and grip."

Additionally, the upper is also thoughtfully designed, using a highly breathable, synthetic, multi-layered mesh. To enhance midfoot stability, it includes an extra fit panel, creating a supportive multi-layered structure.

A Great Shoe for Runners to Pack for Travel

While the demand for all-in-one shoes that can handle both roads and trails might not be as high in Japan as it is in the US, what are the best scenarios to use them in?

"In Japan, while there's a growing trend, the kind of outdoor culture that's deeply intertwined with daily life, like you see in the US, hasn't fully taken hold yet. So, we recognize that launching a shoe with a concept like the Promorph is actually quite a challenge.

However, when we look at our users here in Japan, we see some great uses. For road runners, it's perfect for cross-country training on uneven terrain like you'd find in a park. For trail runners, it's the ideal shoe for tackling hill training on paved mountain passes and then heading straight onto the mountain trails without missing a beat.

We also want to promote the Promorph as the ultimate all-in-one shoe. Tossing a pair into your luggage for a trip or business travel means you can run wherever you want, on roads or trails, without being limited by your footwear. It's the one shoe that can do it all."

For the runner who wants to enjoy the freedom of running anytime, anywhere, without being limited by terrain or occasion, the Promorph might just be the perfect shoe.