MERRELL's Winter Shoes Shine in the Dead of Winter! The Key Is 'Vibram Arctic Grip'

Hailing from the U.S., the global outdoor brand MERRELL got its start in 1981 when master bootmaker Randy Merrell crafted his first pair of hiking boots. Today, the brand has a worldwide presence, offering everything from hiking and trail running shoes to sport sandals.

We sat down with Yusuke Tanaka from the Merrell Division at Marubeni Consumer Brands Co., Ltd. to get his top picks for gear that shines in the dead of winter.

The Fateful Meeting: Master Bootmaker Randy Merrell and Two Key Figures

Let's kick things off by diving into the origin story of the MERRELL brand.

"While MERRELL's roots are often traced back to Utah, our current headquarters is in the small town of Rockford, Michigan. It's close to the Canadian border in an area known for its pleasant summers and heavy winter snowfall—the perfect base for all kinds of outdoor activities.

Our founder, Randy Merrell, was already a well-known figure, a master craftsman specializing in leather boots. The wooden-soled hiking boots he designed earned high acclaim and were even featured in 'Backpacker Magazine.' Back then, that magazine was the bible for the American outdoor industry and its enthusiasts, so getting featured was a massive deal.

Around the same time, two other key figures entered the picture: Clark Matis and John Schweitzer. Matis was an accomplished athlete, a former Olympic skier who competed in the 1968 Grenoble Winter Games, and both men were deeply passionate about shoemaking. They discovered Merrell through 'Backpacker Magazine' and reached out to him. That moment, they say, was the start of everything.

A shoemaking genius, two business-savvy partners with a vision for sales—the three came together in 1981 to launch MERRELL."

The Early Masterpieces That Defined the MERRELL Brand

Now, let's take a look at the iconic items that shaped the MERRELL brand. The legendary classic that started it all is MERRELL's very first boot: the 'LEATHER.'

"By today's standards, it definitely has a retro vibe, but this hiking boot, the LEATHER, was MERRELL's very first shoe.

Crafted from premium Italian leather, it earned incredible acclaim thanks to Merrell's exceptional skill, even being named the 'most comfortable hiking shoe in North America.' It remains incredibly popular, especially here in Japan."

The Two Classics That Embody the Brand's DNA

In the brand's history, certain items marked a major turning point. Enter the 'JUNGLE MOC,' born in 1998, and the 'MOAB,' launched in 2007. Since their debut, these two models have become absolutely essential to the MERRELL story.

"It's been 27 years since the JUNGLE MOC was released, and in all that time, it has never undergone a single model or minor change. It’s a testament to its perfect design that it has remained a beloved favorite for so long. The very concept of an 'after-sport shoe'—something to slip on after an outdoor adventure—was also incredibly innovative back then.

I believe many people were first introduced to MERRELL through this shoe. It played a huge role in our brand's global expansion.

And then, in 2007, the MOAB was released. The name 'MOAB' is an acronym for 'the Mother Of All Boots,' but it was also inspired by the iconic outdoor town of Moab, Utah.

Since its debut, it has reigned as an icon among hiking shoes. The second generation, the 'MOAB 2,' was launched in 2017, followed by the 'MOAB 3' in 2023. It remains an incredibly popular model, and I think its versatility—being just as great for city streets as it is for hiking trails—is what makes the MOAB so special.

The LEATHER we first discussed, along with the JUNGLE MOC and the MOAB—these three models truly represent the DNA of MERRELL."

MERRELL's High-Performance Winter Shoes: Our Top Pick for This Winter

Now, let's dive into our top recommendation for this winter: the 'THERMO SNOW GRIP MID WATERPROOF.' We'll also get the inside scoop on the impressive ice-gripping power of the 'Vibram Arctic Grip' technology.

'This shoe was engineered as a tool for activities like winter hiking in the mountains. The sole is based on the MOAB pattern, but its core technology comes from trail running shoes, making it perfectly suited for walking on snow.'

'As a staple winter shoe, its design is versatile enough for hiking and other activities, yet stylish enough for everyday city wear.'

'In terms of specs, it features 200g of 'Primaloft® Gold Eco' high-performance insulation, guaranteeing excellent warmth.'

'What truly sets it apart, besides being waterproof, is the Vibram Arctic Grip sole, which delivers outstanding traction even on icy surfaces.'

How Vibram Arctic Grip Delivers Superior Traction on Icy Surfaces

A major draw of the THERMO SNOW GRIP MID WATERPROOF is its masterfully crafted sole. Let's take a closer look at the sole's specifications to fully appreciate its capabilities.

'As an outdoor brand, it's crucial that our designs work for both outdoor activities and everyday city life. When you think of icy roads in Japan, Sapporo, Hokkaido, is a prime example.'

'In Sapporo, slipping and falling on so-called 'black ice' is a common occurrence. This isn't just a problem for outdoor enthusiasts; it's a daily reality for the city's residents.'

'That's why in 2016, we teamed up with Vibram to develop the Vibram Arctic Grip outsole. While we designed the sole pattern in-house, Vibram handled the rubber compound and the technology. The core of this sole is the rough, textured area with the orange flecks, which has a napped surface.'

'This napped section is called a 'filament,' and it's surrounded by 'Vibram XS Trek Evo' rubber, renowned for its durability and grip.'

'The reason you slip on ice is because you're actually sliding on the thin film of water on its surface. The raised nap of the filament breaks through this water film to make contact with the ice itself, and sometimes even the ground beneath. By having these 'hairs' dig in and the rubber make contact, the sole achieves its powerful grip.'

We've journeyed through the brand's history, highlighted its iconic products, and showcased our top pick for this winter. As MERRELL celebrates its 45th anniversary this year, its commitment to unwavering quality and technological innovation continues to drive it forward.

We invite you to experience the design and performance for yourself at our flagship store in Harajuku, Tokyo, and at retail locations nationwide.