MERRELL LAUNCHES NEW FOOTWEAR: A LIGHTWEIGHT FUSION FOR EFFORTLESS HIKING

Merrell, an outdoor footwear brand, has unveiled its SpeedARC Surge Boa, a hiking sneaker that merges style, fit and engineering.

With the launch, Merrell is introducing the SpeedARC midsole system featuring active response coils, an innovative construction crafted with the latest FloatPro technology and Flexplate. The design is made up of coil-like shapes to work in harmony with the layered nylon plate, delivering shock-absorbing stability and energy return, effective for hiking.

Merrell’s design team was inspired to recreate the shock absorption system of a high-clearance vehicle as a shoe – to use its power for rebound and transform unstable trail surfaces into energy. The light hiking shoe transitions from city streets to rugged trails with comfort and cutting-edge technology.

“We’ve purposefully built the SpeedArc Surge Boa to return every ounce of energy you put in, taking each stride and propelling it forward,” said Merrell Senior Design Director Ian Cobb. “With double the energy return found in our independent lab tests, it keeps your feet feeling cushioned and comfortable every step of the way so you can experience a motion that knows no bounds and zero limitations. This shoe will make your four miles feel like two.”

Its construction creates a stabilizing platform: the foam midsole closest to the ground absorbs the shock of hiking on rocks and uneven terrain, while the foam midsole closest to the foot absorbs and rebounds the body’s gait cycle. The nylon Flexplate creates a cushioned propulsion forward for the hiker wearing it.

“We’re transforming expectations and reimagining what hike can be, where it can take you and how a hiking shoe looks, to give you a sense of confidence on each hike,” said Cobb.

The shoe will be available in men’s and women’s and will launch January 7th.