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If like myself you enjoy hiking then it is essential to have a good pair of Hiking boots. One brand that jumps straight into my mind is Merrell shoes. A great brand for hiking, trail running and even work boots. If you are considering buying from this brand you might want to know where are Merrell shoes made?
Find out all you need to know about Merrell below.
The History of the Merrell Brand
Merrell was established and founded in 1981 by Clark Matis and John Schweizer. Clark and John were executives for the Rossignol Ski Company but decided to launch their own hiking boots. Their hiking boots were first manufactured and introduced to the market back in 1983.
In 1987 the company was purchased by Karhu and the company’s production was expanded to Asian countries. This was done to lower overheads and cut retail prices.
In 1997 the company became an owned subsidiary of the shoe company Wolverine World Wide. From two executives taking a chance to an industry leader in outdoor footwear owned by Industry giant Wolverine World Wide, the history of the Merrell company is quite the success story.
Evolution of The Merrell Footwear Brand
Over the years the company has evolved from the company’s production of hiking shoes to an expanded range of products such as:
- Barefoot shoes.
- Kids footwear.
- Casual footwear.
- Trail running shoes and apparel.
- Outdoor clothing.
Are Merrell Shoes Made in the United States?
Merrell shoes are made and manufactured in the United States as well as various other Asian Countries such as Vietnam (not too dissimilar to where Nike shoes are made). The company up until 1987 operated exclusively in the United States but as mentioned above moved operations to Asia as well to lower production and retail costs.
Where is The Merrell Company Headquarters?
Merrell Shoes Headquarters are based in Rockford in the U.S state of Michigan.
Merrell Headquarters in Michigan: 9341 Courtland Dr NE, Rockford, MI 49351, USA.
Are Merrell Shoes Made in China?
No, Merrell does not undertake any production in China. Although some Merrell shoes are made in Asian countries, they are not currently made in China. Most production and manufacturing is undertaken in the U.S.A.
Popular Merrell Boots and Shoes
With a wide range of products manufactured worldwide by Merrell across 151 countries let’s take a look at some of there most popular boots and shoes.
1. Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Vent Mid Boot
A high quality but still affordable hiking boot. The Moab 2 provides a cushioned and comfortable walking experience for hikers of all abilities. This is a well ventilated boot that is great for covering a long distance in.
2. Merrell Moab Vertex Mid Waterproof Comp Toe Work Boot Men’s
This work boot from Merrell differs slightly from the previous boot as it offers fully watertight leather. A rubber toe cap offers protection with more a little more flexibility compared to a steel toe cap boot.
This work boot also features the COMFORTBASE™ footbed & midsole technologies, to cradle your foot in all day comfort.
3. Merrell Women’s Jungle Moc Mountaineering Boot
I can’t say that I have ever tried my hand at mountaineering but this women’s boot has been lauded for it’s comfort. This along with a Merrell Air Cushion in the heel to absorb shock and add stability along with it’s slip on design also makes it a very good everyday casual too if you don’t fancy climbing mountains.
4. Merrell Kid’s Trail Chaser Hiking Sneaker
Merrell has hikers of all ages covered. If you are planning a family vacation that includes a hiking adventure then you can’t go far wrong with the popular Trail Chaser Hiking shoes for your kids.
As wells as being very durable they even have anti stink lining to help reduce odors – great if you have a child like my son who gets very smelly feet during hot summer treks.
5. Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Vent Hiking Shoe
Exactly like the Men’s Moab 2 boot but in a durable and affordable shoe design. These hiking shoes offer a comfortable walking experience along with great ventilation to keep you feet cool.
As with most Merrell shoes these are also great for day to day activities like the walking the dog or enjoying the sites of your local town or city when walking.
Where are Merrell Shoes Sold?
You can buy Merrell products direct from the official website as well as their own stores. They can of course also be found in a lot of stores such as Macy’s, DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse and Dick’s Sporting Goods just to name a few.
You can also find a wide selection of Merrell Shoes on Amazon.
Tips on Spotting Fake Merrell Shoes
As with a lot of popular footwear brands you can often come across fakes especially on some online market places. Here are a few tips to consider before you make a purchase.
1. Take a Good Look at the Shoe Box
Merrell shoes are sold in a high quality and strong shoe box. This can be a good indication when trying to spot a fake shoe especially if the box feels quite weak. It should also prominently include the Merrell Name and logo on all sides.
The box should also have a label detailing the following information:
The style of the shoe.
The color.
The Model number.
2. Check the Insole for The Merrell Logo
The insole will always have the Merrell Logo on it including a the registered trademark R. Take a very close look because if you can’t find the trademark R next to the company logo then you are probably looking at fake shoes.
3. Check the Number on the Label and the Box
The box label details I mentioned in point 1 must also match the same details on the label found inside the shoes. If they do not match then the authenticity of the product is questionable.
4. Look at the Outsole Markings
Merrell shoes feature outsole markings which often include the Vibram logo. Again the Vibram logo should include the registered trademark R. As with the Merrell shoes logo on the insole always check for it on the Vibram logo on the outsole too.
5. Is the Price Too Good to be True?
As a paying customer you need to ask yourself if the price your paying is too cheap. Merrell products are of a very high quality and that is matched in the price. Always consider this when buying from any website or seller.
Where Are Merrell Shoes Made – Summary
Know that I have answered the question ‘where are Merrell shoes made’, you should know a lot more about Merrell ready to buy some Jungle moc boots, trail shoes or which ever outdoor footwear you are looking for. Happy shoe and boot shopping.
More Articles on Hiking Boots
Take a look at these other helpful articles on hiking shoes and boots.
Are Timberland Boots Good for Hiking?
Lightweight Hiking Shoes for Men and Women
Top 10 Hiking Sneakers for Men
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