First Look: Merrell and Gore unite
Autumn/winter 2013 collection aiming to deliver new minimal options for the trail
This just in from Merrell/Gore about a new footwear partnership. We’ll have more in issue 290…
Leading outdoor footwear and apparel brand Merrell, has teamed up with W.L. Gore & Associates to create two exclusive products launching Autumn/Winter 2013. The Merrell GORE-TEX® ConnectFit range delivers products providing an incredible natural glove-like fit with exceptional breathability and waterproof performance.
Developed with the end goal of creating the most natural feeling GORE-TEX® shoes possible, three key design and construction processes were the focus of the collaboration.
To provide Natural Motion during the stride, layers of the construction underfoot had to be minimized to allow the shoe to contour naturally with the foot. Merrell’s unique minimal construction techniques combine with GORE-TEX® components whilst stripping out glue, board and other materials used in traditional construction. Enhancing the flexibility of the shoe around key areas of the foot allows it to move more naturally.
To achieve a Glove-Like Fit a highly supple upper has been developed with two different GORE-TEX® laminates being combined into one unique lining system. A GORE-TEX® laminate with a soft feel is applied to panels of the shoe which are more static, whilst a more stretchy GORE-TEX laminate is applied to areas of the shoe which move more allowing the shoe to comfortably hug the foot with every step.
GORE-TEX® Extended Comfort product technology delivers exceptional Climate Comfort by ensuring the highest levels of waterproof and breathable performance wherever and whenever the shoes are used. GORE-TEX® Extended Comfort Footwear is ideal for moderate and warmer conditions, and great for high aerobic-output activities. At the heart of this GORE-TEX® product technology is an extremely thin membrane that’s durably waterproof, windproof, and breathable. It has over 9 billion pores per square inch. These pores are 700 times larger than a water vapour molecule which means perspiration passes right through. This is what makes the membrane breathable.
ConnectFit technology is available in two brand new Merrell products both designed for use on the Trail.
The Merrell Proterra with GORE-TEX® Extended Comfort Technology Sport Mid and Shoe versions use Merrell Stratafuse™ technology, injecting the foot cage into the mesh upper, fusing it without seams for a lightweight, agile and responsive fee, making it a more natural and extremely comfortable choice for day hiking, walking and exploring the trail.
Merrell’s Ascend Glove with GORE-TEX® Extended Comfort Technology is a trail running shoe inspired by the Merrell Barefoot collection. It features 0mm drop from heel to toe and 6mm of cushioning for a true minimal experience. Merrell’s new Motion Mesh upper provides support and a seamless interior for an extremely comfortable feel, even sockless. A new Vibram® outsole is also engineered for optimal performance on a rugged trail, complete with Trail Protect plates for extra protection underfoot in the heel and forefoot.
The full collection is available online at www.merrell.co.uk
Matt Baird
Editor of Cycling Plus magazine 
