The innovative brand reinvents sole construction
to deliver 100% more energy return than leading hiking footwear for
athleticism, comfort and style
ROCKFORD, Mich., Jan. 2, 2025
/PRNewswire/ -- Merrell, the world's leading hiking and outdoor
footwear brand, is proud to once again lead the outdoor industry
into a new era with the unveiling of the SpeedARC Surge BOA. The
SpeedARC Surge BOA introduces an athletic fast hiking sneaker,
merging style, fit and engineering for effortless hiking.
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
proprietary design is made up of coil-like shapes to work in
harmony with the layered nylon plate, delivering shock-absorbing
stability and energy return, making the next step effortless to set
your hike free.
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 seamlessly transitions from city
streets to rugged trails with unmatched 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."
The SpeedARC Surge BOA introduces a new nitrogen-injected
supercritical foam called FloatPro+ SC, providing improved cushion
and propulsion. The FloatPro+ SC Foam sole is doubled up as two
individual midsole layers and separated by an exposed nylon
Flexplate™ feature in an innovative sandwich
construction.
The innovative construction creates a unique 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™ feature separates the two soles acts as a stabilizer between the two
midsoles – creating a cushioned propulsion forward for the hiker
wearing it.
The SpeedARC Surge BOA introduces effortless hiking with:
- Revolutionary Energy Return: Featuring a new type of
construction layering to ensure the hiker moves with less effort
and maximum efficiency and reduced energy loss
- Advanced Midsole System: A first-of-its-kind system
featuring double dual-density supercritical foam midsoles,
integrated with a high-performance nylon Flexplate™,
provides unparalleled cushioning and stability for all-day
activity
- Precision Fit Technology: The innovative double
BOA® lacing system enables rapid and specialized
adjustments, securing your foot within the Matryx®
upper, which is a high-performance fabric made to provide
lightweight, breathable and durable support for combined precision
fit to create enhanced performance
Merrell's SpeedARC Surge BOA has a dynamic lock down fit for the
best hiking experience. The BOA® Fit System is
engineered to deliver micro-adjustable precision fit by turning a
knob to tighten, loosen and snap laces into place. Paired with the
full Matryx® upper by Chamatex with a knit bootie collar
construction, Merrell has created a solid, disruptive package in a
lightweight hiking shoe.
The slim hiker was named one of TIME's Best Inventions of 2024
for its adaptability and immediate cushioning. For more than two
decades, TIME editors have highlighted the most impactful new
products that are changing lives.
"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 SpeedARC Surge BOA is engineered for adaptability, further
expanding the horizons of traditional hiking footwear. It will be
available in men's and women's sizes, and retails for $290. The shoe will launch globally on
merrell.com on Jan. 7, 2025.
ABOUT MERRELL:
Merrell exists to share the simple
power of being outside and is committed to building an inclusive
and sustainable environment for future generations to enjoy. As the
global leader in outdoor active footwear with the Moab hiking boot
and Jungle Moc, Merrell is focused on merging performance, styling,
and comfort to empower all people to explore the outdoors
confidently. The brand was recently named Footwear News' 2022 Brand
of the Year for promoting a more diverse vision of the outdoors.
Visit Merrell.com or follow us on social @Merrell. Merrell is a
division of Wolverine World Wide, Inc. (NYSE: WWW), one of the
world's leading marketers and licensors of branded casual, active
lifestyle, work, outdoor sport, athletic, children's, and uniform
footwear and apparel.
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SOURCE Merrell