Outdoor Retailer/SLC
M-CONNECT "Feel Your World," Apparel-Outside, Trail, Urban and BAREFOOT Running/Trail Shoes
words/images Judith Ecochard
MERRELL's Spring 2013 apparel and footwear continues this brand's commitment to performance fashion---with the "M-Connect" ethos---to get moving.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Functional pieces-with contemporary style- for wearing anywhere (Outside, Trail, Urban)---Merrell's selections include compositions made of pirpose-driven fabrics, amped up with its proprietary technology-including Opti-Shell™-2.5 or 2 layer fully seamed, waterproof, breathable garments, Aeroblock™-wind resistant breathable, Opti-Wick™moisture management, Opti-Warm™ synthetic insulation-warmth without the bulk, and Adventure Rest™---travel jackets that stuff into a neck pillow via a specialized pocket.
First up-outdoor runner separates (Naturally Mobile) for gals on the go- in pretty blues inspired by the sea.
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Afton short-self fabric tie waist adjustment, zip pocket, scalloped side seams-waistband flatters |
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Thelon Tank 50+ UPF, built in jog bra bra with mesh moisture wicking panels tank w/ drapey fit |
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Lauley Bolero-soft stretchy cropped top stylish moisture wicking way keep warm-deep v neck, mandarin collar, angled cuffs |
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Emery Tank-solid or Ikat print---shelf bra, adjustable straps, moisture wicking w/stretch |
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Orenco Jacket-reflective details, mesh lined vents stitched geometric panels, nice detail-zip back pocket with reflective pop, hooded -water resistant-in four colors |
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under arm mesh panel-vens |
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Versatile knits-cotton/poly, scooped shaped hem, chevron pontelle-Awenda Tunic-in deep water blue |
TRAIL MOBILITY
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Awenda Tank-nectarine |
Trail Mobility collection has some trail to street style---great travel pieces...easy care
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Mira Tunic-100% poly w/ four way stretch...roll-up sleeves, flattering draw string waist |
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Mira Tunic |
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Mira SS-sea salt |
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Mira SS-quick drying, shaping darts, two button cuff detail, great stitching...deep water blue-wear this to work too. |
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Mira Mix, stretch woven front-draw-tie scoop neck, raglan sleeve, 5 button, 3/4 placket |
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knit stretch back |
Waterproof jackets-fully seamed sealed...
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Aquatia jacket packs into left pocket, welt-covered secure, zip hand pockets, pit zips |
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Frances jacket-ginger houndstooth brighten up any gray rainy day-concealed channel for removable waist tie belt, ,longer length-storm flap over snap closure protects vs elements. nice. |
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contoured adjustable hanging hood |
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Newblay Crop capri-stretchy, 20+UPF, back pocket w/zip closure, articulated knees,engineered waist reduces bulk and feels comfy under pack strap |
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Newblay Short-engineered waist reduces bulk and feels comfy under pack strap, back pack pockets |
URBAN MOBILITY
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Lanca Pullover sea shore blue, relaxed fit w/drawstring, gauzy knit |
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Nolita Tunic-poly/cotton burnout Ikat pattern, droptail for flattering shape, draw string neck closure-sea salt |
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Nolita burnout Ikat pattern, rounded v neck with draw string closure -guava |
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Hawthorne jacket-nice shape, great functionality-DWR finish toggle adjustable, No Stick Sleeve™ construction won't cling or feel clammy, snap-down collar folds up for extra protection, 2 zip secure, mesh lined pockets w/snap closure flaps, tab w/snap cuff...great commuter jacket ---for biking |
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hanging mesh line hood, -pleated back eases movement on a bike, |
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Avondale-soft cotton look w/ subtle pinstripe- airy mesh lining and wicking back panel, stand-up collar w/button detail |
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attached 3 piece hood protects-princess seams---feminine |
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Cherish Short-cotton/poly with hidden snap closure fly low profile for comfort under a pack belt, button pocket--very cute |
DRESSES-
To wear anywhere---technical features that transcend the city byways---with performance fabrics that are easy care and pack down. Big plus-very flattering silhouettes...and tailored details.
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Nolita Dress-Marakand IKAT burnout print, hanging opti-wick™ liner-moisture wicking, flattering crossover seams, cap sleeves, waist seaming---ideal travel piece. |
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Ellsworth Dress-stretchy fabric 50+ UPF fabric-built in bra w/ mesh moisture wicking panel supports , corssover bustline |
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fold-over halter strap detail |
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right-Artemisia Tunic-a line design, silky cool poly/rayon/spandex blend under Lauca Cardigan |
MEN's
NATURAL MOBILITY
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RFE Short-lightweight stretch woven moisture wicking, breathable sides and low back, reflective logo pops, 30+SPF |
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Grapheous crewneck, reflective gel print, UPF 20+-moisture wicking/quick dry |
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Trimaran crew, 2 sided double knit mesh, reverse contrasting side panels seam free no chafing, flatlock stitching, forward shoulder seams don't no friction when hauling w/ pack, reflective gel print, UPF 20-moisture wicking/quick dry |
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Trimaran 1/2 Zip-UPF 20-2-sided double knit mesh, set-in sleeves, reverse contrasting side panels eliminate side seams and chafing, flatlock stitching, forward shoulder seam eliminates high friction rub under pack straps, reflective zip detail and logos |
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Mix Master Windshirt-wind water resistant running shell w/Trimaran stretch underarm/side panels, chest and back wicking panel 2 slash hand pockets, reflective logo |
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Torrent Shell, DWR-20Denier fabric-strong, durable, resists snags, breathable moisture wicking, Trimaran stretch underarm/side panels, reflective piping/logos, left chest zip pocket-jacket packs in. |
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Tidnish Polo-poly/elastane jersey, soft hand feel SPF 20, moisture-wicking/quick dry |
TRAIL MOBILITY
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Kalamaplaid S/S shirt-3 color yarn dyed tonal plaid, button down w/ 2 chest pockets, moisture-wicking 30+UPF, |
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Stapleton Stretch Pant-contoured seams great motion with nylon/elastane stretch micro twill, DWR, hidden zip pocket, 5 pocket jean construction, gusset crotch, triple needle reinforced seams, Merrell® rivets/buttons-handsome style good off the trail too |
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cuff detail |
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Stapleton Stretch Short-moisture wicking/quick drying-good for watersports too-20+ UPF, contoured seams great motion with nylon/elastane stretch micro twill, DWR, hidden zip pocket, 5 pocket jean construction, gusset crotch, triple needle reinforced seams, Merrell® rivets/buttons-handsome style good off the trail too |
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back --- |
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Kelsall Water Short-quick drying hiking short-water tough w/mechanical stretch, snap waist closure, lightweight stretch woven-zip closure leg pocket right side, 30+UPF, DWR finish |
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URBAN MOBILITY: Freewheel button down-function/style-poly/cotton breathable fabric, two dual button chest pockets |
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button tab epaulets reflective pop |
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Carlow Coat-10,000mm/10,000g/m2/24hr-fully waterproof taped seams, breathable, roll-away hood stows in collar via metal look zip, cotton like lined interior, four button closure front pockets, full front zip w/ button storm flap-handsome performance jacket |
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Phinney Ridge Shirt S/S shirt-100% cotton |
The big buzz seems to be in the "Barefoot" models of Merrell Run/Water/Multi/Train shoes as well as the "Multi-"Adventure, and After Sport-recovery shoes ---and sandals.
A few seasons back when the company intro'ed their take on minimalism---in cahoots with Vibram® ---we tried a women's something Glove version-billed as a running shoe- which we ended up sending back 3x and finally gave up on it. The heel was cut too wide ---and we tried sizing down- and the outsole waaaayyy too stiff.
Bonus points though, for excellent customer service...but it reminded us why we never buy a pair of running shoes online unless we have used them prior.
A complete re-vamp seems to have taken place. M-Connect™is still the overall theme---with newer models...aimed at various kinds of preferences.
AS IN: Barefoot Run-0mm Drop -with different outer cushioning thickness---from 5.5mm stack height-2mm cushioning (Vapor Glove)-9.55mm stack height, 4mm cushioning (Road Glove)-13.5mm stack height, 8mm cushioning (Bare Access 2).
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Men's Vapor Glove-barefoot construction w/ breathable mesh upper, external TPU heel sling for contoured support, reflective pops, Integrated Drylex® footbed treated with Aegis®, wash/air dry, Vibram™ Vapor Glove Sole/Tc1 Rubber..Apollo blue and Sulpher Springs green/yellow colors pictured. 5oz per shoe |
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Bare Access 2-barefoot construction, mesh and synthetic upper, reflective details, external heel stability run, integrated footbed trated w/ Aegis®, wash cold water-dry gentle cycle, air dry-7oz per shoe Vibram®are Access 2 Sole |
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Multi-Hike shoes on left including Proterra Vim Mid Sport (women's), Proterra Sport and Proterra Vim Sport (women's)-upper right-Mix Master Move Multi-Run -outsole-with Merrell Mix Move Sole/Sticky Rubber-fors treet to trail, lower right-Mix Master Tuff with 4mm drop/12mm cushioning w/3.5 lugs for more street to trail feel |
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Multi-Run on bottom-Left-men's Mix Master Tuff Mid Waterproof-4mm drop and 12mm cushioning-Strobel instruction, fabric and synthetic upper, Bellows tongue keeps debris out, reflective details, EVA anatomical footbed w/Aegis®, waterproof membrane, 2mm EVA insole for comfort and shock absorption, Merrell Float™ midsole is 10% thinner and 25% lighter to provide more feel and ground control and shock absorbing heel, 1mm midfoot shock absorption plate, 3.5mm lugs for more street to trail feel, Merrell Tuff Sole/Stick Rubber, 1lb 8ozs. Right-vegan friendly footwear with Merrell Mix Move Sole/Sticky Rubber-and a Merrell Float midsole is 10% thinner and 25% lighter to provide more feel and ground control and shock absorbing heel, EVA removable footbed |
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Multi-Hike Proterra Mid Sport Ventilator-4mm Drop/10mm Cush/21mm Stack Height-2.5mm lug depth, Merrell Proterra Sole/Sticky Rubber |
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this is how they do it... |
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Multi-Hike Proterra Mid Sport Ventilator-a balance between a traditional and barefoot---Strobel Construction, fabric and synthetic upper, 4mm drop/12mm cushioning, waterproof membrane, EVA anatomical footbed treated with Aegis®, 2mm EVA insole, Bellows tongue keeps debris out, 3.5mm lugs outsole w/Merrell shock absorbing heel |
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Women's Mix Master Move Glide-Multi-Run shoe-4mm drop/8mm cushioning, Strobel construction, synthetic and breathable mesh upper, Bellows tongue keeps debris out, molded nylon shank, EVA removable footbed, vegan friendly, Merrell Float™ midsole is 10% thinner and 25% lighter to provide more feel and ground control and shock absorbing heel |
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Merrell Mix Move Sole/Sticky Rubber-Mix Master Move Glide trail/road running shoe |
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Barefoot Run women's and men's |
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Vapor Glove-women's 0mm drop, 2mm cushioning, Vibram® Vapor Glove SOle/TC1 Rubber, breathable construction, breathable mesh upper, external TPU Heel Sling for contoured support, reflective pops, integrated microfiber treated with Aegis® |
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-men's Road Glove 2 Barefoot Run 0mm drop/4mm cushioning, 7oz per shoe, mesh and synthetic leather upper, Vibram® Road Glove 2 Sole/TC1 Rubber, external TPU heel sling for contoured support, reflective pops, mesh lining treated w/Aegis®, integrated Drylex® footbed treated w/ Aegis®, wash as needed in cold water, gentle cycle and air dry. |
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Barefoot Run-Bare Access Arc 2 -0mm/8mm cushioning, cement construction, 51% textile upper, lining treated w/Aegis®, lightweight EVA midsole, Vibram® Bare Access 2 Sole |
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SPORT CASUAL Shoes-for women-Loreleo Link left, Lorelei Twine right, Strobel Construction Pig suede leather upper-also w/ mesh upper left, breathable mesh lining treated with Aegis®, Merrell air cushion in the heel absorbs shock, EVA midsole, Merrell QForm® Comfort midsole-female designs, Merrell Lorelei Sole/Sticky Rubber |
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SAMPHIRE-canvas and fabric upper---w/die cut EVA footbed (left) and ARTEMISIA (right) canvas, nubuck leather, and fabric upper, both w/ EVA outsole and stacked canvas midsole, Merrell Bazaar w/ Sole/Sticky Rubber, Merrell Air Cushion in heel-shock absorption and added stability. |
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Momentum Casula Styles for men-including MOC slip-ons and waterproof lace-ups |
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Barefoot Life Adore Wrap-synthetic and nubuck leather upper (right), Nerium-(upper right), Karfa Thongs (left)-w/ suede footbed cover-men's
MERRELL |