When a model becomes a reference point, the question isn't how to create it, but how to evolve it. With the Moab Speed 2, Merrell continues the evolution of one of its most iconic lines.
In the early 1980s, Merrell was built around a simple idea: to create shoes designed to support outdoor enthusiasts on the toughest terrains. Founded in 1981 by Clark Matis and John Schweizer, the American brand teamed up with Randal Ivan Merrell, a specialist in custom-made footwear. Together, the three men developed a performance-driven approach. The goal? To make technical hiking shoes more accessible.
This vision gradually accompanied Merrell's development until the birth of the Moab in 2007. Behind the acronym “Mother of all Boots”, the brand envisioned a silhouette capable of meeting the demands of various terrains. Sturdy construction. Technical sole. The Moab carved out its identity and gradually became one of Merrell's iconic models. Nearly twenty years after its launch, the Moab continues to hold a central place in the American brand's catalog. But rather than viewing this legacy as a finish line, Merrell today uses this foundation as a starting point to explore new constructions. It is within this evolution that the Moab Speed 2 is positioned.
From Moab to Moab Speed 2
With the Speed 2, Merrell isn't trying to replace the Moab. The brand builds on the knowledge gained from its iconic model to develop a new silhouette designed to meet current needs. Bold outsole. Construction directly inspired by the outdoor world. No doubt, the silhouette remains instantly recognizable. In terms of colorways, Merrell also stays true to the Moab's identity, featuring a palette dominated by shades ranging from beige to gray.
Photo credits: WhenToCop?
But behind this new interpretation, it’s mainly the construction of the shoe that evolves. The Moab Speed 2 features a FloatPro foam outsole, with an increased thickness of 30% compared to the previous generation. Merrell rounds it out with a Vibram TC5+ outsole and a FlexPlate, two technologies directly inherited from its outdoor expertise. The result? The Moab Speed 2 gains in comfort, without losing the features that have defined the line's identity. This evolution especially allows Merrell to broaden the scope of its silhouette. Because while the shoe retains a construction designed to tackle trails, the Speed 2 is no longer limited to hiking.
A Moab Designed Beyond Hiking
The strength of the Moab Speed 2 lies in its design. With its bold sole, various overlays, and mesh construction, the shoe fully embraces its outdoor look. Merrell isn't trying to simplify the silhouette; instead, the brand retains the elements that make the Moab unique and focuses on their presence to integrate the Speed 2 into everyday life.
Photo credits: WhenToCop?
More than just an evolution of the Moab, the Speed 2 is part of a time when outdoor codes go beyond the trails. Bulkier constructions and technical silhouettes now blend seamlessly into the everyday wardrobe, giving the shoe a different place than it held at its inception. This context especially allows Merrell to stay true to its identity: rather than transforming the Moab to fit daily life, the brand keeps what makes it stand out.
With the Moab Speed 2, Merrell isn't stopping at a simple evolution of its iconic model. The brand preserves the outdoor heritage of the Moab while surpassing its original framework. It's a way to assert a clear vision: one of a silhouette designed for the trails, but that now finds its place in everyday life. The Merrell Moab Speed 2 is available now on the Merrell website.