In 2024, it’s hard to remember a time when Merrell wasn’t a menswear favorite. (Our collective memory goes back five years, tops.) The infatuation largely started with the Hydro Moc, a pleasantly squidgy water shoe that remains inescapable each summer. Then came the in-the-know brand collaborations: Angelo Baque’s Awake NY gave the Jungle Moc a streetwear-approved makeover, and new American label Adsum riffed on the indoor-outdoor Hut Moc.
Fast forward to today, and Merrell no longer needs a covetable cosign to have style-pilled fellas lusting after its kicks. Even the brand’s general release silhouettes, especially the ones designed for its 1TRL sub-label, have crossed the rubicon into freaky-cool territory—and right now, Merrell is tripling down on the freakiness.
First, the Jungle Moc is reimagined with an eye-catching design that cleverly mixes a woven knit upper with plush suede leather. The original Jungle Moc, designed in 1988 by Merrell’s co-founder, combined an ultra-rugged hiker with an Italian-style casual moc, a one-two knockout of durability and comfort. Mercifully, the latest version of the silhouette retains those features: a lightweight foam midsole and a sticky rubber outsole promise both stability and cushy, arch-cradling support wrapped in one groovy package.
Next is the Moc Speed Streak sneaker, which cuts a sleek silhouette that rivals its pricier designer counterparts, like Prada’s cult-loved America’s Cup or Maison Margiela’s riff on the German Army Trainer—with an added dose of all-American ruggedness. The textured suede panels, recycled mesh, and polished faux leather add up to a shoe that looks just as fresh on a Friday night as it does on a trek around the park Saturday morning.
Finally, the Moab Mesa Luxe takes Merrell’s most beloved model and injects it with a tangible jolt of luxury. The shoe gets outfitted with a tough-as-nails Vibram outsole, dressed up with premium suede and nubuck leather. The earthier color options (muted greens and browns) are pitch-perfect for those looking for a warm-weather spin on the platonic fall palette, while the monochromatic dusty black and off-white versions offer a more street-ready alternative.
When it comes to your spring footwear rotation, it’s hard to beat hiking sneakers for one simple reason: functionally speaking, they’re basically designed to keep your feet cool in even the swampiest conditions. Merrell has been making some of the best in the category for decades, and each season, its new-and-improved riffs get freakier than the last. As we barrel further into spring and ever closer to summer, adding any of the brand’s latest kicks to your shoe rack will help your dogs breathe easy—and give your tired canvas beaters a much-needed breather, too.
Read the full article here
