MERRELL company founder Randy Merrell was originally a bootmaker who custom-made boots for cowboys. In the spring of 1981, he suddenly had a new idea in Utah: to create hiking boots. These boots featured a warm heel, a precisely designed instep that fit the foot shape, and a spacious toe area. These handmade boots cost $500 and required a waiting period of up to six months. Later, Backpacker Magazine called Randy's boots the most comfortable and functional boots in North America. Soon, an opportunity arose: Clark Matis, a member of the Vermont ski team (and also an Olympic cross-country skier), along with John Schweizer, hatched a plan to mass-produce Merrell hiking boots.
Merrell DE - American Hiking Boot Brand German Official Site
