Merrell’s eco- and vegan-friendly Hydro Next Gen Moc SE shoe weighs just 680 grams. Photograph courtesy of Merrell. Few brands embody fashion’s current intrepid spirit quite like the American sportswear purveyor Merrell. Founded in 1981 as a maker of hiking boots, Merrell is now one of a select group of bona fide outdoor apparel labels that have, in recent years, emerged at the epicentre of a growing obsession with all things comfortable, utilitarian and athletic. Although many luxury houses have refined the so-called “Gorpcore” look (named after the acronym for “Good Ol’ Raisins and Peanuts”, in reference to the beloved hikers’ trail mix), Merrell has continued to build a cult following thanks largely to its gratuitously perforated Hydro Moc shoes. There is simply no mistaking that these amphibian-inspired rubber clompers were designed for sloshing through wild and watery terrain — which, as any fashion lover will tell you, lies at the heart of their appeal.
The recently released Hydro Next Gen Moc SE builds on the success of its namesake predecessor. These ultra-lightweight, fully waterproof slip-ons are vegan- and eco-friendly, made from sustainable materials including the algae-based foam Bloom. According to the brand, 93 litres of water is cleaned and restored to the environment during the creation of each pair.
Merrell aims to include recycled, organic or renewable materials in all of its products by 2025, and this ambition is complemented by a focus on social responsibility, justice, equality, diversity and inclusion. Fittingly for a brand with a wilderness-oriented heritage, its ambassadors tend to talk more about their love for the planet than their style choices. Although it may not be a conventional fashion label, Merrell has somehow trekked right into the heart of the cultural — and sartorial — moment.
