Merrell Launches Sustainable Hiking Shoes for Zero Waste Week
Updated: Jan. 22, 2024
One of our favorite hiking footwear brands just launched a sustainable shoe line made from scrap materials.
It’s 2023, and most of us want to do what we can to better care for our planet—including Merrell, a leading brand for the best hiking boots and outdoor footwear. And since Merrell just launched a new shoe line made of scrap material, we knew we had to try them.
In light of Zero Waste Week—an annual campaign built to help reduce landfill waste—Merrell is debuting three of its classic shoe models in a new, sustainable fashion. Each pair is partially made from the brand’s leftover scrap material that might have otherwise ended up discarded as waste. And since each shoe is made from excess materials found in the production process, you’ll notice minor changes from pair to pair. Those distinctions make them special and one-of-a-kind.
The new Merrell Scrap Collection is made for running and moving outdoors with sustainability at the forefront. The Scrap Collection is part of the brand’s multi-year initiative to protect nature. We tested shoes from the collection to see how they hold up. Keep scrolling to find out what we thought.
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What is the Merrell Scrap Collection?
The new Scrap collection includes three staple Merrell shoe styles: The Jungle Moc, Moab 3 and Moab Speed. We tried the Moab Speed Scraps ahead of the launch to see what they’re like—and let’s just say you’re not going to sacrifice comfort or performance for sustainability. You can really have the best of both worlds.
The Moab Speed Scrap is unbelievably comfortable, and it’s difficult for me to think of a shoe in my current rotation that I find more pleasant to wear. The Moab Speed is lightweight for quick, fast movement on the trail. Additionally, the soles have strong traction with reliable grip and tread.
I took the shoes out on pavement, gravel, rocky terrain and grassy hillsides with success. They provided comfort and protection for hours on end, too. I probably wouldn’t take the Moab Speed Scraps on difficult hiking trails, but they’re great for easy to moderate trails. For a more intense hike, I’d stick with my Moab 3s or a waterproof hiking boot with more ankle support.
Our Favorite Merrell Scrap Collection Products
We tested and loved the Moab Speed Scraps for light hikes and moderate terrain. They’re light on your feet and make a great all-purpose outdoor shoe. If you’re looking for a hiking shoe that’s a little more hefty and built for all-terrain types, we recommend looking into the Moab 3 Scrap. The Moab 3s are also Merrell’s bestselling hiking boots.
The last shoe in the Scrap Collection is the Jungle Moc Scrap, designed for comfort and convenience. The Jungle Moc Scrap has a sturdy sole with durable traction but is easy to slide on and off. They’re designed without laces, so you don’t have to worry about fussing with them if you’re on the go. The Jungle Mocs are also an option for people who lack finger dexterity or for whom lacing shoes present an unwanted challenge.
Where to Buy the Collection
You can shop the new Scrap Collection now at merrell.com. The Moab Speed Scraps retail for around $150, the Moab 3 Scraps for $130 and the Jungle Moc Scraps for $125.
We love our Moab Speed Scraps and can’t wait to take them on more outdoor adventures this fall—and we love that we can hit the trails feeling good about our shoes made of scrap material that would have otherwise been thrown away. What more could you ask for in a hiking shoe?
Originally Published: September 05, 2023
