Merrell Moonbeam Shoes Bring Style to the Trails

Introduction to Merrell Moonbeam Shoes

The Merrell Moonbeam collection has become an unlikely hit in the hiking and outdoor footwear world. This collaboration between Merrell, known for their rugged and performance-driven shoes, and Moonbeam, a women's activewear brand with a focus on style, has produced a line of hiking boots and shoes perfect for the stylish outdoor adventurer.

The Moonbeam x Merrell collection first launched in 2021 to immediate popularity, selling out quickly. The line is now back by popular demand for 2023 with some new colorways and styles.

Merrell Brand Background

Merrell has been a leader in hiking, trail running, and outdoor footwear since their founding in 1981. Based in Vermont, Merrell designs performance-driven footwear ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, trail running, camping, and more. They focus on comfort, support, traction, and durability in their shoe designs.

Some of Merrell's most popular hiking shoe and boot models include the Moab 2, Moab Speed, and Moab Flight. The Moab line specifically is tailored for hiking and outdoor adventures with breathable mesh construction, Vibram outsoles for traction, air cushioning for comfort, and rugged materials.

Moonbeam Brand Background

Moonbeam is a relatively new player in the activewear space. Launched in 2016, the California-based brand focuses on stylish designs for yoga, pilates, hiking, and everyday wear. Their focus is on fashion-forward looks that can transition from the studio to the street.

Moonbeam is especially popular with women looking for activewear that is both functional for workouts but also cute enough for everyday activities. Their leggings, tops, shorts, and other apparel are known for their fun prints, colors, and details like cut-outs and mesh paneling.

The Moonbeam x Merrell Collaboration

In 2021, Merrell and Moonbeam came together to collaborate on a limited edition collection of hiking shoes and boots. This partnership merged Merrell's hiking performance pedigree with Moonbeam's focus on style.

The collection includes revamped versions of some of Merrell's most popular hiking shoe models. The shoes feature Merrell technologies like Vibram outsoles and air cushioning, but with new colorways and patterns unique to the collaboration.

Key Features of the Moonbeam x Merrell Shoes

• Merrell Moab 3 hiking shoe included in both mid and low ankle height
• New colorblock colorways in shades of pink, purple, teal blue, and more
• Ombre dip-dye style patterns and tie-dye prints
• Reflective accents for visibility
• Vibram outsoles provide traction
• Molded EVA footbeds for cushioning and support
• Protective toe caps

While the shoes maintain Merrell's technology and performance features, the fun new patterns and colors make them perfect for the style-conscious hiker or outdoor adventurer.

Reviews of the Moonbeam x Merrell Collection

The initial launch of Moonbeam x Merrell in 2021 was met with glowing reviews. The shoes sold out rapidly due to high demand. Reviews praise the shoes for merging style and substance seamlessly.

Comfort and Support

Reviewers say the shoes provide the same level of comfort, support and cushioning expected from Merrell hiking shoes. The molded EVA footbed and air cushioning system provide plush comfort without sacrificing stability. The women's-specific Q-Form 2 comfort design ensures the shoes deliver anatomical support for women's feet.

Traction

The Vibram outsoles get high marks for keeping wearers steady on varied terrain. The lug pattern on the sole digs into dirt, rocks, roots and other trail conditions to prevent slippage. Whether climbing uphill or bounding down, reviewers feel secure in the grip of these shoes.

Style

Fans of the collaboration love the unique colors and patterns, which make the shoes just as at home on city streets as mountain trails. The ombre fades and tie-dye prints modernize the look. Reviewers say the colors and styles make them excited to wear the shoes both hiking and running everyday errands.

The Moonbeam touches elevate the shoes beyond typical hiking shoe style without taking away the performance features wearers expect from Merrell.

Durability

After putting the shoes through all sorts of rugged terrain, reviewers say the shoes hold up well. The leather and mesh materials withstand abrasions from rocks and roots without tearing. The aggressive tread doesn't smooth out too quickly. Overall, testers feel Merrell's reputation for durability remains intact.

Ideal Uses for the Moonbeam x Merrell Collection

The versatile nature of the Moonbeam x Merrell shoes make them suitable for all sorts of scenarios.

Day Hiking

The shoes provide the right balance of comfort, support and traction for most day hiking adventures. They work well for hiking moderate trails through state parks and wilderness areas.

Backpacking

While best suited for carrying light loads over shorter mileage, the shoes offer enough cushion and stability to work for lightweight backpacking trips.

Travel

The stylish look of the shoes make them perfect for exploring cities on vacation. They can handle walking tours all day but look nice enough at dinner.

Everyday Wear

Why limit the shoes to the outdoors only? Their colors and patterns work with all sorts of casual outfits around town like jeans, shorts, dresses, skirts and more.

Where to Buy the Moonbeam x Merrell Collection

For the latest launch of the collaboration, the shoes are available direct through Merrell and Moonbeam's websites. Retail partners like REI and DSW also carry select styles.

The shoes retail for $120-$140 depending on the specific model. Sizes range from women's 5-12 in medium and wide widths.

With much hype surrounding the collaboration, the shoes often sell out quickly. Signing up for email alerts from Merrell and Moonbeam can help prospective buyers snap them up right after new stock arrives.

The Verdict

The unlikely pairing of Merrell's performance pedigree and Moonbeam's fashion-forward look has been a hit. By blending the best features of both brands, the shoes deliver style, comfort, support and traction for women who want functional outdoor gear with trendy flair.

The third launch of the limited edition collection for 2023 offers outdoor enthusiasts the chance once again to put their hands on these sought-after shoes. Reviewers say the Moonbeam x Merrell shoes will delight those looking to make a style statement on and off the trail.

FAQs

What styles are available in the Moonbeam x Merrell collection?

The collection includes revamped versions of Merrell hiking shoe models like the Moab 3. Styles include low and mid rise hiking shoes in fun new colors and prints.

What features make the shoes good for hiking?

Key features are the Vibram outsoles for traction, air cushioning for comfort, protective toe caps, and stability from the molded EVA footbeds.

How limited is this collaboration?

The Moonbeam x Merrell collection is released in limited batches. New colors and prints sell out quickly so shoppers need to act fast.

Where can I buy the shoes?

Purchase the shoes directly from Merrell and Moonbeam or retailers like REI and DSW while supplies last.

Can the shoes be worn casually around town?

Absolutely! Reviewers love wearing these shoes both on trails and around town with casual outfits.