Merrell announces exclusive partnership with Gore
19/12/2012
The CONNECTfit concept, the result of a year of discussions, will be proprietary to Merrell and developed with “a minimalist approach” in time to go into some of the shoes that will make up the outdoor footwear brand’s autumn-winter 2013-2014 collection.
Merrell’s product line manager, Shaun Bohnsack, said on making the announcement: “Key consumer feedback speaks to the need for seamless materials in athletic footwear that allow the foot to flex and move freely. Over the year of development, we looked to trends in athletic garment design, furniture design and protective wear. We looked at creating minimal solutions by moulding and shaping, and cleverly layering materials to create simpler and more functional product solutions.”
Its Proterra hiking range will include CONNECTfit technology to offer high levels of breathability, flexibility, and waterproof construction, while continuing to use Merrell’s proprietary Stratafuse technology injecting the foot cage into the mesh upper, fusing it together without seems or stitching for a lightweight, natural fit and agile, responsive feel.
CONNECTfit will also go into the Ascend Glove, a zero mm drop trail running shoe. Here, a new Motion Mesh upper provides support and breathability with a seamless interior. A fresh Vibram outsole is also engineered for optimal performance on a rugged trail, complete with Trail Protect plates for extra protection underfoot in the heel and forefoot.
Gore’s global marketing strategist, Brian Gallagher, said: “This was a test of art meeting science, resulting in a comfortable protection system engineered to balance external weather conditions and internal microclimate.”
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