Trail boot collaboration between Snow Peak and Merrell transforms iconic design into monochrome makeover for adventurous hikers.
Revamped Trails: Snow Peak x Merrell Push Boundaries
Breaking the mold of old school brand partnerships, the pioneering alliance between Snow Peak and Merrell delivers an extraordinary fusion of Japanese minimalism and American trail-running tradition. With close to a century of combined experience, this union of two prominent outdoor brands promises nothing less than greatness.
Embracing a synergy between the polarities of style and substance, this revamped interpretation of Merrell's iconic hybrid hiker-runner has undergone a transformation under Snow Peak's refined lens, breathing life into arguably the most striking Merrell boot ever crafted.
Heritage Meets Innovation
The tale of this collaboration runs deeper than skin-deep branding. Snow Peak, originating in Japan's Tsubame-Sanjo metalworking hub in 1958, has continuously honed its expertise in producing superior mountaineering equipment. Today, they remain a distinctive symbol of outdoor minimalism, blending design-led functionality with premium craftsmanship like few others.
Conversely, Merrell and the Moab hiker — earning its "Mother of All Boots" nickname through decades of rugged resilience — trace their origins back to the '80s. In 2017, the Michigan-based trailblazers unveiled the Moab 2, boasting significant advancements such as upgraded footbeds and redesigned soles.
The base Moab Speed 2 already epitomized Merrell's successful marriage of hiking boot stability with trail runner agility. Merging Snow Peak's input, particularly their iconic minimalist colorway evocative of bonfire ash gradations, elevates the shoe to a level that excels not only on technical terrain but also shines in urban environments.
Design Philosophy
Snow Peak's ethos becomes most apparent in the restrained color palette and thoughtful detailing. The monochromatic greyscale with gradient accents bears a distinct Japanese subtlety, while enhanced reflective detailing on the heel and heel loop adds an edge compared to the standard Moab Speed 2. Co-branding is minimal, found only on the insole, but a custom Snow Peak storage bag emblazoned with the brand's logo further cements collector's appeal for this release. The storage bag encapsulates Snow Peak's philosophy of crafting gear that can serve both as a functional tool and a stylish accessory.
Technical Foundations
In addition to aesthetics, this collaboration remains firmly rooted in the tried-and-true tech stack that has made the Moab Speed 2 GTX a staple on the trail. Incorporating the same nylon ripstop uppers with TPU overlays, the GORE-TEX membrane continues to offer waterproof protection without compromising breathability. Likewise, the same Vibram TC5+ outsole provides grip across various terrains. The FloatPro Foam midsole ensures the right balance of cushioning and responsiveness, essential for the hybrid hiking-running application.
For lateral stability and rigidity without sacrificing forefoot flexibility, the FlexPlate technology counteracts a common complaint about previous trail runners, which often felt flimsy on technical terrain. These hybrid shoes succeed in bridging the gap between road running and rugged terrains. The Cleansport NXT treatment inside the shoe caters to odor management.
Weighing an average of 12.34 oz per shoe, this collaboration falls squarely in the hybrid territory, heavier than dedicated trail runners but lighter than traditional hiking boots.
Spec Sheet
Model: Snow Peak x Merrell Moab Speed 2 GORE-TEX
Upper Materials: Nylon ripstop, TPU overlays
Membrane: GORE-TEX
Midsole: FloatPro Foam with FlexPlate technology
Outsole: Vibram TC5+ (exclusive to Merrell)
Footbed: Polyurethane
Weight: 12.34 oz per shoe
Included: Custom Snow Peak storage bag
Price: $210
Limited Edition?: Yes
Pricing & Availability
While some Merrell enthusiasts may balk at the $210 price tag, we argue that this limited edition release showcases Merrell's cutting-edge technology aimed at gracing the feet of those who don't shy away from standing out on the trail. The availability of this exclusive collaboration is unspecified, available now only on Snow Peak's online store.
[1] Snow Peak. (n.d.). Snow Peak x Merrell Moab Speed 2 GORE-TEX Product Page. Retrieved from snowpeak.com
[2] Merrell. (n.d.). Moab Speed 2 Gtx Product Page. Retrieved from merrell.com
[3] OutdoorGearLab. (2018, July 26). Merrell Moab Speed 2 GTX Review. Retrieved from outdoorgearlab.com
- This limited edition Snow Peak x Merrell Moab Speed 2 GORE-TEX boasts an intriguing fusion of technology and style, with its merger of hiking boot stability and trail runner agility being complemented by Snow Peak's minimalist colorway and Japanese subtlety.
- In addition to its impressive technical foundations, this collaboration also delves into sports-analysis territory, offering enhanced reflective detailing, a custom storage bag, and a focus on odor management, catering to both functional outdoor usage and stylish urban environments.
