Merrell is a great brand to shop from for outdoor and hiking boots or shoes. Merrell’s technology is innovative and they prioritize sustainability when making their products. Also, their footwear has a good design and style in our opinion.
However, if you like Merrell’s style but want more brand options to choose from, this article is for you.
We have researched and selected 9 footwear brands that are similar to Merrell when it comes to shoes for hiking and outdoor activities in general.
What makes them good alternatives? Their history, technology, design, and sustainability. Let’s take a look!
Contents:
- 1. Keen Footwear
- 2. Columbia
- 3. Salomon
- 4. Scarpa
- 5. La Sportiva
- 6. Haglöfs
- 7. Salewa
- 8. Jack Wolfskin
- 9. Mammut
1. Keen Footwear
Keen Footwear official website
Keen Footwear produces all types of footwear for customers. Their main priority is making the outdoors accessible to everyone by creating shoes that make that possible.
Keen was founded in 2003 in Oregon, the USA by Martin Keen and Rory Fuerst. Their demographic mainly consists of workers and athletes who enjoy the outdoors.
Don’t miss: Keen vs Salomon Hiking Shoes and Boots: A Comparison
Technology and Sustainability
Keen boots are made with a variety of technologies. Many of them are waterproof, insulated, lightweight, and flexible for the perfect fit.
The Keen ReGEN, for example, “returns 50 percent of energy with each step” thanks to its midsoles. This keeps your shoes from getting worn out and makes them more durable.
With the shoes’ superior technology comes sustainability as well. Keen uses eco-friendly materials as well as recycled materials.
Prices
Keen shoes and boots are more on the expensive side. However, the company has sales and promotions very frequently, which makes its products much more affordable. The shoes’ prices range from $70 to $80 during sales.
Read also:
Keen vs Merrell Hiking Shoes: Which Brand is Better?
10 Shoes Brands like KEEN for Hiking and Outdoor Adventures
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2. Columbia
Columbia official website
Columbia started as a hat company in 1938 in Portland, Oregon after Gert Boyle’s parents fled Germany. After producing hats, the company chose to expand and focus on outdoor products.
Columbia’s main focus shifted to “innovating outdoor gear and technology.” Now, Columbia produces all kinds of outdoor recreation products for explorers, skiers, campers, and more.
Must read: Columbia vs Merrell Hiking Boots and Shoes: A Comparison
Technology and Sustainability
Columbia uses enthusiasts to test out their products before hitting the market to further improve the quality of their boots.
The company also employs Omni-Heat™ in the design of their shoes and boots, which uses thermal reflective heat to keep your feet warm even when it’s below 0 degrees. In addition, their shoes are water-resistant or waterproof, and durable, making them ideal for rainy days.
Columbia also includes sustainability as one of its corporate responsibilities. It decreases carbon emissions and conserves water in its production process.
Prices
Columbia is definitely on the more affordable side of the shoe market, especially given the high quality of the boots. Its shoe prices range from around $70 to $120.
Read also:
6 Types of Hiking that You Should Know About
9 Outdoor Brands like Columbia that We Love and Why
3. Salomon
Woman wearing Salomon hiking boots
Georges Salomon founded Salomon in 1947, in Annecy, France. It started as a wood saw and ski edges workshop before expanding into athleisure.
Salomon produces a variety of shoes for running, snow sports, and other outdoor activities. Its demographic targets all athletes, from men to women, and even kids.
Must read: Salomon vs Merrell: Which Brand is Better for Hiking Shoes and Boots?
Technology and Sustainability
Salomon uses Gore-Tex technology in many of its boots which provides waterproofness and breathability for a comfortable hike. It also uses lightweight materials, which makes moving around much easier.
Salomon also has environmental certification for its superior energy management systems, which aid the environment by conserving energy.
Prices
Salomon’s prices are definitely on the more expensive side. A pair of high-quality Salomon shoes can reach over $200. So if you’re looking to invest in a good pair, Salomon is the right choice for you.
Read next: 8 Shoes Brands like Salomon for Your Outdoor Adventures
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4. Scarpa
Scarpa official website – Urban outdoor shoes
Scarpa is a family-owned company that was founded in 1938 in northern Italy. It started by producing handmade Italian footwear for mountaineering. Today, Scarpa has boots for mountaineering and hiking, as well as shoes for running.
However, its main specialty is mountaineering footwear. So if you’re a fan of the mountains, Scarpa has the footwear you need.
You might also like: Scarpa vs La Sportiva Shoes: Which Brand is Better?
Technology and Sustainability
Scarpa boots use different technology to make the boots perfectly fit and the boots’ soles comfortable. Its boots are also waterproof since they use Gore-Tex technology.
Scarpa also maintains sustainability by using castor bean oil instead of petroleum in its production to further benefit the planet.
Prices
Scarpa boots are expensive yet long-lasting so they’re a great investment! Their prices range from $160 to $300.
5. La Sportiva
La Sportiva official website – Hiking boots
La Sportiva is a small 250-person factory in Italy that produces outdoor products. Their shoes and boots are mostly mountain-based in the hopes that their customers will appreciate the beauty of nature and be more inclined to protect it.
Technology and Sustainability
La Sportiva footwear is handcrafted from leather that increases flexibility yet maintains style. Many of its materials are eco-friendly and biodegradable. Moreover, its facilities operate on a zero-waste policy. (source)
Prices
La Sportiva offers expensive shoes and boots but also affordable options if you’re looking to save some money. You will pay from $100 to $200 for a pair of their shoes.
Read next: 9 Italian Hiking Boot Brands: Our Top Picks
6. Haglöfs
Haglöfs official website
Haglöfs prioritizes innovation over most things. The only other thing that’s more important to Haglöfs is the beauty of nature.
Haglöfs started as a backpack company founded by Wiktor Haglöf in 1914 in Sweden. Later on, it expanded to produce almost any product you may need to “survive” the outdoors.
Technology and Sustainability
Haglöfs uses Gore-Tex technology as well as waterproof and windproof materials. These qualities make their boots and shoes quite durable.
In addition, many of Haglöfs’ materials and products are completely eco-friendly to reduce the company’s environmental impact as much as possible.
Prices
Haglöfs’ shoes and boots are reasonably priced, neither too high nor too low, ranging from $150 to $200.
Read also: Hiking Boots vs Hiking Shoes: What’s the Difference?
7. Salewa
Salewa official website
On July 8, 1935, Josef Liebhart established Salewa as a saddler and leather company. Later on, he expanded into outdoor equipment and then to outdoor wear. One of the company’s specialties is the production of men’s and women’s boots.
Don’t miss: Salewa vs Salomon Hiking Boots: A Comparison
Technology and Sustainability
Salewa uses different technologies, for example, Gore-Tex. It also uses Alpine Hemp, which makes for a more lightweight, durable, and flexible material.
In addition, Salewa prioritizes being transparent with its production process by taking animal welfare into account as well as decreasing waste production. (source)
Prices
Salewa boots and shoes are more expensive than what you would expect to pay because of the sophisticated tech they use. A good pair of boots can range from $200 to $300.
8. Jack Wolfskin
Jack Wolfskin official website – Women’s hiking shoes
Jack Wolfskin‘s history starts in 1981 in Germany when the founders were “marked by the wilderness.” They solely believe in doing all that they can to bring society closer to the outdoors. That’s why they produce all kinds of outdoor equipment and clothing for men, women, and children.
Technology and Sustainability
Jack Wolfskin uses lightweight PFC-free material that’s durable and waterproof. It prioritizes the environment by avoiding PFCs and using eco-friendly materials.
Prices
Jack Wolfskin is one of the most affordable high-quality brands available. Their shoes’ prices range from $90 to $160.
Read also: 8 German Boot Brands for Hiking and Outdoor Activities
9. Mammut
Mammut official website – Hiking boots
Mammut is a Switzerland-based company founded in 1862 that specializes in climbing equipment. It started by producing climbing ropes and then later expanded into clothing and footwear. So if you’re looking for the perfect pair of mountaineering boots or shoes, consider Mammut.
Technology and Sustainability
Mammut prioritizes customer safety by using materials that increase grip when climbing and are durable enough to survive the harsh conditions of the mountains. By 2050, the company plans to bring in a net-zero percent of carbon emissions.
Prices
Mammut shoes can range in price. Some products are very affordable while others are more expensive. You can pay from $100 to $300. It mainly depends on how much you’re looking to spend and the type of product you’re looking for.
Read next: European Hiking Boots and Shoes: 9 Brands that You’ll Love
Conclusion
Now that you know all about our favorite alternatives to Merrell, you can choose the brand that attracts you more by taking into account its quality, prices, and design.
With this article, we hope to have provided you with some inspiration and some new options for your next purchase.
You’ll also like: 9 Mountaineering Shoes and Boots Brands for Outdoor Adventures
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