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History / 1981

History Navigation History Overview 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

Custom Cowboy Boots Custom Cowboy Boots

  • Vernal, Utah. Randy Merrell, custom cowboy boot maker, has an idea; a hiking boot.

Original Leather Hiking Boot Original Leather Hiking Boot

  • Randy finds his fit: snug heel, precise instep, roomy toes. The first of many firsts.
  • Each handcrafted boot costs $500 to make.
  • The waiting list reaches 6 months long.

Backpacker Magazine Backpacker Magazine

  • A star is born: Backpacker Magazine names Randy's boot most comfortable and functional in North America.

Clark Matis Clark Matis

  • The Vermont Ski Team arrives: Former Rossignol Execs Clark Matis (also an Olympic cross-country skier) & John Schweizer hatch a plan: Merrell Hiking Boots.