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 Merrell Announces All-­‐Trail Phenomenon Joseph Gray as a 2016 Global Ambassador Dec 23, 2015, (Grand Rapids, MI) – Today leading outdoor brand Merrell announced that top American mountain runner Joseph Gray will be joining the Merrell Ambassador Team as a Global Trail Runner. Gray, an all-­‐star athlete, was most recently awarded the 2015 USA Mountain Runner of The Year Award, making him a 6-­‐time recipient of this award. Together with Gray, Merrell hopes to break down the barriers to trail running, both physical and mental, because nothing should get in the way of enjoying active outdoor adventures. “Discovering running literally saved my life and spun me in a positive direction,” said Merrell Global Ambassador, Joseph Gray. “Collaborating with Merrell to develop quality products that will empower recreational activity and athletes across the globe to reach their personal goals is my goal. I'd like to inspire more African American athletes to try trail running and experience the freedom the mountains undoubtedly provide.” As part of the partnership, Gray will begin testing and collaborating with Merrell’s product development team to help develop future trail running footwear and apparel. A current fan of Merrell’s trail running shoes, Gray, along with Merrell, understands the confidence that comes from having the right gear to make the outdoors a fun place to be. “Versatility has always been important to me. I love competing on any and every terrain, whether flat or straight to the sky on a steep grind,” said Gray. In 2016, Gray hopes to set records on some of the historic USA races as well as challenge records on new routes and series across the globe, but his biggest goal is to introduce others to the world of trail running. Through his experiences and accomplishments, Gray hopes to bring more diversity to the sport and inspire young-­‐at-­‐heart adventures to experience the freedom the outdoors provide. “For Joseph Gray, trail running isn’t a challenge, it’s a passion and a choice and we’re honored to welcome such an inspirational elite athlete to our Ambassador Team,” said Linda Brunzell, Chief Marketing Officer, Merrell. “We look forward to cheering him on in the Olympic trials this February.” The all-­‐terrain hero is the first athlete to win North American, Central American and Caribbean Championships in both Cross Country and Mountain Running. Most recently, Gray placed 5th at the 2015 World Mountain Running Championship. A multi-­‐record holder, Gray is the American course record holder for the Mt. Washington Road Race, the first athlete to consecutively win the USA Mountain Running National Championship (in 2013 and 2014) and has made the USA National Team a record 19 times. To learn more about Joseph Gray visit his Website: Joegeezi.blogspot.com, Facebook: facebook.com/joegeeziadventuresabove, Twitter: @Joegeezi About Merrell Merrell® believes that nothing should get in the way of enjoying active outdoor adventures. Merrell hiking boots, trail running shoes and apparel are built on Merrell’s outdoor heritage, quality and performance. The trail is the core of our design philosophy and has continued to guide us in the development of innovative products that inspire and enable enjoyment of the outdoors. www.merrell.com Socialize with us: Facebook: facebook.com/merrell; Twitter: @merrelloutside; Instagram: @merrelloutside; Blog: merrell.com/thepack. Contact: Caitlin Roller/ croller@bratskeir.com Merrell Celebrates 35th Anniversary with NEW Performance & Heritage Fall/Winter 2016 Footwear and Apparel Collections ROCKFORD, Mich. (December 2015) –Merrell believes that nothing should get in the way of enjoying active outdoor adventures. To make sure that nothing gets in your way, Merrell’s NEW Fall/Winter offerings will inspire you to make the outdoors your own and “Do What’s Natural”. “Whatever’s happening – rain, shine, mud or ice – Merrell is going to help you enjoy every minute of it,” said Linda Brunzell, Chief Marketing Officer, Merrell. “This season, along with cutting edge innovations, we’re highlighting our heritage as we celebrate our 35th Anniversary.” Exclusive Vibram® Arctic Grip Brings Unparalleled Grip to the ICE+ Series: Merrell® and Vibram® have joined forces to change the industry—again. NEW Vibram® Arctic Grip outsole technology is designed to withstand the most extreme winter conditions, providing traction and stability when things get icy—3x more traction on slippery, wet icy surfaces compared to leading Vibram® winter soles. Exclusive to Wolverine Worldwide through Fall 2017, Vibram® Arctic Grip technology will be featured in Merrell’s ICE+ Series, comprised of 6 patterns. Each pattern will have a Thermochromatic lug that turns from white to blue at 32 degrees Fahrenheit as an indicator for icy temps. Capra Collection’s Latest Goes Faster, Longer: Experience Vibram® Arctic Grip technology in the breathable, waterproof NEW Capra Glacial ICE+ Mid. With the perfect amount of insulation and unparalleled traction you can scramble over slippery, wet icy surfaces with confidence. Up for warm, wet or whatever. Merrell’s NEW Capra Venture Mid GORE-­‐TEX® SURROUND® goes faster, longer. Designed for trekkers on longer hikes with GORE-­‐TEX® SURROUND® for enhanced waterproof/breathability and Vibram® Megagrip for the best combination of traction and durability. Merrell’s NEW Capra Performix 2L Insulated Jacket and Capra Hybrid Windblocker 3L Jacket provides versatility on and off the trail with thermo regulation to provide ultimate comfort. Built to adapt to ever-­‐changing conditions and designed for short-­‐duration, high-­‐intensity adventures, these hybrid jackets provide agility and mobility; for apparel that moves with you, not against you. The Same Great DNA in a Whole NEW Moab: We built a juggernaut with the Moab franchise. Now it’s time to introduce a new generation to this versatile, multi-­‐sport shoe with Merrell’s NEW Moab FST. The same great DNA – comfort, fit and versatility – but with a modern look in a mesh and 3-­‐D printed upper for protection and support. All Out Crush Shield Trail Running Shoe Cruises Through Mud and Obstacles: Cruise through cold fronts with Merrell’s NEW All Out Crush Shield. This foul-­‐weather friend provides a shield against morning dew, slush and snow. A unique lug design will shed dirt and debris – the perfect partner for late-­‐season trail runs and Tough Mudder challengers. NEW 1SIX8 is made for the Week’s 168 hours: Looking for adventure and looking good, Merrell’s NEW 1SIX8 is more than a shoe, it’s a mentality. It’s a way of life grounded in the city and built to be lived in – all day, every day – ready to endure all 168 hours of urban and light outdoor adventures. Made for as much as you can fit in a day, 1SIX8 features MSelect™ GRIP Outsole for traction that grips when and where you need it, on the street and off and a high-­‐rebound EVA midsole for all-­‐day comfort. Reintroducing Heritage Designs for the Modern Trail: 2016 marks the 35th Anniversary of Merrell when a custom cowboy boot maker named Randy Merrell built his first high quality, custom-­‐made hiking boots. Proof exists today of just how superior this original Merrell product was in the form of the Wilderness backpacking boot, one of the early styles that still remains in the line. This classic Wilderness, previously made in Italy, is now sourced and made in the USA; built to last a lifetime of adventure – both on and off the trail. Throwing it back to the 80’s, our classic Eagle/Solo Collection broke the mold and introduced lightweight, athletic hikers in bright colors. We’re bringing back the Eagle/Solo stich-­‐for-­‐stich with the same Merrell air cushion and in original colors and new. Merrell continues the celebration of its rich outdoor heritage with the NEW Waitsfield Collection. Named after the birthplace of the Merrell brand, Waitsfield is a small collection of versatile boots and shoes designed for city dwellers who turn to the outdoors for balance, adventure and escape. Each pattern in this collection fuses our latest technology and also a nostalgic nod to our past with our signature Merrell blue laces. Apparel Collection Brings New Breathable/Waterproof Protection Innovations and Warmth Without the Bulk: Our industry-­‐leading VaporVENT™ technology delivers the highest level of breathability and waterproofness, so you no longer have to sacrifice comfort for waterproof protection. The next generation of VaporVENT™ is 35% lighter, delivers our lightest-­‐weight 3L protection to date and introduces TRIZAR™ technology to optimize body heat and regulate temperature for unprecedented comfort. Complete with VaporVENT™ technology and a TRIZAR™ finished membrane, the industry leading NEW VaporVENT 3L Shell offers 15K/40K waterproof, breathability that keeps you dry from the inside out and the outside in. NEW Glacial and Copenhagen Featherless Jackets incorporate NEW 3M™ Thinsulate™ Featherless Down 700g Fill Power. Exclusive to Merrell for 2016, this revolutionary, loose-­‐fill down alternative, has the warmth-­‐to-­‐weight ratio of natural down and provides extreme warmth in extreme conditions, even when wet. Merrell footwear, apparel and accessories are available at Merrell stores, Merrell.com and fine outdoor retailers nationwide. For a store near you, visit Merrell.com. About Merrell Merrell ® believes that nothing should get in the way of enjoying active outdoor adventures. Merrell hiking boots, trail running shoes and apparel are built on Merrell’s outdoor heritage, quality and performance. The trail is the core of our design philosophy and has continued to guide us in the development of innovative products that inspire and enable enjoyment of the outdoors. www.merrell.com Socialize with us: Facebook: facebook.com/merrell; Twitter: @merrelloutside; Instagram: @merrelloutside; Blog: merrell.com/thepack. Contact: Caitlin Roller/ croller@bratskeir.com TOUGH MUDDER INTRODUCES MERRELL AS PRESENTING PARTNER FOR GLOBAL EVENT SERIES Leading outdoor brand Merrell announced as presenting partner for 2016 Tough Mudder event series; New event format Tough Mudder Half introduced to grow Mudder Nation BROOKLYN, NY (November 5, 2015) – Today, premier obstacle event company Tough Mudder Inc. and outdoor pioneer Merrell®, a division of Wolverine Worldwide, announce a multi-­‐year partnership, introducing Merrell as the presenting partner for global Tough Mudder events. The partnership includes the presenting sponsorship of 60+ global events in 2016, connecting the more than two million Tough Mudder participants with Merrell’s industry-­‐leading and innovative outdoor footwear and apparel that inspires people to seek outdoor challenges and enjoy the outside every day. At the same time, Tough Mudder is also launching a brand new event series, Tough Mudder Half. In the spirit of Merrell’s commitment to bringing outdoor experiences to wide and new audiences, Merrell will also be the presenting partner for Tough Mudder Half. This world-­‐wide event series will bring the mud and obstacles Tough Mudder is known for to a shorter-­‐distance format. “At Merrell, we believe that hard elements shouldn’t harden your spirit, that they should be enjoyed, not defeated,” said Jim Gabel, President, Merrell. “ Tough Mudder shares our vision of wit and grit, and together we are committed to inspiring others to overcome obstacles by eliminating barriers to enjoying the outdoors.” The partnership will unite two brands with worldwide communities of outdoor enthusiasts who value teamwork, fun, unique experiences and physical and mental challenges. “We are incredibly excited to welcome Merrell as the presenting partner for global Tough Mudder and Tough Mudder Half events,” said Will Dean, CEO and co-­‐founder of Tough Mudder Inc. “ Tough Mudder is more than an event – it’s a lifestyle based on teamwork, courage, personal accomplishment, and fun, and our partnership with Merrell reflects these shared values. Together we will continue to innovate and improve the event in 2016, and help inspire a new community of Mudders.” This partnership comes at a pivotal moment for both companies. Since its founding in 2010, Tough Mudder has established itself as the world’s largest event series, with over two million participants to date. Inspired by the trail, Merrell has been making performance gear for people who love the outdoors since 1981. Merrell to Present Tough Mudder Events Across the Globe In 2016, Merrell will present 60+ Tough Mudder events in six countries. Each event features a 10+ mile course with world-­‐class obstacles designed to test both physical and mental strength. Courses will include brand new and updated obstacles developed by Tough Mudder’s Obstacle Innovation Team with features designed to test Merrell’s world-­‐class trail and outdoor gear. The partnership will leverage both brands’ innovation and design capabilities, bringing new products and features to global participants. Touchpoints for the partnership will include: •
Finisher t-­‐shirts: Every Tough Mudder and Tough Mudder Half finisher will receive a performance t-­‐shirt celebrating their accomplishment. The lightweight technical tees will feature Merrell’s M Select™ WICK technology to combat sweat and dry quickly – perfect for forging through water, barbed wire, and rugged terrain. •
On-­‐site Presence: Merrell and Tough Mudder will co-­‐develop a unique obstacle that encapsulates the thrill of the outdoors. Merrell is also planning to enhance the on-­‐site Mudder Village for 2016, which will offer participants the opportunity to engage with each other and with spectators as part of Merrell’s new “Do What’s Natural” brand platform. •
Gear: Merrell will bring its heritage and expertise in performance gear to the ultimate outdoor event through a line of co-­‐developed gear designed to get Mudders from sign-­‐
up to the finish line. In 2016, Merrell will introduce the Tough Mudder inspired NEW All Out Crush trail running shoe, with additional products to follow. The M Select™ Grip and deep, multi-­‐directional lugs of the All Out Crush shoe provide 360-­‐degree traction, while flex grooves release mud to allow the foot to move naturally and help propel on ascents. The TPU mesh coating helps protect you from the elements and allows for easy cleaning of mud and dirt – no more throwing your shoes out after the event. A UniFly™ midsole is soft to the ground to connect and cushion from the terrain for a firm foot and more efficient stride. •
Giveaways: 50 Mudders who sign up for a 2016 event will also receive a $250 Merrell gift card, equipping them to focus on training and motivating them to conquer their next event. “Wearing Merrell tells the world you love the outdoors,” said Linda Brunzell, Chief Marketing Officer, Merrell. “Our co-­‐developed apparel will not only celebrate the accomplishment of becoming a Mudder, but will enhance the participant experience.” Tough Mudder Unveils New Global Event Series: Tough Mudder Half Presented by Merrell In 2016, the Tough Mudder Inc. family of events will welcome a significant new addition, Tough Mudder Half, with the worldwide events also being presented by Merrell. Featuring a 5-­‐mile course with more than a dozen obstacles, Tough Mudder Half will bring all the mud of Tough Mudder in half the distance. •
Locations: Tough Mudder Half is launching with nine events presented by Merrell in 2016, including six events in the United States, one in Canada, and two in the United Kingdom, with an option for additional expansion in the second half of the year. For the up-­‐to-­‐date schedule of events and locations, visit toughmudderhalf.com. •
Obstacles: Each Tough Mudder Half course will include a selection of signature Tough Mudder obstacles and an exclusive Tough Mudder Half finish experience. There will be no obstacles including ice, fire, or electricity, but participants will experience plenty of thrills while tackling Tough Mudder favorites including Walk the Plank, a leap from a 12-­‐foot platform into water; Kiss of Mud, a crawl underneath barbed wire; and Everest, a run up a quarter-­‐pipe requiring both speed and teamwork. •
Finish Experience: At the finish, runners will receive a unique Tough Mudder Half headband, a custom Merrell Tough Mudder Half finisher t-­‐shirt, and a full ice cold Shock Top beer. “The development of Tough Mudder Half has been guided by our community from the start,” said Will Dean. “From those yet to run their first Tough Mudder to multi-­‐Mudders eager to bring new friends into the mud, participants and spectators have been asking for a shorter-­‐
distance format for years. With Merrell’s partnership, we’re excited to build this community and bring another world-­‐class event series to life.” For more information on the 2016 Tough Mudder season, visit www.toughmudder.com. Participant and spectator registrations are now open for more than 30 events, with more to open in the coming weeks. To join the conversation, follow Tough Mudder on Facebook at facebook.com/toughmudder, on Twitter @ToughMudder, and on Instagram @Tough_Mudder. To pick up the latest gear from Merrell, visit www.merrell.com. Socialize with us: Facebook: facebook.com/merrell; Twitter: @merrelloutside; Instagram: @merrelloutside; Blog: merrell.com/thepack; YouTube @merrelloutside. ### About Tough Mudder: Founded in 2010 with the launch of the Tough Mudder event series of 10-­‐12 mile military-­‐
style obstacle courses, Tough Mudder Inc. has since grown to include Tough Mudder Half, an obstacle challenge bringing the thrills of Tough Mudder to a 5-­‐mile course; Mudderella, an obstacle course series created by women for women; Fruit Shoot Mini Mudder, a custom event for children ages 7-­‐12; and World’s Toughest Mudder, a grueling 24-­‐hour endurance competition. The Tough Mudder family of brands is united by a commitment to promoting courage, personal accomplishment and teamwork through unconventional, life-­‐changing experiences. With more than two million participants to date, Tough Mudder Inc. will put on more than 60 events worldwide in 2016. To learn more about Tough Mudder, visit toughmudder.com. About Merrell: Merrell® inspires people to seek outdoor challenges and enjoy the outside every day. Merrell hiking boots, trail running shoes and apparel are built on Merrell’s outdoor heritage since 1981, quality and performance. The trail is the core of our design philosophy and has continued to guide us in the development of innovative products that inspire and enable enjoyment of the outdoors. www.merrell.com About Wolverine Worldwide: With a commitment to service and product excellence, Wolverine World Wide, Inc. is one of the world's leading marketers of branded casual, active lifestyle, work, outdoor sport, athletic, children's and uniform footwear and apparel. The Company's portfolio of highly recognized brands includes: Merrell®, Sperry®, Hush Puppies®, Saucony®, Wolverine®, Keds®, Stride Rite®, Sebago®, Cushe®, Chaco®, Bates®, and HYTEST®. The Company also is the global footwear licensee of the popular brands Cat® and Harley-­‐Davidson®. The Company's products are carried by leading retailers in the U.S. and globally in approximately 200 countries and territories. For additional information, please visit our website, wolverineworldwide.com. Contact: Carol Gottshall, Communications Manager, Tough Mudder carol.gottshall@toughmudder.com Caitlin Roller, Bratskeir & Company croller@bratskeir.com