Parks Project and Merrell have joined forces for a special take on the Moab 3 hiker that’s made of HyphaLite — a bio-based mushroom material that’s a 100% biodegradable plastic alternative and a fitting choice for the collaboration, as preserving America’s parks is at the very core of Parks Project’s mission.
The upper of the Parks Project x Merrell Moab 3 pays homage to the colors found in national parks, consisting mainly of tan textiles, from a ripstop base to a rugged, canvas-like exoskeleton and a synthetic mudguard/midfoot overlay. There are plenty of hi-vis hits that nod to to some of the parks’ vibrant flora and fauna as well, with a volt yellow used as midfoot trim, a cool blue present on the collar and a mixture of blaze orange laces and soft pink eyelets to round off the assemblage. Down below, Merrell’s Air Cushion midsoles work with a durable Vibram TC5 outsole to supply both comfort and support.
Besides the footwear, the collection offers an extensive range of apparel with plant-inspired graphic treatments across long and short-sleeve tees, crewnecks, quarter zips, joggers and shorts. Parks Project and Merrell have also made a joint $9,000 USD donation to the Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation, and will be hosting a volunteer-driven park clean-up event in the City of Angels in the coming weeks.
“As a leading footwear brand, our goals are to modernize the activity of hiking while preserving nature for future generations to enjoy and designing styles for them to look cool while doing so,” said Merrell Chief Marketing Officer Pallav Tamaskar. “Together, we’re not just creating products, but also paving the way for positive changes within the industry and leaving the world a better place.”
The Parks Project x Merrell Moab 3 and its accompanying apparel release on June 5 via the Merrell webstore and select stockists. Shoes are priced at $155 USD while apparel ranges from $30-$75 USD.
