By now, there are plenty of outdoor brands that have made the transition to becoming streetwear staples. But despite crafting some of the most ubiquitous hiking shoes on the trail, Merrell has yet to truly cross over to the urban jungle. That might all change now with its latest collaboration with fellow outdoor brand Gramicci who helped write the blueprint for hybrid fashion decades ago.
Two Originals, One Vision
There’s something kismet about Merrell and Gramicci finally coming together. Both brands emerged from the same era — Merrell in 1981 from Vermont’s hiking culture, Gramicci a year later from Yosemite’s climbing counterculture — yet took vastly different paths to reach this moment. While Randy Merrell was perfecting handcrafted boots for serious trekkers, Mike Graham was designing gusseted climbing shorts for the Stonemasters, incorporating innovations like diamond-shaped crotches and webbing belts that would eventually infiltrate Tokyo’s streetwear scene.
The Moab 2 Siren is their first official partnership, and it’s built on arguably Merrell’s most significant silhouette. The Moab — shorthand for “Mother of All Boots” — has become the world’s best-selling hiking boot, a title that speaks to both its accessibility and performance prowess. Adding Gramicci’s design sensibility into the mix creates something that aims for both trail veterans and the gorpcore crowd.
Siren Call
The most obvious departure from the standard Moab 2 is the reinterpreted Siren Web upper. Where traditional Moab models lean heavily on suede overlays and mixed materials, this version integrates webbing straps directly into the construction. Aside from the evolved aesthetic, the integrated lacing system creates a more secure fit while the combination of suede leather, breathable mesh, and Lycra spandex lining adds some flexibility.
Two colorways anchor the release. “Dark Earth” brings classic trail vibes with its earthy brown tones, while “Citron” injects some California energy through vibrant lime green accents. Both feature rubberized toecaps and padded collars.
Trail Performance Still Intact
Underneath the refreshed aesthetic sits proven Moab 2 technology. The lightweight EVA foam midsole provides cushioning, while the Vibram TC5+ outsole delivers reliable traction across varied terrain. Also returning is Merrell’s Air Cushion system in the heel to absorb shocks and a molded nylon arch shank for stability.
Spec Sheet
Model: Moab 2 Siren x Gramicci
Upper: Suede leather overlays, breathable mesh, Lycra spandex lining
Midsole: Lightweight EVA foam (50% recycled insole)
Outsole: Vibram TC5+ high traction
Features: Integrated Siren Web lacing system, molded nylon arch shank, Merrell Air Cushion heel, rubberized toecap, 100% recycled laces and mesh footbed cover
Colorways: Dark Earth, Citron
Price: $140
Pricing & Availability
Priced at $140, the Merrell x Gramicci Moab 2 Siren is now available on both Merrell and Gramicci’s webistes.
Recap
Merrell x Gramicci Moab 2 Siren
Merrell and Gramicci just teamed up on a reimagined version of the iconic Moab 2 hiking shoe, blending trail-tested performance with street-ready style through an updated Siren Web upper.
