Merrell Trail and Pace Glove Win "Best Debut" in Runner's World

In its first introduction of barefoot running shoes, the Merrell Trail Glove for men and Pace Glove for women receive high honors as “Best Debut” in the Runner’s World spring 2011 trail shoe guide. A “Best Debut” in the shoe guide points to a new release that received top scores from the Runner’s World Shoe Lab, “wear testers” and from Runner’s World editors. The announcement will be made in the April issue of Runner’s World.

“We are thrilled with this honor from Runner’s World,” said Bill Dodge, Vice President Global Product Development of Wolverine World Wide’s Outdoor Group. “From design to development to testing we have put a lot of time, energy and heart into the Merrell Barefoot program. From marketing our focus has been on education, our barefoot microsite and our new iPhone training app, all of which provide people with the proper information to get the best start in barefoot shoes. We hope our barefoot program will inspire more people to get outside.”

“The Merrell Pace and Trail Glove are close to the ground minimal shoes for foot strengthening,” said Runner’s World Brand Editor Warren Greene in his video review of the shoe on runnersworld.com. “Merrell has improved upon a great barefoot outsole design by locking down the upper on top of this minimal sole with a wide forefoot so the toes can splay. Additionally, our female testers liked the women’s specific Pace Glove because it locks down the heel for a precise fit.”

Designed with a zero heel to toe drop and a flexible outsole, Merrell Barefoot shoes blend minimalist design with specific traction zones to stimulate, realign and strengthen your feet. The shoes help engage the feet for a more natural stride by moving the wearer off the heel and encouraging forward momentum to a mid-foot landing with lower impact while stimulating awareness of the terrain underfoot.

For men, the Trail Glove is an athletic runner for a close-to-terrain ride. It features synthetic leather and mesh uppers and the proprietary Merrell Omni-Fitâ„¢ lacing system that quickly cinches for a precise fit. An internal support construction secures the mid-foot for optimal fit and responsiveness. The women’s specific Pace Glove is a low-profile runner constructed with a breathable mesh upper, and advanced protection underfoot is mapped with minimal cushioning where it’s most needed. A Merrell Omni-Fit lace system quickly pulls tight for an individualized fit and optimal responsiveness on uneven terrain.

About Merrell
Merrell® is a brand within the Outdoor Group, a division of Wolverine World Wide, Inc. that also includes Chaco and Patagonia Footwear. Merrell believes in encouraging everyone to get outside, be active and have fun, and is the largest outdoor brand partner of the National Park Foundation. Wolverine World Wide, Inc. is headquartered in Rockford, Michigan. The company’s portfolio of highly-recognized brands includes: Bates®, Chaco, Cushe®, Hush Puppies®, Merrell®, Sebago® and Wolverine®. The Company is also the exclusive footwear licensee of the following popular brands: CAT®, Harley-Davidson® and Patagonia®. The Company’s products are carried by leading retailers in the U.S. and globally in nearly 180 countries and territories. Merrell, 9341 Courtland Drive, Rockford, Mich. 49351. Phone: (800) 789-8586; Fax: (888) 746-3329. FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/merrell TWITTER: @merrelloutside.

About Runner’s World
Recognized as the worldwide authority on running information, the mission of Rodale’s Runner’s World is to inform, advise and motivate runners of all ages and abilities. Named to Adweek’s 2010 Hot List, Runner’s World aims to help runners achieve their personal health, fitness and performance goals while inspiring them with vivid, memorable storytelling. Runner’s World offers the award-winning Runner’s World Challenge, allowing readers to interact with editors while training for races and run races with the magazine’s staff. Runner’s World publishes 14 international editions: Australia/New Zealand, Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands/Belgium, Philippines, Poland, South Africa, Spain, Sweden and United Kingdom. For up-to-date running news, visit www.runnersworld.com, and get instant updates on twitter (@runnersworld) and Facebook (Runner’s World Magazine). Runner’s World is also available as a mobile app on the iPad.