The Merrell 1TRL SS26 Collection Expands Modern Heritage Outdoor Design
Amy Duong — February 18, 2026 — Art & Design
References: merrell
The Merrell 1TRL SS26 collection continues the brand’s exploration of outdoor footwear through a modern heritage lens, combining archival references with material experimentation. The seasonal lineup introduces new silhouettes alongside updated versions of existing models, drawing from Merrell’s trail running and exploratory design history. Materials across the range include open mesh constructions, full-grain leathers, textured suedes, neoprene components, and Vibram sole units, balancing durability with directional surface treatments and color finishes.
New additions include the Relay Web 1TRL, a low-profile silhouette rooted in early-2000s track influences, constructed with leather and suede overlays and a one-piece heel-wrapping sole for all-terrain grip. The Jungle Trek Mule 1TRL reworks the Jungle Moc with a mule construction and tonal camouflage pattern, paired with a recycled neoprene collar. Updates also appear on the Moab 2 Remix, MTL Adapt Matryx, and Skyfire 2, each featuring revised materials, asymmetric lacing details, and seasonal colorways.
Image Credit: Merrell 1TRL
New additions include the Relay Web 1TRL, a low-profile silhouette rooted in early-2000s track influences, constructed with leather and suede overlays and a one-piece heel-wrapping sole for all-terrain grip. The Jungle Trek Mule 1TRL reworks the Jungle Moc with a mule construction and tonal camouflage pattern, paired with a recycled neoprene collar. Updates also appear on the Moab 2 Remix, MTL Adapt Matryx, and Skyfire 2, each featuring revised materials, asymmetric lacing details, and seasonal colorways.
Image Credit: Merrell 1TRL
Trend Themes
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Heritage-driven Design — Blending archival silhouettes with contemporary construction presents opportunities to reissue classic models with modern performance upgrades and storytelling-led premium positioning.
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Material Hybridization — A mix of open mesh, full-grain leather, neoprene and technical suedes signals room for composite assemblies and multi-material uppers that balance durability, breathability and aesthetic finish.
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Trail-to-street Crossover — Trail-rooted features like Vibram soles and rugged profiles being adapted into low-profile, lifestyle silhouettes suggests demand for multifunctional footwear that performs off-road and reads urban.
Industry Implications
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Outdoor Footwear Manufacturing — Integration of asymmetric lacing, one-piece heel units and specialized sole compounds points to manufacturing shifts toward advanced molding, bonded constructions and customized fit systems.
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Apparel and Accessories — Mule adaptations and tonal camouflage trims indicate potential for coordinated apparel capsules and accessory lines that extend outdoor heritage aesthetics into lifestyle wardrobes.
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Sustainable Materials Supply — Use of recycled neoprene and renewed interest in durable natural leathers highlights scalable demand for recycled polymers, bio-based alternatives and traceable material sourcing solutions.
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