# Urban-Outdoor Slides Merrell and YMC Design Footwear for City-to-Trail Lifestyles By Mursal Rahman | Written with AI assistance | Published 2026-09-14 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/slide-x-ymc References: [wwd](https://wwd.com/footwear-news/shoe-industry-news/merrell-moab-2-slide-ymc-release-date-1239225997) & [globenewswire](https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/09/11/3360344/0/en/merrell-and-ymc-reunite-for-new-moab-2-slide-collaboration.html)  Urban-outdoor slides are combining trail-ready functionality with understated styling for consumers moving between city and outdoor environments. Merrell and London-based fashion brand YMC have reunited to update the Moab 2 Slide in Black and Dark Walnut. The limited-edition footwear features a hairy suede upper, protective rubber toe cap and premium leather footbed cover. Merrell Air Cushion technology provides shock absorption and stability, while a Vibram Ecostep Recycle outsole containing 30% recycled rubber provides grip across wet and dry surfaces. The collaboration allows Merrell to reposition an established outdoor silhouette for fashion-conscious consumers without abandoning its performance credentials. YMC's design perspective can introduce the Moab franchise to audiences interested in utility-led fashion and versatile footwear. Limited availability and a phased global release can also build exclusivity, while the second collaboration strengthens the relationship between [outdoor performance and contemporary lifestyle fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/it-starts-outside). Image Credit: Merrell ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.5/10 - Popularity: 7% | Activity: 7% | Freshness: 91% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/shoes) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **City-to-trail Footwear:** Hybrid slides with trail-grade traction and refined styling reflect rising demand for products that move seamlessly between urban routines and outdoor escapes. - **Utility-led Fashion:** Performance details such as rubber toe caps, shock absorption and recycled outsoles are becoming aesthetic signals within contemporary fashion categories. - **Limited-edition Outdoor Collaborations:** Brand partnerships between technical outdoor labels and fashion studios create exclusivity while expanding heritage product lines into lifestyle-driven consumer segments. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Footwear:** Versatile silhouettes that combine comfort, durability and understated design are reshaping expectations for casual and performance footwear. - **Outdoor Recreation:** Established trail technologies are gaining new relevance as consumers seek accessible gear suited to lighter, more frequent outdoor activities. - **Sustainable Fashion:** Recycled rubber outsoles and long-wear materials highlight how eco-conscious components can be integrated into premium lifestyle products without reducing performance appeal. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Aged Trail Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moab-3-old-faithful.md) - [Open-Heel Trail Mules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/xt4-mule.md) - [Trail-Informed Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/merrell-1trl-ss26.md) - [Barefoot-Style Slip-On Mules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vivobarefoot-gobi-wavey-mule.md) - [Fuzzy Mule Slip-Ons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/harbor-mule-slipon.md) - [Seasonal Woven Leather Slides](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moab-slide-woven.md) - [Shearling-Lined Suede Slippers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/amour-suede-shearling-bridges.md) - [Insulated Backless Mule Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mountain-mule-trend.md) - [Technical Footwear Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/merrell-x-pam.md)