The second partnership between the outdoor footwear brand and London-based label reimagines Merrell’s iconic slide silhouette in two premium suede colorways.
ROCKFORD, Mich., Sept. 11, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Merrell, the global outdoor footwear brand, and London-based fashion brand YMC come together for the second time to launch new colours of the Moab 2 Slide x YMC. Available in Black and Dark Walnut, the limited-edition collaboration brings YMC’s understated, utility-led design language to a Merrell icon built for comfort, versatility and everyday wear.
YMC, short for “You Must Create,” is both a mission statement and a call to action. Founded in 1995, the brand is known for thoughtful, functional design drawing influence from workwear, subculture, music and art. In its latest partnership with Merrell, YMC brings their creative point of view to the Moab 2 Slide, balancing the silhouette’s outdoor DNA with premium materials and an elevated finish.
The Moab 2 Slide x YMC features a hairy suede upper, easy slip-on construction and a protective rubber toe cap for durability. A leather footbed cover adds a premium underfoot feel, while Merrell Air Cushion in the heel helps absorb shock and add stability. The style is finished with a Vibram Ecostep Recycle outsole designed with 30% recycled rubber for durability and grip on wet and dry surfaces.
“We have always admired how YMC approaches design with restraint, purpose and intentionality,” said Noreen Naroo-Pucci, Chief Product Officer at Merrell. “This second collaboration gives us the opportunity to revisit an iconic Merrell silhouette through a more refined lens, while keeping the comfort, utility and outdoor credibility that make the Moab franchise so trusted.”
“Following on from our last collaboration with Merrell, we wanted to continue with our take on the Moab slide. The shoe is a style that I believe can integrate seamlessly into someone’s life who lives between the city and the outdoors which so many of us do,” said Sage Toda-Nation, Creative Director at YMC. “The shoe feels like it fits just right into the YMC uniform. Merrell has always created shoes that stand the test of time and push innovation. It’s been a pleasure to bring this shoe to life together.”
The partnership is brought to life through a campaign centred around kite flying – a playful, outdoor pursuit with a rich history of making and experimentation. Inspired by the story of the late Peter Powell and the history of Peter Powell Kites, the campaign follows the process of building and flying a kite, from the studio to the open air. A short film captures the making, movement and sense of play at the heart of the collaboration.
The Merrell Moab 2 Slide x YMC will launch exclusively at YMC.com and YMC stores on September 11, 2026 for $150/£130/€150. The collaboration will then be available globally on Merrell.com and at select retailers beginning September 21, with UK availability exclusive to Merrell and END.
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ABOUT MERRELL: Merrell exists to share the simple power of being outside and is committed to building an inclusive and more sustainable environment for future generations to enjoy. As the global leader in outdoor active footwear with the Moab hiking boot and Jungle Moc, Merrell is focused on merging performance, styling, and comfort to empower all people to explore the outdoors confidently. The brand was named Footwear News’ 2022 Brand of the Year for promoting a more diverse vision of the outdoors. Visit Merrell.com or follow us on social @Merrell. Merrell is a division of Wolverine World Wide, Inc. (NYSE: WWW), one of the world’s leading marketers and licensors of branded casual, active lifestyle, work, outdoor sport, athletic, children’s, and uniform footwear and apparel.
ABOUT YMC:
YMC was founded in 1995. Taking its name from a quote by industrial designer Raymond Loewy – “You must create your own design style” – You Must Create is both a mission statement and a call to action.
Taking inspiration from traditional workwear and uniforms, the brand set out to create understated, functional men’s, women’s and unisex garments designed to stand the test of time. Thirty years later, YMC continues to combine an encyclopaedic knowledge of subcultures, music and the arts with a counter-culture, DIY attitude to create wearable yet directional collections that defy expectations whilst capturing the current zeitgeist.
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