Merrell was established in 1981 when Clark Matis and John Schweizer, (previously executives with a ski manufacturer) decided to launch a new company to make hiking boots. They joined with Randy J. Merrell (R.J. Merrell), a maker of high-end custom boots. In 1982  Matis designed a more affordable high-performance boot. In 1983, the new Merrell company delivered its first product to the market. Merrell believes in encouraging and equipping everyone to get outside.