Global footwear brand Merrell has launched its most sustainable trail runner to date – the Bare Access XTR Sweeper featuring recycled materials wherever possible.
Along with recycled laces, linings and footbeds, the trail runners have a BLOOM® performance midsole foam made of 10% recycled algae that transforms green water into clean water in the process. Additionally, the outsole is made from Vibram® EcoDura, derived from 30% recycled, post-manufacturing scraps.
The name of the shoe is derived from the community of ‘Sweepers’ that attend trail runs, such as the characterful Ragnar Trail Series, picking up stray flags and random items left on the trail, returning the course to its pre-race state. To showcase their important efforts, Merrell launched an inspiring short film highlighting the group.
“The volunteers who sweep race courses after a trail race are essential to making sure people can enjoy the trails for years to come,” says Erika Derylo, Brand Manager for Trail Run at Merrell. “They often fly under the radar, so this shoe was really meant to be a way to shine a light on all that they do and thank them for giving up their time to give back to the outdoor community.”
An evolution of the Bare Access collection, the Bare Access XTR Sweeper is a zero millimetre drop trail runner featuring FLEXConnect™ dual-directional flex-grooves, a Hyperlock™ TPU heel counter and Merrell’s Barefoot 2 construction. ff
Traynor On The Trail 