To counter the homebody trend spawned by the pandemic, streaming, and remote work, Merrell has launched an innovative program called Outside in the City. Meant to inspire city dwellers and remind them that getting outdoors doesn’t require escaping to the countryside, the program will include immersive experiences, guided walks, workshops, public art, and creative partnerships.
With more than half the world’s population living in urban areas and those numbers expected to increase, Outside in the City provides a timely reminder that getting out can be woven into everyday life. In the brand’s words: Outside isn’t somewhere you go; it’s something you step into.
“Our job isn’t to redefine the outdoors, it’s to redefine who feels invited,” says Richard McLeod, global chief marketing officer at Merrell. “Cities are full of people already seeking movement, connection, and meaning. Merrell Outside in the City is about unlocking that mindset, showing that the transformative power of stepping outside is available to everyone, everywhere.”
The first Outside in the City activations will launch in New York, London, and Paris, with additional cities to follow throughout 2026.
In Manhattan, Merrell tapped artist Shantell Martin to create a largescale mural that will be unveiled in Union Square on April 30 to mark the official launch of Outside in the City.
“New York has always been a place where I walk, observe, and question what’s around me,” says Martin. “This piece is an invitation for people to step outside, slow down, and experience the city with fresh eyes, to realize that the outdoors isn’t somewhere else, it’s already here.”
In London, Merrell will partner with Ollie Ranger of Flock Together, an urban bird‑watching collective. In Paris, the brand will collaborate with Samuel Marque, an urban fisherman, during Fête de la Musique in June, and activate during Paris Fashion Week alongside the Castay Twins, art directors who draw creative inspiration from the Parisian streets.
For more information on Merrell Outside in the City, upcoming events, and ways to get involved, visit merrell.com and follow @merrell on social media.
The post Out and About: Merrell Launches “Outside in the City” appeared first on Footwear Plus Magazine.
