U.S. outdoor footwear brand Merrell and British activewear label Sweaty Betty have launched their fourth collaboration, a Fall/Winter 2026 footwear capsule aimed at women who hike.
The capsule reworks Merrell’s Moab Speed 2 GTX, which the brand describes as one of its best-selling styles, in two exclusive colorways: bracken green and utility brown. The shoe features a Vibram TC5+ outsole developed exclusively for Merrell, a Gore-Tex waterproof membrane, FloatPro foam cushioning and a FlexPlate for stability and forefoot flexibility.
Hiking as a Community Activity
According to the brands, the partnership responds to a broader shift in how women experience the outdoors, with hiking increasingly seen as a social activity rather than a purely technical one. Ahead of the launch, Sweaty Betty’s community joined the Merrell Hiking Club, the brand’s female-led hiking group, for a preview of the collection.
“We’re proud to continue our collaborative partnership with Sweaty Betty. Their commitment to empowering women through movement, community and confidence makes them such a natural collaborator for Merrell,” said Noreen Naroo-Pucci, chief product officer at Merrell.
Sweaty Betty Expands Its Hike Range
Alongside the footwear, Sweaty Betty is extending its own hike collection. The brand has adapted its Power Leggings, its best-selling product, into the Power Hike Legging, made from a four-way stretch fabric with a water-resistant finish and a back panel for carrying an extra layer. The range also includes performance fleece zip-ups and longline parkas from its Motion line.
Stacey Britt Fitzgerald, vice president of marketing at Sweaty Betty, said the collaboration ties in with the brand’s Fall/Winter 2026 campaign “Born For The Storm.” “Together with our expanded Hike collection, we’re bringing a distinctly Sweaty Betty point of view to the trail, combining performance and style with a fresh take on the outdoors,” she added.
