In its collection for fall/winter 2013-14, Merrell uses a new membrane construction by Gore-Tex called Connectfit on an exclusive basis. Merrell is the first shoemaker worldwide to use the innovation in the Ascend Glove GTX, a minimalistic trail-running shoe, and Proterra GTX, a line of lightweight hiking boots. The implementation of Gore's new technology promises that the new footwear has a fit as close to the foot as a glove to the hand. In its quest for the perfect fit, Merrell wanted a maximum of flexibility in the sole and the best possible fit, combined with Gore-Tex' traditional selling points, breathability and waterproofness. After one year of research and development, with Connecfit the designers for Merrell and Gore-Tex now present the combination of two different laminates: For the best possible fitting Merrell uses a laminate from the Extended Comfort collection for the entire upper except for the tongue. For a maximum of flexibility in the tongue, Merrell works with the Jazz laminate, which is stretchable in four directions. Additionally, the Connectfit system provides improved flexibility underneath the foot through its Double Slip Last technology.

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