Merrell’s MQM Rush Flex Debuts as Second Iteration of the Hybrid Hiker Line

August 21, 2018

Simon Donato Completes Adventure Science’s Beyond Roads Expedition in Oman with Merrell’s New MQM Rush Flex

ROCKFORD, Mich. (Aug. 21, 2018) —  Merrell has launched the second iteration of their MQM line with the introduction of the MQM Rush Flex. This technical hiker is engineered with ballistic fabrics carefully mapped in high wear areas to offer relentless protection, without the weight, for moving quickly in the mountains.  

In December 2017, Merrell Ambassador and Adventure Science athlete Simon Donato field tested the MQM Rush Flex during his third expedition to the Musandam Peninsula in Oman. He set out to leverage his fitness as an ultra-runner and his passion for archaeology to geotag unexplored archeological sites scattered across the mountainous peninsula. Due to unforgiving landscapes, injury, and their footwear failing them from the extremely rugged and sharp terrain, Donato and his team were unable to complete their expedition in Oman during the previous two attempts. With a single pair of MQM Rush Flex on their feet, Simon and his team were able to traverse 100+ km through this unstudied landscape successfully on their third attempt and discover 50+ sites that were then acknowledged in a scientific paper.

Dr. Simon Donato is an ultra-marathoner and the founder of Adventure Science, an organization that pairs athletes with researchers to conduct scientific field projects in remote locations around the globe. Adventure Science was born when Donato wanted to do something with his athletic ability to positively impact the world. Through Adventure Science, he has conducted over 15 global projects exploring everything from archaeological ruins and dinosaur fossils, to searching for missing airplanes and people, to conducting exercise physiology projects.

“As an ultra-marathoner and mountain athlete, I knew I wanted to use my fitness abilities to benefit the greater good,” says Donato. “Through Adventure Science and our excursion to Oman, my team and I were able to partner with an archaeologist and discover sites that many in the past were simply not physically able to reach. Because of the durability and protection offered by the MQM Rush Flex, our feet were able to carry us to complete our mission and benefit archaeological research through our many discoveries.”

The MQM Rush Flex is made with one of the toughest, rip-resistant materials used in workwear and motorsport apparel. CORDURA fabric wraps the entire upper for premium wear-and-tear protection and unmatched durability. Merrell’s proprietary Kinetic Fit BASE insole contours to match the curve of your foot for flexible, natural support and intuitive, responsive movement. The shoe’s M Select Grip outsole tunes connection with persistent, all-over traction that grabs the ground during sharp and steep movements. 

“When Simon told us about the terrain that was keeping him from completing his adventure science expedition in Oman, we knew we could create a product that would carry him through successfully,” says Steve Workman, VP of Hike Product at Merrell. “After withstanding the demanding and sharp topography in the Musandam Peninsula, the technologies and features of the MQM Rush Flex have proven they can take on even the most extreme environments.”

The MQM Rush Flex is now available on Merrell.com. For more information on the MQM Rush Flex or Simon Donato’s expedition, contact Lauren King at lauren.king@wwwinc.com.

ABOUT MERRELL

Merrell® exists to give you all you really need to discover the simple yet profound power of the trail. We believe the trail is for everyone. Our goal is to provide thoughtfully designed, rigorously tested products that over-deliver on performance, versatility and durability. Because when you’ve got air in your lungs and good shoes on your feet, you’ve got everything you need. Visit Merrell.com or follow us on social at @merrell and @merrelloutside.

MEDIA CONTACTS
Lauren King / lauren.king@wwwinc.com
Teona Ostrov / tostrov@bratskeir.com