Merrell and London-based label YMC return to the Moab 2 Slide for their second collaboration, bringing a new paid of colourways and another story rooted in creativity, craftsmanship and the outdoors. The latest releases comes in Black and Dark Walnut, giving Merrell’s familiar outdoor silhouette a quieter, more considered personality through YMC’s utility-led approach to design.
YMC stands for “You Must Create”, a name that also works as a mission statement. Since its founding in 1995, the London label has built its identity around fictional clothing influenced by workwear, music, art and subculture. That perspective translates naturally to the Moab 2 Slide, allowing YMC to strip back some of the traditional outdoor aesthetic while also keeping the comfort and practicality that define Merrell’s footwear.
YMC Reworks a Merrell Classic
The Moab 2 Slide x YMC starts with a hairy suede upper that gives the silhouette a more tactile, premium finish. The slip-on construction keeps things straightforward, while a protective rubber toe cap adds durability and reinforces the Moab’s outdoor roots.
Underfoot, YMC and Merrell continue the balance between comfort and performance. A leather footbed cover creates a softer, more premium feel, while Merrell Air Cushioninh technology in the heel absorbs shock and adds stability as you move through the day.
The collaboration finishes with a Vibram Ecostep Recycle outsole, which uses 30% recycled rubber while also providing grip across both wet and dry surfaces. That combination keeps the Moab 2 Slide ready for outdoor use withou making it feel like a piece of equipment that only belongs on the trail.
From the Studio to the Open Air
YMC and Merell take the collaboration beyond the sneaker itself through a campaign centred on kite flying. The simple act of building and launching a kite gives the two brands a way to explore creativity, movement and the relationship between making something and taking it outside.
The campaign draws inspiration from the late Peter Powell and the history of Peter Powell Kites. Powell helped popularise stunt kites durinh the 1970s, turning an age-old form of outdoor play into something more dynamic and experimental. His approach to design and flight provides a fitting reference point for a collaboration that connects hands-on creativity and outdoor exploration.
The accompanying short film follows the process from the studio to the open air, focusing on the construction of the kite before capturing the movement and play that follow once it takes flight. Merrell and YMC use the activity to communicate the shared spirit behind the collection: make something, get outside and see where it takes you.
The Merrell x YMC Moab 2 Slide releases in Black and Dark Walnut as a limited-edition release on Monday, 21st September 2026 at select retailers, for the UK availability is exclusive to END. and Merrell.
Merrell and YMC Find a New Rhythm for the Moab 2 Slide
