Merrell teamed up with Melbourne-based creative label Perks and Mini (P.A.M.) for a new collaboration that explores life between the city and the outdoors. The partnership embraces the spaces in between, where movement, adaptability and self-expression become central to the design philosophy.
Founded in 2000 by Misha Hollenbach and Shauna Toohey, P.A.M. has built an international reputation for combining fashion, art, music and subculture into experimental collections that challenge traditional design conventions. That creative approach alismg perfectly with Merrell’s growing lifestyle direction, resulting in a collaboration that combines technical outdoor performance and imaginative visual identity.
Two Merrell Icons Reimagined
The collaboration centres on two of Merrell’s most recognisable silhouettes: the Chameleon and the Hydro Moc. Both models have been reworked through P.A.M.’s distinctive lens, taking inspiration from amphibian life and environments where land and water naturally intersect.
The Chameleon Storm GORE-TEX x P.A.M. updates the original Chameleon with a contemporary construction designed for both performance and everyday wear. An engineered mesh upper receives a custom 3D silicone treatment that creates a reptilian texture, while the toggle quick-lace system adds some practical functionality. GORE-TEX waterproof protection ensures breathability in changing conditions, while the moulded TPU heel counter and FloatMax foam midsole provides stability and long-lasting comfort.
Alongside it sits the Hydro Next Gen Moc x P.A.M., which evolves Merrell’s popular Hydro Mo. Into a more sculptural and expressive silhouette. Constructed from a lightweight EVA foam, the design is intended to move effortlessly between water and land, while textured speckled finishes and flecked sidewalls reinforce the organic inspiration. A lenticular bubble-eye detail introduces an unexpected visual element.
Inspired by Personal Experiences
The partnership started with a story that held genuine meaning for both brands. During a 50-mile bike ride, P.A.M. co-founder Misha Hollenbach waa forced to complete the journey in a pair of Merrell Hydro Mocs after his original footwear failed. Having long relied on the silhouette for bikepacking adventures, the experience became the starting point for a collaboration centred on versatility, resilience and moving comfortably between different environments.
That personal experience can be felt throughout the collection, which places equal importance on functionality and storytelling. P.A.M. reinterprets Merrell’s footwear through new textures, materials and conceptual references that remain grounded in practical performance.
A Surreal Campaign Brings the Collection to Life
Supporting the launch is a campaign directed by Milan-based film collective NO TEXT AZIENDA, with special effects body paint created by Tokyo artist Amazing Jiro. Together, they construct a surreal visual narrative built around transformation, perceptionand the fluid relationship between humans and their environments.
The campaign mirrors the collection’s central concept by gradually revealing distorted forms, amphibian-inspired visuals and shifting perspectives, creating an immersive experience that feels unmistakably aligned with P.A.M.’s experimental creative language while showcasing Merrell’s technical footwear in an entirely new context.
Global Launch
To coincide with the new release, Merrell and P.A.M. are hosting a series of in-store launch events in key cities like Sydney, Seoul, Tokyo, Chengdu, London and New York. Featuring DJ sets and community gatherings, the events reinforce the collaborative spirit behind the project.
Launching globally on 9 July 2026, the collection will be available through selected retailers, Merrell and P.A.M., with the Hydro Next Gen Moc priced at $120 and the Cham Storm GORE-TEX retailing for $190.
