Clark Matis, Rany Merrell, and John Schweitzer created MERRELL FOOTWEAR in 1981 in Waitsfield, Vermont. The company has designed and produced performance outdoor footwear throughout much of its history. Matis and Schweitzer sold the private company to Karhu USA; and in 1997, Wolverine Worldwide acquired the company. Since then, it has grown in the aftersport and fashion footwear categories. Included in Wolverine Worldwide's Outdoor Group with Sebago, Merrell also designs and produces footwear, under license, with Patagonia.