Merrell Nova 4
Pros
- Excellent trail shoe for beginners
- Ideal for heel strikers
- Noticeably lighter than Nova 3
- Strong breathability
- Comfortable, fully redesigned upper
- Versatile 4.0-mm lugs
- Works for hiking too
- Reasonable price
- Fully gusseted tongue
Cons
- Extremely low energy return
- High drop can feel awkward
- Weak heel padding
- Firm feel underfoot
Key Features
- Breathable engineered mesh and TPU upper for enhanced ventilation and durability.
- 100% recycled laces and webbing, reflecting Merrell's commitment to sustainability.
- 50% recycled removable EVA foam footbed provides cushioning while being eco-friendly.
- FloatPro Foam midsole designed for lightweight comfort that endures through long runs and hikes.
- Merrell Quantum Grip durable rubber outsole ensures traction and stability on all terrains.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported.
- Sole material: Rubber.
- Outer material: Leather.
- Inner material: Faux Leather.
The Nova 4 is a straightforward trainer designed for casual trail runners and beginners. It emphasizes comfort through its steep drop, flexible build, and lightweight construction, which we verified in our lab tests. This combination makes it a reliable choice for those looking to enjoy trail running without overthinking their footwear.
This model features a significant 12.1 mm drop, which is particularly suitable for heel-strikers. Additionally, the midsole is highly flexible, allowing for a smooth transition with each stride. Our bend test confirmed that it is 21.9% more malleable than the average shoe, contributing to its suitability for all-day wear.
The Nova 4's light weight of 9.6 oz (272g) enhances comfort, reducing fatigue compared to typical trail shoes, which average 10.2 oz (289g). Its agility makes it versatile enough for hiking during breaks between runs. Furthermore, the outsole features 4.0 mm lugs, providing adequate grip and support on easy to moderate terrains.
However, the Nova 4 may not meet the expectations of athletes seeking higher performance levels. Its lower energy return indicates that it is not suited for more intense running sessions. Thus, while it excels in comfort for casual use, those aiming for elevated performance might need to explore other options.
Merrell Agility Peak 5
Pros
- Easily handles tough trails
- Performs well on both downhills and uphills
- Extremely durable upper with numerous TPU reinforcements
- Suitable for year-round use
- Loads of recycled, eco-friendly stuff
- Wonderful for heel strikers
- Excellent all-terrain shoe
Cons
- Grips worse than expected
- Actual drop deviates significantly from what's stated
- Feels flat underfoot
- Narrow toebox
Key Features
- Upper Material: The sneakers boast a durable textile and synthetic upper that offers breathability and support.
- Comfort: Equipped with a textile lining and a removable textile insole, these shoes ensure your feet stay fresh and comfortable throughout the day.
- Design: The round toe and lace closure provide a secure fit, while the padded collar adds extra comfort.
- Midsole: The FloatPro Foam midsole delivers a lightweight ride that maintains energy return over long distances.
- Traction: Featuring Vibram MegaGrip technology, the outsole provides excellent traction and durability on both wet and dry surfaces.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Synthetic
- Inner Material: Textile
The Merrell Agility Peak 5 is an ideal stability shoe for Spartan races, providing reliable grip and controlled movements through its Vibram outsole and rigid construction. This footwear offers the support and comfort essential for navigating obstacle courses effectively.
Designed for safety, the shoe's strong foothold allows for unrestricted movement. It demonstrates resistance to lateral shifts, maintaining a centered position inside the shoe, as evidenced by its high ratings of 5/5 for torsional rigidity and 4/5 for heel counter stiffness.
The grippy Vibram Megagrip outsole enhances outdoor performance with deep 4.5 mm rubber lugs that provide traction on slick surfaces. This feature enables users to climb walls and traverse muddy terrain with confidence.
Impact protection is offered by the thick 39.2 mm heel, while the moderate 25.8 mm forefoot height ensures adequate ground feel for agility. Testing revealed a high 125 SA rating in shock absorption, indicating effective joint protection during strenuous activities.
However, it is important to note that the Agility Peak 5 received a score of 3/5 for breathability, indicating limited ventilation, which may not be suitable for tropical weather conditions.
Merrell Morphlite
Pros
- Excellent price point
- Versatile across multiple terrains
- Feather-light build
- Eco-conscious recycled materials
- Improved fit vs. previous Merrells
- Works fantastic for heel strikers
- Good arch support
- Well-designed tongue
Cons
- Sparse outsole coverage
- Major durability concerns
- Drop differs too much from stated
- Not for wide feet
Key Features
- Jacquard upper for added durability and breathability
- Internal bootie that provides a locked-in fit, enhancing stability during runs
- 100% recycled breathable mesh lining and mesh footbed cover, contributing to sustainability
- FloatPro Foam midsole offers lightweight comfort that endures throughout your run
- Merrell sticky rubber outsole designed for exceptional grip and traction on varying surfaces
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole material: Rubber for enhanced durability
- Outer material: Mesh for breathability
- Inner material: Mesh ensuring comfort and moisture management
The Merrell Morphlite is a budget-friendly hiking shoe priced at $100, ideal for those seeking significant comfort and durability during outdoor activities. With its premium shock absorption and flexibility packaged in a lightweight design, lab tests indicate that the Morphlite provides all-day comfort.
Upon wearing the Morphlite, its notable comfort is immediately apparent. The shoe features a foam height of 32.2/21.3 mm, providing high impact protection without being overly bulky. Scoring 125 SA in the heel, it effectively reduces stress on muscles and joints with each step.
This shoe's exceptional flexibility allows for easier movement of the foot. In our bend test, the Morphlite demonstrated a pliability that is 30.1% greater than average, contributing to its ease of use during hikes. Additionally, weighing only 8.4 oz (237g), it is 18.0% lighter than the typical hiking shoe, enhancing overall comfort and versatility.
However, one drawback is that the outsole shows signs of wear faster than average, as evidenced by the 1.4 mm damage observed from our Dremel test. The shoe also features exposed foam, which may be susceptible to damage from rough surfaces and sharp rocks. For those concerned about durability, it may be advisable to consider a more robust hiking shoe.
Merrell Vapor Glove 6
Pros
- Foot-shaped toebox
- Exceptional ground feel
- Fairly priced at $90
- Super agile
- Extremely flexible design
- Maintains grip, even on wet surfaces
- Sockless ready
- Perfect for road running or tackling easy trails
- Versatile enough for hiking, walking, or even gym workouts
Cons
- Overly spacious for those with narrow feet
- Outsole shows wear quickly
- The cushioned insole detracts from a true barefoot experience
Key Features
- Breathable mesh and synthetic upper for optimal ventilation and comfort.
- BOA Fit System delivers micro-adjustable precision fit with a PerformFit Wrap configuration for stability and control.
- Merrell Barefoot 2 construction keeps your foot in a natural position while you move.
- Vibram Ecostep Recycle outsole composed of 30% recycled rubber, enhancing durability and grip on both wet and dry surfaces.
- Padded collar for additional comfort around the ankle.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole material: Rubber
- Outer material: Synthetic Resin
- Closure type: Bungee
The Merrell Vapor Glove 6 is a zero-drop running shoe designed for those seeking a minimalist experience. Rigorous evaluations, both in the lab and on foot, confirm its ability to provide a natural feel through a flexible midsole, grounded sensation, and reliable traction. Priced at $90, it delivers exceptional value for a performance-oriented shoe.
Weighing just 5.6 oz (159g), the Vapor Glove 6 significantly reduces weight by 40.2% compared to average trail shoes. This lightweight construction is complemented by a remarkably flexible midsole, which measures 92.2% more flexible than standard options. The shoe offers minimal resistance to bending, enhancing agility during runs.
Its low stack height of 7.6 mm contributes to a heightened ground feel, enabling quick adaptation to varying terrains. This configuration effectively embodies the zero-drop philosophy, aligning with our precise measurements. Runners can expect a highly sensitive connection with the ground beneath them.
The dependable Vibram outsole features an aggressive tread pattern that enhances grip across mixed surfaces. Consistent assessments show that Vibram provides verified traction, making it suitable for diverse running conditions.
A notable drawback is that individuals with narrow feet may find the fit too spacious. Those who prefer a glove-like sensation might want to consider alternative options.
Merrell Trail Glove 7
Pros
- Authentic minimalist experience
- Genuine zero-drop design
- Provides a good amount of cushioning
- Doubles as hiking and walking shoe
- Sturdy and long-lasting upper
- Perfect for summer adventures
- Exceptionally flexible
- Super quick and agile on corners
- Ideal for both experts and beginners
Cons
- Completely unsuitable for winter conditions
- Outsole durability is a letdown
- Might be excessively narrow for some runners
Key Features
- 100% recycled breathable mesh upper for enhanced comfort and sustainability.
- Merrell Air Cushion in the heel absorbs shock and adds stability, promoting a comfortable stride.
- 100% recycled laces and webbing contribute to the environmentally friendly design.
- Molded nylon arch shank provides support without sacrificing flexibility.
- Bellows tongue effectively keeps out debris during your hikes or runs.
- Vibram® EcoStep outsole wraps around the foot for superior grip and a secure connection to the ground.
- Minimal midsole made of FloatPro Foam™, which is Merrell's best midsole foam for lightweight cushioning.
- Total stack height of 14mm ensures a natural foot positioning for a true barefoot feel.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole material: Rubber
- Outer material: Leather
- Inner material: Mesh
The Merrell Trail Glove 7 is an ideal choice for those seeking a minimalist trail running shoe. Extensive lab and field tests confirm that this model delivers a true minimalist experience characterized by a grounded profile and significant flexibility.
With a measured stack height of 16.1/16.0 mm and a modest drop of 0.1 mm, the TG7 provides a genuine barefoot feel while offering high surface feedback. Its cushion, rated at 28.8 HA, balances support and firmness effectively.
During dynamic movements, the TG7 maintains surprising stability, thanks in part to its controllable midsole. The platform's flexibility is notable, as it is 61.4% more adaptive than average, enhancing comfort during extended walks and hikes.
The Vibram outsole contributes to reliable traction with its intricate pattern, featuring 2.5 mm lugs and a softer rubber composition of 76.4 HC. We experienced no slipping incidents on loose gravel or soil.
However, a drawback of the outsole is its durability; the soft rubber measures only 1.8 mm in thickness, making it more susceptible to wear over time. Therefore, it is recommended to use the TG7 primarily on light to moderate terrains, avoiding hard surfaces such as asphalt and concrete.
Merrell Agility Peak 5 GTX
Pros
- True waterproof protection
- Grippy, trail-ready Vibram outsole
- Perfect for cold, wet climates
- Can handle some challenging conditions
- Stable yet cushioned heel
- Improved for hiking and walking
- Well-designed outsole lugs
- Great build quality
- Keeps feet warm
- Rock plate
Cons
- Narrow toebox
- Heel padding durability concerns
- No reflective elements
- Drop differs too much from stated
Key Features
- GORE-TEX waterproof membrane provides exceptional breathability and waterproof performance.
- Breathable engineered mesh and TPU upper for enhanced comfort.
- 100% recycled laces support sustainability efforts.
- Zipper closure for easy on and off access.
Specifications
- Sole material: Rubber
- Outer material: Engineered Mesh, TPU
- Inner material: Mesh
- Closure type: Pull-On
Merrell’s Agility Peak 5 GTX is designed for winter running enthusiasts seeking protection and comfort against icy conditions. Our lab tests confirmed that this shoe effectively safeguards against typical elements encountered during cold-weather runs, including slippery surfaces and discomfort. It features a notable Vibram outsole that provides excellent grip among snow running shoes.
The Vibram outsole demonstrated reliable traction during testing, equipped with deep 4.4 mm chevron lugs that enhance grip on slick ice. These lugs are thoughtfully spaced to manage both soft ground and more challenging terrains. This design instills confidence while navigating difficult winter conditions.
The upper is constructed with a waterproof GTX membrane, effectively blocking moisture and cold winds. Testing revealed minimal airflow in the dense upper, resulting in a ventilation score of 1/5, making it ideal for winter. As a result, we experienced no cold feet during our sub-zero temperature runs.
In terms of cushioning, the midsole is generously padded, particularly the 37.3 mm heel that absorbs landing impact well. Our durometer test indicated a near-average 21.3 HA, ensuring a balanced and comfortable running experience. Additionally, the shoe includes a rock plate that protects against underfoot hazards.
However, the Agility Peak 5 GTX may not be suitable for individuals with wide feet, as the tapered toebox can feel constricting. This aspect may limit its appeal for those who prefer a more spacious fit.
Merrell Fly Strike
Pros
- Great ventilation
- Durable and cozy upper
- Ultra-plush tongue
- Reasonably priced
- Suitable for casual wear
- Works well for walking and hiking
- Can be used as a go-to travel shoe
Cons
- Excessively high drop
- Only suited for heel strikers
- Lacks outsole durability
Key Features
- Breathable mesh upper for enhanced airflow and comfort during intense activities.
- Removable EVA footbed ensures all-day comfort, allowing you to customize your fit.
- Lightweight EVA foam midsole delivers stability and cushioning to reduce fatigue during workouts.
- Merrell sticky rubber outsole provides durable traction, giving you the grip you need on various surfaces.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole material: Rubber
- Outer material: Leather
- Closure type: Lace-Up
The Merrell FlyStrike is designed for outdoor enthusiasts who seek versatility across various activities. With a price of just $90, it provides notable value and is 14.3% less expensive than the average Merrell running shoe.
This model's flexibility facilitates smooth transitions between light running, hiking, and casual wear. Our bend test results indicate a malleability score that is **36.1%** higher than average, enhancing comfort during extended outdoor excursions.
The upper features a ventilation design that received a **4/5** breathability score in our smoke test. Numerous perforations observed under the microscope promote airflow while maintaining a padded construction. Additionally, the plush tongue measures **10.1 mm**, significantly larger than the average **6.4 mm**, providing comfort without lace bite.
Despite the typical trade-off between breathability and durability, the FlyStrike performs well, resisting wear in our Dremel tests and achieving a **4/5** longevity score. However, the slim **17.0 mm** forefoot cushioning contributes to a steep **17.0 mm** drop, which may be uncomfortable for most runners, limiting its appeal primarily to individuals with Achilles or lower-leg issues.