The Merrell Antora 3 Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models of 2026

Merrell Antora 3 is a trail-ready shoe designed for runners with narrow feet. The lab tests indicate that it features a breathable upper, contributing to comfort during runs.

Its rock plate and full-length Vibram outsole offer solid protection, making it suitable for light paths. However, the snug fit may limit versatility, while the shallow lugs suggest it's more effective on less rugged terrain.


Pros

  • Fantastic breathability
  • Affordable
  • Works well for walking and hiking
  • Durable Vibram outsole
  • Snug lockdown
  • Ankle gaiter attachments
  • Plush tongue
  • Rock plate for added protection
  • Stable despite compact size

Cons

  • Only for narrow feet
  • Bad grip
  • Midsole lacks bounce
  • Not for technical trails

Key Features

  • Lightweight synthetic and soft leather construction
  • Unique protective design for enhanced durability
  • Vibram Ice Trek outsole for superior traction in cold weather
  • 100 grams of insulation for warmth
  • Pull-on closure type for easy wear

Specifications

  • Origin: Made in the USA or Imported
  • Sole material: Ethylene Vinyl Acetate
  • Outer material: Leather
  • Heel measures approximately 20 millimeters
  • Closure type: Pull-On

Merrell Antora 3 Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models – Price, Ratings, Reviews & Sales Insights

Merrell Antora 3 La Sportiva Prodigio Salomon Pulsar Trail Salomon Sense Ride 5
Price $125 $155 $130 $140
Trail terrain Light Moderate Light Light
Arch support Neutral Neutral Neutral Neutral
Weight lab Weight brand 10.1 oz / 285g 9.6 oz / 271g 9.9 oz / 281g 10.3 oz / 291g
Drop lab Drop brand 9.1 mm 8.9 mm 7.2 mm 8.7 mm
Strike pattern Heel Heel Mid/forefoot Heel
Size True to size Half size small True to size Slightly small
Midsole softness Balanced Soft Soft Balanced
Difference in midsole softness in cold Normal Normal Small Small
Plate Rock plate Rock plate
Toebox durability Decent Very bad Decent -
Heel padding durability Bad Bad Good -
Outsole durability Good Decent Good -
Breathability Breathable Moderate Moderate Moderate
Width / fit Narrow Medium Medium Medium
Toebox width Medium Medium Medium Medium
Stiffness Moderate Stiff Stiff Moderate
Torsional rigidity Stiff Stiff Stiff Moderate
Heel counter stiffness Moderate Stiff Moderate Flexible
Lug depth 3.4 mm 3.4 mm 2.5 mm 3.5 mm
Heel stack lab Heel stack brand 33.5 mm 29.3 mm 31.0 mm 27.2 mm
Forefoot lab Forefoot brand 24.4 mm 20.4 mm 23.8 mm 18.5 mm
Widths available Normal Normal Normal Narrow
Season Summer All seasons All seasons All seasons
Removable insole
Orthotic friendly
Ranking Bottom 26% Bottom 27% Top 42% Top 30%
Popularity Bottom 36% Bottom 40% Bottom 22% Top 39%