7 Best Merrell Running Shoes in 2023

Known for their excellent durability, versatility, and performance-driven design, Merrell running shoes have become a favorite among ultra-distance runners and regular outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Whether you’re into off-road adventures or road running, a big fan of the brand, or a first-time buyer, the Merrell lineup offers great options for everyone that would suit their needs.
To help you save time and eliminate the hassle of reading hundreds of reviews, we’ve handpicked, wear-tested, and analyzed 30+ of the best Merrell running shoes available out there. We brought all pairs to our lab for a battery of mechanical tests and selected our top picks for your quick reference.
How we test running shoes
Our goal at RunRepeat is to provide our audience with in-depth reviews of the latest releases of Merrell running shoes. We’ve spent hours examining each model at our independent lab and wear-testing them on the road and on the trails. Our entire approach involves:
- Purchasing all the Merrell shoes with our own funds to avoid bias and brand loyalty.
- Cutting the shoes into pieces and measuring their essential parts in our lab, including over 30 different parameters from durability, breathability, and softness of the midsole, among others.
- Logging at least 30-50 miles on each pair to gain more perspective on its overall value, sustainability, and performance.
- Collecting more information from various shoe experts and user reviews from regular runners who have tried a particular shoe.
To conclude the process, we use our proprietary CoreScore system to calculate the overall ratings of each model, showing a number from 0 to 100. You can immediately see the rank of each pair of Merrell shoes as compared to others.
Best Merrell running shoes for long distance



















What makes it the best?
Pros
- Fits true to size
- Grip is great in good conditions
- A decent amount of cushioning
- Excellent lockdown
- Sturdy upper
- Dependable Vibram outsole
- Good laces
Cons
- Too much ground feel for some
- Heavier than most
- Grip isn’t reliable in wet conditions
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Best Merrell running shoes overall









What makes it the best?
Pros
- Incredibly lightweight
- Spacious fit
- Exceptional flexibility
- Very responsiveness
- Resistant, dependable upper
- Grippy and durable soles
Cons
- Too much space in heel/midfoot
- Missing a heel tab to help get it on
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Best Merrell running shoes for trail









What makes it the best?
Pros
- True to size
- No break-in period
- Comfortable ride
- Light
- Excellent breathability
- Reasonably-priced
Cons
- Middling performance
- Not so durable
- Poor grip
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Best Merrell running shoes with wide toebox

What makes it the best?
Pros
- Lightweight, yet protective
- Superior traction
- Roomy toe box
- Comfy, locked-in fit
- Airy upper
- Good ground feel
- Stable on technical terrain
- Well-crafted and durable
- Gaiter attachments
- Environmental friendly
Cons
- Debris can slip in
- Not for very narrow feet
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Merrell running shoes with best cushioning

What makes it the best?
Pros
- Ample protection
- Delivers ground feel
- Multisurface traction
- Glove-like fit
- Comfortable upper
- Lightweight
- Excellent lockdown
Cons
- Not for fast runs
- Lacks ventilation
- Difficult entry
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Best value Merrell running shoes

What makes it the best?
Pros
- Grippy
- Flexible upper
- Supportive fit
- Extremely light
- Versatile
- Affordable
- Stylish
Cons
- Rubs the skin
- Stiff outsole
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Most popular Merrell running shoes

What makes it the most popular?
Pros
- Offers a pleasant in-shoe feel
- Lightweight
- Comfy without socks
- Breathable
- Delivers a pain-free experience
- Versatile
- Appealing style and colorways
Cons
- Inadequate midsole cushioning
- Outsole durability issues
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Comparison of the 7 best Merrell running shoes
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