7 Best Merrell Running Shoes

Nova 3 offers an exceptionally supportive and cushioned ride. It’s comfortable enough to be a running shoe while holding the grip and protection of a trail shoe. We found it versatile and suitable for easy hikes to tempo runs. Our lab and run results confirm it’s Merrell’s best running shoe.

Nova 3 features the esteemed Vibram outsole that usually translates to grip and durability. Our lab results confirm just that. It is 11.4% softer than average, with 3.5 mm lugs enhancing traction. Despite the softer rubber, it proves its durability as it shows a shallower indentation than average in our Dremel test.

Nova 3’s midsole balances comfort and support. It offers ample cushioning for longer distances with a FloatPro Foam pod in the heel for softer landings. In the forefoot, Merrell incorporates a rock plate for underfoot protection. 

Overall, the ride feels firm, and therefore, stable. Our durometer confirms it’s a balanced 24.0 HA. This is paired with midfoot walls, which catch our feet like we’re in a bathtub. This keeps us steady on uneven terrains and sharp corners.

Unfortunately, the shoe’s solid construction entails heavier weight. At 10.8 oz (305g), it’s well above the 10.4 oz (296g) average of trail shoes.

Through extensive runs, we've determined that the Agility Peak 5 stands out as the most suitable for diverse trails among Merrell running shoes. Boasting a substantial almost 40-mm stack in our lab, it provides exceptional comfort by absorbing much of the landing impact. Its trusty Vibram Megagrip outsole, with strategically positioned lugs, serves as our traction and defense against various elements encountered on the trails.

Impressively, the AP5 demonstrates outstanding grip across a range of terrains, thanks to its widely spaced 4.5-mm Traction Lugs, making it suitable for even the most technical conditions. Following intensive testing against our unforgiving Dremel, the Vibram Megagrip rubber exhibits durability, showing minimal indentation compared to the average.

In addition to shielding our feet, the heavily cushioned midsole of the AP5 also protects our muscles. Its above-average stack height, notably the 39.2 mm heel, ensured plush comfort. It also provides protection against sharp rocks and protruding roots, further augmented by a rock plate in the mid-to-forefoot areas.

However, due to its pronounced heel and modest forefoot, the significant 13.4 mm heel drop may not be suitable for midfoot and forefoot strikers, making the AP5 more ideal for heel-strikers.

The Merrell Morphlite revealed its comfort and stability in our lab tests and trail adventures. Its lightweight and flexible design encourages free movement and boosts our versatility. The Morphlite’s seamless transitions offer the best road-to-trail experience among Merrell running shoes.

The midsole features prominent arch support and a wide base that keeps us surefooted as we move from gravel roads to street sidewalks. Our caliper confirms the landing platform is an expansive 118.8/98.8 mm vs. the 112.2/89.8 mm average, erasing potential spillovers.

The shoe has an effortless feel that keeps us agile. Our scales reveal it’s one of the lightest trail shoes we’ve tested at 8.4 oz (237g), 18.8% below average. We didn’t need to carry much weight or fight the shoe’s resistance since it was 26.7% more bendable than average in our flex test. The 2-mm lugs also gave the needed traction for light trails without feeling chunky on the road.

Comfort is apparent not only with its airy build but also with its plush cushioning. Our durometer validated our sensations with a reading 14.6% softer than average. However, the heel drop is much steeper (11.0 mm) than advertised (6.0 mm), which makes this shoe less than ideal for mid and forefoot strikers.

Among Merrell runners we’ve tried, Vapor Glove 6 gives the best barefoot experience with its breezy glove-like fit, minimum weight, and maximum ground feel. Its flexibility enhances natural movement, while its Vibram outsole ensures protection. Best of all, it fits the below-$100 budget!

Intended as a trail shoe, VG6 is one of the lightest we've tested. At 5.3 oz (150g), it's almost half the 10.4 oz (296g) average of its counterparts. It embraces minimalism by keeping its stack 6 mm low for maximum surface feedback. This made us adapt quickly to uneven terrains and helped strengthen our legs.

Upping the comfort game is its perforated mesh upper that kept our running experience light. Even if we run sockless, we have no issues with blisters, sweat, and odor thanks to its material that adjusts to the shape of our feet and its odor-control compound.

Below the VG6 is the Vibram outsole that wraps around the heel and toebox for more protection and durability. It's lined with 2-mm lugs arranged in an aggressive tread to enhance grip. We had no slips running through wet and muddy trails and could seamlessly shift to road running without the chunky underfoot feeling.

With its accommodating room for wide feet, runners with narrow feet shouldn’t expect a snug and glove-like fit.

Our lab analysis and trial runs led us to the Merrell running shoe that thrives best on the trails with its barefoot feel—and it’s no other than Trail Glove 7. A true minimalist, boasting a low and leveled stack and a highly flexible midsole that keeps it all natural. Its agility and unparalleled traction had us running confidently through diverse settings.

With a mere 16.1/16.0 mm stack height, the TG7 practically offers a zero drop experience, delivering authentic barefoot sensations and heightened surface feedback. This allows us to adapt as we traverse uneven ground. Our durometer reveals a dense 28.8 HA cushion, striking the perfect balance between support and comfort.

Adding to its “barely there” feel is its lightweight construction. Our scales reveal a mere 7.8 oz (221g), 24.8% below the average. Despite its minimalist design, the TG7 feels surprisingly stable, particularly on fast corners. Its exceptional flexibility, scoring significantly above average in our bend test at 10.5N, enhances comfort and versatility.

Supported by a maze-like patterned Vibram outsole with 2.5 mm lugs, the TG7 delivers reliable traction that protects us from slipping on loose gravel and soil. However, its soft rubber composition and mere 1.8 mm thickness raise concerns about durability. We recommend avoiding rougher surfaces like asphalt and concrete to prolong the shoe’s lifespan.

The Merrell Agility Peak 5 GTX served as our best defense against cold and wet weather, unwanted slips, and any type of discomfort. Our lab tests validate its airtight nature, making it our ultimate waterproof Merrell running shoe.

Besides the Gore-Tex membrane, the AP5 GTX has a very dense engineered mesh that shields us from getting wet or cold. We pumped smoke into the shoe and not a hint of smoke escaped, proving its limited ventilation with a 1/5 breathability score. If airflow is blocked, water won’t be able to enter the shoe either.

We felt highly agile while sporting this shoe and our bend test shows it’s a flexible pair since it only needs 25.6N of force to bend to 90 degrees. This makes it versatile to use for hikes and walks since it’s comfortable for all-day wear.

The grippy base carried us through slippery slopes safely and we felt very confident with the Vibram rubber’s tacky bite. In addition, the chevron 4.4 mm lugs handled challenging terrain with ease, allowing us to brake as needed. However, we don’t recommend it for constant road runs because the outsole will wear out quickly on rough surfaces.

Running on streets and off-the-beaten paths highlights Merrell FlyStrike’s versatility and all-around nature. Our lab shows its ultra-comfy breathable upper and flexible midsole make it great for various outdoor activities. Plus, it’s only $90, 14.3% cheaper than the average Merrell running shoe!

FlyStrike demonstrates a high level of flexibility, which is why it can smoothly transition into a hiking or casual wear shoe. Our bend test confirms it’s 36.1% more adaptive than average, increasing both agility and comfort even for long-day adventures.

The upper is designed with countless ventilation holes all over, outshining the average trail shoe with a 4/5 breathability score on our smoke test. We’re truly impressed with how our feet can breathe despite the padded interior. The tongue is exceptionally plush at 10.1 mm vs. the 6.4 mm average, removing any traces of lace bite. While breathable uppers tend to lack durability, FlyStrike surprisingly resisted our Dremel and earned a high 4/5 score.

However, the midsole doesn’t match the upper’s level of comfort, especially with its slim 17.0 mm forefoot cushioning. Those who prefer more underfoot protection should look elsewhere.