7 Best Merrell Running Shoes in 2023
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Why trust us
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
Merrell Nova 2
83
Good!
What makes it the best?
The Merrell Nova 2 is a traditionally designed trail running shoe, with less flair than many modern alternatives, but versatility and grip enough to prove its position as one of the best trail running shoes for beginners.
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
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$77
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$78
Shoebacca
Free shipping & returns
$80
Shoe Mall
Free shipping
$84
Backcountry
Free shipping
$120
Moosejaw
Free shipping
$120
Best Merrell running shoes overall
Merrell Vapor Glove 4
87
Great!
What makes it the best?
Looking for a modest shoe, without fluff, that will last for miles? Then take the Merrell Vapor Glove 4. For a minimalist shoe, it gave our feet sufficient protection and loads of ground feel. And of course, it's super light, it felt like we had no shoes on! Even with its stripped-down construction, it's built to last! If we had an issue with it, it's more on its roomy fit in the heel and midfoot.
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
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$82
Zappos
Running Warehouse
REI
Best Merrell running shoes for trail
Merrell Moab Flight
88
Great!
What makes it the best?
The Merrell Moab Flight is the Toyota RAV4 of shoes. It looks decent, can handle moderate dirt trails, and is comfortable enough to wear in many applications. While it is not the fastest or the most aggressive off-road, it has enough features that warrant consideration if you are looking for an all-around good quality trail shoe.
Pros
- True to size
- No break-in period
- Comfortable ride
- Light
- Excellent breathability
- Reasonably-priced
Cons
- Middling performance
- Not so durable
- Poor grip
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$67
Shoebacca
Free shipping & returns
$80
REI
Free shipping
$84
Designer Shoe Warehouse
Free shipping
$110
Backcountry
Free shipping
$120
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$120
Best Merrell running shoes with wide toebox
Merrell MTL Long Sky 2
85
Good!
What makes it the best?
The first version didn’t go unnoticed, but the Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 is definitely a worthy update. Testers emphasized how things are kept simple here, yet the result is an exceptional, durable, and light shoe for climbing up mountain trails fast and with security. It’s even better doing so when you know it’s made of recycled materials, unlike many other brands that still lag behind in this matter.
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
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
REI
Free shipping
$100
Shoe Mall
Free shipping
$140
Amazon
Free shipping
$244
Zappos
Merrell running shoes with best cushioning
Merrell Agility Peak 4
84
Good!
What makes it the best?
If you're a runner and you're unsure what lies ahead in the trails, this is where the Merrell Agility Peak 4 hits home. Runners love the colorways and the wilder they are, the more compliments they get. A letdown of this trail shoe is that it's not fast, so it shines at slower paces. Think recovery runs, jogs and hikes.
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
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Free shipping
$106
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$140
Backcountry
Free shipping
$140
REI
Free shipping
$140
Shoebacca
Free shipping & returns
$140
Shoe Mall
Free shipping
$140
Best value Merrell running shoes
Merrell Trail Glove 5
85
Good!
What makes it the best?
Praise was dutifully given to the 5th version of Merrell Trail Glove because it was able to meet the expectations of consumers, particularly those who desire a trail running shoe that doesn’t have a bulky frame or a restricting design. The versatility and effectiveness of this product’s components became highlights, with some people even claiming that they were able to use it on the roads. On the other hand, a handful of runners felt that the available sizes for this neutral shoe were more substantial than their usual choices.
Pros
- Grippy
- Flexible upper
- Supportive fit
- Extremely light
- Versatile
- Affordable
- Stylish
Cons
- Rubs the skin
- Stiff outsole
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$62
Zappos
Running Warehouse
REI
Most popular Merrell running shoes
Merrell MTL Skyfire
87
Great!
What makes it the most popular?
The Merrell MTL Skyfire sports a lightweight design and delivers a fast and efficient performance on various terrains. Its highly durable materials also offer lasting comfort and protection. This trail running shoe is suitable for athletes with neutral gaits or those who do not overpronate. However, others wished for more cushioning, while some observed that it lacks outsole durability. Still, this footwear earned admiration for its many benefits.
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
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$47
Zappos
Running Warehouse
REI
Comparison of the 7 best Merrell running shoes
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