7 Best Merrell Trail Running Shoes in 2023
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Why trust us
Over the years, the Merrell trail running shoes have been very popular among off-road adventurers and trail runners in the world. In fact, its Moab model has been the most sold trail boot in the world and has evolved over several updated versions.
Trail enthusiasts love the Merrell brand for its solid quality materials that feel lighter and softer. Its reliability, performance-driven design, and stout build appeal to the most hardcore ultra trail runners and regular outdoorsy folks.
If you’re out looking for a new pair of Merrell shoes for your next adventure, we can help you find that perfect fit. We’ve tested 30 pairs of trail running shoes from the Merrell brand, and selected our best picks for your browsing convenience.
How we test trail running shoes
For this fantastic list, we’ve rounded up the latest and previous offerings of Merrell trail running shoes. We’ve spent hours in the lab and the trails to test and review each one of them, and select the best for different categories. To give you some idea, our entire process involves the following:
- Buying all the trail running shoes with our own money. This is to show everyone that we don’t have any loyalty to the brand. It also keeps us honest and unbiased in our reviews.
- Cutting the shoes in the lab, reducing them into their essential parts. This makes us easier for us to measure 30+ different parameters such as cushioning, durability, and traction, among others.
- Testing each model in the trails to see how it can handle technical terrains and other various conditions.
- Gathering more information from shoe experts, professional trail runners, and regular outdoor enthusiasts.
To conclude the whole process, we calculate the final grade of each model using our CoreScore system, which assigns a rating from 0-to 100. The top-rated Merrell trail running shoes make it to our best picks.
Best Merrell trail 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
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$78
Shoebacca
Free shipping & returns
$80
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$83
Shoe Mall
Free shipping
$84
Backcountry
Free shipping
$120
Moosejaw
Free shipping
$120
Best Merrell trail running shoes overall
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 trail 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 trail 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 Merrell trail running shoes with plush cushioning
Merrell Rubato
83
Good!
What makes it the best?
The Merell Rubato is a zero-drop, max-cushioned shoe that lets you run as fast or as slow as you please. The shoe is heavily focused on providing a bouncy and comfortable ride for high-mileage or quick-paced runs. The luxurious cushioning of the Rubato will make your feet happy on light, less demanding trail surfaces, but it is not suitable for those looking for extra support and stability.
Pros
- Soft cushioning
- Bouncy ride
- Reliable traction
- Feels light on foot
- Roomy toe box
- Good for road too
- Beautiful colors
Cons
- Lacks stability
- Heel slips
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$50
Moosejaw
Free shipping
$75
Zappos
Running Warehouse
Best value Merrell trail running shoes
Merrell MTL Skyfire
87
Great!
What makes it the best?
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
Most popular Merrell trail running shoes
Merrell Agility Synthesis 2
81
Good!
What makes it the most popular?
The Agility Synthesis 2 from Merrell offers the things you need to conquer the trail in a lightweight package. It is flexible and has the agility you need to perform, no matter the pace and the distance. More suitable for light trail surfaces and quick-paced training, the Agility Synthesis 2 is a great option for those who prefer a soft underfoot cushioning and close-to-ground sensation.
Pros
- Irritation-free foot coverage
- Soft and bouncy
- Works well on asphalt and wet surfaces
- Enough cushioning level
- Roomy toe box
- Offers underfoot protection
- Flexible sole
- Great for casual walks
- Great for running errands
- Great for gym workouts
Cons
- Lacks durability
- Laces come off untied
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Free shipping
$109
Zappos
Running Warehouse
REI
Comparison of the 7 best Merrell trail running shoes
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