7 Best Merrell Trail Running Shoes in 2022
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 overall
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
This shoe has a 10% penalty on its expert reviews because it has fewer than 5 reviews. This is to avoid that shoes with few reviews unjustly receives high scores.
Learn more- Top 25% in trail running shoes
- Top 13% in Merrell running shoes
- Top 6% most popular running shoes
Pros
- True to size
- No break-in period
- Comfortable ride
- Light
- Excellent breathability
- Reasonably-priced
Cons
- Middling performance
- Not so durable
- Poor grip
Verdict
Best Merrell neutral trail running shoes
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
This shoe has a 10% penalty on its expert reviews because it has fewer than 5 reviews. This is to avoid that shoes with few reviews unjustly receives high scores.
Learn more- Top 7% most popular running shoes
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
Verdict
Best Merrell trail cushioned running shoes
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
This shoe has a 10% penalty on its expert reviews because it has fewer than 5 reviews. This is to avoid that shoes with few reviews unjustly receives high scores.
Learn more- Top 22% in Merrell running shoes
Pros
- Soft and responsive cushioning
- Bouncy
- Upper wraps the foot smoothly
- Soft underfoot
- Roomy toe box
- Secure fit for wide-footed
- Excellent outsole grip
Cons
- Lacks stability
- Too loose for narrow feet
Verdict
Best Merrell trail wide running shoes
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
- Top 23% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Ample protection
- Delivers ground feel
- Multisurface traction
- Glove-like fit
- Comfortable upper
- Lightweight
- Excellent lockdown
Cons
- Not responsive
- Lace bite
- Heel slippage
- Lacks ventilation
- Difficult entry
Verdict
Best Merrell trail long distance running shoes
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
This shoe has a 10% penalty on its expert reviews because it has fewer than 5 reviews. This is to avoid that shoes with few reviews unjustly receives high scores.
Learn more- Top 11% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Straight-out-the-box comfort
- Grippy
- Protective
- Stable
- Versatile use
- Spacious toe box
- Light
Cons
- Stiff
- Not for narrow feet
Verdict
Best value Merrell trail running shoes
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
This shoe has a 10% penalty on its expert reviews because it has fewer than 5 reviews. This is to avoid that shoes with few reviews unjustly receives high scores.
Learn morePros
- 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
Verdict
Most popular Merrell trail running shoes
Corescore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
This shoe has a 10% penalty on its expert reviews because it has fewer than 5 reviews. This is to avoid that shoes with few reviews unjustly receives high scores.
Learn more- Top 11% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Natural ride
- Lightweight
- Snug fit
- Durable
- Grippy
- Straight-out-the-box comfort
- Stable
- Versatile
- Sustainable
Cons
- Less ground feel
Verdict
What are the most popular Merrell trail running shoes in 2022?
What are the cheapest Merrell trail running shoes in 2022?
- Merrell Agility Synthesis 2 - from $58
- Merrell Rubato - from $65
- Merrell Nova 2 - from $70
- Merrell Moab Flight - from $71
- Merrell Agility Peak 4 - from $100
- Merrell Trail Glove 6 - from $100
