7 Best Merrell Trail Running Shoes in 2023

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



















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
Today's best price






Best Merrell trail running shoes overall









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
Today's best price







Best Merrell trail 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
Today's best price



Merrell trail 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
Today's best price





Best Merrell trail running shoes with plush cushioning

What makes it the best?
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



Best value Merrell trail running shoes

What makes it the best?
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



Most popular Merrell trail running shoes

What makes it the most popular?
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

Comparison of the 7 best Merrell trail running shoes
+ + Add a product | + + Add a product | + + Add a product | + + Add a product | + + Add a product | + + Add a product | + + Add a product | + + Add a product | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Best | ||||||||
CoreScore | ||||||||
Users rating | ||||||||
Experts | ||||||||
Best price | ||||||||
Ranking | ||||||||
Popularity | ||||||||
# of colorways |