Merrell MQM Flex 2 GTX review
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all hiking shoes.
Verdict from 8 experts & 100+ users
Pros
- Comfortable
- Waterproof
- Tenacious
- Quick break-in
- Light
- Breathable
Cons
- Frail liner
- Loose toe box




68% say it's true to size.
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Rankings
- Our 1st pick in best Merrell hiking shoes
- Our 1st pick in best Merrell hiking shoes for women
- Top 14% in hiking shoes
- Top 15% in Merrell hiking shoes
Comparison to similar hiking shoes
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Who should buy the Merrell MQM Flex 2 GTX
Athleticism is quite evident in the overall makeup of the MQM Flex 2 GTX. If you're interested in this Merrell must-have, you must be:
- A hiker who prefers to be as fleet-footed as possible no matter the weather condition.
- Someone who collects amazing trail kicks that offer suppleness all over without requiring a pre-hike.
- An experienced adventurer who resorts to sprinting on level terrain and man-made surfaces.
Who should NOT buy it
The ability to endure wear and tear might not be among the featured shoe's aces. If you need something with above-average durability, try the Merrell Moab 2 Waterproof. Also, if you're looking for a hiker that promises a glove-like fit, consider the Accentor instead.
The Merrell MQM Flex 2 GTX updates
A proud successor to the original MQM Flex GTX, this hiker has been given enough upgrades to improve the hiker’s odds on the trail. Its notable improvements are as follows:
Deeper lugs. These hard-wearing studs offer extra bite on loose soil. They work in concert with the ridges on both ends of the outsole to deliver improved slip resistance on ascents and descents.
Reimagined midsole. With its cushy midsole more flexible than ever, trail-goers can have a better feel of the ground. It also propels their stride, allowing for bolder maneuvers as they pick up the pace and build momentum.
Reassuring heel. Unlike its predecessor, the MQM Flex 2 GTX comes with a fanned-out heel, which provides enhanced stability on uneven terrain.
Extra-supple rides on day one
Numerous hikers adore the Merrell MQM Flex 2 GTX for being top-to-bottom comfy, whether for hikes or mild trail runs. This resplendent plushness, according to them, is available fresh from the box.
The anti-slip MQM Flex 2 GTX
Many trail-goers are impressed with the shoe’s superb surface traction.
Formidable against wetness
Its ability to keep moisture at bay (from drizzles to moderate rains) is fantastic, according to hikers in droves.
Questionable liner durability
Less than a handful of adventurers say that its waterproof membrane loses effectiveness in less than a year.
The featherweight MQM Flex 2 GTX
At around 700 g a pair, this Merrell hiker is included in our list of lightest hiking kicks.
Needs more forefoot snugness
To a few experienced hikers, the MQM Flex 2 GTX has too much space above the toes. This resulted in one of them ending up with mild blisters.
Freshness with every step
This well-ventilated shoe (its upper is mostly mesh, after all) gives an airy ride, despite having a waterproof liner.
Its counterpart for summer hikes
If you only hike where moisture is not a factor, check out the non-waterproof MQM Flex 2 instead.