7 Best Merrell Trail Running Shoes, 40+ Shoes Tested 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.
Table of contents How we test trail running shoesBest overallBest neutralBest wideBest mediumBest cushionedBest valueMost popularComparison
Overview
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
Merrell Moab Flight
REI
Free shipping
$55
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$58
Designer Shoe Warehouse
Free shipping
$60
Backcountry
Free shipping
$72
CoreScore
- Top 21% in trail running shoes
- Top 10% in Merrell running shoes
- Top 13% 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
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.
Best Merrell neutral trail running shoes
CoreScore
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
Verdict
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.
Best Merrell trail wide toebox running shoes
CoreScore
- Top 23% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Grippy
- Flexible upper
- Supportive fit
- Extremely light
- Versatile
- Affordable
- Stylish
Cons
- Rubs the skin
- Stiff outsole
Verdict
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.
Best Merrell trail medium toebox running shoes
CoreScore
- Top 12% 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
As the women's counterpart of the Nova 2, the Merrell Antora 2 offers a sneaker-light comfort and confidence-boosting performance on both light and rugged trails. It has a durable grippy outsole for uphill and downhill runs, and an underfoot cushioning uniquely tailored for female athletes. With its protective and stable platform, this trail running shoe won't disappoint on long-distance and slow-paced runs.
Best Merrell trail cushioned running shoes
Merrell Nova 2
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$59
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$60
Backcountry
Free shipping
$72
Shoebacca
Free shipping & returns
$80
CoreScore
- Top 8% 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
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.
Best value Merrell trail running shoes
CoreScore
- Top 19% in Merrell running shoes
- Top 30% in running shoes for high arches
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
Verdict
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.
Most popular Merrell trail running shoes
Merrell Agility Peak 4
Amazon
Free shipping
$100
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$140
Backcountry
Free shipping
$140
REI
Free shipping
$140
CoreScore
- Top 17% most popular running shoes
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
Verdict
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.
