Verdict from +100 user reviews
6 reasons to buy
- Plenty of users found a favorably lightweight hiking shoe in the Merrell MQM Ace.
- According to the majority, it delivered sufficient arch support.
- Based on a lot of consumer reviews, the MQM Ace’s comfort was impressive.
- Its breathability left a great impression on a bunch of outdoor enthusiasts.
- The hiking shoe’s performance on challenging ground conditions was lauded by the minority.
- Several wearers reported that this Merrell product virtually had no break-in period.
1 reasons not to buy
- A few buyers felt let down by the Merrell MQM Ace’s constraining fit.
Bottom line
Adventurers generally liked the MQM Ace for its lightness, comfiness and excellent arch support. Its breathable mesh upper and surface traction were also appreciated by buyers. On the other hand, there were those who found the fit too narrow. All in all, the Merrell MQM Ace is a superb low-top hiker that offers a set of trail-centric features specific for summer excursions.
Tip: see the best hiking shoes.
Good to know
- The Merrell MQM Ace is a low-top shoe engineered to give lightweight performance for fast trails set in warm conditions. Its mesh and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) upper is built with an emphasis on lightness. The hiker is also treated with M Select Fresh to reduce odor-causing microbes to a minimum.
- This trail-centric Merrell product comes with a compression molded ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) midsole for cushioning. Its Vibram Megagrip outsole helps users tackle rugged terrain without slipping.
The MQM Ace is a generally true-to-size hiking shoe designed for men and women. It comes in a range of full and half sizes. It is available in standard width only. The footgear’s lace-to-toe closure system facilitates a secure and customized lockdown for the wearer.
Trail enthusiasts can traverse trails with the help of the Merrell MQM Ace’s Vibram outsole. It is composed of a Megagrip rubber compound, imbuing it with durability. The outsole’s surface is filled with 4mm-deep arrowhead-shaped lugs which delivers grip on uneven ground and slippery surfaces. Several grooves can be found on both ends of the sole for added traction on uphill and downhill conditions. It also extends toward the forefoot for extra protection from accidental knocks.
This shoe-type offering from Merrell uses a compression molded EVA midsole for cushioning. It contains dual-directional flex grooves called FLEXconnect for extra stability and agility. The brand’s Air Cushion is positioned in the heel to absorb shock from every strike.
The Merrell MQM Ace sports the company’s proprietary Kinetic Fit Base removable insole for arch support. The shoe also comes with a TrailProtect rockplate which shields the wearer from underfoot debris.
Merrell’s MQM Ace is equipped with a mesh upper which promotes breathability, especially in warm and humid environments. It is reinforced with TPU overlays for extra durability. The shoe also features Floating Hypercage—the overlay unit in the ankle area that’s connected to the midsole—which yields lightweight support to the user.
The hiking shoe’s closure system uses a series of metal eyelets, which extends toward the toe box, for fit organization. A pull tab can be found on the collar to help the wearer have an easy on and off.
- Outdoor lovers who want a breathable mid-top boot for warm hikes may consider the Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator Mid.
These two low-top Merrell offerings are designed for hiking trips set in a warm environment. The Moab 2 Ventilator cools a user’s foot through its suede upper. It is lined with a breathable mesh fabric to create a comfy and ventilated in-shoe environment. On the other hand, the MQM Ace achieves the same benefit through its mesh upper.
The Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator features an EVA midsole to render cushioning and support. It works in tandem with a molded nylon shank for extra rigidity and stability. An M Select Fit.Eco+ footbed grants added comfort underfoot and arch support to the wearer. Just like the MQM Ace, the Moab 2 Ventilator is also equipped with an Air Cushion to promote shock absorbency.
Both the Merrell MQM Ace and Moab 2 Ventilator use outsoles made by Vibram. The former is equipped with one made of Megagrip while the latter employs TC5+ outsole. Its multi-sided lugs are engineered to adhere to most types of surfaces. The space between the lugs is also spacious enough to channel water
