Intro
When considering a new running shoe, there are so many similar-looking shoes on the market being made by so many different companies, it is virtually impossible to (1) know where to begin; (2) quickly figure out which one or two products from a given brand might work well for you; and (3) determine what products from other brands might be the most similar and also worth considering.
So in our new “Blister Brand Guide” series, we provide an overview of the entire product lineup of a brand; highlight how each product stands out from the rest of that brand’s lineup; and help you figure out quickly and easily which shoe might work best for you.
In our individual product reviews, we go very deep into the details of particular products. With these Brand Guides, the goal is not Depth, but Breadth. Our Brand Guides and full reviews are designed to complement each other — provide a broad overview of entire company lineups, and then also very detailed reviews of individual products.
Brand Background: Merrell
A good number of the brands we’ve profiled in our Running Shoe Brand Guide series took to making footwear after enjoying success in other sports, namely skiing and climbing. Something similar can be said of Merrell, which was founded in 1981 when two executives from the Rossignol ski company, Clark Matis and John Schweizer, partnered with custom boot maker, Randal Ivan Merrell, to parlay their business acumen and knowledge of footwear design into making affordable hiking boots. What started off as a small East Coast presence in select retail chains quickly ballooned, spreading nationally and catching the eyes of larger footwear manufacturers. In 1987, just four years after its inception, Merrell was acquired by Finnish sports equipment company, Karhu, who rapidly turned the brand into a global enterprise, bringing their products to 22 countries by 1995.
Merrell’s venture into trail running shoes was a move motivated by a demand for growth, coinciding with yet another change in ownership. In 1997, Karhu sold Merrell to Wolverine World Wide, who expanded the brand’s scope to include lighter-weight styles of footwear. The “Jungle Runner,” Merrell’s debut trail running model, enlisted defining features from their extensive hiking boot catalog, perhaps most notably an aggressively lugged outsole and protective upper. While not a commercial success, the Jungle Runner helped set the bearing for future Merrell trail running shoes. Their lineup today continues to pull from their hiking-boot-making origin, with many models straddling the separation between the two types of foot travel.
Here, we’ll go over every one of Merrell’s running-specific models, outlining the technology, materials, and intended uses that set them apart from each other. For reference, stated weights are for a US Men’s Size 9 and a US Women’s Size 8.
Trail Shoes
Most Cushion
The Rubato is something of an outlier within Merrell’s lineup; it’s an interesting combination of a max-cushion trail shoe that also happens to be zero-drop, a pairing that typically isn’t seen a whole lot outside of brands like Altra and Topo Athletic. In theory, the Rubato’s unorthodox geometry should give it improved stability to help offset the unsteadiness felt from its relatively high stack height, and the internal bootie construction and external rear heel strap Merrell includes should provide a locked down fit when on foot. While by no means the lightest shoe, Merrell still considers the Rubato a “speedster,” outfitting it with their lightest weight “FloatPro Foam” midsole material accompanied by the brand’s proprietary “FLEXconnect” technology, which are dual-directional flex-grooves in the midsole that allegedly benefit ground feel. A best-in-class Vibram “MegaGrip” outsole should also lend the shoe plenty of traction on slippery trails, and the Rubato’s jacquard and TPU upper will likely do a fine job of fending off debris. Taken as a whole, the Rubato’s many features position it as a solid option for medium to long-distance runs on moderate to semi-technical trails. If you’re looking for a zero-drop maximalist trail shoe made with high-quality materials that make sense given its intended use, the Rubato is worth checking out.
Stack Height
- Heel: 31.5 mm
- Toe: 31.5 mm
Drop: 0 mm
Stated Weight
- Men's: 295 g
- Women's: 225 g
MSRP: $150.00
Merrell’s trail running line has the fingerprints of their hiking boots all over it, to mostly positive effects. The Agility Peak 4, a highly cushioned, feature-laden shoe, seeks to be as protective and durable as a lightweight hiker while at the same time staying as nimble as possible for medium to long-distance trail runs. Similar to the MTL Long Sky 2, it’s built on a midsole made with premium FloatPro Foam, but the Agility Peak 4’s added stack height gives space for both a rock plate and Merrell’s FLEXconnect technology, dual-directional flex-grooves that allegedly improve ground feel. Up top, the shoe wears a tough-looking jacquard upper with an integrated lacing system for fit security, further reinforced by an external rear sling installed above the heel counter to prevent slippage. Finally, cutting no corners, Merrell goes with a high-performance Vibram MegaGrip outsole to give the Agility Peak 4 best-in-class traction. Ironically, this won’t be the most “agile” option in their lineup, but if you’re looking for a burly, hard-wearing shoe for runs of any distance on everything from soft fire roads to scree fields, consider the Agility Peak 4.
Stack Height
- Heel: 30 mm
- Toe: 24 mm
Drop: 6 mm
Stated Weight
- Men's: 301 g
- Women's: 289 g
MSRP: $140.00
The Agility Peak 4 Eco Dye has all the same measurements as the standard version of the shoe, but is made using less environmentally harmful solution-dyed yarns and incorporates recycled materials in the laces, upper, mesh lining, footbed, and heel pull tab.
Stack Height
- Heel: 30 mm
- Toe: 24 mm
Drop: 6 mm
Stated Weight
- Men's: 301 g
- Women's: 289 g
MSRP: $140.00
As one of Merrell’s higher-cushioned models, the Nova 2 (called the Antora 2 for women) straddles the line between maximal trail running shoe and lightweight hiking boot. While that might disqualify it as an option for race day / speedwork, the Nova 2 is still pretty trim considering all that it brings to the table. Notable features include a thick midsole made from Merrell’s shock-absorbing “Super Rebound Compound”; forefoot and heel cushioning pods; a “Merrell Air Cushion” component in the heel to dampen impacts; and a rock plate, all of which combine to improve the Nova 2’s protection and energy return. For added security when climbing, Merrell also installed an external rear sling above the shoe’s heel counter, which should help with overall fit. Like elsewhere in the brand’s lineup, the Nova 2 is also blessed with a Vibram outsole, this time their “TC5+” compound, formulated exclusively for Merrell. While not the lightest, this is a shoe that should be on the radar for folks who prioritize protection, comfort, and stability over speed and precision on trails. (The Nova 2 and Antora 2 are also available in a wide version).
Stack Height
- Heel: 29.5 mm
- Toe: 21.5 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Stated Weight
- Men's: 314 g
- Women's: 269 g
MSRP: $120.00
The Nova 2 Eco Dye has all the same measurements as the standard version of the shoe but is made using less environmentally harmful solution-dyed yarns and incorporates recycled materials in the laces, upper, mesh lining, footbed, and Vibram “Ecostep Recycle” outsole.
Stack Height
- Heel: 29.5 mm
- Toe: 21.5 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Stated Weight
- Men's: 314 g
- Women's: 269 g
MSRP: $120.00
The Nova 2 Gore-Tex is the waterproof version of the standard Nova 2. It has all the same features as the original model, with the addition of a Gore-Tex “InvisibleFit” waterproof membrane. While weatherizing the shoe makes it less breathable, it should help keep feet warmer and dryer in wet conditions. If you like the sound of the Nova 2 but do a lot of running in harsh environments, consider the Gore-Tex version. (The Nova 2 Gore-Tex is also available in a wide version).
Stack Height
- Heel: 29.5 mm
- Toe: 21.5 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Stated Weight
- Men's: 314 g
- Women's: 269 g
MSRP: $150.00
The Nova 2 Mid Waterproof takes the same basic construction of the Nova 2 and adds an extended ankle collar for better stability on unstable terrain and a waterproof membrane. If you’re looking for a hiking shoe that wears more like a boot for wet, cold conditions, and you don’t mind sacrificing a little breathability, the Nova 2 Mid Waterproof could be a good option. (The Nova 2 Mid Waterproof is also available in a wide version).
Stack Height
- Heel: 29.5 mm
- Toe: 21.5 mm
Drop: 8 mm
Stated Weight
- Men's: 340 g
- Women's: 270 g
MSRP: $140.00
Reviews of the Moab Flight shower the shoe with praise for its comfort, and a closer look at its design explains why. 29 mm of Merrell’s premium FloatPro Foam in the midsole, a breathable mesh lining / upper, and a removable PU footbed go a long way in ensuring both adequate amounts of impact absorption and a padded, cozy fit for most feet. But beyond that, the Moab Flight is also a model with performance in mind. It shares the same midsole material as the MTL Long Sky, which should give it solid amounts of energy return, and it comes standard with a Vibram Ecostep Recycle outsole made with 30% recycled rubber, offering improved grip on slick surfaces, though likely not as well as Vibram MegaGrip. While the Moab Flight won’t be as nimble as the MTL Long Sky, it’s likely a better option for longer distances by virtue of its taller stack height. If you’re in the market for a well-cushioned, versatile trail shoe that also happens to be made largely from recycled materials, check out the Moab Flight. (The Moab Flight is also available in a wide version).
Stack Height
- Heel: 29 mm
- Toe: 19 mm
Drop: 10 mm
Stated Weight
- Men's: 279 g
- Women's: 241 g
MSRP: $120.00
The Moab Flight Eco Dye has all the same measurements as the standard version of the shoe but is made using less environmentally harmful solution-dyed yarns and incorporates recycled materials in the laces, upper, mesh lining, footbed, and Vibram “EcoDura” outsole made using 30% recycled rubber.
Stack Height
- Heel: 29 mm
- Toe: 19 mm
Drop: 10 mm
Stated Weight
- Men's: 279 g
- Women's: 241 g
MSRP: $120.00
As Merrell’s dedicated winter trail running shoe, the Agility Synthesis Zero Gore-Tex is likely the brand’s most niche model. It borrows the Agility Peak 4’s silhouette, along with some of its features, including the same midsole construction (though in a lower-stack version) and jacquard upper, but Merrell weatherproofs the Agility Synthesis Zero Gore-Tex by adding a Gore-Tex waterproof membrane, built-in gaiter (with zipper closure), and Vibram’s specific “Icetrek” outsole. All of these components add weight to the shoe and negatively affect its breathability, though the addition of a weatherproof membrane helps with heat retention when temperatures plummet. While definitely not intended to take the place of crampons or microspikes, the Agility Synthesis Zero Gore-Tex should be able to take on harsh winter conditions for year-round runners living in cold climates, so if you’re looking for an option to plod through snow and ice, consider giving the Agility Synthesis Zero Gore-Tex a try.
Stack Height
- Heel: 25.5 mm
- Toe: 19.5 mm
Drop: 6 mm
Stated Weight
- Men's: 600 g
- Women's: N/A
MSRP: $200.00
Merrell technically has the MTL MQM (a vexing double acronym that when spelled out stands for, “Merrell Test Lab Moving Quickly over Mountains”) listed in their hiking footwear category, but it should also be thought of as a legitimate trail shoe, under the right circumstances. While definitely a heavier option for running purposes, the MTL MQM shares many features with models like the Agility Peak 4 and the MTL Long Sky 2, including FloatPro midsole foam, a rock plate, Super Rebound Compound for shock absorption, and a Vibram MegaGrip outsole. The shoe’s additional weight comes in the form of a TPU waterproof shell and added materials for comfort in and around the upper, such as an internal bootie. Blurring the lines between a lightweight hiker, approach shoe, and trail runner, the MTL MQM could be ideal for alpine peak-bagging missions that include a lot of scrambling, a little running, and just about everything in-between.
Stack Height
- Heel: 25.5 mm
- Toe: 19.5 mm
Drop: 6 mm
Stated Weight
- Men's: 311 g
- Women's: N/A
MSRP: $150.00
Pitched as Merrell’s elite trail running model, the MTL Long Sky 2 is a well-structured, moderately cushioned option for long-distance training runs and races. Equipped with an internal bootie for fit security and a breathable mesh upper, a midsole made from Merrell’s premium FloatPro EVA foam, and a best-in-class Vibram MegaGrip’ outsole with 4 mm lugs, it’s an unfussy shoe that should perform well on most types of terrain, from hard-packed dirt to technical singletrack. And because all shoes bearing the “MTL” (Merrell Test Lab) acronym before their name have been stressed and vetted by Merrell athletes, the MTL Long Sky 2 should (in theory) be a fairly durable model. If you’re in search of a lower-stack, generalist trail shoe made with premium materials that will likely hold its own on most surfaces, the MTL Long Sky 2 should be on your radar.
Stack Height
- Heel: 23.5 mm
- Toe: 19.5 mm
Drop: 4 mm
Stated Weight
- Men's: 268 g
- Women's: 227 g
MSRP: $140.00
Merrell’s lineup includes several barefoot-style shoes and the Trail Glove 6 is definitely one of their most popular. Its minimalist, zero-drop design is intended to mimic the shape and flex of the human foot, keeping it in a natural position through the gait cycle. With only 11.5 mm of stack height coming in the form of a midsole made from “BLOOM,” a performance foam made of 10% algae biomass, the Trail Glove 6 is probably best suited for shorter-distance runs. That said, the shoe’s midsole does include a rock plate for protection, and a Vibram EcoStep outsole should give the Trail Glove 6 decent grip on slick surfaces, so it’s by no means incapable on moderately technical trails. Stability on off-camber terrain should also benefit from the shoe’s ground feel (a byproduct of its minimal styling) as well as the external rear sling Merrell includes to lock the heel in place. If the idea of running barefoot attracts you, but you acknowledge that actually doing so might not be all that practical, check out the Trail Glove 6 Eco.
Stack Height
- Heel: 11.5 mm
- Toe: 11.5 mm
Drop: 0 mm
Stated Weight
- Men's: 200 g
- Women's: 170 g
MSRP: $110.00
Stack Height
- Heel: 11.5 mm
- Toe: 11.5 mm
Drop: 0 mm
Stated Weight
- Men's: 200 g
- Women's: 170 g
MSRP: $120.00
Least Cushion
As a sibling to the Trail Glove 6, the Vapor Glove 5 shares many of the same design elements, albeit in an even more minimal package. Its stack height is nearly halved, whittled down to just 6.5 mm, in the process losing the Trail Glove 6’s protective rock plate. While the shoe’s EVA foam insole will add a bit of softness, it effectively lacks a midsole, so cushioning will be negligible. But if you’re coming to this model, that’s likely a benefit, and as a barefoot-style option, the Vapor Glove 5 should live up to expectations. Its mesh / TPU upper rises up to meet a stretch collar for easy on and off, and the Vibram Ecostep outsole will likely give it good purchase on slick surfaces. Like with the Trail Glove 6, this model makes sense for folks who would rather be running barefoot.
Stack Height
- Heel: 6.5 mm
- Toe: 6.5 mm
Drop: 0 mm
Stated Weight
- Men's: 130 g
- Women's: N/A
I would love to see agility 4 for women in black. The colors available for women right now are beautiful but black would be perfect.
I miss the Bare Access Flex sub-range.
It was the nice point in between the minimalist glove range and standard mtl.