The best trail running shoes stand up in the toughest conditions, keeping you comfortable and stable over the many miles of treacherous terrain you're likely to encounter off-road.

These cushioned shoes from Merrell aim to tick boxes and are now up to a whopping 45% off in Backcountry's big Labor Day sale. If you're quick, you can get your hands on the Agility Peak 5 shoes for as little as $104.96 in men's sizes, and $76.97 in women's sizes. The sale runs until September 1.

This trail-ready pair combines breathable mesh uppers, designed to maximize airflow, with tough toe-caps to protect your feet from debris as you run. Inside, Merrell's FloatPro midsoles aim to balance comfort and support, while Vibram outsoles provide stability beneath your feet.

Outdoors expert Julia Clarke got a hold of the Agility Peak 5 trail running shoes in Chamonix, in the French Alps, where she got to put them to the test over many miles of strenuous running.

"If you don’t know, trail running in the Alps is, though magical, a special breed of demanding," explains Julia, who was very impressed by the Agility Peak 5's cushioning and stability on the trails.

"What struck me immediately was how comfortable the shoes are right out of the box," she continues.

"You’d be forgiven if you think these will be too unstable for rough trails, but as we start to climb steeply up into the mountains on the northwest side of the river, I have no problem keeping my balance, and my running mates also comment on how stable they feel."

Not in the US? Look below for today's best Merrell Agility Peak 5 shoes deals where you are.

• The best trail running shoes: get a grip on the trickiest terrain
• The best trail running socks: comfort and support on uneven ground

Merrell's Moab 3 hiking boots are one of the world's most recognisable pairs, and with good reason. Their soft pigskin leather and mesh uppers, dependable Gore-Tex waterproofing, and stable Vibram outsoles combine forces to form reliable boots that are great for year-round trekking.

Right now, the women's Moab 3 Mid is available for just $90.96 at Backcountry, as the US retailer slashes prices in its semi-annual sale.

These tough Merrell boots are one of our favorite pairs here at Advnture, and top our guide to the best hiking boots due to their solid performance on the trails. Outdoors expert Matthew Jones put his pair to the test in the mountains of Wales' Eryri National Park, otherwise known as Snowdonia, and was very impressed with their weather protection and out-of-the-box comfort.

"The Gore-Tex liner has kept our feet reliably dry and mostly comfortable, and the bellows tongue enables you to negotiate puddles or slightly boggy ground with confidence," reads his four-star review for Advnture.

"They were comfortable from the get-go and have continued to remain so as they’ve worn in. The tongue and ankle cuff are well-padded, and underfoot, you get a good balance of support and cushioning to help alleviate foot fatigue."

Matthew was also keen on the chunky Vibram outsoles, which dig into wet and slippery surfaces, so you don't have to worry about losing your footing when the heavens open.

If you're not in the US, you can look below for today's best Merrell Moab 3 hiking boots deals where you are.

• The best hiking boots and shoes for wide feet: stride out with confidence in well-fitting footwear
• The best budget hiking boots: quality pairs at low prices

For all their high-tech features and quality craftsmanship, the best hiking boots are usually limited to dark colorways. But that doesn't have to be the case! If you're after a dependable pair to help you stand out on the trails, check out these vibrant boots from Merrell, now 30% off at Backcountry.

The Rogue Hiker Mid hiking boots combine an eye-catching design with several trustworthy features for long-distance trekking, and are now available for as low as $160.96 in men's and women's sizes.

Their bright, abrasion-resistant uppers are made from a synthetic TPU mesh and feature Gore-Tex membranes to protect against the elements. Gore-Tex is a popular choice for hiking boots, due to its reliable waterproofing and decent breathability.

Float Pro Foam midsoles are designed to keep your feet feeling as fresh as a daisy, and an 8mm drop provides decent heel cushioning and midfoot support.

Experienced trekkers will be pleased to see this pair's Vibram Megagrip outsole. Vibran is trusted by brands across the globe for its stable and dependable outsoles. This one features an aggressive lug formation, designed to dig into uneven trails and keep you from slipping as you hike.

Not in the US? You can look below for today's best Merrell hiking boots deals where you are.

• The best hiking boots: protect your feet on any trail with our top choices
• The best budget hiking boots: quality pairs at low prices

Merrell might be best known as a hiking shoe brand, but recent years have seen the Michigan-based outfit make massive strides in trail running shoes, and its new release is designed for anyone seeking a technical shoe that can handle everything from tarmac to trail.

Personally, Merrell trail running shoes have become my favorite to run in over the last four years. The Merrell Long Sky 2 Matryx are unbelievably light, breathable, and sticky and have taken me from the volcanic trails of Gran Canaria to the rather soggier ones of Scotland without issue.

Last year, the Merrell Morphlite was released, offering the brand's first hybrid road-to-trail shoe that was built with enough cushion and responsiveness for hard roads and the stability and light grip for straightforward trails. I absolutely loved it, especially for vacations where I know I'm going to want to run, but am not sure what type of terrain I'm going to encounter. However, it wasn't built for technical or muddy trails.

Now, Merrell has taken what made that shoe so awesome and made it more technical for those who want to go further off-road but still travel routes that take them along roads.

Meet the Merrell ProMorph

The Merrell ProMorph, out now, shares DNA with the Morphlite, but it's designed to be more aggressive so you can take on rougher trails.

Since the biggest claim is that it provides better traction, let's start at the bottom and work our way up. Whereas the Morphlite left a fair amount of midsole exposed and has shallow lugs (3mm and 2mm) around the perimeter and under the heel and forefoot, the Vibram XS Trek rubber outsole of the ProMorph covers most of the bottom of the shoe and is absolutely peppered with small lugs. At 2.2mm, they're not super deep, but there are dozens (over 100?) of them, and the brand says this provides adaptable traction across a variety of terrain.

As for the midsole, the ProMorph has upgraded from FloatPro to FloatPro+, which uses the increasingly popular supercritical foam (that's nitrogen-injected) for lightweight responsiveness.

The stack has gone up, from 26.5 in the heel to 32.5, while the 6.5mm drop has remained the same, and here's hoping the synthetic and mesh upper is as breathable as the Morphlite because that's an absolute dream on warm days. The added tech has added a little weight, but at roughly 9oz (260g), these are still astonishingly light.

It's definitely true that gear that serves multiple functions sometimes does a decent job at everything without excelling at everything, but based on my experiences with the Morphlite, my hopes are high that these will be the Leatherman of running shoes.

The Merrell ProMorph is available now in men's and women's sizing for $160 / £150 at Merrell.

• The best road to trail running shoes: footwear for all terrains
• The best trail running shoes: get a grip on the trickiest terrain

We're right in the middle of the Amazon Prime Day madness, but funnily enough, many of the best deals aren't on Amazon at all! Big savings are often elsewhere during the mega sales event, as other retailers and brands scramble to keep up.

This year, we've stumbled across an epic deal on one of our favorite pairs of trail running shoes. The Merrell Agility Peak 5 shoes received a rare four-and-a-half-star rating in our review, and are now available for just $74.99 on the Merrell website.

The offer applies to the Neon Multi, Red Oxide and fluro White/Hylalite colorways so you'll be sure to be seen on the trails too.

This sturdy pair combines well-ventilated mesh and TPU uppers with supportive EVA foam footbeds and FloatPro midsoles, so you can run in comfort and absorb blows from the trail without your feet overheating. Beneath lie grippy Vibram MegaGrip outsoles, which dig into slippery and uneven terrain to keep you from falling as you run.

Trail running expert Pat Kinsella took on all sorts of terrain to test his pair and found them to be exceptionally stable throughout.

"The 5mm lugs are super grippy," reads his review for Advnture.

"They’re intelligently arranged to supply traction while climbing and brilliant braking control during descents, while being sufficiently spaced so they don’t accumulate loads of mud."

Pat's experience with the Agility Peak 5 was an overwhelmingly positive one, prompting him to describe this Merrell model as: "a very good trail-running shoe that will serve you well, whether you’re intending to tackle technical alpine terrain or just jog around your local trails".

Not in the US? Don't worry, you can still pick up a great deal. Look below for today's best Merrell Agility Peak 5 deals where you are.

• The best barefoot running shoes: feel the ground beneath your feet
• The best trail running shoes: get a grip on the trickiest terrain

Right now, you can pick up the stylish Merrell Speed Eco waterproof hiking shoes for just $104.73 at REI. That's a healthy savings of 25% off the regular asking price for these lightweight hiking shoes that we gave a four-star rating in our field tests.

"The Merrell Speed Ecos are comfortable from the get-go and this comfort continues for miles and miles on the trails. Fit wise, they lock down the midfoot and there’s plenty of room for toes to splay," writes Advnture contributor Alex Foxfield in his review.

True to their name, the laces and webbing, breathable mesh lining, and mesh footbed cover are all made from 100% recycled materials in the Speed Ecos. The upper is 77% recycled, the EVA foam footbed is 50% recycled, and the rubber outsole is 30% recycled.

"They boast a sneaker-like aesthetic and, weighing in at just 340g per shoe, they’re clearly aimed at the summer speed-hiking brigade," says Alex.

This deal applies to men's sizing, while the women's model is also on sale with a 24% discount.

Not in the US? Scroll down to the bottom of this article for today's best deals on the Merrell Speed Eco waterproof hiking shoes where you are.

The outsole is noticeably wider in these shoes, giving a greater surface area for traction. Directional arrow-shaped 4mm lugs provide grip on soft surfaces, while textured flatter lugs around the perimeter provide traction on dry or wet rock.

"These aren’t the most aggressive lugs you’ll find, so they lend themselves better to hard-packed trails in summer than muddy paths in late fall," warns Alex.

If you're not in the US, here are today's best offers on the Merrell Speed Eco waterproof hiking shoes near you:

• The best hiking shoes: trail-friendly shoes for all seasons

With summer more or less in full swing, you might be looking for a lighter, more breathable pair of trail runners to hit the rough stuff with, and I've got the perfect deal for you. Right now, you can grab the super tough Merrell Long Sky 2 Matryx trail running shoes for just $119.73 at REI. That's a great savings of 25% off the list price for these shoes, which I've taken all over the world in the last year.

When you think of Merrell, you might well think of an old school hiking brand, but since entering the trail running market a few years ago, they continue to impress me. The Long Sky 2 Matryx are my absolute favorite from the brand so far, whether I'm fell running on slate in the Lake District or taking on volcanic rock in Gran Canaria.

These lightweight trail running shoes grip to the steepest of slopes to give you confidence when the going gets tough, breathe extremely well during long hot runs and the tough Matrix upper is abrasion-resistant while protecting your toes on technical trails.

They're super light, so I always chuck them in my bag when I'm traveling and the FloatPro Foam midsole has great flex for an easy roll-through and gives excellent trail feel.

This deal applies to both men's and women's sizing, but it looks like they're selling fast, so I recommend you jump if you want this deal.

Scroll down to the bottom of this article for today's best deals on the Merrell Long Sky 2 Matryx trail running shoes if you're not in the US.

The traditional lacing system makes these easy to pull on and adjust for a snug fit around your heel and midfoot. The toe box leaves plenty of room for comfort over many hours, though we think these shoes excel best on technical runs rather than over long, rolling hills where you might want a slightly bouncier ride.

Not in the US? Here are today's best deals on the Merrell Long Sky 2 Matryx trail running shoes where you are:

• The best trail running shoes: get a grip on the trickiest terrain
• The best trail running socks: comfort and support on uneven ground

As an Advnture writer, I get to test out a lot of different trail running shoes and for me, one brand always hits the mark: Michigan-based Merrell. Compared to other heavyweights like Salomon and Hoka, Merrell is fairly new to the trail running scene, but I've been consistently impressed with the comfort and performance of its shoes, which I've tested on trails from the Scottish Highlands to the Alps and from Chamonix to Gran Canaria. Now, three of my favorite styles have landed in REI's clearance sale.

My favorite deal is on the Merrell Morphlite shoes, which are down to just $74.73. These super light and breathable road-to-trail shoes are easily the most comfortable I've tested from the brand, and though they're not technical, they're great for easy runs on mixed surfaces. I tend to haul these out come summer and love them for vacations, where I just want something lightweight and don't know what kind of terrain to expect.

If you're seeking something a little sturdier, the Merrell Agility Peak 5s are also on sale, down to $104.73. I first tested these out during a week of trail running in Chamonix when I was covering the UTMB 2023 and was very impressed by how well they handle more technical mountain terrain. That said, they're still comfortable and light enough to wear for easy runs or on planes on your way to your next active vacation.

Finally, the rugged Merrell MTL Long Sky 2s are down to $104.73. These are the first Merrell trail shoes I ever tested, four years ago, and they remain some of my favorite for tackling technical terrain thanks to 5mm lugs that bite down, and they're quick drying for wet days and waterlogged trails.

REI is clearing these models out to make room for new ones, and sizes are disappearing quickly, so definitely jump on these deals now if you want to secure a nice discount.

Scroll down to the bottom of this article for today's best deals on these models if you're not in the US.

Not in the US? Here are today's best deals on these Merrell trail running shoes where you are:

• The best trail running shoes: get a grip on the trickiest terrain
• The best trail running socks: comfort and support on uneven ground

Thanks to the rise and rise of Hoka, trail runners have gotten used to seeing some brash shoes out there. Now, Merrell has got in on the trend with a new release that's certain to make a statement on the trail.

The Merrell MTL Adapt Matryx trail running shoe is out now, and after the release of the SpeedARC Surge BOA back in January, it's one of the more outlandish-looking shoes we've seen from the Michigan brand.

After establishing itself as a leader in the hiking footwear with models like the world's bestselling hiking boot, the Moab, Merrell suddenly burst onto the trail running scene two years ago with some truly excellent shoes, including the Morphlite, Agility Peak 5 and Long Sky 2 Matryx, which all remain in high rotation among my trail footwear collection.

The new MTL Adapt Matryx shares some DNA with the Long Sky 2 Matryx – namely the use of super-strong and light Kevlar fibers in the upper to make it breathable and abrasion-resistant. But the first thing that catches the eye is the oh-so chunky midsole.

Constructed with a hefty 36mm of FloatPro foam in a bubble design, the brand says this shoe is designed for athletes competing in ultra marathons, and this addition offers enhanced cushioning and energy return, for comfort and responsiveness over long distances. The footbed is also wide, which makes for a more stable ride, though it might not work for runners with narrow feet, and the shoes have a neutral 6mm drop.

So, has it got the goods?

Looking at the specs, this shoe is more than just a cocksure midsole and loud colorways. A breathable mesh lining keeps your feet cool and dry by allowing sweat to escape and water to drain quickly if your trail is flooded.

A padded collar helps offset the wide footbed and makes for a snugger fit, while strategic 3D Print and TPU overlays in wear zones increase durability, extending the life of your shoes. There's also the handy elastic lace keeper we've seen on other Merrell shoes that helps keep your laces secure and out of the way which is a blessing when the trail is overgrown and on race day.

Underfoot, the brand has gone with reliable Vibram MegaGrip rubber outsoles to make these shoes a tactical contender for both dry and wet surfaces, with 4mm lugs to both enhance traction and easily shed debris as you run. A fair amount of midsole is exposed to cut weight, however, which could reduce their shelf life.

With each shoe weighing just 10.15oz (288g), these shoes barely weigh more than the featherlight Long Sky 2 Matryx but offer significantly more cushioning. If they perform as well as those shoes, we think Merrell might just be onto a winner for long runs.

The Merrell MTL Adapt Matryx trail running shoe is available now for $180 from Merrell.

• The best trail shoes for ultra runners: these robust and comfy rides are built for serious outdoor adventures

Fancy a dip after your run? These unique Merrell shoes combine the fast-draining, ocean-friendly tech of water shoes with enough traction to help you speed through the trails as you run.

The Hydro Runner SE X RCI shoes from Merrell are now available for just $57.73 at REI - a handy 32% off their list price in the early summer sales.

Built for multisport use on the shore and in the waves, this unique pair features a lightweight EVA foam shell and mesh upper, designed to optimize airflow. The 100% recycled mesh footbed covers and high-rebound EVA foam midsoles aim to support your feet as you speed through the trails.

Alongside ocean compatibility, this pair's water shoe features are well-suited to coastal runs and boggy areas. The slip-on Hydro Moc construction aims to drain and dry quickly, so you can quickly return to running in comfort after the odd puddle or wet section.

Underneath your feet, Merrell's own sticky rubber outsoles are designed to provide a stable, slip-free running experience. They feature sizable, aggressively-positioned lugs, which dig into uneven wilderness terrain to help you run with confidence.

If you're not in the US, you can look below for today's best Merrell Hydro shoes deals where you are.

These prices are updated daily, so you're sure to get the most bang for your buck.

• The most comfortable trail running shoes: put your feet first with these lightweight, cushioned buys
• The best water shoes: fast-draining, quick-drying and ready to take you from the shore to the sea

Merrell's Moab hiking boots are a stalwart on rocky mountain trails and rough terrain all around the world.

They were first released in 2007, with the aim of combining the protection and stability of heavy-duty models with a comfortable, easy fit that wasn't common at the time. In the years since, Merrell has sold more than 25 million pairs, which the company claims makes the Moab the best-selling model of all time.

The latest version, the Moab 3, is just as dependable as its forefathers and features many of the same sturdy materials. It's also 24% off right now at REI, and available for just $97.73 in women's sizes.

On the hunt for men's Merrell Moab 3 hiking shoes? Scroll to the bottom of this article for today's best deals.

This pair is made from a breathable pigskin suede leather/mesh upper, which allows your feet to breathe while you stomp through the trails on hot summer days.

Comfort is also prioritized thanks to cushioned Super Rebound Compound midsoles, which hiking expert Matthew Jones described as "exceptionally comfortable" in his review for Advnture.

"The midsole delivers a good balance of stability and cushioning, with a bit more arch support than most mid boots," he added, before praising this pair's aggressive Vibram outsoles.

"All in all, it’s a solid and well-built package," summarised Matthew.

Not in the States? Look below for today's best Merrell Moab 3 deals where you are.

• The best lightweight hiking boots and shoes: pick up speed on the trails and stay agile on your scrambles
• The best hiking shoes: capable summit-baggers and fast-paced walkers

Preference is everything when it comes to picking the right hiking shoes to help you navigate the wilderness.

Some trekkers prefer a pair with minimal underfoot support and a close, barefoot feel on the trails. Others prioritize comfort, opting for lots of cushioning and a hefty underfoot stack, so they can bounce around the backcountry as if they were walking on pillows.

If you fall into the latter camp, these chunky Merrell hiking shoes may be the ones for you.

Right now, you can get your hands on the Merrell Hydro Next Gen hiking shoes in men's and women's sizes for only $76.73 at REI - a whopping 30% off their list price in the spring sales.

These unique hiking shoes feature sizable FloatMax foam midsoles, designed to provide a cushioned, pain-free hiking experience as you pass over rough terrain and unpredictable wilderness trails. They also utilize Bloom performance foam, a sustainable material sourced from algae biomass.

Alongside comfort, the Hydro Next Gen hiking shoes were crafted with breathability in mind. The thermoplastic polyurethane uppers feature mesh materials to optimize airflow and stop your feet from overheating when you hit the trails.

Not in the US? Look below for today's best Merrell deals where you are.

• The best lightweight hiking boots and shoes: pick up speed on the trails and stay agile on your scrambles
• The best hiking boots and shoes for wide feet: stride out with confidence in well-fitting footwear

On the hunt for a dependable pair of hiking boots to tear up the trails this spring? Check out this lightweight pair from Merrell, they wowed our expert reviewer and are $45 off in time for the hiking season.

Right now, you can get your hands on the Merrell Moab Speed 2 hiking boots for just $134.73 at REI, a hefty 25% off their list price.

Built for all seasons, these top notch boots feature a waterproof Gore-Tex membrane which blocks out the rain and remains breathable over long distances.

Inside the boots, your feet are greeted with a cushioned FloatPro Foam midsole and ample ankle padding for optimal support. There's further protection around the toe and heel, where stiff, abrasion-resistant materials shield against unpredictable backcountry terrain.

The grippy outsole is covered in 4mm Vibram TC5+ lugs, which dig into muddy and uneven trails to maximise stability.

Outdoors expert Alex Foxfield was thoroughly impressed by his Moab Speed 2 hiking boots, and particularly keen on their comfortable fit.

In his review for Advnture, Alex said: "The key standout is comfort. I could hike in these all day long quite happily.

"The combination of cushioning, fit and the lack of weight make these easily one of the most comfortable boots I’ve ever worn."

The Merrell Moab Speed 2 hiking boots are also available in women's sizes for their list price of $180.

If you're not in the US, here are today's best Merrell Moab Speed 2 hiking boots deals where you are:

• The best hiking shoes: trail-friendly shoes for all seasons
• The best hiking boots and shoes for wide feet: stride out with confidence in well-fitting footwear

Want something comfy to wear while you trot around the trails this season? Take a look at these supportive hiking shoes from Merrell, reduced by 24% in REI's spring sales.

Right now at REI, you can get the men's Merrell Moab Edge 3 hiking shoes for just $82.73.

Merrell's Moab range has earned a stellar reputation for producing high-quality hiking shoes for all conditions. In our expert guide to the best hiking boots, we chose the flagship Moab 3 boots as our top pick.

The Moab Edge 3 hiking shoes take the grippy Vibram sole and sturdy construction of our favorite pair and provide additional underfoot support so you can enjoy pain-free hiking in the wilderness.

They feature shock-absorbent Super Rebound midsoles, Merrell Air cushioning in the heels, and contoured footbeds for flexible support while you trek.

In addition to comfort, this pair prioritises grip. Its aggressive Vibram outsoles have sizable 5mm lugs that dig into uneven surfaces to keep you upright on the trails.

The Merrell Moab Edge 3 hiking shoes are available in the Granite and Black colorways. They've been discontinued so this deal won't be around for long.

Look below for today's best Merrell Moab hiking shoes and boots deals where you are:

• The best hiking shoes: trail-friendly shoes for all seasons
• The best hiking boots and shoes for wide feet: stride out with confidence in well-fitting footwear

Barefoot running has shot to prominence in the past two decades and continues to grow in popularity with every passing year, as runners crave the natural, close feeling of the trails underneath their feet.

The best barefoot running shoes are typically lightweight, featuring minimal support and as little as 3mm of underfoot protection.

The Trail Glove 7 barefoot shoes from Merrell are no different. These breezy, minimalistic running shoes aim to create a natural feeling on the trails and are currently available for just $89.96 in men's and women's sizes at Backcountry.

The Trail Glove 7s feature 100% recycled synthetic mesh uppers and grippy Vibram outsoles with small but stable 2.5mm lugs.

Like many barefoot shoes, this pair is zero drop, meaning that there's no difference in height between your heel and forefoot. This design reduces support but increases a natural feeling on the trails, allowing you to jog and sprint as you would without shoes.

The Trail Glove 7 trail running shoes weigh just 8oz (227g) and have been reduced in the Lichen/Gum, and Oyster colorways in men's sizes and Chalk/Gum, Highrise, and Jade in women's sizes.

Look below for today's best Merrell trail running shoe deals where you are:

• The best trail shoes for ultra runners: these robust and comfy rides are built for serious outdoor adventures
• The best barefoot running shoes: feel the ground beneath your feet

Hurry! These eco-friendly Merrell hiking boots have been discontinued, meaning that when they're gone, they're gone forever.

If you're quick, you can get your hands on the Merrell Speed Solo hiking shoes for just $54.83 in men's and women's sizes at REI.

This half-price pair is an eco-friendly option for taking on the trails, featuring 100% recycled laces, webbing, mesh lining, and polyurethane insoles. The 'Bloom' foam insoles include algea biomass, a renewable material sourced from lakes and ponds.

Alongside sustainability, this pair was designed with harsh hiking trails in mind. The Vibram ecostep outsoles feature aggressively shaped 4mm lugs, which dig into uneven terrain to provide stability in the wilderness, while the waterproof suede upper wards off the elements.

Meanwhile, sturdy, supportive rock plates aim to protect your feet from rocks and irritating debris in the wilderness.

The Merrell Speed Solo hiking shoes are available in the Black/Boulder colorway in men's sizes and Burlwood in women's.

The Merrell Speed Solo hiking shoes are also available in a mid-cut version, which is currently reduced to $104.93 in men's and women's sizes.

If you're not in the U.S, you can look below for today's best deals on dependable Merrell hiking shoes where you are:

• The best hiking boots and shoes for wide feet: stride out with confidence in well-fitting footwear
• The best hiking shoes: trail-friendly shoes for all seasons

This dependable pair of trail running shoes from Merrell is an excellent choice for taking on the trails, whether tackling steep mountain paths or jogging around the countryside.

Right now, you can snag 25% off the discontinued Merrell Agility Peak 5 trail running shoes, which are available for $104.73 in men's and women's sizes at REI.

These sleek trail running shoes combine comfort and grip so you can run pain-free without worrying about your balance on the trails. The Agility Peak 5s feature firm Vibram Megagrip rubber outsoles, which dig into terrain and shed debris with each step.

In his review for Advnture, trail running expert Pat Kinsella described the 5mm lugs as "super grippy and intelligently arranged to supply traction while climbing and braking control on descents."

After multiple weeks of testing, Pat's pair earned a coveted four-and-a-half star rating.

He was also impressed with the breathable upper and protective rockplate, which "runs along the length of these shoes, preventing sharp rocks and sticks from puncturing the sole and injuring your poor feet."

Running expert Julia Clarke is also a fan. She took the Merrell Agility Peak 5s for a spin in the Swiss Alps and was thoroughly impressed.

These beloved trail running shoes are available in a variety of funky colors in women's sizes and cloud white in men's. A waterproof Gore-Tex version is also available for $190.

If you're not in the U.S, you can see today's best deals on Merrell Agility Peak 5 trail running shoes where you are below:

• The most comfortable trail running shoes: put your feet first with these lightweight, cushioned buys
• The best trail running shoes: get a grip on the trickiest terrain

A great pair of trail running shoes isn't easy to come by.

The best combine comfort and stability, so you can hit the trails for pain-free runs, without any chance of slipping over. Right now, you can snag the Merrell Long Sky 2 trail running shoes in men's and women's sizes for $104.96 at Steep and Cheap, just under $35 off their list price of $139.95.

This bouncy pair is made from EVA foam with a 100% recycled top sheet. These materials are both breathable and durable, so you can keep your feet cool in hot, sweaty weather and run with confidence.

The aggressive Vibram MegaGrip outsoles feature sizable lugs that can keep you upright on tricky trails. Our expert reviewer Julia Clarke found them very handy in her review.

"Once you hit uneven, rocky terrain, you’ll really appreciate the stability provided by the low 4mm drop combined with 5mm lugs on the MegaGrip soles, which hold up even in slick conditions," said Julia, who rated the pair five-stars.

The Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 trail running shoes are available in the Nutshell and Clay colorways in men's sizes, and Willow in women's.

Don't panic if you're not in the U.S. See today's best deals on Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 trail running shoes in men's and women's sizes where you are.

• The best trail running shoes: get a grip on the trickiest terrain
• The best trail shoes for ultra runners: these robust and comfy rides are built for serious outdoor adventures

Merrell's Moab range of hiking boots has earned a stellar reputation for comfort, cushioning, and stability in the wilderness. We've been consistently impressed by the Moab range and even ranked the Moab 3s as our best overall hiking boots of the year.

The Moab Speed 2 is no different. Wowing our expert reviewer, this comfy and dependable pair earned the top spot as our best lightweight hiking boots of the year, and are currently 25% off.

Right now, you can get your hands on the Merrell Moab Speed 2 women's hiking boots for $134.99 at Backcountry, $45 less than their list price of $180.

Weighing just 14.1oz / 400g, these technical hiking boots are noticeably light on your feet, but tough enough for strenuous trails. The Speed 2s feature durable and stretchy nylon ripstop and TPU uppers, while Gore-Tex membranes stop water from seeping in.

Our expert reviewer Alex Foxfield found his pair to be exceedingly comfy after long days hiking in the English Pennines and Scottish highlands.

"The key standout is comfort. I could hike in these all day long quite happily," said Alex.

"The combination of cushioning, fit and the lack of weight make these easily one of the most comfortable boots I’ve ever worn."

The Merrell Moab Speed 2 hiking boots are available in women's sizes in the Charcoal, Khaki, and Peach colorways. Scroll down for today's best deals on the Moab Speed 2 hiking boots in men's sizes.

Don't panic if you're not in the U.S. See today's best deals on Merrell Moab Speed 2 hiking boots in men's and women's sizes where you are.

• The most comfortable hiking boots and shoes: lightweight, cushioned hikers for happy feet
• The best budget hiking boots: quality pairs at low prices

Merrell’s ever-popular Moab series is an institution in itself. Said to be the world’s best-selling hiking boot, the series has sold something in the region of 25 million pairs worldwide since it debuted over 15 years ago.

These days the Moab comes in many shapes and sizes, with multiple spin offs among the brand's boots, hiking shoes and even its trail running shoes. I’m surprised that the brand haven’t yet unveiled a Moab hiking sandal, though its Choprock Sieve bares some similarities.

The Moab Speed 2 Vent 2K 1TRL is at the lightweight end of the Moab spectrum and, depending on where you look, is classified as both a fast-hiking shoe and a trail running shoe. There are contradictions even on Merrell’s own website, with the shoe described as both “the latest innovation in hiking” and as “a lightweight vegan-friendly trail runner”. At 352g, they’re not lightweight at all (for a trail runner) – certainly more akin to a hiking shoe. It seemed that I had my work cut out to get to the bottom of just what exactly these shoes are for…

First impressions

When I opened up the box and revealed the Speed 2 Vents for the first time, my immediate impression was that they bore more resemblance to a hiking shoe than a trail shoe. They’re certainly bulkier than something like Merrell’s Agility Peak 5 trail running shoes, which we rated very highly back in September 2023. At the same time, they're hardly as robust looking as many of Merrell's other hiking options.

With its chunky, protective outsole, toe box reinforcement and ample cushioning, the Speed 2 Vent suggests comfort rather than blistering speed. If the Agility Peak 5 is a Camaro, then the Speed 2 Vent puts me more in mind of a Jeep. It looks like it’d be capable on rough terrain and be relatively nifty too. Aesthetically, the hexagonal mesh really stands out, promising breathability and functionality. It’s a shoe that looks at home both on the streets and the trails but lacks some of the pub-ready classiness of footwear featuring Italian leather or similar.

Features

The synthetic materials used in the Speed 2 Vent make it a vegan-friendly option, while the mesh lining, laces, webbing and footbed cover are 100% recycled. Bravo! Breathability is the key here, it’s a shoe designed for dynamic activities and warm weather hiking.

There’s plenty of protection too. Hidden between the midsole and the outsole is a rock plate to shield against sharp objects underfoot, while there’s rubber reinforcement at both the heel and the toes. Again, this level of protection is more akin to a hiking shoe than a trail running shoe, though it’s not too dissimilar to some forms of mountain running footwear, such as the Salomon Speedcross 6. Nevertheless, the Speed 2 Vent is around 100g heavier per pair than something like the Speedcross.

Barefoot runners and hikers beware, the drop is substantial – at least 10mm. This makes it more suited to heel strikers and you can expect little by way of trail feel thanks to the ample amount of cushioning. Instead, what you get is a comfortable ride – the FloatPro midsole providing a nice amount of lightweight spring.

The Vibram TC5+ outsole features bean-shaped 3.7mm lugs through the center and trapezoid lugs around the edges. They’re admittedly not the most aggressive looking lineup – the same sole features in the Speed 2 Mid Gore-Tex hiking boot that I reviewed earlier in 2024. On the boot version, I found that the grip was found wanting on muddy terrain and the same was true here. This is even more of an issue where fast hiking or even running are concerned. Speed and the forces involved when exploring boggy environments demand lugs that will hold firm. The TC5+ simply doesn’t provide this.

After working up a sweat, you can usually expect these kinds of shoes to get a little pongy. Not so, the Speed 2 Vent! Cleansport NXT pro-biotic treatment means that the fabrics are odor resistant. It makes use of selected microbes and bonds them to the surface of the shoe. Merrell claim it’s environmentally friendly and it should avoid the worst of the post-adventure pong.

On the trails

I’ve been testing the Speed 2 Vent as both a hiker and a runner on the trails of England’s southwest throughout fall and early winter. For me, it’s not a great trail running shoe. It’s too heavy, the cushioning is too extreme and it doesn’t grip muddy trails well enough. There’s no doubt it’d fare better in summer, but not enough to have me reaching for it over more specialized trail shoes. On a personal note, I tend to run in shoes with little or no drop, so the 10mm+ here felt really extreme, like I was being tipped forward the whole time.

To my mind, the shoe is much better as a lightweight hiker, providing comfort and decent performance on easy trails. As mentioned, the TC5+ outsole isn’t ideal for boggier terrain and it struggles on steep, earthy inclines too. Not only this, the lugs towards the heel have a habit of collecting mud, compromising the grip further.

All of this means it's best suited to drier environments and firmer terrain, such as gravel paths. I enjoyed walks in my local park and country ambles over the festive period with family. On these kinds of easier hikes, the Speed 2 Vents were preferable to bulkier hiking shoes or boots, thanks to their comfort and breathability.

It's clear that breathability has been prioritized here over waterproof protection – hence the Vent in the name. There’s no Gore-Tex to keep the drink out but then the upper ventilates very well, better than it would if it had a waterproof membrane. This is the conundrum, the double-edged sword that all outdoor footwear designers must face. If you hike in wetter environments, it’s probably worth getting the Gore-Tex version, as the breathability payoff will be worth it, though I’d still be concerned about the outsole’s ability to grip the sloppier stuff.

Throughout the test period, I was impressed with the level of protection the Speed 2 Vents provide against rock abrasion and prickly undergrowth. The odor-resistant treatment also meant that they didn’t stink out the car after an outing too, always a bonus!

The Moab series is named after the Utah city on the edge of Arches National Park, a spectacular and, crucially, dry hiking environment. I’d much sooner wear the Speed 2 Vents for a speedy hike there then I would for a jaunt into the UK’s soggier uplands. The bottom line here is that these are nice hiking shoes that are best for dry adventures. For me, they're not trail running shoes but fast hikers that you can jog in should the mood take you while exploring the trails.

Renowned footwear brand Merrell is kicking off the new year on the right foot – with a brand new hiking shoe drop.

Joining the ranks of the Moab 3 and Siren 4, the Merrell SpeedARC Surge BOA is a lightweight hiker inspired by the high clearance of a 4WD vehicle that lets you coast over bumpy trails.

“We’ve purposefully built the SpeedARC Surge BOA to return every ounce of energy you put in, taking each stride and propelling it forward,” says Merrell Senior Design Director Ian Cobb.

With this shoe, the Michigan-based company is introducing its new SpeedARC midsole system, which features "active response coils." These are crafted with the latest version of the brand's proprietary FloatPro nitrogen-injected foam and nylon Flexplate, which provides the shock-absorbing stability and energy return of a carbon plate with outsole lugs for grip on slick surfaces.

“With double the energy return found in our independent lab tests, it keeps your feet feeling cushioned and comfortable every step of the way so you can experience a motion that knows no bounds and zero limitations. This shoe will make your four miles feel like two," says Cobb.

According to the official release from Merrell, the Flexplate separates and stabilizes two foam midsoles. The foam midsole closest to the ground absorbs the shock of walking on hard surfaces, while the foam closest to your foot absorbs and rebounds the impact of your own gait, with the construction aimed at improving responsiveness as you hike.

The shoe also incorporates the BOA Fit System in place of traditional laces for a more dynamic lockdown fit and easy adjustment on the trail. Like the Merrell Long Sky 2 Matryx, these shoes take advantage of the lightweight and durable Matryx fabric for a solid, breathable upper with a knit bootie collar construction.

“We’re transforming expectations and reimagining what hike can be, where it can take you and how a hiking shoe looks, to give you a sense of confidence on each hike,” says Cobb.

The SpeedARC Surge BOA was named one of TIME’s Best Inventions of 2024 for its adaptability and immediate cushioning. It is available now in men's and women's sizes at Merrell.com for £240 / €280 / $290.

Still looking? Here are today's best deals on our favorite Merrell shoes:

• The best hiking shoes: trail-friendly shoes for all seasons

If you've got plans to hit the trail more in the New Year, REI just added a pile of great Merrell hiking shoes to its winter sale. Right now, you can pick up the Merrell Moab Speed 2 Thermo Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots for just $142.73 at REI. That's a generous savings of $48 off the list price for these warm winter boots, which use the same thermal material as NASA does in their spacecraft.

This deal applies to men's sizing, and these boots have plenty of protective details for rough conditions, from abrasion-resistant coated leather heels and toe caps to ripstop nylon uppers.

If you're in the market for women's sizing, or something lighter, they've also discounted popular models like the Siren 4 and Moab Speed 2 in leather. We've rounded up all the best deals for you below and we suggest you act fast, since several of these models have been discontinued and once they're gone, they're gone.

Not in the US? Scroll down to the bottom of this article for today's best deals on the Merrell hiking shoes where you are.

If you're not in the US, here are today's best offers on the Merrell hiking shoes near you:

• The best hiking shoes: trail-friendly shoes for all seasons
• Best hiking boots: hit the trails

Right now, you can pick up the much-loved Merrell Moab 3 Mid waterproof hiking boots for women for just $59.83 at REI. That's an astonishing savings of 60% off the regular asking price for these comfortable, protective hiking shoes that receive an average rating of 4.6 stars from REI customers, and our writers here at Advnture.

If you're shopping for men's sizing, you can pick up a pair of the lower-cut Merrell Moab 3 Mid waterproof hiking shoes at the same discount for a final sale price of just $55.83.

This is easily the cheapest I've ever seen these shoes, which the Michigan-based brand claim is the world's bestselling hiking footwear. I wore a pair to walk Scotland's famous 100-mile West Highland Way a few years ago and my feet were so happy.

I found them instantly comfortable, thanks in part to a wide toe box that leaves my toes room to spread, and was pleased that they offer loads of protection on rough trails. Grippy Vibram soles kept me sure-footed all the way from the Scottish Highlands down to just outside Glasgow.

This deal applies to the women's mid cut and men's shoe in the Granite colorway, but we suggest you act fast, since the item has been discontinued and sizes are running out quickly in other colorways.

Not in the US? Scroll down to the bottom of this article for today's best deals on the Merrell Moab 3 waterproof hiking shoes where you are.

Merrell Moab 3 Gore-Tex hiking boots and shoes are known for supportive comfort, durability and versatility for straightforward trails. Pigskin leather and mesh uppers have protective rubber toe caps and bellows tongues to keep out moisture and debris,

If you're not in the US, here are today's best offers on the Merrell Moab 3 hiking shoes near you:

• The best hiking shoes: trail-friendly shoes for all seasons
• Best hiking boots: hit the trails

Right now, you can pick up the much-loved Merrell Moab 3 waterproof hiking shoes for just $83.83 at REI. That's a giant savings of 40% off the regular asking price for these comfortable, protective hiking shoes.

After a false start on the 100-mile West Highland Way a few years ago where I chose shoes with a narrow toe box that left my toes in shreds, I changed tack and thru-hiked the iconic trail in these shoes.

I found them instantly comfortable, thanks in part to a wide toe box that leaves my toes room to spread, and was pleased that they offer loads of protection on rough trails. Grippy Vibram soles kept me sure-footed all the way from the Scottish Highlands down to just outside Glasgow.

Though they are relatively heavy compared to other trainer-style shoes and a little warm for hot summer days, Merrell Moab 3 Gore-Tex hiking shoes essentially deliver all the perks of the perennially popular, high-cut version and are robust yet comfortable for straightforward trails.

This deal applies to both men's and women's sizing in all colorways, and there are loads of sizes left in the Granite colorway, but we suggest you act fast, since the item has been discontinued and sizes are running out quickly in other colorways.

Not in the US? Scroll down to the bottom of this article for today's best deals on the Merrell Moab 3 waterproof hiking shoes where you are.

Updated from their Moab 2 predecessors with partially recycled fabrics, more supportive insoles, more cushioned midsoles and grippier Vibram outsoles, the Moab 3s have protective rubber toe caps and waterproof membranes seal out water and let moisture escape.

If you're not in the US, here are today's best offers on the Merrell Moab 3 hiking shoes near you:

• The best hiking shoes: trail-friendly shoes for all seasons

Right now, you can pick up the versatile Merrell Morphlite road-to-trail running shoes for just $74.73 at REI. That's a generous savings of 25% off the regular asking price for these ultralight, ultra comfortable shoes that I've taken around the world this year.

I've worn these shoes on the trails of Sweden, the Alps, Scotland the Cotswolds and I love how versatile they are when I'm traveling and don't know if I'm going to have to run on tarmac or dirt. They're extremely comfortable out of the box with a nice, wide toe box, very breathable for warm weather and have enough grip to handle straightforward trails and even run on the beach.

The foam midsoles are moderate and extremely light (barely heavier than the Merrell Skyfire 2 which is their lightest shoe) with no carbon plate to make them stiff or weigh them down. 

They might not deliver the bounce of a maximalist shoe on the tarmac, but there's enough cushion underfoot to make road running comfortable, and once you hit the trail there's some trail feel while the wide geometry keeps you pretty stable on uneven trail.

This deal applies to both men's and women's sizing in all colorways, but we suggest you act fast, since the item has been discontinued and sizes are bound to run out quickly.

Not in the US? Scroll down to the bottom of this article for today's best deals on the Merrell Morphlite road-to-trail running shoes where you are. 

The 3 mm lugs give you all the traction you need for straightforward trails such as soft forest paths and gravel roads, though these aren't built for really muddy conditions or technical trails.

If you're not in the US, here are today's best offers on the Merrell Morphlite road-to-trail running shoes near you:

• The best road to trail running shoes: footwear for all terrains

It's been a big year for smashing course records at the world's most iconic ultra marathons. First, David Roche felled the longstanding record at the Leadville 100, then Katie Schide dethroned Courtney Dauwalter at the UTMB. Now another record has fallen over the weekend at Colorado's iconic Run Rabbit Run race, which saw Emilie Mann demolish the women's course record.

The Canadian Trail runner, sponsored by Merrell, won the Steamboat Springs race in 19:48:05 – nearly half an hour faster than Michele Yates' 2013 time. The tough course takes place on trails and rough Jeep roads through Routt National Forest, covering roughly 101.5 miles, with 20,391 feet of climbing and desceng. It's one of the courses that Dauwaulter cut her teeth on, winning in 2016 about 90 minutes slower than Mann's time. 

In a video posted to Instagram, which you can watch below, Mann says that this was the first time she's completed a 100-mile race.

"So that's what a hundred miles feels like. Holy smokes!"

She also reveals that her coach is last year's winner Dave Stevens, who talked her into running the race and wrote out all of the aid stations on the course with timings for her to meet – all of which she came in well ahead of to grab the crown and $15,000 prize money.

What shoes did she use?

Throughout the year, we've been following the biggest ultra successes and the trail running shoes that were worn to reach the podium, and we've seen a fair few chunky soles out there such as the Hoka Tecton X 3 and the North Face Summit Vectiv Pros worn by Vincent Bouillard and Katie Schide respectively at this year's UTMB. 

It's no surprise that anyone running 100 miles would want some reason foam underfoot, but it looks like Mann decided to go against the grain in that department, opting instead for the super light Merrell Long Sky 2 Matryx which have a relatively modest stack of just 23.5 mm in the heel. 

We've been testing these shoes on the trails of Chamonix, Gran Canaria and Scotland this year and gave them five stars for their breathability, grip and trail feel, plus that wide toe box. Jake Catterall also gave these shoes the thumbs up after wearing them for his 2,000 km run across the Alps.

Clearly, the shoes worked for Mann, and we look forward to seeing what she does next in the world of ultra running.

• The best hydration packs: on-the-go refuelling for your runs

Right now, you can bag a pair of Merrell Moab Speed hiking shoes for just $72.97 at Nordstrom Rack.

That's a generous savings of 43% off the list price on these shoes, which receive an average rating of four stars by customers, who praise their fit, comfort and traction on the trail.

When we tested these shoes, we found them to be a solid all-rounder that takes the comfort and functionality of the Moab and brings the weight right down, allowing you to move with a little more speed. They're not for rugged mountain terrain, but for long multi-day missions where comfort is key.

This deal applies to the men's sizing in the Brindle colorway, while a 41% discount is also being offered on women's sizing in the Gore-Tex version and navy colorway.

If you're not in the US, scroll down to the bottom of this article for today's best deals on the Merrell Moab Speed series near you.

Merrell’s Moab is, according to the brand, the world’s best-selling hiking boot, with over 28 million sold since it was debuted over 15 years ago.

If you're not in the US, here are today's best deals on the Moab Speed series where you are:

• The best hiking shoes 2024: trail-friendly shoes for all seasons

Meet the reviewer

Merrell Long Sky 2 Matryx trail running shoes: first impressions 

We've been tearing down the trails in the Long Sky 2 Matryx shoes lately and found ourselves highly impressed with their grip, weight and stability and we're not the only ones – these trail running shoes won the 2023 ISPO award. An evolution of the Long Sky 2, which we tested back in 2022, these are lighter and stronger, and boast even more impressive traction, placing Merrell firmly in the conversation when it comes to comfortable trail shoes for elite runners.

In terms of weight, the Long Sky 2 Matryx shave nearly a third off their predecessors, which is nothing to scoff at when your days are long. The word "Matryx" refers to the upper, which is built using thin synthetic threads to create a single layer that the company says "is lightweight, with better breathability and abrasion resistance." As advertised, we could feel a cool breeze on our feet during hot runs and so far the uppers are holding up to rocky, technical trails and protecting our toes while they're at it. The real magic of these shoes lies in what's happening underfoot, however.

These shoes look quite a bit like the Skyfire 2s, which we tested last summer and found left a lot of midsole exposed to save weight and had us concerned about durability, but we were relieved to turn them over and see a good covering of Vibram Megagrip rubber. When we got them out on steep, rocky trails covered in dust and crumbly stuff, we were amazed at the grip we got.

Meanwhile, the FloatPro Foam midsole has great flex for an easy roll-through and gives excellent trail feel when you're moving fast on technical routes. A 4mm drop and a maximum stack of just 23.5 mm means we feel really stable in these. 

The traditional lacing system makes these easy to pull on and adjust for a snug fit round your heel and midfoot. The toe box leaves plenty of room for comfort over many hours, though we think these shoes excel best on technical runs than over long, rolling hills where you might want a slightly bouncier ride. Though the price is creeping up, they're still not up there with the priciest shoes and they could make your summer a lot more fun.

Merrell Long Sky 2 Matryx trail running shoes: in the field

I've had these shoes for a couple of months but between rehabbing a tweaky knee and a never-ending seasonal cold, I've mostly been admiring them from afar, especially since I've had so much luck over the last couple of years with Merrell shoes. Finally back in fighting shape, I decided to wear them on a recent hiking and trail running adventure in Gran Canaria, where I encountered warm weather, arid terrain, and steep, rocky trails, then again in the Lake District.

Here’s how they performed:

Sizing and fit

I tested a US 6.5, which is my usual half-size up to give my feet room to swell. When I compare these side-by-side with my Skyfire 2s, which are the same size, they look massive and while I do think they run a little large, but I love the fit.

There's lots of room around the toe box, which for some reason is becoming increasingly important as I age (maybe my feet are getting wider with gravity?). However, the traditional lacing system means I can secure them nicely around my midfoot (and you can tuck the laces away using the handy lace keeper) and I didn't get any movement even with steep downhills. 

Comfort and breathability

I don't have a narrow, wide or oddly shaped foot, and I found these super comfortable both out of the box, and across long days hiking and running on the trails, with zero rubbing anywhere. The uppers are quite thin and pliable, so I imagine that as long as you wear running socks, you shouldn't have any problems.

The breathability of these shoes is great, especially since I seem to have been mostly testing waterproof shoes recently. It was warm in Gran Canaria, but in many places a good breeze blew nearly constantly and I was relieved to feel the breeze coming through the uppers. I never experienced sweaty feet.

Weight and protection 

These aren't the lightest shoes I've tested – that distinction almost certainly goes to the Skyfire 2s – but they are very light and made a no-brainer choice when I was packing for my trip and didn't want to check a bag. Once on the trails, this means they're great for long days too.

Even though weight is saved by the light, thin uppers, there's plenty of protection around the toes and heels and I rammed my foot into plenty of rocks on the trail with no pain.

Responsiveness, grip and stability 

These shoes excel at trail feel over responsiveness, so I don't get a big bouncy ride out of them and would probably wear my Agility Peak 4s for a longer run, but they feel great on both steep and flat trails with the perfect amount of trail feel for me. For technical trails, however, the midsole is exactly what I want and I'm loving the absence of a carbon plate to let my feet flex properly.

The grip of these shoes was really the standout for me, however. I don't know about you, but I find those steep, crumbly trails that never see a drop of rain to be by far the most treacherous, and I ran a full 7 km down on the same trail used in the Transgrancanaria race without so much as a skid. I'll definitely be wearing these this summer during a longer hut-to-hut run I have planned in the Alps.

Finally, the low drop and stack means a nice, stable ride which kept my knees and ankles happy and is obviously just what you need from a shoe built for technical trails.

Merrell Long Sky 2 Matryx trail running shoes: the bottom line

These shoes deliver superior traction, breathability and stability on technical trails without sacrificing durability. If you're only planning on jogging over rolling hills or on flat gravel roads, look for something with a plusher midsole, but if you're planning on mountain running, you might love these shoes. If you want something technical but with more cushion, compare them with the Salomon Genesis.

• How Advnture tests products

Say “Moab” to many outdoorsy types and it's likely they'll think of the Merrell boot, not the Utah city on the edge of Arches National Park, which is what the boot's named after. This is because American footwear giant Merrell’s Moab is, according to the brand, the world’s best-selling hiking boot, with over 28 million sold since it was debuted over 15 years ago. These stats have led some to believe Moab actually stands for Mother of All Boots. Its blend of comfort, all-round performance and its attractive price point means that the name is still going strong today. 

Flagship doesn’t cut it. These days, it’s not just one boot. Merrell have constructed an entire trail-conquering armada with the Moab name. The latest incarnation is the Moab Speed 2 hiking shoe, championed by the brand as ‘the future of hiking’. It’s got more of an urban aesthetic than the classic Moab, underlined by the fact that some of the images on the brand’s website show urbanites “hiking” down city streets. Are Merrell suggesting that the future of hiking is in a world where sprawling metropolises have engulfed the backcountry? Let’s hope not. Although, as mentioned, these shoes are named after a city, not a mountain.

Anyway, I digress. The Moab Speed 2s are available in men’s and women’s versions, in a dazzling array of colors and with low and mid cut options.

Meet the reviewer

First Impressions

The Moab Speed 2 Mids look like boots but they feel like shoes. Herein lies their appeal. Weighing 400g (14.1 oz) per boot, they’re 193g (6.8 oz) lighter than the Moab 3 Mid GTX. As mentioned, they’ve got more of a trainer style aesthetic than the classic Moab, though their hiking credentials still jump out at you. Gore-Tex membrane? Tick. Grippy looking Vibram sole. Tick. Upper lace hooks? Tick.

First wear reveals the out of the box comfort that Merrell are known for and I felt wonderfully fleet of foot as I took my first steps in them. The fit is fairly neutral and nicely cushioned, without the sort of ample toe room you get from rival US brand Keen.

Features

There’s no leather in the Moab Speed 2 hiking shoe. This lack of cow makes them Vegan-friendly, though the friendly part of that phrase suggests that Merrell can't guarantee that no animals were involved at some point in the supply chain. Meanwhile they’re also planet-friendly too. The laces, webbing, mesh lining and mesh footbed cover are all made entirely from recycled materials, while the EVA foam footbed is 50% recycled too. Nylon ripstop and TPU make up the upper, while a Gore-Tex bootie ensures waterproof protection. It adds up to a lot of non-biodegradable, synthetic material but the quality should mean these boots will last a long time; plus the fact they’re made from so much recycled material in the first place should be commended.

Underfoot cushioning is provided by the FloatPro Foam midsole. Nicely contoured to the shape of the foot, it gives a certain amount of spring that’s not always evident in hiking boots. There’s ample padding around the ankle region and this cushioning is enhanced by the nicely squishy tongue, which is also gusseted to prevent trail debris getting in, which is a common feature in today’s hiking shoes.

More protection is evident at the toe and the heel, where stiffer, abrasion-resistant materials are put to use. However, one of the reasons the Moab Speed 2 Mid weighs so little is that it’s relatively light on protective features. There’s no protective rand and the outsole is less rigid than on most premium hiking boots. This goes some way to explaining why Merrell rate it for Moderate trail use, rather than Rugged.

In fact, the outsole is so flexible that it’s easy to bend the entire boot to the point where the forefoot is perpendicular to the heel. This flex comes from the Lightweight FlexPlate technology, which Merrell say provides ‘torsional rigidity, lateral stability and forefoot flexibility’. It definitely provides the latter, while I found that the whole boot was nicely stable on rocky trails.

The Vibram TC5+ outsole features 4mm, sausage-shaped lugs that provide a good degree of traction on various trail surfaces. They’re supposedly shaped to shed dirt as you go. I found they did a relatively good job at this, but I’ve worn other boots that do it better. The lugs aren’t overly aggressive either, so aren’t ideal for really muddy ground in the first place. Meanwhile, the TC5+ sole isn’t quite as durable as Vibram’s Megagrip compound, often used in approach shoes like the Zamberlan Salathe or the Scarpa Crux. This means, it’ll wear out quicker over time compared to some when subjected to repeated rocky scrambles and the like.

Merrell’s design team clearly got a little bit loopy when applying the finishing touches. To make putting them on and taking them off as easy as possible, there’s a heel loop and two loops on the tongue, one of which is elasticated. These loops can also be used to attach the boots to carabiner or similar, while the laces can be threaded through the elastic to hold the tongue in place.

On the trails

I’ve been wearing the Moab Speed 2s on hikes up in the Scottish Highlands, rambles in the English Pennines and on jaunts around the limestone gorges of England’s South West. The key standout is comfort. I could hike in these all day long quite happily. The combination of cushioning, fit and the lack of weight make these easily one of the most comfortable boots I’ve ever worn. 

I found that the Moab Speed 2 hiking shoes were in their element on well-built trails and firmer surfaces underfoot. As mentioned, on saturated, muddy ground, there was a little bit of slippage, as their lugs aren’t the most aggressive. However, this is generally a boot with good traction.

In terms of protection from the elements, my feet remained dry throughout. I could gleefully romp through muddy puddles like Peppa Pig – only without the gender stereotyping – and still remain dry, while the mid-cut means that water has a harder time getting in over the top than with lower cut hiking footwear. When it came to more technical, rocky ground, they were fine for easy scrambles. However, for more challenging lines, I’d want more protection around the foot and a more rigid sole.

I’m yet to try them out them in warmer conditions, with my test period falling in winter and early spring. So, it remains to be seen how sweaty they’d get, but then I wouldn’t choose a highly cushioned, mid-cut hiking boot for hot summer hikes anyway. For the conditions I experienced, they kept my feet nicely toasty and were breathable enough that they never felt stuffy. I’ve if it had have been a sweat fest, the Cleansport NXT natural odor control treatment would have taken care of the pong. Thus far, these remain a very fresh smelling pair of hikers.

I like the Moab Speed 2 Mid, it’s a very well-constructed and attractive boot that's fit for many trail types, as well as being impressively lightweight. It’s not protective or durable enough for more technical mountain use, while if I was sticking to easier trails for a day, I’d go lighter still and wear a pair of grippy trail running shoes. So, for me, this is a boot for multi-day use on moderate trails, where comfort and that little bit of extra ankle support are sought. With this in mind, I’d say the Moab Speed 2 Mid is a good option for activities like backpacking and hut-to-hut trekking on trails that aren’t too full-on.

Merrell has released a new version of its MOAB Speed hiking shoe, with improved traction and redesigned lugs for extra grip when hiking and fastpacking. The revised outsole is made using Vibram TC5+ rubber, and is suitable for trails with some obstacles and moderate debris.

The MOAB Speed 2 also has a more breathable upper that borrows tech from Merrell's line of trail running shoes, which should make it a solid choice for adventures in the warmer months.

The new shoe has a rigid heel counter for stability, plus a full-length rock plate for protection from rocks and roots (something you won't always find in a hiking shoe made for speed). 

There's a padded collar for comfort, and a bellows-style tongue to keep out grit and dirt. The liner fabric is treated with Cleansport NXT for natural odor-control.

The MOAB Speed 2 is available to buy now direct from Merrell in high and low variations, in standard and waterproof Gore-Tex versions. Men's and women's sizes are available, both in a wide range of vivid and more subtle colors. 

• Save up to 50% in the Merrell semi-annual sale

Meet the reviewer

Merrell Morphlite road to trail running shoes: first impressions 

Merrell describes these road to trail running shoes as built to deliver comfort and traction on light trails with few obstacles or debris and little in the way of directional changes, so we took them out on some forest trails, to a hard packed sandy beach and on a little tarmac to get a feel for how they hold up against mixed, non-technical terrain.

Straight out of the box, we loved the feel of these shoes which manage to deliver a secure, lockdown fit thanks to the internal bootie but provide a spacious toe box. They're easy to pull on compared to shoes with a socklike construction, making them some of the most comfortable trail running shoes around. Once you lace them up, you can tuck the laces away in the lace keeper to keep them from coming untied.

The foam midsoles on these shoes are moderate and extremely light (barely heavier than the Merrell Skyfire 2 which is their lightest shoe) with no carbon plate to make them stiff or weigh them down. They might not deliver the bounce of a road running shoe on the tarmac, but there's enough cushion underfoot to make road running reasonably comfortable, and once you hit the trail there's some trail feel while the wide geometry keeps you pretty stable on uneven trail.

The 3 mm lugs give you all the traction you need for straightforward trails such as soft forest paths and gravel roads, though these aren't built for really muddy conditions or technical trails. A fair amount of midsole is exposed so these shoes may not last as long as something like the Merrell Agility Peak 4, but you're not likely to place so much demand on them either.

Ultra breathable uppers are going to be welcome as the weather warms up and mean you can wear wool running socks with these and avoid sweaty feet. With lots of recycled content and a great price point, we think these are brilliant for anyone newer to trail running or just looking for a lightweight pair of shoes for tackling light trails and mixed terrain.

Merrell Morphlite road to trail running shoes: in the field

I'm happiest when I'm on the trail, but I live in a city which means that sometimes, I need a shoe that can handle the tarmac. For the last six months, I've been wearing the Merrell Agility Peak 4s on the trails and big, bouncy Saucony Kinvara Pros for the road, but here's the thing: if I don't want to travel to run, I really need a shoe that can handle both tarmac and trail. So when I was offered the chance to test out these road to trail running shoes, I wondered if my dreams had finally been answered.

I've had these shoes out now for three runs: one on a rolling gravel trail out in the highlands, one on a soft forest trail in a large country park that I reach via 2 km of road running, and then just for fun, a long run on a hard packed beach on the west coast of Scotland.

Here’s how they performed:

Sizing and fit

I like to wear a UK size 4 for running shoes which is about a half size up but should theoretically give my feet room to swell but sometimes, a tapered toe box foils my efforts. With these shoes, I was extremely pleased by the very roomy toe box which gives my toes plenty of space to flex and spread.

Don't let that description fool you into thinking the overall fit is loose, however, because the internal bootie gives me a good lockdown fit without my feet feeling suffocated.

Comfort and breathability

The last pair of trail running shoes I tested, the Saucony Peregrine 14s, were quite uncomfortable and rubbed my heel, so I felt instant relief when I pulled these on to discover there was no breaking in required. I was able to wear these out on a five mile run straight away with no issues. Comfort is all but guaranteed thanks to the fit, good cushion and lack of carbon plate which means my foot can flex properly.

The uppers are really breathable. The weather has gone from cold to mild in the days I've been testing these, but even though I've continued wearing wool socks, my feet have never felt overly warm or sweaty.

Weight and protection 

Merrell's lightest trail running shoe is the Skyfire 2, which I also own, and they are practically featherweight, but amazingly these shoes only have 10 grams on them. Their light weight makes them an excellent choice for longer runs as well as active travel.

The uppers have a little toe protection, and while it's certainly not as much as a more rugged shoe built for technical trails, I did kick a few roots and felled trees on a forest trail with no painful toe stubbing.

Responsiveness, grip and stability 

The first time I wore these was at an extraordinarily flat, hard packed Scottish beach which stretches for miles. There's nothing about running on sand on the product page, so it was a bit of a risk, but I was really pleased with the responsiveness and was happy to bounce along for miles. I also find them more responsive on dirt trails than your average trail shoe. Obviously, when I get on the tarmac I lose some of this but while they feel a little flat compared to a road running shoe, they're comfortable enough for those runs where I need to cross a stretch of tarmac. As for trail feel, they have some but not loads, and this seems appropriate for the type of terrain they're designed for.

The 3 mm lugs around the perimeter were great on both sand and dirt trail, though I have encountered some muddy stretches and they're not quite tough enough for that. However, I think the only real issue with the outsole is that it leaves a bit of midsole exposed, so these may not be as long-lasting as some other shoes.

Though the tallest part of the sole looks fairly substantial, a wider geometry and fairly deep footbed means these have remained stable on the trail, though again, I've been sticking to lighter trails where I'm less likely to roll an ankle anyway.

Merrell Morphlite road to trail running shoes: the bottom line

These shoes are a versatile option for anyone who likes (or needs) to mix up their terrain but isn't tackling anything too technical. They're comfortable, breathable and light on your feet and your wallet, and the only reasons not to get them are really if you're looking for a very plush midsole for pounding tarmac, or planning on hitting some really rugged trails. If you're expecting more mud on the trails than these can handle, check out the Salomon Sense Ride 4.

• How Advnture tests products

Hiking season is just around the corner, and Merrell's semi-annual sale is in full swing. It's the perfect opportunity to grab a new pair of hiking shoes, hiking boots, or trail running shoes for your next adventure, with up to 50% off a massive range of men's and women's styles.

We've rounded up some of our favorite deals on footwear we've tested and personally recommend below, but you can also browse the whole sale yourself if you have something else in mind.

Quick links

• Hiking boots: up to 50% off mid-height boots for all terrains
• Hiking shoes: deals on comfortable, lightweight footwear
• Trail running shoes: big savings on shoes for technical trails

Our top recommended deals

Merrell has released two new trail running shoes made using a new fabric containing Kevlar, resulting in an upper that's extra light and extra tough.

The new Merrell MTL Skyfire II Matryx and MTL Long Sky II Matryx use a new upper material woven from yarn that combines individually coated polyamide fibers and Kevlar.

Not only is this special upper more resistant to abrasions than a typical running shoe upper, it's also pieced together from fewer individual components, reducing both waste and water consumption. Dying the yarn rather than the finished fabric also reduces the amount of water needed to make each shoe.

The Merrell MTL Skyfire II Matryx (shown above) is a light, fast elite trail running shoe built for racing, with an upper made from a single layer of Kevlar-infused Matryx fabric, plus an integrated flex plate for protection on rocky ground. Its Vibram MegaGrip outsole has 5mm lugs for extra traction on tough terrain. It's priced at £170.

The Merrell MTL Long Sky II Matryx (shown below) is designed with long, tough mountain runs in mind, with an EVA insole and a Float Pro Foam midsole, finished with a Vibram MegaGrip outsole. It has a list price of £155.

Both shoes are available in men's and women's sizes, and the most popular sizes seem to be selling out fast, so you'll need to move quickly to grab a pair.

• The best mud running shoes: our top recommendations when things get slippery

It’s a telling sign of the times that Merrell has decided to reveal the long-awaited update of its popular Hydro Moc water shoe on a trendy fashion site – Highsnobiety.

Part Croc, part Yeezy Foam Runner, the new Merrell Hydro Next Gen Moc say everything about the evolution of what was once a purely utilitarian type of niche footwear into bona fide streetwear. Even though Crocs have undergone their own cultural re-evaluation; they’ve been championed by arty bohemian types in a kind of anti-fashion statement rather than actually being cool.

But the Hydro Moc has been embraced by the true fashionistas, and Highsnobiety in its reveal article for the Hydro Next Gen Moc is gushing with praise. Of the original Hydro Moc, released amid the COVID chaos of 2020, the site says: “The Hydro Moc's golden ratio of familiar-yet-alien design cues truly hit different in the midst of a familiar yet alien year,” while this new Next Gen model, “one-ups the Hydro Moc by outstepping the stay-home sandal, literally. Note the shoe’s chunky outsole, made out of a denser rubber than the eco-conscious BLOOM EVA foam upper and perfect for pounding the pavement. No need for a heel strap, either: Merrell’s concocted a proper slip-on shoe.”

You can’t buy the Merrell Hydro Next Gen Moc yet – it will be released in spring 2024 with a price tag of $90. 

Advnture reviewed gave the Merrell Hydro Moc with BLOOM a decent 3.5 star review last year calling it, “a water shoe well-suited to summer walks where you know you're going to get wet, but want something more robust than a sandal or flip-flop.” 

But how will the Next Gen fare? Will it have substance as well as style? Or should it stay in the catwalk?

• What are water shoes? (And why you need a pair!)

Merrell Women's Siren 4 Mid GORE-TEX hiking boots: first impressions

The Siren 4 is a lightweight women’s-specific fitting hiking boot that’s designed to offer out-of-the-box comfort and good protection during long days on the trail. With a GORE-TEX waterproof membrane, rubber toe cap, reinforced uppers, a grippy Vibram sole and a rock plate, you’ll enjoy plenty of protection from trail hazards when you’re out exploring rocky terrain. 

Despite their rugged good looks, however, you can expect all-day comfort thanks to a foam midsole, moderate cushioning and plenty of breathability. Our main concern was that the design does let in a little moisture when we were hiking in boggy terrain, so while they’ll keep your feet dry on rainy days, they might not be ample for stream crossings. In terms of protection for weight and comfort, however, we think these are a good choice for both rainy day hikes and longer excursions on rough trails. The toe box could be roomier, so make sure you go up a half size for the best fit. 

Merrell Women's Siren 4 Mid GORE-TEX hiking boots: in the field 

I’m always up for testing a new pair of Merrell hiking boots, and in rainy Scotland, a pair of waterproof hiking boots never goes amiss. I recently took these out on a few rainy jaunts on the best hikes near Glasgow.

Here’s how they performed:  

Sizing and fit 

I am a UK 3.5 and went up to a 4 for these, and I’m glad I did so as the toe box isn’t the roomiest. They were fine with my lightweight summer socks, but come winter when I wear thicker hiking socks, I think I’d need to go up a full size. They are mid-ankle height so they come up to just above my ankle bone.

Comfort and breathability 

I could tell just by looking at these boots that they were going to be comfortable out of the box and I wasn’t disappointed. They have moderate cushioning and a good foam midsole and I was able to walk 10k in them on the first day with no real issues except for the tiniest rubbing of one ankle. 

It hasn’t got really cold here yet so I was hiking in mild weather and, though they are waterproof, I didn’t find them especially warm or sweaty so I give them top marks for breathability.

Waterproofing and breathability 

Because they’re waterproof and because I was testing them for review, I made sure to walk straight through any boggy areas rather than skirting them, and was surprised to find myself with damp socks after just a couple of splashes. Now, this can happen when the bottoms of your hiking pants get wet and you’re not wearing gaiters, which soaks your socks from the top, so I didn’t want to jump to conclusions. 

When I got home, I performed an unofficial lab test where I submerged them in a basin of water. When it was just two inches, they held tight, but as the water rose, I realized that what I think is happening is that water can seep in towards the top of the tongue, where it’s no longer gusseted. I think for walking in the rain, these will be watertight, but if you’re actually wading through streams or bogs, you might get wet feet as I did, so wear them with gaiters.

Other than that, they offer stellar protection, especially given how light they are, and I think they lend the perfect blend of trail feel and cushion against rocky trails.

Grip and performance  

Vibram outsoles with 5mm lugs give these adequate grip for most conditions you’re likely to encounter on a day hike, which I put to the test descending a very steep, somewhat muddy and wet grassy slope without slipping. For extreme terrain, you’d want deeper lugs.

They have an 8mm drop which I don’t always love in hiking boots, because it can mean bruised toenails after a long descent, but with my laces tied properly I didn’t experience any problems and felt these were a pretty stable ride.

Merrell Women's Siren 4 Mid GORE-TEX hiking boots: the bottom line

There’s a lot to like about these boots, especially if you want something that’s really comfortable and lightweight, but offers a pretty rugged grip and protection. However, if you’re looking for something to keep you dry in the wettest of conditions, these boots might not be the perfect fit.

• How Advnture tests products

Merrell Agility Peak 5: first impressions

The Merrell Agility Peak 5 is the latest version in a line of trail running shoes that have been bounding along alpine trails on the feet of mountain runners since 2017. But the design has evolved significantly over the last five years, with the American brand bringing the weight down, introducing new features and upping the performance level with each new generation they release.

Accordingly, the Agility Peak 5 is lighter and more technically capable than its forerunners. Merrell have increased the amount of roll in the rocker (the rounded reverse-camber shape of the sole), upped the level of cushioning in the midsole and made adjustments to the heel cup, so it supplies more support and increases your confidence when running the kind of tricky trails this shoe has been designed for.

Despite the extra-pronounced rocker, which is designed to assist with forward momentum (especially for heel-strikers), there is a 6mm heel-to-toe drop in these shoes, which is modest enough to maintain a good, low center of gravity and will suit most trail runners. 

Although the weight of the new shoe is low, the amount of FloatPro Foam in the midsole is now super generous, and the height of the stack (31mm at the heel, dropping to 25mm by your toes) is substantial (if not quite at the dizzy extremes of Hoka hoofs). Below all this foam is a protective rockplate and the tried-and-tested Vibram Megagrip outsole, with intelligently arranged 5mm lugs.

The standard version of the Agility Peak 5 has a very breathable, mostly mesh upper, but there is a Gore-Tex-lined option too if you prefer waterproof trail shoes. The integrated tongue creates a kind of inner sock, which prevents grit and debris from getting into the shoe. Technical features include fixture points for gaiters and sling locks.

It’s also worth noting that quite a lot of the materials used in the construction of these shoes has been recycled, including all of the mesh lining, the webbing and the laces.

It’s an impressive-looking shoe, but to find out whether Merrell’s Agility Peak 5 deserve to join the ranks of the best trail running shoes around, I have been taking the men’s version for multiple runs on my local trails, while my advnture colleague has been testing the female version of the shoes in the actual Alps (not that I’m massively jealous or anything…)

Merrell Agility Peak 5: on the trails

While I wasn’t lucky enough to go and test Merrell’s new Agility Peak 5 shoes on the wonderfully technical trails and terrific terrain of the Alps around Chamonix – like Julia was, amid the excitement of this year’s UTMB no less (read her excellent feature about the experience here) – I have been wearing them while running around the more modest hills, tracks and trails around the South Coast of England.

And this parallel experience actually reflects one of the most impressive things about these shoes, which is that – despite their high-end capabilities and bristling array of super-technical features – they’re still perfectly good for 5km-10km runs around local trails. Although, of course, if that’s all you ever do in them you will have paid over the odds for a level of functionality and performance you’re not coming anywhere close to utilizing, but that’s up to you. My point is: they’re a versatile pair of trail-running shoes.

While I haven’t yet needed to use some of the funkier features designed for skyrunners doing high-level mountain routes – such as the gaiter D-rings just in front of the laces, and external sling locks on the heels – I have run across lots of slippery coastal rocks and encountered plenty of mud while out on the wet woodland trails around my home, and the Vibram Megagrip outsole has provided good security on such surfaces. The 5mm lugs are super grippy, and they’re intelligently arranged to supply traction while climbing and brilliant braking control during descents, while being sufficiently spaced so they don’t accumulate loads of mud.

There’s a lot of midsole going on in these shoes, with the towering FloatPro Foam–loaded stack supplying plenty of cushioning and positive rebound. Of course, while it might be great for your knees on longer runs, all this suspension and bounciness comes at a cost, which is a complete lack of trail feel.

Feedback from the terrain would be limited anyway, though, because a protective rockpate runs along the length of these shoes, preventing sharp rocks and sticks from puncturing the sole and injuring your poor feet. This plate also gives the shoes a decent degree of torsional rigidity that might feel a little over the top on low-level trails, but will prove its worth when you venture higher and start negotiating rocky routes with technical scrambles.

There is a Gore-Tex version of these shoes available, but I’ve been testing the standard issue, which would be my choice anyway – except in very specific, extremely cold circumstances, I don’t see the point in waterproof trail running shoes; I’d rather have shoes that drain quickly and breath better, and these do exactly that.

The Agility Peak 5s aren’t perfect – for such a highly specced shoe designed for use in high, rocky terrain, there’s barely any toe protection – but they are a very good trail-running shoe that will serve you well, whether you’re intending to tackle technical alpine terrain or just jog around your local trails.

• How Advnture tests products

Merrell Skyfire 2: first impressions 

With the Skyfire 2, Merrell have made their lightest trail running shoe yet and for speed demons, that’s good news. If you’re lacing up for race day, you’ll love the ultralight design of these shoes that boast light, breathable uppers for warm days and supremely grippy soles with deep lugs that look almost like a track cleat. Though they might not exactly bite into the earth the way a spike does on the track, they produce a similar effect, giving you brilliant grip on grass, mud and steep descents while helping to propel you forward with each step. The design of the outsoles means there isn’t all that much rubber covering the midsole, so we can’t see these holding up against regular heavy use, but if you save them for fast days they’ll do the trick. 

Forward momentum is assisted by a carbon plate sandwiched into the midsole which provides a noticeably responsive ride even without a maximalist sole. That means you get good protection underfoot without losing too much trail feel, while a conservative 6mm drop means these shoes work for many gaits. Meanwhile, light, breathable uppers don’t provide a lot of protection from stubbed toes or flying scree, but they also mean your feet don’t get hot and sweaty and they dry quickly, which is good because these shoes aren’t waterproof. A socklike fit means you get a really secure fit without having to lace these up too tightly. And finally, we think it’s worth mentioning that these shoes get bonus points for using heaps of recycled materials. 

Merrell Skyfire 2: in the field 

I recently wrote an article on the three best trail running shoes I’ve tested so far this year, and I’m afraid I may have jumped the gun a little now that I’ve got the new Skyfire’s out on the trail. I’ve had these out on a few runs in recent weeks and they’ve been a revelation now the warm weather is here.

Here’s how they performed:

Sizing and fit 

I went up a half size to a 4 as always to give my feet room to swell and at first, I was a little worried I’d made a mistake. Though they felt good on, I can insert a whole finger into the cuff on the inside of my foot. However, the socklike construction makes for a really secure fit; so secure that when I took these off to photograph them on a hot day, I had trouble getting them back on. In short, I think that for some of us, the design means a bit of a weird gap on the inner foot but it doesn’t translate into my foot moving around inside the shoe when I run (though I suppose it could be an opportunity for more annoying pebbles in my shoe).

Once laced up, they’re snug around my midfoot without causing any rubbing and there’s plenty of room in the toe box.

Comfort and breathability 

These light shoes offer heaps of comfort, thanks in part to a soft midsole and also to a snug, but not tight, fit of the upper. I’ve experienced no rubbing anywhere in these shoes and was able to wear them for a 10k right out of the box. The breathability is great – you can see the daylight through the uppers – and that of course adds to the comfort. It’s been quite warm here lately and I run in merino wool socks but still haven't found my feet getting too sweaty. 

Weight and protection 

At 160g per shoe, these are officially the lightest pair of trail running shoes I’ve tested out, which feels great for long runs. The mesh uppers are extremely thin but the main way they’ve saved weight is by only putting the minimum amount of outsole on and leaving a lot of midsole exposed. Overall, I’m guessing this won’t make for the most durable shoe in the long term, but it’s ideal for when you want to move fast and light in warm weather.

If you hadn’t guessed, the upper doesn’t provide a lot of protection against rocks and I did get a painful stone bounce off my foot so I’d be cautious about wearing these for rocky mountain trails.

Responsiveness, grip and stability 

The rock plate combined with great flex in the toe means a really responsive run in these shoes, which balance good trail feel with stability thanks to a not-too-high stack. Even though I said I’d be wary of wearing these on rocky trails due to lack of protection, the lugs mean you get great grip even on steep, rocky descents. 

• How Advnture tests products

Merrell Speed Eco Waterproof: First Impressions

The Speed Eco is Merrell’s most sustainable and eco-friendly hiking shoe to date. There’s about as much recycled material in here as in a kid’s elementary school robot costume.

The laces and webbing, breathable mesh lining, mesh footbed cover are all made from 100% recycled materials; the upper is 77% recycled; the EVA foam footbed is 50% recycled; and the rubber outsole is 30% recycled.

They boast a sneaker-like aesthetic and, weighing in at just 340g per shoe, they’re clearly aimed at the summer speed-hiking brigade. Comfy from the word go, they’re the kind of shoe you will reach for time and time again for casual walks and backcountry strolls.

Features

An unnamed waterproof membrane, something Merrell have cooked up undoubtedly, keeps the drink out, while being breathable enough to let moisture escape. Merrell use GORE-TEX in their more premium hiking shoes but no so here. It’s a very low cut hiker, so water is always liable to get in over the top unless you pair them with gaiters.

The outsole is noticeably wide, giving a greater surface area. Directional arrow-shaped 4mm lugs provide grip on soft surfaces, while texture flatter lugs around the perimeter provide traction on dry or wet rock. These aren’t the most aggressive lugs you’ll find, so they lend themselves better to hard-packed trails in summer than muddy paths in late fall.

There’s a 10mm drop between the heel and the forefoot, which suits heel-striking walkers rather than those who prefer a barefoot style. As is standard these days, there’s a fabric loop above the heel, which makes them easier to put on and take off or can be used to attach to a harness or similar. The cushioned bellows tongue prevents trail debris from entering and there are reinforcements in the toe and heel areas.

On the trails

The Merrell Speed Ecos are comfortable from the get-go and this comfort continues for miles and miles on the trails. Fit wise, they lock down the midfoot and there’s plenty of room for toes to splay. I did notice a little slippage in the heel, which could lead to issue on long multi-day treks. Perhaps I’d be able to solve this issue by dropping half a size from my usual, as there was still room to play with. 

I felt light and breezy during my hikes and the outsole gripped most surfaces without any issues. They lend themselves well to speed hikes on defined trails and easier ground but once I upped the ante on rougher and more technical ground I found they were soon at their limit.

This is because one aspect the Speed Eco are a little light on is protection, with modest reinforcements around the heel and toes. When taking on rocky terrain, I felt unable to be aggressive with my foot placements. 

Despite being waterproof, they are quite low cut, so boggy ground is a bit of no-go. Once water gets in, it’s also got a harder time getting back out. As mentioned earlier, I could have paired them with gaiters, but then this feels at odds with the kind of fast and light approach they’re intended for. If I avoided anything boggy and stuck to solid trails, I found that the waterproofing kept my feet dry even in heavy rain. 

When taking on muddy terrain, the back of of the outsole tends to hold on to the dirt, requiring a bit of bashing to liberate. When it’s really muddy underfoot, the lugs don’t bite as well as some hiking shoes, making the Speed Ecos less than ideal for long descents on the kind of primitive trails you get in the Scottish mountains, for example. However, on the harder-packed surfaces they’re designed for, they’re perfectly suitable.

• How Advnture tests products

Merrell MQM 3 GTX: first impressions

The Merrell MQM 3 GTX may sound like a vehicle license plate, but Mountain brands in general love their acronyms and abbreviations. Think The North Face’s Flight series (fast and light), or Berghaus’s MTN Seeker range. Merrell is no exception with its MQM 3, the third generation of the company’s Moving Quickly in the Mountains hiking shoes.

Built on the platform of an excellent Vibram sole, with a stiff shank to help with stability on uneven ground, the MQM 3 has a mesh upper, saving considerable weight compared to nubuck and leather walking shoes.

This upper also allows for a more contemporary look, which is handy if you only want to take one pair of shoes on a hiking holiday or like to head into town straight after a walk, with a choice of black, gray, blue and bright orange colorways.

The shoes are lined with a Gore-Tex membrane to keep water out and provide a good degree of breathability for sweaty feet. However, if you step in a puddle that’s too deep, the water will squelch around inside the shoe until you pour it out.

There’s a 6mm drop from heel to toe, which is lower than most running shoes (for more information see: What is ‘drop’ in running shoes?), a secure heel counter to keep your foot in place while walking, plus a long run of lacing to adjust the fit; in terms of width they are on the narrow side of medium.

Merrell MQM 3 GTX: on the trails

Any all-rounder suffers in comparison with a specialist shoe for specialist functions. Genuine approach shoes offer more grip than these Merrells on rock; trail running shoes have deeper lugs and provide a more intuitive feel for the ground underfoot; leather walking shoes ought to be more robust (so long as you clean and wax them).

But as the cost-of-living crisis bites, the MQM 3 is a strong proposition. It’s a lighter-weight walking shoe ideal for rocky and muddy paths and trails, which can also dabble with scrambling and doesn’t look like it’s been stripped from the foot of a 1980s geography teacher.

Sole

Arguably the most impressive element of the MQM 3 is the Vibram sole, made exclusively for Merrell. It grips well on gravel trails and fire roads, and copes admirably with mud, expelling it from its 5mm lugs to maintain a decent foothold in gloopy conditions.

Climbers and boulderers would want smaller gaps between the lugs for a bigger contact patch with rock faces, but for dealing with most of Britain’s mixed landscape, the sole emerges with first class honors.

Midfoot

Merrell suggests that the MQM 3 is agile enough to run in, but the rigid shank that runs through the shoe and stops it bending like a plimsoll, means it’s far from ideal for jogging. The thick, cushioned sole unit also denies the shoe the same feel for the ground delivered by supple trail running shoes.

On the plus side, this cushioning offers good protection against pebbles and stones, while the stiff shank (reinforced with a rockplate for extra protection) keeps the shoe reassuringly stable on broken terrain, even when carrying a heavy pack.

Upper

It took less than a fortnight for the waterproof coating – which turned dew into beads that rolled off the shoe – to wear off. Weeks later, however, the Gore-Tex membrane remains undefeated in the battle with wet grass, while the billows that run down either side of the tongue have stopped annoying grit and sand from finding their way into the shoe.

In rocky terrain I’d worry about abrasion on the upper fabric, although there’s a neat rubber rand (bumper) around the toes to offer some protection.

• How Advnture tests products

Merrell Moab 3 Mid GTX: first impressions 

The Merrell Moab was first released back in 2007 and was one of the first modern mid-cut hiking boots. Combining the stability and protection of a boot with the reduced weight and easy-wearing feel of a trail shoe, the concept proved a huge success. Since its introduction, Merrell has sold over 25 million pairs of Moabs, which, according to the brand, makes it the world’s best-selling hiker. But does this latest version remain one of the very best hiking boots?

These days, there’s plenty of competition in the 'mid-cut boot' category from other outdoor brands, but the Moab continues to hold its own. In some ways, it is even more trainer-like than most mids thanks to its relatively low ankle cuff. This might be seen as a drawback in terms of overall protection and support, but it’s a definite plus when it comes to flexibility and comfort. Of course, if you want even more freedom for your feet, there’s also a low-cut trail shoe version.

Comfort is really the key to the Moab’s success, in all its guises. It is exceptionally comfortable straight out of the box. The accommodating fit, wide toe box and plush padded ankle collar also means there’s no break-in time – you can pretty much just lace ’em up and go. 

The latest third generation model, the Moab 3, has had a few upgrades too. Slightly redesigned uppers now have smaller mesh panels and more robust pigskin suede leather for enhanced durability, backed with a waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex liner. In common with trends in the wider outdoor industry, Merrell has focused on making the Moab more sustainable too. The mesh panelling, the webbing and laces are all now made from recycled materials. That’s a significant step forward in environmental terms when you consider just how many pairs of these boots are sold worldwide – but their robust build should also ensure that they last a long time, ensuring sustainability through longevity.

The midsole delivers a good balance of stability and cushioning, with a bit more arch support than most mid boots. The Vibram outsole also has chunky 5mm lugs for dependable traction. All in all, it’s a solid and well-built package.

Merrell Moab 3 Mid GTX: on the trails 

Our testing ground for the Merrell Moab 3 Mid has been the mountains of Snowdonia, North Wales – one of the UK’s most iconic national parks. It’s known for its varied terrain and even more variable weather. Conditions have ranged from hot, dry and sunny days to torrential rain. 

The Moabs have coped well in almost all weathers, which is testament to their versatility. The Gore-Tex liner has kept our feet reliably dry and mostly comfortable, and the bellows tongue enables you to negotiate puddles or slightly boggy ground with confidence – just don’t expect to wade too deep, since this is after all only a mid-cut boot, and it’s easy to overtop the relatively low ankle cuff. Only the warmest days make them feel occasionally hot and a little sticky – but then, that’s a drawback of almost all Gore-Tex boots, especially those that use a mostly leather construction like the Moabs.

They were comfortable from the get-go and have continued to remain so as they’ve worn in. The tongue and ankle cuff are well-padded, and underfoot you get a good balance of support and cushioning to help alleviate foot fatigue. We particularly like the air cushion in the heel, which provides good impact absorption – but this is also teamed with a structured instep to give you improved arch support too. It really comes into its own on hard-packed trails.

The Moab’s chunky design also gives excellent all-round foot protection, with a builtup heel counter and toe bumper. The well-proven Vibram outsole delivers solid grip, notably downhill, thanks to deeper lugs and a more undercut heel breast.

Let’s be clear – it’s still not a boot for hardcore hillwalking or big mountain adventures, and it is slightly heavier than many 'mid-cut' rivals. But it remains a versatile all-rounder – ideal for day hiking.

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Merrell Hydro Moc with BLOOM first impressions

Most of the best water shoes we've reviewed are designed like sneakers or snug-fitting booties. The Merrell Hydro Moc is very different; a lightweight clog that feels most at home on waterfront hikes and boating trips.

The chunky design with large perforations means it's impossible not to draw the comparison with Crocs, but the Hydro Moc is lighter, softer, and more forgiving on the feet for longer walks. It also has a proper heel cup that makes it feel more like a proper shoe, plus a more supportive footbed that allows your foot to roll comfortably.

There are two versions of the Hydro Moc – the standard design made from regular injection-molded EVA, and this marbled version that uses 10% algae biomass to reduce use of petroleum-based plastics. It's a small touch, but a welcome one that does a little bit to help keep waterways clear and limit use of virgin plastics.

The shoe is much lighter than it looks, and our UK size 9 review sample weighed 226g each (much less than most running shoes). The aerated foam means the shoe floats, so if you're unlucky enough to drop one, you should be able to fish it out of the water without issue.

Overall, a solid choice for summer walks and boating trips where you know your feet are going to get wet, but want something more robust than a flip-flop or sandal.

Merrell Hydro Moc with BLOOM in the field

I tested the Merrell Hydro Moc at the Gower Peninsula, Wales, and found it worked best for strolling along the sandy shore. The shoe fits fit very wide, which allows you to easily slip it on and kick it off, though if you have particularly narrow feet you may feel like you're sliding around inside. I never felt like the Hydro Moc was about to slip off my foot (the rubber heel strap keeps it in place when flipped down) but if you're usually in between sizes I'd recommend opting for the smaller of the two.

Despite this, the shoe is very comfortable thanks to its well-shaped footbed, and gives such good arch support I could imagine using the Hydro Moc as a recovery shoe for wandering about the house after a taxing run (after giving it a good wash, of course).

The perforated design means there's great ventilation despite the all-plastic construction, and means water and sand sluices through easily. It's also a piece of cake to rinse clean. Just give it a swish in the sea to get rid of any debris, then hose it off when you get home.

The molded soles provide a reasonable amount of grip, and I'd happily wear the Hydro Moc for rowing and kayaking, though I didn't feel like it had the responsiveness for stand-up paddleboarding. For that, I'd prefer something with a slimmer fit and thinner sole like the Speedo Zanpa AM.

Overall, the Hydro Moc is definitely a summer shoe, but a practical one. The closed-toe design and robust sole provide good protection from rocks and other hidden underwater hazards.

Where we tested the Merrell Hydro Moc with BLOOM

The Gower Peninsula, near Swansea, offers some of the best beaches in the UK, with miles of golden sand, scenic views, and family-friendly walking for hikers of all abilities. 

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Meet the reviewer

Merrell Moab 3 Gore-Tex: first impressions

Merrell Moab 3 Gore-Tex hiking shoes are essentially a low-cut version of Merrell’s perennially popular, high-performing boots of the same name. The ankle protection a “mid” boot provides is ideal when you’re carting a heavy pack across technical terrain, but for the vast majority of the time, when you’re walking on well-formed trails and travelling fairly light, hiking shoes are perfectly fine, especially when they’re as robust and well-designed as these ones.

I’ve been around long enough to remember when they were first born, and it was all fields around here, but unbelievably the Moab 3 Gore-Tex shoes are now into their third generation, and with each new iteration the American brand has made subtle but effective evolutionary changes.

The upper is made with pig suede, combined with a lighter weight mesh (recycled), which is all backed by a breathable and waterproof Gore-Tex membrane. There is a substantial midsole, with lots of cushioning, and the Vibram outsole is very well designed, with sizeable 5mm lugs.

Like the mesh, the webbing and laces are made from recycled materials, but the most environmentally friendly thing about these very robust shoes is that they’ll likely last you for many years.

Merrell Moab 3 Gore-Tex: on the trails

I’ve been putting these Merrell Moab 3 Gore-Tex shoes through their paces on sections of the rollercoaster South West Coast Path, in the Mendip Hills and on parts of the South Downs. Conditions have been pretty dry, but on the few rainy days we’ve had, the shoes have coped well with wet tree roots and mud, maintaining their excellent grip and not collecting too much heavy muck between the lugs. 

The first thing to say is that the Moab 3s are extremely comfortable, straight out the box. There is no need for any breaking in whatsoever. The Gore-Tex membrane is expertly incorporated into the upper of the shoe, as you would expect from Merrell, supplying breathable protection against the ingress of water when crossing shallow streams or walking through wet grass. It has been exceptionally hot, however, and there’s no denying that these large and relatively heavy shoes do run on the warm side.

There is plenty of suspension and some rebound in the midsole, especially in the heel, which boasts an air cushion. This is something I appreciated during longer days on the trails, especially with the terrain being particularly dry and hard, with baked-in corrugations.

Overall, the foot protection is excellent, with the outsole providing an all-round bumper, bolstered by a large toecap, and the bellows tongue keeps trail debris out (which, again, proved very useful on the dusty, dry trails I’ve been hiking on).

Combining comfort, protection, durability and performance, Merrell Moab 3 Gore-Tex walking shoes are an excellent choice for day hiking in a wide range of conditions and across a variety of terrain types.

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Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 trail running shoes: first impressions

Merrell describes its latest trail running shoes as ready-for-anything, and after testing them out, we’d have to agree. These trail runners are lightweight for when you want to go fast and far and with an internal bootie that pulls on like a sock, you get an instant locked-in fit without having to retie your laces. Easy to pull on, the snug fit around the cuff is balanced with a roominess around the toe box which adds to the light, airy feel of these shoes.

Breathable mesh uppers with a TPU overlay manage to be durable and keep your feet cool when you’re out in hot weather, plus they’re quick drying for when you’re splashing through puddles. Once you hit uneven, rocky terrain, you’ll really appreciate the stability provided by the low 4mm drop combined with 5mm lugs on the MegaGrip soles, which hold up even in slick conditions. They’re not waterproof, but with gaiter attachments you can easily protect your feet in a deluge. 

The FloatPro Foam midsole strikes a nice balance between cushioning and a decent trail feel. These aren’t big and bouncy for super long runs, nor are they barefoot and minimal – they’re great for handling technical terrain and mixed conditions with confidence.

Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 trail running shoes: in the field

These shoes arrived just as the uppers on my last pair of trail runners separated from the sole, so I was eagerly anticipating them. I’ve been hiking in Merrell shoes for a couple of years and really like their handling on the trails, waterproofing and robustness, so I had high hopes for their running shoes and I have not been disappointed.

I will admit I was a little skeptical of the internal bootie which gives the shoes a sock-like construction. I have a pair of hiking shoes with this same construction and with high arches, I find them quite hard to pull on. However, these ones slip on fairly easily and once on, I get a tight, firm, locked-in heel without having to tie a heel lock, which is great for running over rocky terrain.

Once I headed out in these, there were two things I noticed straight away that I really like. The first is that they have a really perceptibly airy feel thanks in part to the breathable uppers, but mostly due to the extra room in the toe box. My previous running shoes have tended to be a bit snugger around the toes, which can actually impact my ability to use my toes and move optimally, and I was surprised that these have so much room while being so snug around the cuff. Anyway, the result is that they feel really comfortable, especially on hot days. They also have a little reinforcement around the toes for bashing into rocks (or long talons).

The other thing I really like is the FloatPro Foam midsole, which I found strikes a perfect balance between cushioning and trail feel. I’ve been running in big, bouncy shoes for the past two years which felt very cushy, but meant I didn’t get much sensation of the ground beneath my feet, and while I don’t like a lot of trail feel, I appreciate getting just a little more with these. Initially, I thought they wouldn't be as comfortable as a result but I definitely prefer them. The low drop and good lugs means I feel really stable, even when I’m on tough terrain.

I’ve had these out in a few downpours and, no surprise, the Vibram soles definitely deliver the mega grip they promise. The uppers aren’t waterproof (which helps with breathability) but they dry quickly and though I haven’t tried them out, they come with hooks in the heel for your gaiters if you’re out for a long distance dash in a deluge. 

Overall, I think Merrell has done a fantastic job of combining just about everything I’d want in a trail runner, from weight and breathability to stability and comfort, for a really technical shoe.

Here’s how they performed:

Sizing and fit

These fit true to size and are snug around the cuff, but roomy around the mid foot and toe box. They might be too wide for narrow feet.

Comfort

Locked-in fit prevents rubbing and provides a snug fit, while the mid-sole gives enough cushion for protection against rocky trails without impact trail feel. Roomy toe box gives a light, airy feel.

Breathability

Breathable mesh uppers are quick drying and offer plenty of ventilation.

Durability

Only time can truly tell, but all signs point towards a pretty durable shoe with good construction and TPU lined uppers.

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