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Merrell

Hiking heritage applied to the trail

Merrell brings outdoor-durability thinking to trail running. Uppers and outsoles are built to survive rock and scree, with a firmer, more protective ride than the road-brand trail shoes.

How they stack up

Medians across the 1 current Merrell model we track, measured against every currently-available shoe in the catalog.

Median drop

6 mm

1 mm below the catalog median

Median stack

36 mm

Level with the catalog median

Median weight

295 g

20 g above the catalog median

Median price

$140

20 below the catalog median

Plated models

0 of 1

Carbon, nylon or rock plate

Wide toe-box

1 of 1

Wide or very-wide forefoot

Trail models

1

Off-road platforms

Price range

$140–$140

Current line

The technology

Vibram outsoles
Most trail models use Vibram Megagrip, often with Traction Lug patterns tuned for loose ground.
FloatPro / Super Rebound Compound
Durable midsole compounds prioritising protection and life over bounce.
Rock plates
Standard across the trail line for underfoot protection on sharp terrain.

Fit & sizing

Generous forefoot, true to size, with a more hiking-like volume than racing trail shoes.

Who it suits

Long days on rough ground, hike-run efforts, and runners who destroy uppers.

Worth knowing

Heavier and less lively than dedicated trail-racing brands.

Best Merrell for each run

Picked from the current line by the same spec-based scoring the matcher uses — no sponsorships, no commissions.

Long run

Agility Peak 5

Protection that holds up when the legs stop cooperating.

Roomy, cushioned trail workhorse with a Vibram outsole.

Weight
295 g
Drop
6 mm
Stack
36 mm
Plate
Toe-box
Wide
Sizing
True to size
Response
3 / 5
Price
$140

Trail

Agility Peak 5

Grip and protection once the road runs out.

Roomy, cushioned trail workhorse with a Vibram outsole.

Weight
295 g
Drop
6 mm
Stack
36 mm
Plate
Toe-box
Wide
Sizing
True to size
Response
3 / 5
Price
$140

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