Quantum Grip rubber outsole with 5mm lugs / InvisibleFit Gore-Tex membrane / waterproof and mesh upper / tongue-integrated lacing system / protective TPU toe cap / kinetic Fit BASE removable insole / FLEXconnect midsole / Merrell Cushion heel / vegan friendly / available in a mid hiking boot and a hiking shoe / men’s and women’s/ Gore-Tex and non Gore-Tex versions. For More Like This: I’m not sure if you’re aware of their new “Nova 2 Gore-tex” trail runners. They come in wide and have been doing great for me so far. I can’t speak to their durability just yet, unfortunately. Quantum Grip Outsole: A proprietary rubber compound developed by Merrell, Quantum Grip is designed to grab well while keeping weight to a minimum. The GORE-TEX® waterproof membrane is lightweight, waterproof and breathable, giving you total protection on the trail or the hill. The InvisibleFit construction, Kinetic Fit™ BASE insole and FLEXconnect® cushioned midsole combine to offer extreme comfort when running or walking.

1TRL MQM Flex 2 | Merrell

We like the fit, which is spacious around the toes, but you can cinch it down nicely around the midfoot and heel. As with most Merrell walking shoes, I found the MQM Flex 2.0 GTXs to be comfortable straight out of the box. Due to the trainer-style design, they fitted like a glove and I immediately felt at ease with them on my feet. They were true to size for me, there was no rubbing or discomfort anywhere and I was immediately eager to get out in them. They were pretty lightweight too. At 708g per pair, they were far lighter than many other pairs of approach shoes I’ve owned in the past, which made me feel fast, light and nimble on my feet. The Merrell MQM Flex 2 GTX is a very light shoe, and that low-profile trail runner styling makes it seem even more minimalist. Merrell has used a bonding system to integrate the Gore-Tex membrane inside, as well as TPU overlays on the outside, both of which combine to remove bulk and streamline the design. That makes for a visually appealing shoe, but there are practical tradeoffs, most obviously in terms of support and ankle protection. Less obviously, there’s no protection against deeper mud, rain or debris getting into the shoe, leaving the wearer quite exposed. A dedicated trail runner might use gaiters to avoid this issue, but that seems a little overkill for a hiking shoe. The rest of second-generation MQM Flex is reflective of the original: Merrell did a great job mixing open mesh along the top of the shoe for ventilation with tightly woven mesh and TPU reinforcements in the lower areas most prone to tearing. TPU film and a small rubber toe cap also combine to provide decent protection around the front of the foot. In about four months of use, the uppers are holding up very well, and the same goes for the lacing system and interior of the shoe. Designed to combine breathability and style, Merrell sandals are perfect for warm-weather explorations. Feel the refreshing breeze against your feet as you explore sandy beaches, go for leisurely walks, or embark on casual outdoor activities.Trekking between mountain huts is a sensational experience, and we’re going to let you into a secret: it’s best to do it outside of summer When it comes to running footwear, you can keep your GTX-lined gear, I’m better off without it – in more ways than one One of the things that first caught my attention about the MQM Flex 2 is how comfortable they are on your feet. Not only do they provide plenty of cushioning, but they are also designed to move with your foot as it adjusts to the changing terrain and environment. The aforementioned Quantum Grip sole flexes nicely as you run, enhancing the runner’s connection with the ground at all times. Merrell is no stranger to the outdoors, having produced highly-acclaimed hiking shoes and boots for many decades. In recent years, hiking footwear has trended toward trail runners, and Merrell has answered the call with options like the Merrell MQM Flex 2 GTX. Feet: Use a ruler or tape measure to measure your foot (from the heel to the tip of your longest toe) Be sure to measure both feet. Many people have feet of different sizes. Fit to the larger of the two.

Merrell MQM Flex 2 GTX hiking shoe review | T3

I found them to be winners in the comfort department – no blisters or pinch points encountered – and versatile enough for a range of disciplines from hiking to trail running. For everyday adventures that weren’t excessively hardcore, I found them ideal and didn’t have any complaints. An advanced outdoor performance shoe for trail running and hiking that’s boosted by GORE-TEX® waterproof technology. The advantage of a non-waterproof shoe with liberal use of mesh is that it’s very comfortable in the heat. I wore the MQM Flex 2 throughout the spring and summer in central Washington State without issues, and I’ve stayed mostly comfortable in temperatures reaching the high 80s Fahrenheit. Interestingly, I’ve found the MQM does run a little warmer than the Moab 2 Ventilator—perhaps because it doesn’t use as much open-weave mesh—but it’s still a much better breather than any Gore-Tex model (including the MQM Flex 2 GTX) out there for summer adventuring. Because of the comfort and stability that the MQM Flex 2 bring to the table, they not only make good trail running shoes but light hiking shoes too. This versatile set of footwear also makes a great running errands shoe or working around the yard shoe. Serious runners will most likely want to reserve them for that activity alone, but others will find plenty of other excuses to put these comfy shoes on their feet. Big Shoes to Fill The waterproof GORE-TEX membrane on these shoes worked well, and I was able to submerge my feet almost all the way up to my ankles on numerous occasions without any water seeping in. In most cases, I prefer non-waterproof shoes because they breathe better and dry faster. But I’ll admit that having the ability to walk straight through puddles rather than hop-scotching around them was a nice benefit on shorter hikes.Merrell has a long history of making sturdy, supportive, and well-designed hiking boots, earning themselves a huge fanbase amongst casual and serious hikers alike. Much of those same sensibilities have carried over to the company’s line of trail running shoes, including the MQM Flex 2. Take your actual body measurements as they are more accurate than measuring over your clothes or shoes. In terms of fit, a few customers say that the sizing runs slightly large, but the main thing to note is that Merrell has opted for a particularly roomy toe box. The idea is that you have room for your toes to splay while walking / running. Most reviewers agree that while this might feel a bit odd and oversized when you first put these shoes on, the design actually works well in practice. Merrell MQM Flex 2 GTX hiking shoe review: performance and comfort