7 Best Merrell Running Shoes in 2025

The Nova 4 offers an exceptionally comfortable ride, primarily due to its lightweight, flexible, and breathable construction, which we verified in the lab. We found it to be versatile and suitable for everything from easy hikes to trail runs. This no-frills model is our top Merrell running shoe for beginners.

Nova 4’s midsole balances comfort and adaptability. At 37.7/25.6 mm, it offers ample cushioning for longer distances, with its 12.1 mm drop aiding forward transitions for heel strikers. The ride feels smooth because of its bendable build, which emerged 21.9% more malleable than average in our flex test.

Our agility is boosted through the shoe’s minimal construction. Weighing only 9.6 oz (272g), it’s lighter than its counterparts that average 10.2 oz (289g).

Its strong airflow also adds to its refreshing ride. As smoke steadily passed through the thin mesh and ventilation holes in our lab test, we gave it a high 4/5 breathability rating.

While Nova 4 offers enough impact protection, it may not satisfy runners craving for deep and plush cushioning.

Through extensive runs, we've determined that the Agility Peak 5 stands out as the best Merrell running shoe. Boasting a substantial, almost 40-mm stack in our lab, it provides exceptional comfort by absorbing much of the landing impact. Its trusty Vibram Megagrip outsole, with strategically positioned lugs, serves as our traction and defense against various elements encountered on the trails.

Impressively, the AP5 demonstrates outstanding grip across a range of terrains, thanks to its widely spaced 4.5-mm Traction Lugs, making it suitable for even the most technical conditions. Following intensive testing against our unforgiving Dremel, the Vibram Megagrip rubber exhibits durability, showing minimal indentation compared to the average.

In addition to shielding our feet, the heavily cushioned midsole of the AP5 also protects our muscles. Its above-average stack height, notably the 39.2 mm heel, ensured plush comfort. It also provides protection against sharp rocks and protruding roots, further augmented by a rock plate in the mid-to-forefoot areas.

However, due to its pronounced heel and modest forefoot, the significant 13.4 mm heel drop may not be suitable for midfoot and forefoot strikers, making the AP5 more ideal for heel-strikers.

The Merrell Morphlite’s plush cushion assures us it can take the beating of repetitive ground impact. True enough, our legs felt fresh after running for hours on end, with lab tests validating that it offers the best shock absorption among Merrell running shoes. Comfort is at its maximum thanks to the seamless transitions brought by its light and loose build.

Our caliper measurement reveals an above-average 32.3 mm heel stack, ensuring even heavier runners won’t run out of cushioning. Testing for impact protection, we recorded high ratings of 125 SA in the heel and 103 SA in the forefoot, both exceeding the average and confirming Morphlite’s leg-saving power.

It felt effortless to pick up the pace and adapt to different terrains because the shoe feels weightless! At just 8.4 oz (237g), it’s 18.3% lighter than the average trail shoe in our lab. 

Its flexible midsole enhances all-day comfort, emerging 27.7% more bendable than average in our 30-degree test. Moving feels easy because we don’t have to fight much resistance. We also found it versatile enough for laid-back hikes in the mountains.

However, Morphlite shines best on easy days. Those seeking a thrilling ride should go for a more responsive pair.

Among Merrell runners we’ve tried, Vapor Glove 6 gives the best barefoot experience with its breezy glove-like fit, minimum weight, and maximum ground feel. Its flexibility enhances natural movement, while its Vibram outsole ensures protection. Best of all, it fits the below-$100 budget!

Intended as a trail shoe, VG6 is one of the lightest we've tested. At 5.3 oz (150g), it's almost half the 10.4 oz (296g) average of its counterparts. It embraces minimalism by keeping its stack 6 mm low for maximum surface feedback. This made us adapt quickly to uneven terrains and helped strengthen our legs.

Upping the comfort game is its perforated mesh upper that kept our running experience light. Even if we run sockless, we have no issues with blisters, sweat, and odor thanks to its material that adjusts to the shape of our feet and its odor-control compound.

Below the VG6 is the Vibram outsole that wraps around the heel and toebox for more protection and durability. It's lined with 2-mm lugs arranged in an aggressive tread to enhance grip. We had no slips running through wet and muddy trails and could seamlessly shift to road running without the chunky underfoot feeling.

With its accommodating room for wide feet, runners with narrow feet shouldn’t expect a snug and glove-like fit.

Our lab analysis and trial runs led us to the Merrell running shoe that thrives best on the trails with its barefoot feel—and it’s no other than Trail Glove 7. A true minimalist, boasting a low and leveled stack and a highly flexible midsole that keeps it all natural. Its agility and unparalleled traction had us running confidently through diverse settings.

With a mere 16.1/16.0 mm stack height, the TG7 practically offers a zero drop experience, delivering authentic barefoot sensations and heightened surface feedback. This allows us to adapt as we traverse uneven ground. Our durometer reveals a dense 28.8 HA cushion, striking the perfect balance between support and comfort.

Adding to its “barely there” feel is its lightweight construction. Our scales reveal a mere 7.8 oz (221g), 24.8% below the average. Despite its minimalist design, the TG7 feels surprisingly stable, particularly on fast corners. Its exceptional flexibility, scoring significantly 61.4% above average in our bend test, enhances comfort and versatility.

Supported by a maze-like patterned Vibram outsole with 2.5 mm lugs, the TG7 delivers reliable traction that protects us from slipping on loose gravel and soil. However, its soft rubber composition and mere 1.8 mm thickness raise concerns about durability. We recommend avoiding rougher surfaces like asphalt and concrete to prolong the shoe’s lifespan.

The Merrell Agility Peak 5 GTX served as our best defense against cold and wet weather, unwanted slips, and any type of discomfort. Our lab tests validate its airtight nature, making it our ultimate waterproof Merrell running shoe.

Besides the Gore-Tex membrane, the AP5 GTX has a very dense engineered mesh that shields us from getting wet or cold. We pumped smoke into the shoe and not a hint of smoke escaped, proving its limited ventilation with a 1/5 breathability score. If airflow is blocked, water won’t be able to enter the shoe either.

We felt highly agile while sporting this shoe and our bend test shows it exhibits 5.9% better flexibility than average. This makes it versatile to use for hikes and walks since it’s comfortable for all-day wear.

The grippy base carried us through slippery slopes safely and we felt very confident with the Vibram rubber’s tacky bite. In addition, the chevron 4.4 mm lugs handled challenging terrain with ease, allowing us to brake as needed. However, we don’t recommend it for constant road runs because the outsole will wear out quickly on rough surfaces.

Running on streets and off-the-beaten paths highlights Merrell FlyStrike’s versatility and all-around nature. Our lab shows its ultra-comfy breathable upper and flexible midsole make it great for various outdoor activities. Plus, it’s only $90, 14.3% cheaper than the average Merrell running shoe!

FlyStrike demonstrates a high level of flexibility, which is why it can smoothly transition into a hiking or casual wear shoe. Our bend test confirms it’s 36.1% more adaptive than average, increasing both agility and comfort even for long-day adventures.

The upper is designed with countless ventilation holes all over, outshining the average trail shoe with a 4/5 breathability score on our smoke test. We’re truly impressed with how our feet can breathe despite the padded interior. The tongue is exceptionally plush at 10.1 mm vs. the 6.4 mm average, removing any traces of lace bite. While breathable uppers tend to lack durability, FlyStrike surprisingly resisted our Dremel and earned a high 4/5 score.

However, the midsole doesn’t match the upper’s level of comfort, especially with its slim 17.0 mm forefoot cushioning. Those who prefer more underfoot protection should look elsewhere.