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 The Merrell MQM Flex 2 GTX is a well-designed and executed shoe. It’s a far cry from the clunkier and heavier models offered by many outdoor brands. Although it doesn’t quite hit the mark for being a reliable and extra-comfortable trail runner, nor does it likely meet the durability standards of a rough-trail hiking shoe, it still does a lot of things right and effectively bridges the gap between shoe types. 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. The Merrell MQM Flex 2 GTX is a remarkable shoe that combines the best features of trailer runners and hiking shoes and doesn’t compromise on either.

Merrell MQM Flex 2 GTX hiking shoe review | T3

Brandon is a guide, writer, and endurance athlete from Maine. In a previous life, he was a Foreign Service Officer with the Department of State and had the opportunity to explore over 60 countries while serving at U.S. Embassies in Egypt, Cyprus, and Pakistan. All in all, the changes to the 2.0 version are incremental tweaks and improvements, rather than a wholesale re-design, as Merrell have chosen to build on the solid foundation created with the original MQM Flex GTX product.Swarovski NL Pure10x42 review: sensational high-end binoculars for wildlife spotting and spectator sports 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. 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. The final modification is to the Gore-Tex membrane. The original MQM Flex had a waterproof membrane constructed by stitching pieces of Gore-Tex material together, but the 2.0 version use an InvisibleFit Gore-Tex with a single piece of seamless material providing wraparound waterproofing. The weight of the shoes has consequently increased from 648g to 708g, reflecting a sturdier and more durable build for the 2.0 iteration, but the extra 60g per pair isn’t particularly noticeable on foot. Another change is that the 2020 version is 100% vegan friendly, reflecting the growing consumer demand for ethical products.

Merrell MQM Flex 2 GTX Hiking Shoe Review - The Trek Merrell MQM Flex 2 GTX Hiking Shoe Review - The Trek

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. From cruising around town at the weekend to pedaling to work Monday–Friday, riding a good bike transforms travel time into quality time seven days a week 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. 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 put out a good looking shoe here, very low-profile and streamlined in the best technical trail-running tradition. As a hiking shoe the Merrell MQM Flex 2 GTX hiking shoe gives lots of ankle movement for speed, but less protection than a more robust shoe or even a mid-height hiking boot. This generally means that the wearer has to compensate by concentrating harder on more technical terrain and dig deeper on longer journeys – not necessarily a bad thing, but a more taxing proposition. An advanced outdoor performance shoe for trail running and hiking that’s boosted by GORE-TEX® waterproof technology. The MQM Flex’s lightweight hybrid design also puts it in the crosshairs of one of the top trail running shoes: Altra’s Lone Peak 5. Right off the bat, we'll note that this shoe has developed a strong following among thru-hikers with its supportive cushioning, wide toe box, and solid traction. Altra even includes nice touches for long-distance hikers like attachment points for a pair of gaiters. Compared with the MQM Flex, the Merrell has the upper hand in durability, but we give the advantage to the Lone Peak because it’s more comfortable, weighs around 3 ounces less, and has a more proven outsole.