Like their popular Moab 2 model ( see our in-depth review here), the shoe has a generous toe box and is snug enough in the heel to keep things locked in place. When crossing streams, the mesh upper quickly takes in water, but the upside is that the shoe dries out quickly in sunny and warm weather. The outsole is great for a trail running shoe, but the midsole and upper lack the comfort and features necessary for big miles. The RW Takeaway: A durable runner-meets-hiking-boot hybrid made for swampy runs, steep hikes, rocky fastpacking, and breaking fresh trail. A bellowed tongue helps keep rocks, dirt, and other debris from reaching the shoe’s interior as well, which goes a long way towards preventing abrasions, blisters, and hotspots.

Merrell Men’s MQM Flex 2 GORE-TEX® Shoes | GO Outdoors

That makes for a visually appealing shoe, but there are practical tradeoffs, most obviously in terms of support and ankle protection.On the plus side, the MQM feels a lot like a trail runner: it’s light, very flexible under the forefoot, and its low stack height keeps you close to the trail. 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. A final trail touch is the generous thumb loop at the rear, which is perfect for rapid donning of shoes in a carpark.

Merrell | Cotswold Outdoor Merrell | Cotswold Outdoor

Many times when trail running, I end up being so cautious about the trail that I forget to look around and enjoy the place I’m experiencing. A key design element lifted directly from decent trail shoes is the midfoot ‘rockplate’, as is the aggressive 5mm lugged outsole.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. On the fast-and-light end of the spectrum, you can shave a bit of weight with Salomon’s X Raise (1 lb. Much of those same sensibilities have carried over to the company’s line of trail running shoes, including the MQM Flex 2. During this time I experienced rain, snow, mud, and 67-degree days all within the same week (that’s Maine weather for you) and wore these shoes on a variety of different terrain. The MQM Flex 2 made it easier to take my eyes and mind off the ground and commune more with nature instead.

MQM Flex GTX | Merrell MQM Flex GTX | Merrell

The upper of the shoe is made from a waterproof mesh, while the tongue has a ‘bellows’ design – a wide-folding tongue attached at the sides to the upper – to keep debris (and water) out.Feel the refreshing breeze against your feet as you explore sandy beaches, go for leisurely walks, or embark on casual outdoor activities. Merrell’s flagship Moab is their bestselling model and one of the most popular hiking shoes on the market, but it’s not particularly light or modern.