Our verdict
Lively, light, and lovable is the Merrell Speed Eco in a nutshell. Jetting across nature trails is its forté, making you go the distance at record speeds without tiring your feet prematurely. And once you're done with your fast hike, you can go hang with your pals in it, and none will be the wiser!
Pros
- Insanely light
- Quite comfy
- Versatile traction
- Superb breathability
- No more slippery days ahead
- Supportive around the arch
- Cross country shoes
- Appealing design
Cons
- Too roomy (women's version)
- Could be easier to put on
Cross country shoes
The Speed Eco from Merrell is part of our growing roster of ultra-breathable hikers. Purchase it if:
- Purchase it if.
- Hiking shoes made with recycled materials are what you're after.
- You want a balance between momentum and support.
Who should NOT buy it
If you're in need of something more form-fitting with a relaxed toe box, the NXIS Speed from KEEN is for you. And if you want a pair devoid of access issues, check out the Columbia Plateau.
Gives flexible strides
Outdoorsy folks are obsessed with the Speed Eco's 5-star plushness and breathability. One of them says it's quite "comfortable in the heat of Costa Rica." Another commenter says, "Your feet will not sweat in them."
Puts the W in weightless
The Merrell Speed Eco is a win in terms of lightness, and many trail-goers agree. One of them describes it as "light and airy." Another one has this in his review: "Forget I have shoes on."
No more slippery days ahead
Adhesion comes in full force in the Merrell Speed Eco. One of them says that its stickiness is "versatile enough to wear through airports and the jungle."
Merrell Speed Eco equals max suppleness
Another one of the Speed Eco's main draws is its splendid cushioning. A seasoned hiker boldly says that, compared with most Merrell kicks, "these are more cushiony."
Could be easier to put on
There are female trail-goers who are iffy about the overall fit of the featured Merrell shoe. "They seem to run a little wide in the front section," says one of them. Another reviewer says that you can make its fit more glove-like if you "put an entire insert in the shoe on top of the other one."
Beneficial for the arch
The midfoot buttress of the Speed Eco is remarkable. An experienced adventurer says that it has "good foot support, too, for such a light shoe."
Purchase it if
It's been reported that the Merrell Speed Eco has a more flexible rubber. Because of this, quicker strides are easier to pull off on mildly rugged terrain.
Not very speedy in terms of on and off
One of the Speed Eco's misses is its not-so-easy on and off. A non-professional tester says that it's "very hard to wear." This made him decide not to buy the shoe a second time.
Your next hiking attraction
Many hikers are in love with the Speed Eco's sporty aesthetics. One of them says that it looks "way better than most hiking shoes." Another individual has this snippet in their report: "Wife loved the way they look."
