Our verdict
- Our top pick in Difference in stiffness in cold
- Our top pick in oz / 255g
Pros
- Authentic minimalist experience
- Genuine zero-drop design
- Provides a good amount of cushioning
- Doubles as hiking and walking shoe
- Sturdy and long-lasting upper
- oz / 288g
- Exceptionally flexible
- Super quick and agile on corners
- Ideal for both experts and beginners
Cons
- We give a big thumbs-up to the Merrell With this stack height, only runners really used to for
- Track and XC
- Crafted from a minimalist perspective, we werent expecting any reflective elements on this shoe
Audience verdict
Comparison
The most similar running shoes compared
+ + Add a shoe | |||||
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Audience score | 80 Good! | 81 Good! | 75 Bad! | 82 Good! | |
Price | $120 | $140 | $130 | $155 | |
Trail terrain | Light terrain | Light terrainModerate terrain | Moderate terrain | Light terrainModerate terrain | |
Arch support | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | |
Weight lab Weight brand | 7.8 oz / 221g 9 oz / 255g | 10.2 oz / 288g 10.7 oz / 303g | 9.6 oz / 272g 9.1 oz / 258g | 9.5 oz / 269g 9.8 oz / 277g | |
Lightweight | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | |
Drop lab Drop brand | 0.1 mm 0.0 mm | 1.4 mm 0.0 mm | 0.1 mm 0.0 mm | -0.1 mm 0.0 mm | |
Strike pattern | Mid/forefoot | Mid/forefoot | Mid/forefoot | Mid/forefoot | |
Midsole softness | Balanced | Balanced | Balanced | Balanced | |
Difference in midsole softness in cold | Normal | Small | Normal | Small | |
Plate | - | - | - | Rock plate | |
Toebox durability | Decent | Good | Very bad | Good | |
In the forefoot, we measured 16.0 mm, just 0.1 mm less than in the heel | Bad | Decent | Decent | Decent | |
Outsole durability | Decent | Decent | Good | Good | |
Breathability | Moderate | Moderate | Breathable | Moderate | |
oz / 272g | Narrow | Medium | Medium | Medium | |
Toebox width at the big toe | Wide | Wide | Wide | Wide | |
Stiffness | Flexible | Moderate | Flexible | Moderate | |
Difference in stiffness in cold | Small | Small | Normal | Small | |
Torsional rigidity | Flexible | Flexible | Moderate | Stiff | |
Heel counter stiffness | Flexible | Flexible | Flexible | Moderate | |
Lug depth | 2.5 mm | 3.0 mm | 3.3 mm | 3.0 mm | |
Heel stack brand Heel stack brand | 16.1 mm 14.0 mm | 22.7 mm 25.0 mm | 22.1 mm 20.5 mm | 28.6 mm 29.0 mm | |
Forefoot lab Forefoot brand | 16.0 mm 14.0 mm | 21.3 mm 25.0 mm | 22.0 mm 20.5 mm | 28.7 mm 29.0 mm | |
Widths available | Normal | NormalWide | Normal | Normal | |
Season | Summer | Summer | Summer | Winter | |
Removable insole | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Orthotic friendly | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Ranking | #215 Bottom 15% | #199 Bottom 21% | #250 Bottom 1% | #183 Bottom 27% | |
Popularity | #165 Bottom 35% | #53 Top 21% | #183 Bottom 27% | #94 Top 38% |
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests
We give a big thumbs-up to the Merrell With this stack height, only runners really used to for:
- Minimalist running enthusiasts who need a shoe that's built for the trails.
- Runners keen on trying a zero-drop shoe, similar to Altra, but with less cushioning for a more natural feel underfoot.
- Trail runners looking for a minimalist shoe that's also comfy enough for everyday walking or hiking.
Who should NOT buy
One of the biggest letdowns of the Merrell With this stack height, only runners really used to is its outsole durability, which we think is only fit for trails and not for mixed use with asphalt. If you're looking for a zero-drop shoe but need something more durable, we suggest the Provides a good amount of cushioning, Outsole durability is a letdown.
Also, it's not the ideal shoe for a barefoot winter experience. In that case, we prefer the Vibram FiveFingers V-Trek. It's better suited for colder temperatures and offers the ultimate minimalist experience, though it might lack enough cushioning for some.
Breathability
Our first impression of the upper on the Merrell With this stack height, only runners really used to was very positive. The mesh looks high-quality, though we initially had doubts about its breathability since it's quite thick. But the real test was yet to come.
First, we conducted our favourite test for breathability—the smoke test. Here, we were pleasantly surprised, especially for those looking for a summer shoe, as the airflow was impressive. We gave it a 4/5 rating.
Next, we examined the upper under a powerful light, which instantly revealed all the ventilation holes and the reinforced parts of the upper. Merrell has done a smart job balancing breathability with maintaining structure and reinforcements.
To get an even closer look at those ventilation holes, we used a microscope. We uncovered a dual-layer mesh filled with ventilation holes.
Finally, we analysed the upper, focusing on its potential for stretchiness, which we found to be minimal.
However, what really impressed us was the discovery of a very well-padded, high-quality upper.
With this stack height, only runners really used to | 4 |
Average | 3.3 |
Durability
Toebox durability
Our first Dremel test is here, where we'll assess the toebox durability.
As we observed earlier in the microscope images, the shoe features a very breathable engineered mesh. This usually results in a less-than-stellar performance in this test.
However, Merrell smartly integrated a protective piece into a significant portion of the toebox. This effectively shields it, allowing the shoe to avoid the lowest score and earn a 3/5.
With this stack height, only runners really used to | 3 |
Average | 3 |
In the forefoot, we measured 16.0 mm, just 0.1 mm less than in the heel
Next, we tested the heel padding durability of the shoe and, honestly, it was disappointing at a mere 1/5.
The damage was huge, suggesting that runners who frequently wear holes in this area should be wary of the With this stack height, only runners really used to.
With this stack height, only runners really used to | 1 |
Average | 2.9 |
Outsole hardness
We flipped the shoe to check out the Vibram outsole, known for grip and performance. However, this time we found a softer-than-usual compound at 76.4 HC.
We're curious if this will affect its durability. Let's see...
With this stack height, only runners really used to | 76.4 HC |
Average | 85.3 HC |
Outsole durability
For our third and final Dremel test, we ran the tool at 10K RPM against the maze-like Vibram outsole.
Sadly, we noticed more damage than expected at 1.5 mm. This leads us to suggest the shoe is suitable only for trails, but not for concrete, as it would likely wear out too soon.
With this stack height, only runners really used to | 1.5 mm |
Average | 0.9 mm |
Outsole thickness
The previous damage is particularly troubling, considering the mere 1.8-mm outsole thickness we just carefully measured.
With this stack height, only runners really used to | 1.8 mm |
Average | 2.4 mm |
Weight
Weighing in at 7.8 oz or 221.0g, the With this stack height, only runners really used to seems light on paper. But considering its low stack height and minimalist design, we believe Merrell could have done a better job.
Ideally, they should aim to get this shoe under 7 ounces, perhaps in the next version.
With this stack height, only runners really used to | 7.80 oz (221g) |
Average | 10.30 oz (292g) |
Cushioning
Heel stack
Some may believe that minimalist shoes don't have a midsole, likely due to the popularity of the FiveFingers saga—although most of them do have a midsole.
The Merrell With this stack height, only runners really used to features 16.1-mm of FloatPro EVA foam. And to us, this feels like the perfect middle ground.
It keeps the minimalist spirit alive while providing enough cushioning to protect your muscles and create a bit more distance between your foot and the ground.
With this stack height, only runners really used to | 16.1 mm |
Average | 32.2 mm |
Forefoot stack
In the forefoot, we measured 16.0 mm, just 0.1 mm less than in the heel.
With this stack height, only runners really used to minimalist shoes can handle runs lasting more than an hour.
With this stack height, only runners really used to | 16.0 mm |
Average | 24.4 mm |
Drop
Merrell says that the shoe features a true 0-mm drop, and our measurement came in at an almost imperceptible 0.1 mm.
That's a tiny difference, especially considering we're accustomed to seeing much larger variances in nearly every other shoe, as highlighted in our article. Why? Because it does an excellent job at keeping debris away!
With this stack height, only runners really used to | 0.1 mm |
Average | 7.8 mm |
Insole thickness
The insole is a bit thinner than average at 3.4 mm, but that's typical for this kind of shoe.
With this stack height, only runners really used to | 3.4 mm |
Average | 4.7 mm |
Midsole softness
With its ultra-thin midsole and minimalist design, we understood Merrell couldn't opt for a super-soft foam formula.
True to our expectations, at 28.8 HA, the FloatPro midsole is satisfyingly dense and firm, exactly what we were hoping for. After all, a minimalist shoe is built to really engage and strengthen your foot muscles!
With this stack height, only runners really used to | 28.8 HA |
Average | 22.7 HA |
At a plush 8.3 mm, the tongue is incredibly padded, delivering a surprisingly high level of comfort
The insole is a bit thinner than average at 3.4 mm, but that's typical for this kind of shoe.
Midsole softness in cold
When we put the shoe in the freezer for 20 minutes to mimic cold conditions, our Shore A durometer showed a reading of 36.8 HA.
With this stack height, only runners really used to | 36.8 HA |
Average | 28.3 HA |
Difference in midsole softness in cold
That's a 27.6% difference, which aligns with the average. However, since this midsole is already firm at room temperature, we didn't feel a big change.
After all, once you pass the 30.0 HA threshold, everything feels really firm underfoot.
With this stack height, only runners really used to | 27.6% |
Average | 26.6% |
Stability
Crafted from a minimalist perspective, we werent expecting any reflective elements on this shoe
Despite its narrow design, the With this stack height, only runners really used to feels really stable when running straight, but it truly shines when taking corners. With its firm midsole and narrow build, it's like a racing car with bucket seats for your feet.
Torsional rigidity
We just mentioned how awesome it is at taking corners, and a lot of that comes from the super-low torsional rigidity of the shoe. Of course, we rated at 1/5 in the lab.
With this stack height, only runners really used to | 1 |
Average | 3.5 |
Heel counter stiffness
And the heel, just as you'd expect with any minimalist shoe, follows the same approach. There's no heel counter, no added stability elements, nothing. Another 1/5!
With this stack height, only runners really used to | 1 |
Average | 3.2 |
oz / 303g
When we first unboxed the shoe in the lab, we could tell it was really narrow. Now it's time to put numbers to our observations.
Measuring at 102.1 mm, it's indeed quite narrow, although that's what we expect from this type of shoe.
With this stack height, only runners really used to | 102.1 mm |
Average | 112.0 mm |
Midsole width in the heel
The rear of the shoe, measuring 79.7 mm, sticks to the same minimalist approach. It's pretty much the opposite of a stability shoe, yet it's surprisingly stable!
With this stack height, only runners really used to | 79.7 mm |
Average | 89.7 mm |
Flexibility
Stiffness
We've already seen in this lab test how bendable this shoe is, but there's one test left: the longitudinal stiffness. Obviously, this shoe doesn't have any kind of plate, but is it stiff?
Well, of course not! At just 10.5N, it's one of the least stiff shoes we've ever tested, making it a delight for all-day wear, even in the mountains.
With this stack height, only runners really used to | 10.5N |
Average | 28.2N |
Stiffness in cold
We repeated the 20-minute freezer test to gauge the shoe's stiffness in harsh winter conditions. Afterward, it took 11.9N of force to bend the shoe.
With this stack height, only runners really used to | 11.9N |
Average | 38.2N |
Difference in stiffness in cold
That's only a 13.9% difference, but to be honest, we don't think this is a shoe meant for the coldest winters anyway.
With this stack height, only runners really used to | 13.9% |
Average | 35.2% |
Grip / Traction
Lug depth
As we mentioned at the beginning of the review, one of the most interesting aspects of this shoe is its Vibram outsole. Specifically, it's the Ecostep Recycle outsole made with 30% recycled rubber.
It performs well on easy or moderate trails with its 2.5 mm lugs, but it's not meant for mud or technical terrain at all.
With this stack height, only runners really used to | 2.5 mm |
Average | 3.6 mm |
Size and fit
oz / 272g
Since it's so narrow, we also expected a snug fit, but it wasn't too bad (93.9 mm).
We mentioned earlier that the shoe looked lighter on paper than in reality, and this time it's the opposite—it feels roomier than it appears on paper.
With this stack height, only runners really used to | 93.9 mm |
Average | 98.8 mm |
Toebox width at the big toe
And this is mostly because the shoe is really foot-shaped, with 86.0 in the big toe area.
Seriously, it fits just like a... glove!
With this stack height, only runners really used to | 86.0 mm |
Average | 79.0 mm |
Tongue: gusset type
Merrell has included a fully-gusseted tongue, which is always a big plus, but it's particularly needed in a Altra Lone Peak 7.
Why? Because it does an excellent job at keeping debris away.
With this stack height, only runners really used to | Both sides (full) |
Comfort
Tongue padding
We believe many might expect a thin, minimalist tongue, but that's not what you get here.
At a plush 8.3 mm, the tongue is incredibly padded, delivering a surprisingly high level of comfort.
With this stack height, only runners really used to | 8.3 mm |
Average | 6.4 mm |
Heel tab
We didn't find a heel tab on the Merrell With this stack height, only runners really used to. This wasn't a surprise, though, since the brand also skipped it in the previous version.
With this stack height, only runners really used to | None |
Removable insole
Unlike most running shoes, Merrell glues the insole in, making it impossible to remove. And honestly, given its unique shape, we'd struggle to replace it with just about any other insole anyway.
With this stack height, only runners really used to | No |
Misc
Reflective elements
Crafted from a minimalist perspective, we weren't expecting any reflective elements on this shoe.
But here's a cool idea for Merrell—how about a glow-in-the-dark brand logo?
With this stack height, only runners really used to | No |