Trail running is a strength at Merrell, so spreading the wealth is a given. The Morphlite is a new shoe designed for door to trail use, and since most of us don’t live on our favorite trails, the shoe can handle roads with ease. The upper is a closed mesh, which offers a little protection from trail hazards while still allowing the foot to breathe. Ankle padding and secure laces round out the fit, and a handy elasticized lace keeper tucks the loops away to reduce mishaps. The midsole is a single density of Merrell’s FloatPro foam, which is good quality and plenty durable for your intermittent tail runs or as part of a rotation. The outersole is a low profile but still toothy design, which offers good traction, from the car to the trailhead without difficulty, or from your door to trails of the paved variety. The weight is notable, 9.5 oz. in a men’s 12, which means the shoe is not holding back your nimbleness, just sayin’. Overall the Morphlite is what Merrell does best – performance and quality, all without without breaking the bank.
Price: $100
Sizes: Men 7–12, 13, 14, 15; Women 5–11
Weight: 9.5 oz. (men’s 11); 6.7 oz. (women’s 8)
Shape: semi-curved
Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board
Geometry: Full Contact