Merrell Men's Mqm Flex 2 GTX Track Shoe

Product Information

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. These trail running shoes also offer great stability, which once again boosts both confidence and speed. Because of this, I found myself able to focus less on the trail and instead soak up the scenery around me. 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. The MQM Flex 2 made it easier to take my eyes and mind off the ground and commune more with nature instead.

Merrell MQM Flex 2.0 GTX Hiking Shoes | Review - Out Merrell MQM Flex 2.0 GTX Hiking Shoes | Review - Out

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.Protection is more in-line with a trail running shoe than a burlier hiker like Salomon’s X Ultra 3. 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

Merrell MQM Flex 2 Gore-Tex Trail Running Shoe Review Merrell MQM Flex 2 Gore-Tex Trail Running Shoe Review

When it comes to running footwear, you can keep your GTX-lined gear, I’m better off without it – in more ways than one

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. 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.

Merrell MQM Flex 2 Hiking Shoe Review | Switchback Travel

An advanced outdoor performance shoe for trail running and hiking that’s boosted by GORE-TEX® waterproof technology. That said, adding a Gore-Tex liner to a shoe—or any garment for that matter—will cut down on the overall breathability of that product. Gore-Tex has come a long way towards improving breathability in general in recent years. However, most waterproof membranes still tend to have a hard time keeping moisture out while allowing perspiration to pass through too. Because of this, I found my feet occasionally getting warm and sweaty, but usually, this only occurred on warmer days. Merrell has a long history of making sturdy, supportive, and well-designed hiking boots, earning themselves a huge fanbase amongst casual and serious hikers alike. Much of those same sensibilities have carried over to the company’s line of trail running shoes, including the MQM Flex 2. 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. 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.

One of the things that first caught my attention about the MQM Flex 2 is how comfortable they are on your feet. Not only do they provide plenty of cushioning, but they are also designed to move with your foot as it adjusts to the changing terrain and environment. The aforementioned Quantum Grip sole flexes nicely as you run, enhancing the runner’s connection with the ground at all times. The Merrell MQM Flex 2 GTX is a very light shoe, and that low-profile trail runner styling makes it seem even more minimalist. Merrell has used a bonding system to integrate the Gore-Tex membrane inside, as well as TPU overlays on the outside, both of which combine to remove bulk and streamline the design. That makes for a visually appealing shoe, but there are practical tradeoffs, most obviously in terms of support and ankle protection. Less obviously, there’s no protection against deeper mud, rain or debris getting into the shoe, leaving the wearer quite exposed. A dedicated trail runner might use gaiters to avoid this issue, but that seems a little overkill for a hiking shoe. In fact, the pleasing fit, grippy outsole, and waterproof GORE-TEX liner blend together seamlessly into what I would consider one of the best shoes for wet-weather day hikes in the Northeast and beyond. I will be keeping these close at hand for just that purpose! Delivered Monday to Saturday 8am-8pm, excluding bank holidays. Once despatched you will receive updates from the courier. The advantage of a non-waterproof shoe with liberal use of mesh is that it’s very comfortable in the heat. 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. Interestingly, I’ve found the MQM does run a little warmer than the Moab 2 Ventilator—perhaps because it doesn’t use as much open-weave mesh—but it’s still a much better breather than any Gore-Tex model (including the MQM Flex 2 GTX) out there for summer adventuring.

MQM Flex 2 | Merrell

Take your actual body measurements as they are more accurate than measuring over your clothes or shoes.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. 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.