The women’s variations are nearly identical in overall construction but weigh slightly less than their men’s counterparts and are sold in different colorways. In all, they’re just harder. ", Subscribe to receive inspiration, ideas and news in your inbox. You can shave weight with many newer fast-and-light hikers, including Salomon’s X Raise (1 lb. It has a longer-lasting yet similar-performing outsole, and it's more comfortable and cushioned underfoot for long hikes and backpacking trips. In terms of stability and support, the MQM Flex 2 more closely resembles a burly trail runner than a typical hiking shoe. Not a standout in comfort with the fairly thin midsole. We appreciate the improved comfort—the MQM Flex’s liner is softer than a standard Gore-Tex design—and it’s proven to be just as waterproof as ever. Stacked up to the competition, our top-rated hiking shoe this year, the Salomon X Ultra 3, gets you a jump in comfort, support, and traction for only 1 ounce more per shoe. Right off the bat, we'll note that this shoe has developed a strong following among thru-hikers with its thick cushioning, wide toe box, and solid traction. 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. To see how it stacks up, see our articles on the best hiking shoes and hiking boots. The Merrell Women's MQM Flex 2 Mid Gore-Tex Shoes boast a fully vegan-friendly design that combines high performance features in the forefoot with optimum protection in the rearfoot, as well as … Those who spend the majority of their time on easier, well-maintained trails shouldn't have an issue, but for serious hiking and even lightweight backpacking, this is definitely a consideration to weigh. What is the new ‘GORE-TEX PRO Most Rugged’ fabric. Rounding out the MQM collection, Merrell also makes a mid-height GTX model, and women’s versions are available in all designs. In the end, while the MQM never felt truly heavy on my feet—even while trail running—it’s also not an ultralight standout. The MQM Flex’s lightweight hybrid design also puts it in the crosshairs of one of the top trail running shoes: Altra’s Lone Peak 4.5. Better yet, trail running is an immensely easy sport to get into. If you’ll be carrying much more weight, however, or just prefer a sturdier shoe, there are plenty of more capable options. $90.00. Women's Bare Access Flex 2. If you’re thinking about buying gear that we’ve reviewed on Switchback Travel, you can help support us in the process. Dan founded Adventure 52 back in 2010. For only $10 more, we highly recommend spending up for the boosts in performance and longevity. Straight out of the box on a trip to hike up Suilven (lurking in the background). Gear Review : Merrell MQM Flex Hiking Shoes. Just click on any of the seller links above, and if you make a purchase, we receive a small percentage of the transaction. The shoes I wear … As expected, the downside of the waterproof model is a drop in breathability, and it also takes longer to dry should you get it wet. With this light hiking shoe, cushion is king. The outsole is made from Merrell’s Quantum Grip rubber, and I found that while it was great in the dry, it wasn’t as good over wet rocks. Below are our top trail runners of 2020, from... An in-depth look at the top backpacking tents on the market, from ultralight models to spacious all-rounders and leading budget options, Merrell MQM Flex 2 (Men's) Price Comparison, https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&merchant_id=e295c418-295a-447c-b265-7…, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07VN9W1T5/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&ta…. Available in seven colours and priced at £120. By now many that follow my outdoor trips know that I am an advocate for lightweight gear which first and foremost begins with footwear. But in all other respects, the X Ultra 3 is simply better. Inspired by trail runners but made to hike, they're fast up front, protective in back and ready for wet weather. I've been tromping around in my Moab Ventilators daily for the last few years. These Merrill’s are a wee bit better, so I’m saying positive review. $80.00. It works out that each shoe is 60g heavier than the previous model, but you really don’t notice the weight, instead the focus really is on the comfort. Merrell calls it Invisiblfit and I certainly can’t see how the joins have been made. The momentum in hiking footwear is moving away from bulky boots toward lightweight shoes and even trail runners that are faster and more comfortable. It straddles the divide between categories, so it’s … Interestingly, the originals had patches of Gore-Tex material together, but the 2.0 version has a single piece of material throughout. Depending on the seller, most products ship free in the United States on orders of $50 or more. There are seven colours, so there’s a good selection. 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. A reminder then that the MQM stands for Moving Quickly in the Mountains and that these are available as a trainer and a mid hiking boot. 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. If you recall I did a thorough review of my Merrell MQM Flex Trail Shoes last year. Our only concern—and it’s a pretty big one—is the durability of the rubber. I was sent the black and white ones to review, not a colour I’d pick for outdoor activity as that white outsole soon dulls over time, but it addresses the fashion demand and doubles-up for anyone wanting to wear them around the city or more casually. The MQM Flex 2 is light and nimble on your feet for moving quickly on the trail. You do lose some ankle support when carrying... Of all the outdoor activities we cover here at Switchback Travel, hiking is dearest to our hearts. At just over 1.5 pounds per pair, the MQM Flex 2 is light and nimble … But, my older pair of exact same model are somehow a … The original MQM Flex was a letdown in traction—its tread was too shallow and we found it surprisingly slippery on rock—but Merrell gave the second-generation shoe a big upgrade. The X Raise is also more padded underfoot, which translates to more comfort when covering long distances (at the sacrifice of some agility). Merrell MQM Flex 2.0 GTX review Changes made by Merrell make the MQM shoes even better Dan Tye August 11, 2020 W e’ve been wearing the original MQMs for the past two years and we’re excited to say that the new MQM Flex … An air cushion in the heel absorbs shocks and the shape gives stability. 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