Details
Brand
Merrell
Heel To Toe Drop
6 mm
Breathability
7.5
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Trail
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• M Select outsole material for grip on all types of surfaces• TrailProtect is not quite a rock plate but is a layer of protection from hard debris• Multi-directional 5mm lugs for traction• Unifly EVA foam midsole for energy-return and comfort• Waterproof upper• Washable• TPU upper components to prevent tearing• Drainage holes help keep water out• Reflective components• Toe cap for protection• Mesh interior for better ventilation• Regular laces• Padded tongue and heel• M Select liner for freshness• Vegan build
Upper
The upper of this shoe is outstanding. It features waterproof material to repel moisture. If water does manage to get in, though, it easily drains out thanks to the shoe’s drainage holes. Even with a waterproof upper, the shoe breathes incredibly well. The upper is also composed of TPU material which won’t tear easily even under intense conditions like those in a Tough Mudder. Reflective bits are a nice touch to ensure runners can remain seen in dark conditions. A toe cap protects the front of the foot from harm. Inside, a mesh material helps with ventilation to further regulate temperature. An M Select liner is also included for freshness. Regular laces round out of the design, and a slight bit of padding ensures comfort in the tongue and heel areas.
Midsole
The midsole of the All Out Crush Tough Mudder features Unifly EVA foam. The foam provides a nice amount of energy-return for the wearer. It also runs the length of the shoe for a great overall ride feel. The whole foot is protected from impact.
Outsole
The outsole of the Merrell All Out Crush Tough Mudder is made of sturdy M Select material. It’s able to grip all types of surfaces including mud. The shoe also features multi-directional lugs underfoot for complete and total grip when running on varied terrain. You’ll also find a Trail Protect function with this shoe. It’s not quite a rock plate, but it does a good job of protecting the wearer from hard obstacles and debris.
Breathability
Even with a waterproof upper, the Merrell All Out Crush Tough Mudder manages to ventilate quite well. Water is repelled but should it enter the shoe, the mesh interior helps air circulate for rapid drying. An M Select liner inside the shoe help keep the interior healthy and smelling fresh. Drainage holes help water exit the shoe if it gets in. Reviewers commented on the excellent drainage and loved the quick-drying material.
Comfort
This shoe will keep your feet comfortable even if you’re in severe discomfort during an obstacle race. You won’t be thinking about your feet so you can focus on the race ahead. The Unifly EVA foam provides a comfortably padded midsole for wearers. Excellent drainage and quick drying material ensure that waterlogging is not an issue. The fit is snug without being uncomfortable. Most reviewers found the Merrell All Out Crush Tough Mudder quite comfortable.
Style
The Merrell All Out Crush Tough Mudder definitely looks like it’s meant for tackling tough conditions. The aggressive design will instill confidence even in new obstacle course runners. All colorways include the Tough Mudder brand logo. The men’s shoe comes in several colors including a black and orange version true to the Tough Mudder brand and a dark grey color option with neon accents. For women, there is a sleek dark fuschia color option.
Durability
The All Out Crush Tough Mudder is made to handle super harsh conditions and can certainly take a beating. The upper can take a beating and TPU material ensures it won’t rip under strain. The entire shoe can handle being put through obstacles, water, and mud. A neat bonus is that the shoe can easily be washed post-race. It’s not unheard of for runners to simply throw out their shoes after runs in very muddy conditions, mud infiltrates the shoe and makes wearing it again nearly impossible and at the very least, really gross. With the Merrell All Out Crush Tough Mudder, runners can wash their shoes and wear them for their next race.
Protection
This obstacle racing shoe protects runners in a number of ways. The outsole is the first defense against wear and tear and provides traction for eliminating slips and falls on slick muddy surfaces. The midsole provides adequate cushioning to protect against hard landings and cushion the body from impact forces. The upper protects the wearer from the elements thanks to its waterproof design, excellent drainage, and superior breathability. A toe cap protects against hard impact with obstacles. The TrailProtect feature, although not a full rock plate, protects wearers from potentially dangerous debris underfoot. There are even reflective strips to ensure wearers stay visible in low light.
Responsiveness
On a course with a lot of mud and moisture, it’s more important to have a shoe with a lot of grip and drainage than it is to have a shoe with rebound so the Merrell All Out Crush Tough Mudder is perhaps not as responsive as some might like but it does the job it’s intended for. The EVA Unifly midsole cushioning provides some degree of energy-return, though reviewers didn’t really mention this aspect of the shoe. Ground-feel is excellent which is important when running on muddy terrain and scrambling over obstacles. Knowing what’s underfoot allows the wearer to maneuver the race course with more confidence.
Support
The All Out Crush Tough Mudder is fairly supportive. The fit is snug without being overly so. This helps keep the shoe on the foot especially when slogging through muddy conditions. You won’t lose this shoe in a sea of mud. A few reviewers did complain about the lack of support and it’s true that it’s not suitable for overpronators or those with weak ankles. The shoe provides enough support to neutral runners, though.
Terrain
The whole point of this shoe is that it’s able to tackle rough terrain. The aggressive 5mm lugs grip confidently whether the surface below is muddy or slippery. A few runners did complain that the big lugs felt awkward when running on non-technical surfaces, but for the purposes of a Tough Mudder, they work super well. They allow runners to climb obstacles and clear difficult portions of these types of events with ease. The M Select outsole handles varied terrain and the TrailProtect feature keeps feet from getting injured by unseen obstacles.;Of course, the shoe isn’t just appropriate for running fast on slick muddy terrain. Obstacle race runners will likely find themselves dealing with water, too, and the shoe efficiently repels and drains water. Quick-drying material helps with overall comfort, too.
Price
This is perhaps the only drawback of this Merrell shoe. A few runners weren’t impressed by the price of the shoe, but it’s hard to complain about a shoe that delivers in so many areas. The outsole is grippy enough to handle some pretty intense terrain. The midsole provides adequate rebound and cushions nicely. A protective layer (TrailProtect) keeps runners from getting hurt should they step on something sharp or hard. The upper breathes well and drains water like nobody’s business, and the fit of the shoe is true to size and comfortable. That’s a pretty impressive package of features. The shoe is an excellent choice for muddy trail races and will suit runners who like to run on muddy trails for a little extra adventure.
Drop
This shoe features a 6mm drop. It’s a bit lower than your average drop. The shoe provides enough ground feel to enable runners to find their way comfortably throughout a race course without leaving runners vulnerable to impact with hard objects.
Stability
As a neutral shoe, the Merrell All Out Crush Tough Mudder doesn’t provide enough stability to suit severe pronators. A few reviewers even felt that the shoe lacked support. The TPU upper is snug enough to keep shoes on even when mud attempts to suction a shoe off, so the fit of the shoe is supportive and stable enough to reduce any kind of wobbling runners might be afraid of experience. A sturdy construction ensures the shoe doesn’t collapse in on itself. Overall, it’s a stable shoe that can handle runs on rough terrain so as long as you’re not someone who experiences too much inward rolling, you will probably be fine in the Merrell All Out Crush Tough Mudder. Running on flat surfaces with the 5mm might trip some people up, as some reviewers pointed out. The thick lugs may cause some to experience a bit of instability.
Flexibility
There’s not much to say when it comes to the flexibility of this shoe. Reviewers did enjoy the lightweight ride of the shoe and moving forward felt natural. There’s also no need for a breaking in period with the Merrell All Out Crush Tough Mudder. The outsole and midsole provide enough bend to allow runners to go out for a comfortable run right away.
Traction
The Merrell All Out Crush Tough Mudder definitely delivers when it comes to traction. It’s a main selling point of the lightweight trail shoe. The M Select rubber outsole grips all types of surfaces including ground covered in wet mud. But don’t worry, any mud you encounter won’t cake on and cause problems or add weight. It doesn’t tend to get caught in the shoe’s aggressive lugs. It comes off easily and traction won’t be compromised. The 5mm lugs will also help runners should they need to climb or move over obstacles.
Bottom Line
The Merrell All Out Crush Tough Mudder is an excellent option for new and experience obstacle course runners who want a reliable protective shoe that can keep their feet comfortable even whe[et_social_share_media][/et_social_share_media]n encountering muddy, wet conditions. The Merrell All Out Crush Tough Mudder drains exceptionally well and repels mud and water efficiently. A lightweight design encourages a comfortable ride, and a moderately padded midsole helps soften each landing.;The best part? The superior grip thanks to the shoe’s M Select outsole and grippy lugs. The shoe can handle muddy conditions like no other. Runners will feel stable and secure when slogging through mud and won’t need to be afraid of losing their shoes in the process. The fit is secure. No breaking in period is required, so a comfortable ride is possible right out of the box. It’s a great shoe for those who want to attempt obstacle courses and don’t want to worry about what’s on their feet.
