Details
Brand
Merrell
Breathability
7/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Cycling
Key Features
• Zero-drop construction• Suede upper• CycleTread outsole• M-Select Grip technology• EVA Liner• Aegis anti-bacterial interior• Air cushion heel design
Upper
The upper is made of quality pig suede and looks exceptionally stylish. Despite having a leather upper, users say the Freewheel Lace is breathable. A roomy toe box lets users move their toes freely. A few found the forefoot too roomy, though. The shoe also features an EVA liner that features an Aegis anti-bacterial liner to prevent odor buildup. Reviewers loved the fit of the Merrell shoe, too. One reviewer noted that the tongue did seem to fall out of place often and would have liked if it had a bit of padding to it. The upper is also water repellent, which is nice when the weather gets rough if you’re out on the bike.
Midsole
The Freewheel features an Air Cushion pocket in the rearfoot for impact protection. Don’t expect a ton of padding in this shoe, though. Cycling isn’t an impact heavy activity, so there’s minimal cushioning.
Outsole
Built for cycling, the Merrell Freewheel Lace features a CycleTread outsole with M-Select Grip. This outsole technology helps provide grip on a variety of surfaces in a multitude of conditions. So whether you’re hopping off the bike in the summer or winter, you’re good. Reviewers liked the grippy outside and that the shoes stayed put when pedaling.
Breathability
The upper is surprisingly breathable, said reviewers who appreciated the roomy design and well-ventilated construction. Even with a water repellent material like suede, the shoe ventilates just fine.
Comfort
Reviewers found the Merrell Freewheel incredibly comfortable. A roomy toe box, breathable design, and excellent fit make these a great choice for casual cycling or bike commuting. They also fit right into pedal clips should the need arise.
Style
The Freewheel Lace is an incredibly stylish cycling shoe. The leather suede upper and minimalist design is perfect for casual outings and looks great with a nice pair of jeans. The men’s shoe is available in several attractive colorways including light brown, black, and dark grey. The Lace looks a lot like a classy converse-style sneaker. For the cyclist who cares about what they look like as they bike from place to place, the Freewheel is a great choice.
Durability
The Merrell cycling shoe is fairly durable, though daily use might reduce the lifespan more quickly. Reviewers felt the shoe was well-designed and built. The suede upper is sturdy and won’t rip or tear like some mesh running shoe uppers.
Protection
The Merrell shoe provides users with a slight bit of Air Cushion in the heel for some impact protection. A breathable design encourages air circulation and prevents excessive heat buildup. Water repellent material keeps users from getting wet when unexpected rainstorms hit.
Responsiveness
A cycling shoe isn’t meant to be responsive, therefore the Merrell Freewheel Lace doesn’t feature responsive cushioning.
Support
This shoe is not the most supportive option available but cycling shoes aren’t meant to be worn all day. They’re definitely not for long periods of standing on the job or long walks in the neighborhood. They’re meant to be worn on the bike and provide enough support for that express purpose.
Terrain
The Merrell Freewheel Lace shoes are meant to be used while cycling, so they are not designed to be used on specific terrain. You could definitely walk around town with them when you hop off the bike, but they aren’t designed to be used for long trail runs or walks. We don’t know why you’d want to get them dirty, anyhow!
Price
Reviewers felt the durable construction and extremely stylish design made the price tag of these shoes worth it. Even if you’re not a bike commuter, the shoe is a perfectly fine option for casual wear. It looks great and was clearly made with care.
Drop
The Merrell cycling shoe features a zero-drop construction. Users are kept close to the ground. This design keeps the overall weight of the shoe down. A lower drop makes for a more minimalist shoe, perfect for the bike commuter who doesn’t want any extra frills.
Stability
Don’t expect much stability from the Freewheel. The zero-drop design does bring users closer to the ground but the rest of the shoe feels a lot like a regular casualwear sneaker. The design is super flexible and comfortable, with very little attention given to stability. That doesn’t mean you’ll be flopping around in the shoe, but it’s not a good option if you’re looking for arch support.
Flexibility
Users can expect a natural feel with the Freewheel Lace. The shoe is supple from the outsole to the upper and provides a comfortable transition from heel to toe. Reviewers liked the flexible design of the shoe and felt it made the cycling shoe easy to wear on or off the bike.
Traction
The Merrell Freewheel features a CycleTread outsole with M-Select Grip. These technologies ensure that users can pedal hard without experiencing uncomfortable and inefficient slipping. Getting off the bike should be a worry-free experience since the shoes provide enough traction to keep users upright even on the freshly wet ground.
Bottom Line
The Merrell Freewheel Lace looks a lot like a classed-up version of a Converse sneaker. The biking shoe features a minimalist design for commuter cycling. It’s great for the cyclist going to and from work or for those times when you want to hop on the bike and head to dinner with your significant other or friends. This good-looking cycling shoe is durable, comfortable, and breathable. It’s got a great fit and a lightweight construction, too. In addition, a grippy outsole keeps your feet on your bike pedals the whole time you’re moving. A flexible design helps make movement off the bike feel natural. If you’re looking for a supportive shoe for travel or all-day wear, this isn’t it. But for the cyclist interested in a stylish shoe option, the Freewheel Lace definitely delivers.
