Details
Brand
Merrell
Heel To Toe Drop
4mm
Breathability
7.5/10
Latest Version
M. M. Move 2
Terrain
Trail
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Removable cushioned EVA foam footbed• Air Cushion on the heel for maximum comfort• A very low heel to toe drop of 4mm• Good road to trail transition• Toe cap for added protection on trail runs
Upper
The upper unit of the Merrell Mix Master has decent breathability. This is made possible by the openings in the overlay which boost air flow but unfortunately, can let more debris than wanted into the shoe. Despite this, the textile and synthetic leather provides a good amount of protection for the top side of the foot.;Its stitched-on overlays around the midfoot and heel included a well-padded tongue as well as a reflective padding for visibility during night time runs. Molded eyelets are constructed for security in the lacing system. A nice addition to this shoe is the protective toe cap that prevents wear and tears in one of the highest abrasion areas of a running shoe.
Midsole
The Merrell Mix Master’s midsole features their Float technology. This factor separates this shoe from a majority of its competitors by creating a 10% thinner material that is up to 25% lighter than other shoe’s components. This is a big plus for runners who want a lighter and more nimble shoe. The Merrell Air Cushion in the heel absorbs shock very well and adds an okay amount of stability. Overall, the midsole provides a pretty responsive feel while delivering a solid amount of ground control on a variety of surfaces. It has a 19mm stack height while providing 9mm of cushioning. This amount of cushioning does not top the charts in the shoe industry, but your foot will feel comfortable if you are a heel or midfoot striker.
Outsole
The strongest aspect of Merrell Mix Master is most likely its outsole. This brand produces quality hiking footwear which translates well to their line of running shoes. If the terrain you are looking to take on isn’t super muddy or rocky, the sticky outsole will get the job done with satisfactory traction. Some users noted that the sticky grip can deteriorate quicker than expected. Nonetheless, the outsole features a molded nylon arch shank for a good amount of comfortability in the midfoot. If you are an animal lover, you will be happy to know that this shoe is vegan-friendly footwear.
Breathability
The 2nd version of the Merrell Mix Master has really upgraded the breathability. Your feet won’t get hot when running, but they are not as effective as the newest line. The ventilation features that this shoe does have is made possible by the synthetic mesh on the upper. Both versions have Aegis® technology which fights against bacteria and unwanted odor that can come about after several uses in running shoes. This shoe does a great job of draining itself when exposed to water. If you ever come in contact with streams or similar environments, the shoe won’t weigh itself down by retaining that water which is a huge plus.
Comfort
It seems that just about every user has noted that the Merrell Mix Master is a comfortable running shoe. This line doesn’t have the most amount of cushioning, but it still provides a great amount of comfortability. A big reason why these shoes have that comfort factor is due to the Merrell’s Air Cushion technology located on the heel of the shoe. It provides a good amount of feedback for a comfortable stride in a variety of runs. The EVA removable footbed will provide comfort for many, but provide the option of custom orthotics if necessary.
Style
The Merrell Mix Master is available in a few different colors. The black color scheme is simple and generic for the simplistic type. For those looking to get a bit more flashy look, there is a red white and black design as well as a black and yellow version that has a bit more flare in the style department.;Despite the color variation you choose, the Merrell Mix Master is very generic looking running shoe. If you’re a huge shoe geek and love the fashion side of kicks, you probably will not be impressed with its design. Alternatively, if you just want some performance above all, these shoes can definitely fulfill that purpose.
Durability
This is a well-crafted shoe, majorly in part to its durability. As stated previously, Merrell is a renown hiking footwear company, so it is nice that they were able to add this feature to their trail running shoe. The outsole has an extremely sticky rubber component that can take on a variety of terrains with ease.;It is covered with shallow rubber lugs with strategically placed gapping to promote flexibility while maintaining long-lasting features. The toe cap is a great addition to add in the shoe’s durable characteristic on the frontal portion of the shoe. Expect to get a lot of miles out of these shoes, especially because of Merrell’s recognition in the durability department.
Protection
The added toe cap is great for the front side of the shoe and for your foot, aiding in the protection of your feet during trail runs. The fair amount of cushioning in the midsole will also deliver the secure features for both of your feet.;Some users have even noted that the protection on the under and the upper portion of the shoe is a little much. The upper contains a good amount of overlays to provide the extra protection needed for all-surface running.
Responsiveness
The midsole of the Merrell Mix Master has a responsive feature that will leave you satisfied after every run. It is made possible by the Air Cushion technology in the heel side of the foot and provides just enough cushion in the back of the shoe. This placement also ensures a more even foot strike, so runners can preserve their knees and joints. Athletes can be confident when taking on a variety of surfaces including soft, hard and wet terrain.
Support
According to most users, the Merrell Mix Master has a solid amount of support throughout the shoe. Its upper mesh hugs the foot providing a snug fit for users while still maintaining a decent amount of flexibility. The cushioned technologies and removable footbed offer a comfortable and supportive ride throughout the entire gait cycle. Overall, the support seems to be up to par compared to other road and trail running shoes.
Terrain
The Merrell Mix Master is a great option if you are looking for a shoe that can transition well from the road to trail. It’s a huge advantage to have a shoe that is versatile enough to provide comfortability and comfort for a variety of terrain.;The outsole has specialized rubber components that are designed to deliver top-of-the-line grip. Many users have said that this shoe is able to take on slippery surfaces with a high performance. Merrell’s durable and tractioned hiking products have also translated to these running shoes.
Price
Again, this is a fairly versatile shoe that can serve a variety of your athletic purposes. They are comfortable enough to walk around in all day long and can provide the traction needed for dirt or other forms of trail running.;So for their moderate price, you are getting a shoe that can cover virtually all bases. If you are looking for a shoe that is going to turn some heads during your workout, you may want to search elsewhere. On the other hand, if you are more of a minimalist and are looking for performance over style, the Merrell Mix Master can be a good fit for you.
Drop
The heel to toe drop is measured at 4 millimeters for both men and women. This size is very low on the scale compared to the rest of the shoe industry. Because of this low setting, it creates a more natural foot strike on the forefoot and midfoot while running. This shoe will provide an even stride and is aided by the comfort cushioning agents within the midsole.
Stability
The Merrell Mix Master has good amount of stability. Some users say it has a structured and somewhat stiff feel to it, which gives it its stable features. If you are a runner that is looking to take on several types of uneven surfaces the Merrell Mix Master will suffice. The addition of the Air Cushion which is strategically placed on the heel ensures more security and cushioning on foot strikes. This also provides stability through the gait cycle and responsive feedback during all types of runs.
Flexibility
The Merrell Mix Master flexibility is decent. The majority of this feature lies within the upper which is made out of a lightweight mesh that hugs the foot in a flexible fashion. As for the rest of the shoe, the outsole is a bit thick and does not provide much in the way of wiggle room. Although this may be the shoe’s downfall, the outsole is what makes this line a great option for a variety of trails. Super flexible, no. But it does have enough to take on uneven surfaces, which is really all you need.
Traction
The traction of this shoe is made capable by the durable and sticky rubber outsole. The rubber lugs and spaced rivets on the underside of the shoe allow you to take on a variety of surfaces. Users will enjoy a nice comfortable transition from wet, dry, soft and harder surfaces. Many users also noted that the traction holds up well to wet rocky surfaces that they may encounter on off-road trails.
Bottom Line
The Merrell Mix Master is a versatile running shoe that does its best work on running surfaces. That being said, it is also a good option for moderate trail runs, because of the sticky outsole which delivers a good amount of grip. Merrell is best known for their hiking footwear and has implemented many of the features from that line to this pair of shoes.;They are durable sneakers and although they may not have the most appealing style, they will get the job done. The protective toe cap is engineered to fight off unwanted debris and abrasion. Its Air Cushion technology on the heel gives the shoe extra padding that will otherwise make up for the little cushioning elsewhere in the shoe. Overall, they are a decently priced shoe that can meet the needs of runners who want to take on several types of terrains.
