Performance

Lightness
8
Cushioning
9
Flexibility
7
Responsive
8
Stability
9
Grip
10

Details of MTL MQM

Gender Men , Women
Cushion Neutral
Runner weight Light , Medium
Running gait Neutral
Surface Trail
Use training , Racing
Pace Medium
Foot Normal feet
Strike Forefoot , heel
Distance 10K , Half-marathon , Marathon , ultra-trail
Colour Blue , Orange
Year 2022

The new Merrell MTL MQM, a trail running shoes that combines the best features of climbing shoes (exceptional protection in the toe area), hiking boots (unbeatable grip) and running shoes (superior lightness and dynamism) to delight the fastest and most demanding mountain runners, burst onto the scene.

The acronym MQM that accompanies these trail running shoes stands for "Moving Quickly over Mountains" or, in other words, moving quickly over the mountains. Well, this model, designed in the Merrell Labs, incorporates the latest in the company ' s technology to achieve that ambitious goal.

Merrell MTL MQM, main features

Merrell s MTL MQM trail running shoes incorporate a first-class technological framework, with the firm purpose of guaranteeing maximum protection, agility and grip in the roughest, most technical and slippery terrain. To this end, the company 's product designers have opted to incorporate some of the key technologies of the American company, which are detailed below:

The midsole of these trail running shoes for men and women incorporates Super Rebound Compound technology that offers lasting shock absorption in the heel to reduce torque and allow a smooth transition to the midfoot. Special mention should also be made of the removable PU midsole with 100% recycled mesh lining for superior comfort.

The upper of this model is made of a very light weight and breathable engineered mesh. Also, the upper has been reinforced with TPU material to ensure a higher level of protection from the elements. The protective chassis of this shoe will allow athletes to enjoy maximum safety on the most technical terrain.

And we come to the most key area of the model, the outsole. It is here that we see a successful combination of two key materials. On the one hand, the VibramMegaGrip® outsole designed to offer excellent grip on dry and wet terrain without sacrificing a high level of durability and, on the other hand, the VibramIdrogrip outsole designed to achieve maximum grip in wet mountain environments.

Merrell MTL MQM, technical specifications

The Merrell MTL MQM trail runningshoes are designed for medium and long distances over the roughest terrain. Aimed primarily at runners with good running technique and looking to move at fast paces, they are now on sale with an RRP of £135

Review of Merrell MTL MQM

17 May 2023

Merrell MTL MQM, a shoe with alpine style ideal for technical, compact and even muddy terrain

After testing the Merrell MTL MQM shoe, we can see that it is a hybrid between a hiking shoe, a running shoe and a climbing shoe. MQM stands for Move Quickly over Mountains, a definition that says it all, an alpine style shoe to move very fast over mountains. And, believe me, it works very, very well.

At first glance, the Merrell MTL MQM trail running shoes surprised me not only for their aesthetics but also for the materials used in their manufacture. A sort of "TPU" covers the instep area and the style of the lacing is a departure from the models I'm used to. However, as I have been adding km's with these Merrell, this model has captivated me.

These shoes combine the best features of climbing shoes, hiking boots and running shoes shoes to move fast in the mountains.

Merrell MTL MQM runner profile

More than a pure trail shoe , this is a hiking model agile enough to move fast and even run in some sections. Therefore, I would say that the runner profile of these Merrell would be a trail runner with some experience in the mountains. It is a protected shoe, yes, but if we really want to get the most out of them, we will need to know how to run with them.

Distance? I would classify these Merrell MTL MQM as a mid-distance model. Its midsole, with 255 mm and 195 mm profiles, and its 6 mm drop, make it an agile model to move at fast paces in short and medium distances.

What did I like most about the Merrell MTL MQM?

If I had to highlight the main pros that this Merrell brings with it, I would choose three clear features. On the one hand, the lightness of the model. For all the protections and materials included, it is a relatively light shoe. A weight of 300 grams (men) and 245 grams (women), to be more precise.

It is a versatile shoe for mountain; it is as valid for running as for trekking, it is ideal for technical, compact and even muddy terrain.

Regarding its versatility, these shoes combine the best features of climbing shoes (exceptional protection in the toe area), hiking boots (unbeatable grip) and running shoes (superior lightness and dynamism) to the delight of the fastest and most demanding mountain runners.

The grip offered by this model is another of its plus points. Thanks to the new Vibram compound, the IdroGrip, a hybrid between trail and mountaineering soles, it has a very populated and wide heel, ideal for both compact terrain and muddy terrain. Thanks to this, a brutal grip is achieved in wet mountain environments.

Possible points of improvement in the Merrell MTL MQM

It is a shoe not as specific for trail running as other models of the company and its use is only indicated for runners of medium weight.

RUNNEA tester's final conclusion

In summary, after testing this model I have come to the conclusion that it is a versatile shoe for mountain running. It is as valid for running as for trekking, it is ideal for technical, compact and even muddy terrain. Aimed at people of medium weight with a quality-price ratio of the best on the market.

RUNNEA tester's rating

  • Lightness: 8.
  • Responsiveness: 8.
  • Cushioning: 8.
  • Stability: 8.
  • Flexibility: 7
  • Grip: 9
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