The final modification is to the Gore-Tex membrane. The original MQM Flex had a waterproof membrane constructed by stitching pieces of Gore-Tex material together, but the 2.0 version use an InvisibleFit Gore-Tex with a single piece of seamless material providing wraparound waterproofing.

Merrell MQM Flex 2 Hiking Shoe Review | Switchback Travel

As with most Merrell walking shoes, I found the MQM Flex 2.0 GTXs to be comfortable straight out of the box. Due to the trainer-style design, they fitted like a glove and I immediately felt at ease with them on my feet. They were true to size for me, there was no rubbing or discomfort anywhere and I was immediately eager to get out in them. They were pretty lightweight too. At 708g per pair, they were far lighter than many other pairs of approach shoes I’ve owned in the past, which made me feel fast, light and nimble on my feet.Quantum Grip Outsole: A proprietary rubber compound developed by Merrell, Quantum Grip is designed to grab well while keeping weight to a minimum. An advanced outdoor performance shoe for trail running and hiking that’s boosted by GORE-TEX® waterproof technology. In terms of fit, a few customers say that the sizing runs slightly large, but the main thing to note is that Merrell has opted for a particularly roomy toe box. The idea is that you have room for your toes to splay while walking / running. Most reviewers agree that while this might feel a bit odd and oversized when you first put these shoes on, the design actually works well in practice. Merrell MQM Flex 2 GTX hiking shoe review: performance and comfort Merrell has a long history of making sturdy, supportive, and well-designed hiking boots, earning themselves a huge fanbase amongst casual and serious hikers alike. Much of those same sensibilities have carried over to the company’s line of trail running shoes, including the MQM Flex 2.

Merrell MQM Flex 2.0 GTX Hiking Shoes | Review - Out Merrell MQM Flex 2.0 GTX Hiking Shoes | Review - Out

When it comes to running footwear, you can keep your GTX-lined gear, I’m better off without it – in more ways than one

We like the fit, which is spacious around the toes, but you can cinch it down nicely around the midfoot and heel. The advantage of a non-waterproof shoe with liberal use of mesh is that it’s very comfortable in the heat. I wore the MQM Flex 2 throughout the spring and summer in central Washington State without issues, and I’ve stayed mostly comfortable in temperatures reaching the high 80s Fahrenheit. 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. I am in the same boat with ridiculously wide feet and high arches. Finding trail running shoes is a nightmare.

Merrell MQM Flex 2 GTX Hiking Shoe Review - The Trek Merrell MQM Flex 2 GTX Hiking Shoe Review - The Trek

Delivered Monday to Saturday 8am-8pm, excluding bank holidays. Once despatched you will receive updates from the courier. The Merrell MQM Flex 2 GTX is a well-designed and executed shoe. It’s a far cry from the clunkier and heavier models offered by many outdoor brands. Although it doesn’t quite hit the mark for being a reliable and extra-comfortable trail runner, nor does it likely meet the durability standards of a rough-trail hiking shoe, it still does a lot of things right and effectively bridges the gap between shoe types. Feet: Use a ruler or tape measure to measure your foot (from the heel to the tip of your longest toe) Be sure to measure both feet. Many people have feet of different sizes. Fit to the larger of the two. Swarovski NL Pure10x42 review: sensational high-end binoculars for wildlife spotting and spectator sportsTake your actual body measurements as they are more accurate than measuring over your clothes or shoes. The Merrell MQM Flex 2 GTX is a remarkable shoe that combines the best features of trailer runners and hiking shoes and doesn’t compromise on either. That said, adding a Gore-Tex liner to a shoe—or any garment for that matter—will cut down on the overall breathability of that product. Gore-Tex has come a long way towards improving breathability in general in recent years. However, most waterproof membranes still tend to have a hard time keeping moisture out while allowing perspiration to pass through too. Because of this, I found my feet occasionally getting warm and sweaty, but usually, this only occurred on warmer days. Because of the comfort and stability that the MQM Flex 2 bring to the table, they not only make good trail running shoes but light hiking shoes too. This versatile set of footwear also makes a great running errands shoe or working around the yard shoe. Serious runners will most likely want to reserve them for that activity alone, but others will find plenty of other excuses to put these comfy shoes on their feet. Big Shoes to Fill I found them to be winners in the comfort department – no blisters or pinch points encountered – and versatile enough for a range of disciplines from hiking to trail running. For everyday adventures that weren’t excessively hardcore, I found them ideal and didn’t have any complaints.