Merrell Morphlite Review
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As a dedicated runner who enjoys both trail and road running, finding the perfect shoe that can handle diverse terrains without compromising on comfort has always been a challenge. Merrell, a brand renowned for its durable and affordable footwear, has introduced the Morphlite, a shoe designed to bridge the gap between road and trail running. Priced at a competitive $100, the Morphlite promises versatility and comfort, making it an appealing option for runners who want one shoe that does it all. Over the past few weeks, I’ve put these shoes to the test, running on various surfaces and wearing them in my daily activities. Here’s my review based on my experiences and observations.
Initial Impressions
When I first received my pair of Merrell Morphlite shoes, I was eager to test them out. Known for their durability and affordability, Merrell shoes have been a part of my running rotation over the past 10 years. Priced at $100, the Morphlite offers an affordable option compared to other brands that charge upwards of $150 for similar features.
Design and Comfort
The Morphlite shoes come in seven color options: melon/hiviz, sea/dazzle, black/asphalt, black/white, monument, parchment/antler, and white/multi. They also offer sizes ranging from 7 to 15, including wide width in select colors. I opted for a size 12 in the sea/dazzle which fit perfectly. The internal structure provides a snug fit, and the FloatPro Foam midsole ensures lightweight comfort. I didn’t feel the need for the wide width, as the regular size had plenty of room for my feet and toes.
Running on Roads and Trails
I primarily run on trails, so I was excited to see how these shoes performed in various conditions. The trails I frequent in West Michigan are a mix of dirt and sand, with occasional roots, hills, and small drops. The Morphlite’s combination of 3mm perimeter lugs and 2mm center lugs provided decent traction. However, in muddy conditions, I did notice some slipping due to the relatively shallow lugs.
On the road, the Morphlite’s 6.8mm drop and 26.5mm rear stack height felt comfortable. I usually prefer a lower drop, but this didn’t interfere much with my stride. The additional cushioning in the heel helped absorb impact, especially on longer runs. The shoe’s lightweight and flexible design allowed for a natural running motion without feeling overly rigid.
Durability and Versatility
After several weeks of testing, which included over 100 miles of running on both trails and roads, as well as wearing them to work and track practice, the Morphlite shoes have held up remarkably well. The outsole shows minimal wear, and the cushioning has maintained its integrity despite some wrinkles in the foam. The shoes have proven to be durable and versatile, handling various terrains and conditions effectively.
Comfort for Daily Use
In addition to running, I wore the Morphlite shoes to work where I’m on my feet a lot, and they performed well. The breathable mesh lining and Cleansport NXT™ treatment kept my feet comfortable and odor-free. The shoes are also vegan-friendly, which is a nice bonus for those who prefer environmentally conscious products.
Technical Specifications
- Weight per shoe: 8.46oz
- Drop: 6.5mm
- Perimeter Trail Lug: 3mm
- Road/Multi-Surface Lug: 2mm
- Stack Height: 26.5-20mm
- Materials: Jacquard upper, 100% recycled laces and webbing, 100% recycled breathable mesh lining, 100% recycled mesh footbed cover, 50% recycled EVA foam footbed
Conclusion
The Merrell Morphlite shoes offer an excellent blend of comfort, durability, and affordability. They are versatile enough for both road and trail running, making them a great option for runners who enjoy varied terrains. While they may not be the best choice for extremely technical trails or very muddy conditions, they perform admirably in most other scenarios.
With seven color options and sizes ranging from 7 to 15, including wide widths in select colors, there’s a pair for almost everyone. At a retail price of $100, they provide great value compared to more expensive alternatives. To learn more about these shoes and explore purchasing options, visit Merrell’s official website or www.amazon.com.
Overall, the Merrell Morphlite has become a reliable part of my running and daily wear lineup, and I look forward to putting many more miles on them.
