Merrell MQM 3 Charcoal/Teal 10.5 M Review
The Merrell MQM 3 Charcoal/Teal trail running shoes are designed to tackle tough terrains with confidence. With a robust GORE-TEX waterproof membrane, your feet remain dry and comfortable, providing you with an ideal running experience regardless of the weather conditions. The breathable mesh and TPU upper construction ensures optimal airflow, making these shoes suitable for extended wear during your outdoor adventures.
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Features
- GORE-TEX waterproof membrane for breathability and water resistance
- Breathable mesh and TPU upper for added durability
- Recycled breathable mesh lining enhances comfort
- Super Rebound Compound for shock absorption and midfoot transition
- Improved lock-in fit for stability
- Recycled webbing lace system for secure lacing
- Molded nylon arch shank for added support
- Vibram TC5+ outsole provides exceptional traction
- NXT treatment prevents odor build-up
- Bellowed tongue keeps debris out
Pros
- Superior waterproofing and breathability
- Lightweight design enhances performance
- Recycled materials show commitment to sustainability
- Excellent grip on various terrains
- Comfortable footbed reduces fatigue during long runs
Cons
- Price may be higher compared to other basic trail running shoes
- May require a break-in period for optimal comfort
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Product | Waterproof | Weight | Traction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merrell MQM 3 | Yes | Lightweight | High |
| Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX | Yes | Medium | High |
| Brooks Cascadia 15 | No | Medium | Medium |
Detailed Review
The Merrell MQM 3 excels in various categories, making it a popular choice among trail runners. The standout feature is undoubtedly its GORE-TEX waterproof membrane, which effectively keeps moisture at bay while allowing your feet to breathe. This makes it ideal for wet trails or rainy conditions where keeping your feet dry can significantly impact your overall comfort.
The shoe's upper is crafted from breathable mesh combined with durable TPU, ensuring it withstands the rigors of outdoor environments without compromising on comfort. Moreover, the incorporation of recycled materials aligns with eco-friendly practices, making every run feel good not just for you, but for the planet as well.
When it comes to cushioning, the Super Rebound Compound offers impressive shock absorption, which helps reduce torque and allows for smoother transitions when running. This is particularly beneficial during steep descents or rough terrains. Additionally, the improved lock-in fit and the molded nylon arch shank contribute to a stable and supportive ride.
The traction provided by the Vibram TC5+ outsole is remarkable, delivering reliable grip that encourages confidence on slippery surfaces and uneven paths. However, like any shoe, there are some downsides; primarily, the price point may deter budget-conscious buyers, and some users report needing a short break-in period.
Overall, the Merrell MQM 3 Charcoal/Teal is an excellent investment for serious trail runners looking for reliability, comfort, and performance in unpredictable outdoor conditions.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 9/10 | Exceptional cushioning and breathable materials. |
| Traction | 9/10 | Outstanding grip on various surfaces. |
| Waterproofing | 10/10 | Highly effective waterproof performance. |
| Durability | 8/10 | Built to withstand rough conditions and abuse. |
| Sustainability | 7/10 | Use of recycled materials is commendable. |
User Reviews
Most comfortable Merrells I’ve worn in decades— I could sleep in them! The toe box has just a smidgen more space than other Merrell hiking shoes, perfectly fitting the ball of my foot (which is wide) yet supporting the heel (which is normal). I’m between an 8W and an 8 in regular shoes, the size 8 in these fit me fine. This is my extra pair— first pair got me through Madagascar and hiking for 2 weeks in the rain forests, loved them so much I could sleep in them!
I didn’t have my son try these on until June. I bought them in April thinking he may need them in May. Somehow I missed that these are women’s shoes! So, of course they don’t fit my son and it’s too late to return them. What a waste.
These shoes are NOT waterproof- at least the pair I bought aren’t. And I bought them for that purpose. My socks got very wet just walking for 5 minutes on the grass with morning dew on it. Otherwise, a great shoe! I’m wondering if I should return them.I’d really want to find out from the manufacturer if mine was just a defective pair of shoes, or they’ve been making false claims.I’ve buy g Merrel Gore-Tex shoes for decades and they were always waterproof- true to the description. I wonder what happened.
These held up very poorly. Only a couple months of walking/hiking and they wore through where the toe breaks over. I’m going back to the Siren 3.
I've been wearing Merrells almost exclusively for about 30 years. Suddenly I've been having trouble with them running too short. I don't know if the shorter ones are knock-offs, or if there are different manufacturing standards now, but I do know that these fit like my Merrells in the past have. They are such a comfortable shoe, I hope I can continue to find ones that fit my feet correctly.
turns out, the gift I ordered for my SO is women's size 😁
I have slightly narrow feet. These for like a glove and are comfortable in every way! It doesn’t feel like they need to be broken in. They’re just comfortable!Great pull tab in the heel that is actually big enough to hook a finger through. Secure laces.Looking forward to a test hike!