Multiple wear-testers reported that the MQM Flex GTX feels sluggish and clunky on the trail, especially when they tried to pick up the pace. However, it sacrifices agility, speed, and ride quality. The runners in our wear-test team thought the MQM Flex GTX offered substantial protection from the trail, which is exactly what it was designed for. ThatвЂ™s a unique feature that none of the other trail running shoes in this round of testing claim. According to Merrell, the MQM Flex GTX insole is also treated with an antimicrobial agent to reduce foot odor. The MQM Flex GTX has a GoreTex waterproof liner, full-length midsole rockplate, full-coverage outsole with no exposed foam, and supportive uppers with heat-bonded overlays. The heavier weight comes with some serious protection though. ThatвЂ™s a substantial amount of sole underneath, but not as much as a maximalist trail runner like the Hoka Challenger ATR 4 (which weighs substantially less at only 9.0oz for menвЂ™s size 9). The heel-to-toe drop is also the highest at 10mm (30mm rear stack height, 20mm forefoot). The MQM Flex GTX weighs 13.0oz (menвЂ™s size 9), which makes it the heaviest shoe in this round of testing (the next closest is the New Balance Hierro v3 at 11.9oz for menвЂ™s size 9). Merrell is probably best-known for these minimalist trail runners (especially the discontinued Trail Glove) and their traditional hiking boots, so the MQM line sits right in between. The most stripped-down trail shoes in MerrellвЂ™s line-up are the minimalist Bare Access and Trail Crusher models. It sits right above the Agility Peak, which is a flexible, versatile trail runner. Compared to the rest of MerrellвЂ™s trail running line, the MQM Flex GTX is far and away the most durable and protective. The other MQM (вЂњMoving Quickly through the MountainsвЂќ) models include вЂ“ from most to least protective вЂ“ the MQM Flex Mid GTX ($170), MQM Flex Mid ($140), and low-top MQM Flex ($110). The MQM Flex GTX is part of MerrellвЂ™s newly-released fastpacking and trail running line.

Merrell mqm flex hiking shoes