Last updated: 20-Aug-18
Alice Morrison is a novice ultra runner who loves the challenge of difficult trails and terrains. She lives in Morocco and splits her trail training between the rocky Atlas Mountains and the desert.
It is the single most important piece of kit you have and can make or break you. I need a comfortable, durable, all-rounder when it comes to trail shoes. The Merrell All Out Charge offers good control with protective cushioning.
Merrell All Out Charge Running Shoes – Features
Upper / lining
- Mesh upper
- Reflective details for increased visibility in low light
- Removable footbed treated with M Select™ FRESH shoe odour control
- HyperWrap 360 Degrees Fit System locks the foot in place to enhance natural stability and agility
Midsole / outsole
- 6mm Drop / 20mm Cush / 27mm Stack Height
- Moulded nylon arch shank
- UniFly™ midsole connects you to the trail, protects you from the terrain
- 5mm Lugs depth
- M Select™ GRIP tunes each outsole with durable traction that grips when and where you need it
- Vegan friendly footwear
- Women’s Sizes: 3.5-8.5
- Women’s Weight: 241g (1/2 pair)
- Retails for around £95.
PROS: What’s good about the Merrell All Out Charge (women) Running Shoes
The shoes are extremely comfortable. I found the fit round the toes was perfect for my feet, giving enough space to flex out. I am a size 7/40 in “civilian” shoes and a 7 1/2/41 for running.
The 360 degree fit system kept my foot firmly in place. I have suffered badly from toes slamming into the toe box on descents. This did not happen with this shoe, and even after a fierce mountain-down, my nails were intact.
I like the balance of contact and ability to feel the ground with cushioning for comfort.
Good traction on slippery, stoney surfaces and tight-packed trail dirt with small stones on top. No slippage.
Support all round the foot was excellent, even with a slight ankle injury.
CONS: What’s not so good about the Merrell All Out Charge (women) Running Shoes
The design of the 360 degree fit system means that the tongue of the shoe is attached on one side, which made it slightly more difficult to get on and off.
I did a waterfall run and lost a bit of traction on the sheer, wet rocks – although I think this would be beyond any shoe other than a specialist kayaking one. The hold was fine on rougher, wet surfaces.
CONCLUSION
I really liked this shoe and am now using it regularly for mountain training. I particularly like the comfort and cushioning and the support that keeps your foot strongly in place. It works very well for the rocky and hard packed trail conditions that I encounter.
| Scores | |
| Design | 8/10 |
| Features | 9/10 |
| Performance | 10/10 |
| Value | 9/10 |
| Total | 9/10 |
Other shoes you may want to consider:
Brooks Pure Grit 4
Salomon Wings Flyte GTX
Nike Air Zoom Wildhorse 3 GTX
Have you used the Merrell All Out Charge running shoes? Don’t agree with this review? What’s your opinion? Add your own comment to this review and share your experience and passion for running with others.
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