But, for day hikes, trail runs and light backpacking, it’s a super-strong option. (Image credit: Merrell) Merrell MQM Flex 2 Mid GTX Women's review: Verdictīuilt with speed and pace in mind, this boot errs on the side of the trail runner more than the heavy-duty hiker.
Merrell mqm flex 2 gore tex womens free#
The waterproofing of that seamless Gore-Tex was another strong feature, as was the bellows tongue, which all combined to keep my feet comfortably dry and free of any debris – even on a particularly wet and soggy outing. The protective TPU toe cap also helped with protection and grip on looser ground. Navigating through slippery terrain, that braking section at the heel and increased lug depth really came into play, supporting a controlled and well-balanced downhill descent with no major issues. Helpfully, it’s also removable, so if you want to swap it out with an insole that’s better ergonomically shaped for your foot, you have that option too.
But don’t let that lightness deceive you, the Flex 2 still packs plenty of protection via its rock plate, and when teamed with the cleats and air-cushioned heel, certainly delivers core stability and strength.Īlso supporting the comfort and stability is the Kinetic Fit Base insole, which is perfectly contoured giving the foot extra traction and keeping it securely in place. The cushioning and comfort levels were spot-on, and unlike sturdier leather boots I’ve hiked in (even trusty ones have been known to deliver an unexpected blister or two), the trainer-like feel to this boot delivered an exceptional fit, as well as a deftness and dexterity with each step. Several hikes in, they maintained a blister-free record – that is key for me as I blister very easily, particularly breaking in new boots. On first impressions, this boot had me at out-of-the-box comfort. Putting the Flex 2 through its trail-blazing paces was something of a challenge during lockdown, but fortunately, I found a few decent terrain types to take it for a test run. Due to the Gore-Tex, the uppers take a little longer to dry out once they’re pretty saturated. Merrell does a non-waterproof version that would be better suited for hotter hikes. The boots do run a little warm thanks to that Gore-Tex and would be better for winter/fall or colder climate adventuring because of this. (Image credit: Tara Gardner) Merrell MQM Flex 2 Mid GTX Women's review: Performance Continuing that protective theme, the midsole features a rock plate to shield against sharp surfaces, while the dual-direction flex-grooves enhance that ground connection with each stride.
The tongue is also integrated with the smart lacing system, for ease of adjustments and any necessary fit fine-tuning.įocusing on protection in the rear foot, true to its previous model, the Flex 2 has a robust air cushion in the heel for shock-absorption, stability and to ensure the foot is correctly aligned regardless of the pace or incline. And, working in synergy with that waterproof mesh on the upper, the bellows tongue is perfectly designed to keep out any debris and lock the foot in place comfortably. It uses an InvisibleFit Gore-Tex – one continuous piece of material, to avoid any seepage or damp penetration through seams. It boasts two types of multi-directional cleats to support grip and give stronger traction.Īnother important new feature is its enhanced water-tight and weather-proof experience. It also features a braking section at the heel, to enhance stability on steep descents. The rubber outsole has been upgraded to the Merrell mountain-grade Quantum Grip, increasing the lug depth to 5mm, for improved traction. Launched in Spring/Summer 2020, the MQM Flex 2 Mid GTX keeps a similar look and feel to its predecessor, but with some key functional updates. (Image credit: Merrell) Merrell MQM Flex 2 Mid GTX Women’s review: Design
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