Article by Renee Krusemark
Merrell Antora ($130)
Introduction
The Antora and the men’s Nova are Merrell’s best selling trail shoes, marketed towards trail running, walking, and lifestyle wear. I first saw the Antora v4 at TRE 2024, where the shoe was not featured as much as the upcoming 2025 Merrell MTL Adapt Matryx (RTR Review) and Morph Pro (Video Preview). As compared to Merrell’s more performance-focused trail shoes, the Antora clearly leans much more to what Merrell calls “functional running comfort to support an array of end-use capabilities.”
Pros:
Women-specific fit
Lightweight
Doubles as a casual/lifestyle shoe
Cons:
Narrow platform is not stable on some terrain
More casual leaning than running performance
Stats
Sample Weight: women’s 8.14 oz / 232 g US8
Stack Height: 23.5mm heel / 16mm forefoot (7.5/8mm drop spec)
Platform Width: 65mm heel / 62mm midfoot / 96mm forefoot
First Impressions, Fit and Upper
I first saw the Antora v4 on display at TRE 2024, but it didn’t catch my eye as compared to the more performance-oriented and colorful Merrell trail shoes. When I received the shoe for review, the egg shell colorway popped. Looks are subjective, but the shoe’s upper in this colorway is a clean design. I don’t normally look at trail shoes that can double as casual shoes, but the Antora v4 fits that bill.
The shoe’s fit is welcomingly petite. After recently reviewing a few big stack and wide platform shoes, I enjoyed the more narrow platform and women-specific fit of the Antora. The forefoot is wide enough, the midfoot is secure, and the heel is narrow. The overlays provide some additional protection and security. That said I don’t consider the upper to be on par for serious technical running. As a shoe marketed for running and walking, the engineered mesh upper does what it should in terms of comfort. The faux suede overlay around the heel collar and the overlay across the heel cup helps with security, and it’s easier to clean off mud here as compared to the mesh material. While a “clean” trail shoe is not a performance factor, it’s worth mentioning for a shoe that doubles for walking and casual wear.
The tongue is moderately padded and the lace strap is a feature I like on all shoes.
For sizing, I suggest true to size. I wore a women’s size 8, same as for my other Merrell shoes.
Midsole & Platform
The profile of the Antora 4 clearly shows a midfoot rocker, although because of the narrow platform, it doesn’t have a distinct rockered ride and especially so as it has an 8mm drop. On Merrell’s website the profile of the shoe appears to have a strong midfoot rocker, while in person (see above photo), that geometry looks much more subdued.
The narrow 65mm heel / 62mm midfoot / 96mm forefoot platform can lead to an unstable landing when on rugged, uneven terrain especially if landing on the heel or midfoot.
The heel platform might feel wider than 65mm underfoot, but the lug placement lessens the stability. Given the low stack and petite fit, the shoe can be nimble with a controlled forefoot landing.
Overall, I understand how the Antora 4 is marketed as an introductory trail shoe but for light and moderate terrain only. The 16mm forefoot stack is not enough for long distances and the midsole itself is firm.
The catalog specs state the shoe is for medium distances, but for running I used it only for short distances. I don’t mind the geometry and firmness for walking, but for running I’d prefer Merrell’s more performance based shoes. The FloatPro foam is firm, similar to the very different MTL Adapt Matryx, but in a totally different shoe.
The Antora also features flex-grooves for ground connection. While the midsole flex-grooves make a significant difference in a heavy, high stack shoe like the MTL Adapt Matryx, it does not really offer any running specific advantages in a shoe with a low stack height.
Outsole
The outsole features Merrell’s Quantum Grip rubber with 3mm lugs. The shoe is advertised for moderate trail. I suggest light to moderate trail use. The shoe runs well on gravel and easy terrain as well. With the narrow platform across the heel, there were times when I landed on literally three lugs. The total surface area hitting the ground from a heel landing is minimal. On even surfaces, not a problem. On uneven or technical terrain, this caused stability issues when running. For hiking or walking, the narrow platform is easier to control.
Ride, Conclusions and Recommendations
The shoe is marketed to the “Everyday all terrain athlete” and is listed as a running and walking shoe. Runners looking for a serious, technical trail shoe will likely gravitate toward the other Merrell options. I liked the Antora for walking much more than running. The shoe can handle moderate terrain, although the narrow platform can be unstable on uneven surfaces.
For casual use and walking, I have worn the Antora a lot. The narrow, petite, and women-specific fit is much more comfortable than the broad, heavy shoes I’ve been testing. That said, after this test the Antora v4 is not a shoe I will use for running.
For a walking/hiking/casual option, especially for those needing a narrow women-specific fit, the shoe is a great choice.
Renee’s Score: 8.6/10
Ride: 7.5/10 (comfortable underfoot for walking; not as stable or performance based for actual trail running)
Fit: 9/10 (comfortable and women-specific; secure for casual use but not for technical performance)
Value: 9/10 (great if doubling as a casual option; for running only the use is limited)
Style: 9.5/10 (subjective; the egg shell colorway is nice for casual use)
Traction: 8/10 (good for light and some moderate trail; not for technical running as narrow platform can be unstable)
Rock protection: n/a (not applicable to the shoe’s purpose; no plate and low stack although the firm midsole will give some/minimal protection)
😊😊
4 Comparisons
Merrell Morphlite (RTR Review)
The Morphlite is Merrell’s road to trail budget shoe. The market price was $100, which was a major plus for me. The shoe’s upper is less secure but just as comfortable. The outsole is not as aggressive, although neither shoe is meant for technical terrain. The Antora midsole is firmer although I prefer the super light and no nonsense Morphlite. Either shoe can double as a casual shoe. Sizing is comparable. The Morphlite has a wider platform.
On Cloudvista 2 (RTR Review)
Both shoes have a firm midsole. The Cloudvista 2 has better ground and agility for trail running as it’s stable and solid. That said, it’s a heavy shoe. The upper overlays give a more secure fit. I ran well with the Cloudvista, but it’s a difficult shoe to categorize. The Antora use is fairly clear: casual use with some hiking/running. The Antora has better arch support. For casual efforts and a lighter ride, the Antora 4 is better. For everything else, the Cloud vista 2. I wore a women’s size 8 in both.
Saucony Peregrine 15 (RTR Review)
For running performance and rugged trail conditions, the Peregrine is by far the better option. The Antora is slightly lighter underfoot and has a much firmer, arch supporting midsole. For casual wear, the Antora 4 might have an edge but for all things trail running, the Peregrine. Sizing is comparable.
Hoka Torrent 4 (RTR Review)
The Torrent 4 has the edge for performance running offering more cushion and protection at an even lighter weight. The Torrent 4, unlike the previous versions, has a very high and narrow arch (rocker) that did not work for me at mid to long distances. While I think it’s the better running shoe, I might reach for the Antora 4 more as a casual shoe or for hiking. I wear a 7.5 in Hoka as compared to a size 8 in Merrell.
Index to all RTR reviews: HERE
The Antora 4 is available now at Dick's Sporting Goods and more broadly in Spring 2025
Tester Profiles
Renee is a former U.S. Marine journalist, which is when her enjoyment of running and writing started. She isn’t that awesome of a runner, but she tries really hard. Most of her weekly 50-60 miles take place on rural country roads in Nebraska, meaning mud, gravel, dirt, hills, and the occasional field. She has PR’s of 1:30:59 for the half marathon and 3:26:45 for the marathon.
Europe only: use RTR code RTR5ALL for 5% off all products, even sale products
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