Article by Renee Krusemark
Merrell ProMorph ($160)
Pros:
Secure and comfortable upper fit: Renee
Nimble ride on trail yet smooth on gravel: Renee
Quality outsole Vibram rubber: Renee
Cons:
Firm midsole: Renee
Most comparable shoes
Hoka Challenger 7
Nike Pegasus Trail 5
Salomon Aero Glide GRVL
Saucony Ride TR 2
Altra Experience Wild 2
Scarpa Golden Gate 2
Stats
Spec or Approx. Weight: men's 9.17 oz / 260g women’s 7.06 oz / 200g Sample Weights: women’s 8.04 oz / 228 g US8
Stack Height: 32.5 mm heel / 26.6 mm forefoot
Platform Width: 90mm heel / 80mm midfoot / 107mm forefoot
First Impressions, Fit and Upper
Renee: We had a preview of the ProMorph during the 2024 The Running Event and after enjoying the $100 budget Morphlite (RTR Review), I was looking forward to this shoe. The more trail-ultra MTL Adapt Matryx (RTR Review) was too much of a shoe for me and the ProMorph offers a much lighter, more diverse option .
The upper is a synthetic mesh upper with 100% recycled laces and mesh lining. The breathability is good and the overlays provide a secure fit for uneven and trail surfaces.
The fit is “athletic” and because of the midfoot rocker, the midfoot width is narrow to average.
For wider foot runners, I suggest the available wide version. The sizing is on par with other Merrell shoes. As someone between half sizes, I prefer the half size up to provide a roomier forefoot. The heel and tongue are moderately padded and the lace tuck is useful.
Overall, the fit and security of the upper match the shoe’s intended purpose: secure for trail and comfortable for gravel roads (or paved roads, although I don’t run paved roads).
Midsole & Platform
Renee: If the shoe has one negative, it’s the firm midsole. For softer terrain and single track, the firm midsole helps with a solid stable landing and I don’t notice the midfoot rocker in those instances. For rolling gravel roads, I would need a touch more forgiveness underfoot for long distances. I never wore the shoe for more than 16 miles at a time on that type of terrain. For single track with a mix of paces, the shoe has enough midsole for long duration runs for runners who don’t need max cushion underfoot. The rocker will cater to those with a midfoot landing, although, because of its dual directional FlexConnect grooves, the shoe runs well from a forefoot landing while climbing or running hills, to a degree depending on debris as the outsole does not have deep lugs).
Outsole
Renee: The Vibram XS Trek Evo outsole is a tacky rubber good for traction on wet terrain. As stated in the midsole section, the flex grooves work great to provide a forefoot take off when running uphill despite the shoe’s strong midfoot rocker.
The outsole does not have traditional trail shoe lugs so the traction on loose debris surfaces is limited. For gravel country roads or running on thick loose gravel, I’m not getting the grip I would with a non-rocker shoe with lugs. So while the forefoot takeoff is good because of the flex grooves on smooth surfaces, it can be limiting on loose rock.
Ride, Conclusions and Recommendations
Renee: The ProMorph is a quality choice as an uptempo daily trainer for gravel or moderate trail for runners who like a midfoot rocker. If I had to list a con about the shoe, it’s the firm midsole. The firmness actually helps on single track because it provides stability that counters the rocker on uneven landings. For runnable gravel, the firmness limits the comfort for long runs. The shoe feels nimble and controllable thanks to the secure and comfortable upper fit. Wide footed runners should elect for the wide version.
Renee’s Score: 9.125/10 (Ride 8.5/10, Fit 9.5/10, Value 9/10, Style 9.5/10, Traction 9/10, Protection 10/10)
6 Comparisons
Hoka Challenger 7 (RTR Review)
Renee: Both shoes have a midfoot rocker but work well for single track forefoot landings with control on switchbacks and descents/ascents. While they are hybrid shoes, I prefer both on trail more so than gravel because of the rocker and the firm midsoles. The advantage of the ProMorph is the Vibram outsole rubber. The Challenger is a slightly lighter shoe and I find the midsole more comfortable for long runs. I wore a half size shorter in the Challenger as someone between half sizes.
Nike Pegasus Trail 5 (RTR Review)
Renee: The Peg Trail has a much softer and forgiving midsole along with a traditional ride (no rocker). The Peg Trail 5 is less friendly on trail as compared to v4 and compared to the ProMorph. The Peg Trail has lugs to help with loose terrain although the traction on the ProMorph outsole is far better. As a casual run shoe, the Peg Trail 5. For running on trail, the ProMorph. Sizing is comparable although I prefer a half size shorter in the Nike as someone between half sizes.
Salomon Aero Glide GRVL (RTR Review)
Renee: Both are marketed as gravel shoes, but they are very different. The Salomon has a much softer and forgiving midsole, almost too soft for anything uneven. For trail or anything uneven I much prefer the ProMorph. For long runs on rail trails or smooth gravel, the Salomon. The ProMorph has a much more secure upper and better outsole rubber. Neither shoe has actual lugs. I don’t have the Aero Blaze GRVL but that shoe will be more similar to the ProMorph than the Aero Glide GRVL. The Aero Glide runs a half size long for me.
Saucony Ride TR 2 (RTR Review)
Renee: The Ride TR has a traditional higher drop and no rocker along with a firm midsole, but one that is not as firm as the ProMorph’s. For a more secure fit and nimble shoe on trail, the ProMorph is better. For longer runs and casual paces on gravel roads or trail rail, the Ride TR works better. Sizing is comparable.
Altra Experience Wild 2 (RTR Review)
Renee: The Wild 2 is more forgiving and flexing underfoot but doesn’t have the same protection as the ProMorph. The forefoot and overall width are greater in the Wild 2 although it’s not a sloppy fit (just not as secure). For a diverse shoe, the Wild 2 works better on a mix of trail and gravel for me because it provides a bit more ground and a less aggressive midfoot rocker. Sizing is comparable although I prefer a half size shorter in the Wild 2.
Scarpa Golden Gate 2 (RTR Review)
Renee: The GG2 has more ground feel and is much more flexing from a mix of foot landings. It’s a heavier shoe without as much protection, but it works better on trail for that reason. For protection and a midfoot rocker, the ProMorph is better. For any other reasons, I’d opt for the GG2. Sizing is similar.
Index to all RTR reviews: HERE
The ProMorph is available at Merrell
women and men SHOP HERE
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.
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