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MERRELL
MTL CIRRUS
MSRP: $160
Weight: 11.4 oz (M 9), 8.0 oz (W 7)
Drop: 5mm
Rock plate: Yes
Fit: Runs long
The Merrell MTL (Merrell Test Lab) Cirrus (women’s version here) was built for breathable moderate mountain running. A rock plate and dual-directional grooves in the midsole combine to offer protection while off-roading with the flexibility to stay nimble on your feet.
We appreciated the airy feel of the shoe, the breathable—and almost transparent—mesh and TPU upper and the wide forefoot. Lacking a lot of cushion in the midsole, this model is better for 50K and under and performs best as a supportive, agile trainer.
Tester-monial: “Out of all the shoes I tested, this is the pair I kept reaching for more than the others. The forefoot was extremely accommodating for my wide foot and the shoes were supportive without being clunky. They are more of a basic trainer than other faster shoes on the market, but what they lack in lightness they make up for in fit.” —Jen Burn, Carbondale, Colorado