Merrell All Out Crush Shield

Field Notes: Not everyone is convinced of that minimalist running voodoo, but we at Active Junky are a curious bunch. For the non-committed minimalist who wants to ramp up the tactile feel on the trail, the Merrell All Out Crush Shield is a great segue, and just in time for the bad weather. The weather-repellent upper keeps your foot from becoming saturated in a rain storm, while the drain holes by the arches allow water to escape from that creek you might wade through. Mud, gravel, and sand are a piece of cake for the M Select Grip while serious heel support keeps your foot in place as you climb. The Shield is a great in-between trail running shoe for women looking to get a taste of minimalist running with just enough protection in the toe and forefoot to handle the trail. 

This trial shoe includes a 7mm drop for average midfoot strike and 5mm lugs. Choose from black with purple, blue or granite in a simple ascetic design. Sizes range from 5 to 11, with Merrelll customers reporting this trail running shoe stays true to size.

Tester Comments: “Having not been a minimalist runner in the past, the Shield’s had too little cushion for our tester’s comfort. We also noticed the arch was more pronounced than many of the other shoes we had been running in. We recommend slowly building up the miles in these shoes if you’re not used to less support.”

Pros: While providing superior grip and control, an added bonus is this trail shoe is vegan friendly. Absolutely 0% of this shoe is made with animal products.

Cons: For those not used to minimal cushion, these shoes can leave your feet feeling battered and bruised after running on trails with sharp and prominent obstacles. 

Key Attribute: Innovation