Merrell Fly Strike
Your rating
Price band
Buy Merrell Fly Strike at today's best price (men's/women's)
4 minute read
Overview
The Merrell Fly Strike is a trail running shoe designed to offer a versatile experience in outdoor activities. This shoe is known for its adaptability to various terrains and conditions, making it a solid choice for trail enthusiasts. The Merrell Fly Strike incorporates a range of features aimed at enhancing comfort and performance on trails.
Key Features:
- Heel to Toe Drop: A significant 10mm drop provides a tilted platform, favoring heel strikers (runners who land primarily on their heels when they walk or run).
- Upper Construction: Features a technical mesh upper, reinforced to increase resistance against abrasion and includes a waterproof GORE-TEX lining for breathability and water resistance.
- Midsole Technology: Compression-molded EVA foam is used both in the front and back of the shoe, offering essential comfort and cushioning.
- Outsole Design: Equipped with a grippy rubber outsole and prominent lugging to ensure optimal traction on varied surfaces.
The Merrell Fly Strike is an ideal choice for trail runners who prioritize comfort and stability for off-road adventures. Its robust design and adaptive features make it suitable for diverse outdoor activities.
According to our analysis of prices across the internet, at current rates it's just below the median price of running shoes.
Verdict
The consensus on the Merrell Fly Strike
The Merrell Fly Strike is a trail running shoe that offers a blend of comfort, durability, and adaptability, making it suitable for a variety of outdoor activities. While it excels in walking and hiking, its performance in running scenarios, especially for those used to less heel-to-toe drop, might not meet all expectations. The shoe's significant drop and tailored design for heel strikers make it a specialized choice. However, its excellent breathability, cozy upper, and waterproof features are notable advantages. The use of sustainable materials in its construction also adds to its appeal for environmentally conscious consumers. Overall, the Merrell Fly Strike is a commendable option for trail enthusiasts looking for a versatile and eco-friendly shoe, though it may not be the best fit for competitive running.
Comparable Shoes
The Salomon Speedcross 5 is often compared to the Merrell Fly Strike due to its similar focus on trail running. While both shoes offer excellent traction and durability, the Speedcross 5 provides a more aggressive grip and a slightly lower drop, which might be preferable for runners seeking a more grounded feel.
5 Merrell Fly Strike Pros & Cons
3 Pros
2 Cons
In Depth
Upper
The Merrell Fly Strike features a technical mesh upper, reinforced to enhance its resistance against abrasion. This design choice ensures durability while maintaining a light weight. The inclusion of a waterproof GORE-TEX lining not only repels water effectively but also contributes to the shoe's overall breathability, making it an excellent option for varying weather conditions.
Midsole
The midsole of the Merrell Fly Strike is crafted from compression-molded EVA foam, which is present both in the front and back of the shoe. This material provides essential comfort and cushioning, supporting the foot during long trail runs and hikes. The strategic placement of the foam aids in shock absorption and helps in reducing foot fatigue.
Outsole
Equipped with a grippy rubber outsole and prominent lugging, the Merrell Fly Strike ensures optimal traction on diverse terrains. This feature is particularly beneficial for trail runners who encounter slippery or uneven surfaces, as it provides stability and confidence during outdoor adventures.
Who should buy the Merrell Fly Strike?
The Merrell Fly Strike is well-suited for trail runners and outdoor enthusiasts who need a reliable shoe for diverse conditions. It's particularly beneficial for those who prefer a shoe with a higher heel-to-toe drop, which can be helpful for individuals with calf or Achilles tendon issues. Additionally, its robust construction and waterproof features make it a great choice for those who encounter wet conditions or require a shoe that can withstand various weather challenges.
Who should not buy the Merrell Fly Strike?
Runners who prefer a minimalistic design or a lower heel-to-toe drop may find the Merrell Fly Strike not to their liking. The shoe's 10mm drop is designed to favor heel strikers, which might not be comfortable for those accustomed to a more neutral or barefoot running style. Additionally, competitive runners looking for a shoe specifically optimized for speed and agility on trails might want to consider other options that are tailored more towards racing conditions.
Merrell Fly Strike: What's it good for?
The Merrell Fly Strike is excellent for trail running, hiking, and general outdoor activities. Its durable construction and adaptive features make it suitable for a variety of terrains and conditions. The shoe's waterproof capabilities and high level of grip also make it a strong candidate for wet or slippery environments, ensuring safety and stability during use.
3 Merrell Fly Strike FAQs
What makes the Merrell Fly Strike suitable for trail running?
The Merrell Fly Strike is designed with a durable mesh upper, a waterproof GORE-TEX lining, and a robust rubber outsole with deep lugs, making it highly suitable for trail running. These features provide protection, stability, and traction on uneven and rugged terrains.
Is the Merrell Fly Strike environmentally friendly?
Yes, the Merrell Fly Strike incorporates sustainable materials in its construction, including a 100% recycled lining and a 50% recycled EVA insole, making it a more environmentally friendly choice for eco-conscious runners.
Can the Merrell Fly Strike be used in wet conditions?
Yes, the Merrell Fly Strike is equipped with a waterproof GORE-TEX lining that makes it suitable for running in wet conditions, protecting the feet from water while maintaining breathability.
 Now viewing | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| bestDeal | Show prices | |||||
| priceBand | Price band | |||||
| released | Released | Dec 2023 | ||||
| expertReviewScore | Expert Review Score | |||||
| Weight | WeightM: 295 g W: 258 g | M: 281 g W: 235 g | M: 323 g W: 261 g | M: 286 g W: 244 g | M: 295 g W: 264 g | M: 312 g W: 252 g |
| Forefoot | Forefoot17 mm | 24 mm | 26 mm | 28 mm | 27 mm | 31 mm |
| Heel to toe drop | Heel to toe drop10 mm | 8 mm | 10 mm | 10 mm | 6 mm | 6 mm |
| Heel | Heel27 mm | 32 mm | 35 mm | 37 mm | 21 mm | 37 mm |
| Terrain | TerrainTrail | Trail | Trail | Trail | Trail | MudTrail |
| Brand | BrandMerrell | New Balance | Nike | Nike | On | New Balance |
| Strike Type | Strike TypeHeel strike | Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike | Heel strike | Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike | Heel strike | Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike |
| Shoe Type | Shoe TypeComfortable | Comfortable | Comfortable | Comfortable | ||
| Breathable | Breathable | |||||
| Rocker | Rocker | |||||
| Rock plate | Rock plate | |||||
| Techs | Techs | Gore-Tex | New Balance Fresh FoamVibram | |||
| Waterproofings | Waterproofings | Waterproof | ||||
| Environmental Characteristics | Environmental CharacteristicsSustainableVegan Ⓥ | Sustainable | Sustainable | |||
Common characteristicsNeutralNeutral pronationHigh archOrthotic friendlyRemovable insole |
