I've been a trail runner for years - these comfy Merrell shoes are the only ones I'd recommend under £100

Whether I'm going on a city break or a beach holiday, I always pack (or wear) running shoes as I love getting out in a new place, but I don't always know what terrain there will be. Built for both road and light trails, the Merrell Morphlite shoes take a lot of the guesswork out of packing, and they've come everywhere with me over the past couple of years.

I've run and walked in these shoes from the paved lakeside trails of Copenhagen to tidal Scottish beaches and hard Spanish promenades, and I think they're perfect for varied terrain that isn't too technical. They're light and airy, so they're comfortable to wear in the summer months and in hotter climates, and bringing them along means I always have a comfortable pair of walking shoes too.

Super light but with plenty of cushioning and a secure fit, these trail shoes are great for anyone looking for out-of-the-box comfort in a versatile shoe, and that's why they're an easy addition to our guide to the best women's trail running shoes.

Merrell Morphlite trail running shoe review

Specifications

• Size range: 3.5 - 8.5
• Weight: 170g per shoe
• Stack height: 26.5 - 20 mm
• Heel to toe drop: 6.5 mm
• Lug depth: 2 - 3 mm
• Waterproof version available: Yes
• Materials: Rubber outsole, EVA foam midsole, mesh upper

What are the Merrell Morphlite shoes like for running?

I was able to start running in the Morphlites without any breaking-in period. Comfort is all but guaranteed thanks to the snug fit, good cushion and flexible sole. I wear a half size up in running shoes to give my feet room to swell, but sometimes, a narrow toe box foils my plan. With these shoes, the very roomy toe box gives my toes plenty of space to flex and spread as the miles go by.

I'm happiest when I'm running on trails, but I travel a lot, and sometimes that means I need to compromise and take on some tarmac. In true trail running shoes, nothing feels worse than running on roads, so I love that I can wear these shoes on harder surfaces for short distances without knee and ankle pain.

They might not deliver the bounce of a true road running shoe like the Hoka Clifton 10, but there's enough cushion underfoot to make running reasonably comfortable if I have to cross a section of road between trails.

Once I leave the paved paths behind, the wide fit and fairly deep footbed keep me pretty stable on uneven tracks. The 3mm lugs around the perimeter are great on both sand and packed dirt. I think the only real issue with the outsole is that it leaves quite a bit of midsole exposed. This keeps the shoes light, but consequently, they may not be as long-lasting.

The uppers have a little toe protection, and while it's certainly not as much as a shoe built for technical trails, I have kicked the odd root or rock in these over the years with no painful toe stubbing.

They also have an anti-odour treatment, and after wearing these in sweaty conditions for a couple of years, mine still aren't smelly.

What are the Merrell Morphlite shoes like for walking?

The Morphlites obviously aren't as rugged as many walking shoes, or even shoes like the Hoka Speedgoat 7, but for warm-weather excursions and easy trails, I usually choose them because they're so light and comfortable.

I've taken them along on some longer trips to Sweden and Spain, where I needed to pack light and wanted something for both walking and running on tarmac, forest trails and beaches, and these shoes really proved themselves.

The design delivers a secure fit thanks to the internal bootie, but they're easy to pull on compared to shoes with a socklike construction, making them some of the most comfortable trail running shoes I've tested. But what I really appreciate about these (and all Merrell shoes) is the spacious toe box, which means I can walk for hours without any rubbing or blisters.

Brands like Hoka have really raised the bar on how chunky a midsole can be, and in comparison, the foam midsoles on these shoes are quite moderate, but what's notable is that they are also extremely light and flexible. I find them a pleasure to walk around in all day.

The mesh uppers are exceptionally breathable, and I can wear these for hours on a plane or walking around on hot days without my feet getting too hot or sweaty. Underfoot, the 3 mm lugs lend enough traction for straightforward trails such as soft forest paths and gravel roads, but having tried them out in really muddy conditions in Scotland, I think it's important to note that they don't have quite enough traction for such challenging conditions.

Who are the Merrell Morphlite shoes for?

These shoes are great for anyone seeking a versatile shoe that prioritises comfort and can work on rougher ground, as long as you aren't planning on running up mountains. They're especially recommended if you're newer to trail running and easing in on some gentler paths.

The Morphlite particularly shines during the hotter months thanks to its breathability, and they're ideal as a do-it-all shoe for travel, where you want to stay active but aren't necessarily taking on anything too rugged.

They are also priced really well compared to most trail running shoes from bigger brands, so they're a good option for anyone seeking quality on a budget.

The w&h verdict on the Merrell Morphlite

These shoes are a versatile option for anyone who likes (or needs) to mix up their terrain but isn't tackling anything too technical. They're comfortable, breathable and light on your feet and your wallet.

The only reasons I can think of sidestep them are really if you're looking for a very plush midsole for pounding tarmac, or planning on hitting some really rugged trails.

With lots of recycled content and a great price point, there's a lot to celebrate here - and you really can't argue with the price. These shoes are brilliant for anyone new to trail running or just looking for a lightweight pair of shoes for mixed terrain.