Merrell's Allout Charge - Perfect for Trail Running

Gifted | Contains affiliate links Merrell are well known for their wide range of adventure footwear. Last month I was very kindly sen...

Gifted | Contains affiliate links

Merrell are well known for their wide range of adventure footwear. Last month I was very kindly sent Merrell's Allout Charge. These shoes are an evolved version of the Allout Rush model from Merrell and are meant for trail running. Lightweight and very breathable, according to the Merrell's website "Allout Charge is a running shoe that cinches to your foot to become a cradle of stability and agility to tackle tricky terrain."

First impressions

First impressions of the shoes were very good. The fit was comfortable and I broke the shoes in on my regular routes around Enfield Lock and Gunpowder Park. And then I carried them on our recent family trip to Peak District where the terrain was a mix - muddy hillside paths, some slightly rocky trails and some partially tarmacked paths - all damp and wet though. I am not a seasoned or regular trail runner, but having the right kind of shoe is very essential; especially for me, taking into consideration my recurrent knee problems.

Here are some technical specifications for the Allout Charge from Merrell's website.
Upper / Lining

• Mesh upper
• Reflective details for increased visibility in low light
• Removable footbed treated with M Select™ FRESH shoe odour control
• HyperWrap 360 Degrees Fit System locks the foot in place to enhance natural stability and agility

Midsole / Outsole

• 6mm Drop / 20mm Cush / 27mm Stack Height
• Moulded nylon arch shank
• UniFly™ midsole connects you to the trail, protects you from the terrain
• 5mm Lugs depth
• M Select™ GRIP tunes each outsole with durable traction that grips when & where you need it
• Vegan friendly footwear

Image Courtesy: Merrell Website

Lightweight and comfort-driven

These shoes from Merrell are a very comfortable fit for me. My feet are not wide, so even though this shoe is not very wide it fit me perfectly. The shoe is also extremely lightweight. This is a key factor needed in a running shoe as you would know. The shoes have decent cushioning while still giving the feel of the ground one is running on. Even after prolonged use on a variety of terrain, my feet felt comfortable with no signs of any blisters. My knees also felt no strain and this is due to the shoes' impact absorbing properties. The shoe's tongue is fixed on one side - this was something I have not seen on any other shoe earlier. This seems to provide a more sung fit. Another feature I liked is the excellent grip of the shoe, which ensured that I did not slip around whether it was a flat surface or an incline. The shoe is perfect when you are heading out to the mountains. I am glad I took this pair while visiting the Peak District.

Recommended? Yes.

If you are looking for trail running shoes that deliver both in terms of performance and style, then the Merrell Allout Charge is a perfect choice.

Buy the Merrell Allout Charge on Amazon.