I don’t know about you, but I like a little variability in my life. I could probably go vegetarian, but I sure enjoy some salmon or bacon now and then. When it comes to beverages, a local craft beer usually calls my name—but I’ll never say no to a good Oregon Pinot. And in running, while pavement miles make up most of my training, if I see a trail offshoot, I’m absolutely taking it.
For moments like that, it’s a shoe like the Merrell ProMorph that aims to fill the gap between road and trail.
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Looks
The Merrell ProMorph is relatively simple at first glance, but it does have some understated pop. The whipped outer midsole gives it a dynamic look without the aggressive, almost industrial vibe of the MTL Adapt Matryx.
I’ve fully changed my stance on white shoes lately, and I’m now on board with the crisp, clean look—even if it inevitably dirties. Still, white on a trail shoe is a bold move. Luckily, Merrell offers five different colorways (4 in womens), so there’s some personality to choose from – or at least something to hide the dirt.
Construction and Fit
The ProMorph keeps construction simple, with enough technical features to perform across terrain without overcomplicating the ride. Merrell bills it as a hybrid trail shoe, but with gravel shoes on the rise, it feels like their take on that category—capable of moderate trails yet smooth enough for gravel paths and even stretches of road.
When I head out to run at my favorite local spot – Willamette Mission State Park – I’ve got a go-to 10-mile loop that feels tailor-made for this kind of shoe. The route kicks off on dirt singletrack before spitting me out onto a stretch of pebbly river rock. From there, it winds alongside farmland—corn fields and hop yards—on packed soil, shifts into skinny dusty trails, and finally wraps up with intermittent pavement back to the finish. The ProMorph handled every one of those transitions without missing a beat, which is exactly what you want in a hybrid trainer.
Specs
- Weight: 9.17 oz (men’s size 9)
- Stack height: 32.5 mm heel / 26.6 mm forefoot
- Drop: 6 mm
- Lug depth: 2.2 mm
Upper
The upper blends performance with sustainability:
- Synthetic mesh construction
- 100% recycled laces
- 100% recycled breathable mesh lining
It’s breathable, with overlays that lock down the fit on uneven surfaces. An inner mesh inlay does a nice job keeping dust and debris out, and Merrell even offers a wide version for those who need it.
Midsole…