Product Review: Merrell Mix Master 2's - Good shoes for trails and roads

Product Review:  Merrell Mix Master 2

By Keith Daniels

Built for a mix of terrains and tempos, light and nimble, with a wide forefoot and aborptive midsole, the Mix Master 2’s are Merrell’s response to those who want a shoe for the roads and trails.  The shoes contain a rock plate to protect from rock bruising, and a low 4mm heel to toe drop which makes these shoes a transitional shoe for those looking to move slowly to minimalist footwear.    Mix Master 2’s are recommended for those looking to move away from traditional more bulky trail shoes toward a lighter and quicker feeling shoe.  I think that these shoes are a great move toward lower drop shoes and provide a much quicker feel for faster paced runs.

Mix Master 2’s fit about a half size longer than standard running shoes.  A size 9 weighs 9 ounces.  For those who heel strike or do so occasionally (and who doesn’t), they have an air cushion for some shock absorption.  

The uppers are a synthetic leather/air mesh combination which provides breathable foot coverage.  I expect that they will drain and dry quickly if wet, but haven’t yet experienced them in wet or muddy use.  The TPU overlays lock the foot in place well.

The broad toe bumper protects your little piggies from rocks and roots.   As a frequent toe crasher, I have found them to be quite protective.  But, I have also noticed that I seem to find more roots and rocks than normal, I’m guessing that in my other slimmer shoes, I manage to step around things that the wider sole catches in the Mix Master 2’s.

The shoes have a removable foot bed that is made of an anti-microbial material designed to kill germs and keep the shoes smelling good.  The insole is 2mm EVA for added cushion.  

The soles are a sticky rubber compound with wide lugs.  The sole provides more than adequate traction for the ups and downs of our local trails, such as Veteran’s Acres in Crystal Lake, IL or the Kettle Moraine in Wisconsin.  On a dry hard packed trail, these shoes should cause you to feel like flying.  The shoes lack an aggressive tread which makes me cautious about using them on very technical and steep trails.   Not that we encounter many of those in the Midwest.

So far, I have run about 50 miles in the Mix Master 2’s.  I’m used to running trails in shoes from La Sportiva, Salomon and Brooks which have heal to toe drops from 8 to 12mm.  Thus, far, I’m quite happy with the lower drop of the Mix Master 2’s and have enjoyed them on a mix of gravel, single track and black top.  On pavement, they offer a much easier ride than most standard trail shoes which feel heavy and clunky on the hard stuff. 

The same shoe, with an upper featuring a closed-mesh lining and coated with a dirt- and water-resistant coasting is sold as the Mix Master Aeroblock (and for women as the Mix Master Glide).    The Aeroblock is rated the Editor’s Choice for Best Hybrid in the October 2012 Trail Runner Magazine.

In conclusion, the Merrell Mix Master 2’s are versatile, low profile shoes which perform well on non-technical trails and roads.  They provide the ability to move easily from a standard shoe into a lower drop shoe which is easier to run in using a mid or forefoot foot strike.  For heel strikers, they also offer adequate protection.