Merrell Cruise Control Trail Running Shoe – Men’s
- A Great Athletic Shoe By Merrell
- AirMesh Upper
- Kevlar Lace and TPU Molded Lace Lock System
- Drilex Comfort Zone Lining
- Anatomical Ventilated Footbed
Product Description
Trail running can wreck havoc on flat-footed runners. Merrell made the Men’s Cruise Control Trail Running Shoes with a straight, filled-in last and TrailSpring support for improved torsional stability. The visible cushioning tubes are denser on the medial sides of the Cruise Control Shoes to compensate for over-pronation, while Vibram spines and studs on the outsole grip loose terrain. Antimicrobial, vented footbeds mean you won’t have to quarantine the Cruise Control Trail Shoes to three plastic bags and the mud room after a few runs. Kevlar laces and a lace-lock system make tightening quick and easy.
Product FeaturesMaterial: [Upper] leather, AirmeshLining: Dri-Lex antimicrobialSole: Vibram DemonArch Support: HighLacing: DrawstringWeight: [Pair, size 9] 28oz (794g)Recommended Use: Trail runningManufacturer Warranty: 30 DaysCountry of Origin: China… More >>
Merrell Cruise Control Trail Running Shoe – Men’s
I had never heard of Merrell before I purchased these shoes. I have always worn Nike or New Balance walking shoes, but after my last pair of New Balance shoes fell apart in five months, I decided to try another brand. After doing some reading online, I found out about Merrell and decided to give them a try.
Construction:
The shoes are solidly made. The soles are thicker than either Nike or New Balance, and are made of a tougher material; a harder plastic that has a better feel than the foamish soles of the last few pairs of walking shoes I’ve owned. All the seams are tight and the shoes just the feel of being well made.
Lacing System:
The lacing system took some getting used to, but after a week, I’ve decided I really like it. The laces are thinner and tougher than standard laces. The end of each lace is attached to a small, hard plastic tab. Then the laces run through a larger, quarter sized plastic piece that grips each lace. To tighten the laces, you pull the tab towards the top of the shoe. The tab holds the laces in place, and actually works very well. You will never have to stop and tie your shoes again. If you don’t like the lacing system, you can remove it and use the laces in the usual way, but because of the thinness of the laces, I think you would probably want to replace them with the thicker, standard laces also provided in the box.
Comfort:
These shoes are some of the most comfortable that I’ve ever had. They are right up there with an amazing pair of Steve Madden slip on dress shoes for the best I’ve ever had. They provide more support than my old NB and Nike cross trainers, and have a more firm feel around the ankle. I’ve worn them for several extended hikes (after breaking them in) and they were again excellent. They do tend to be a little on the warm side if it’s hot outside. They breath reasonably well, but with the thickness of the exterior of the shoe, some heat is to be expected.
Style:
You won’t run into anyone that has this same shoe. I’ve gotten a few compliments on them already. I got the moss green version, and they are a very nice looking pair of shoes. I didn’t buy them because of what they looked like, I was more interested in their performance, but it is nice to have great looking, uncommon shoes.
Value:
While eighty dollars initially seemed steep to me for a pair of shoes, after wearing these a few months, I can honestly say they are worth the extra cost. They are comfortable, very well made, and I might add pretty stylish.
Get a pair if you want solidly made, quality shoes that will last longer than other brands.