Merrell All-Out Fuse

The Merrell All-Out Fuse is my first review of a Merrell, and while I did have a number of problems with this shoe, I know a lot of you have sworn by Merrell’s in the past – so perhaps this won’t be the only Merrell I review.

Firstly, thank you to RunningShoes.com for the sample pair to review. Secondly, this shoe surprised me – but not necessarily in a good way. While I got what I was hoping for in a more minimal, barefoot feel, the shoe’s design got in the way of the shoe being great on my foot.

A high arch, some disappointing upper choices (thicker, heavier and full of hot-spots) and a thick, deadening outsole all lead to an unfortunate ride experience. While I can see this shoe being good for form work and gait analysis on softer ground (grass, dirt, etc) or roads, I don’t see the shoe working for longer hauls or trail running.

Based on people’s reactions to Merrell shoes like the MIxMaster and Bare Access, it seems Merrell has deviated from those design choices and delved into something less, well, “Merrell”. I am very curious how any of you might feel about this shoe? Have you run in the All-Out Fuse & what do you think? Let me know in the comments below!

LIKED:

  • Minimal/Barefoot feel
  • Ground feel
  • Good for speed/form workouts
  • Durable
  • Grip (certain trails)

DISLIKED:

  • High Arch
  • Hot Spots (lateral toe box)
  • Dead Feel (too much outsole deadens what little EVA there is)
  • Lacing
  • Upper (hot, drainage, overlays, etc)
  • Identity Crisis (road? Trail?)

QUALITY: 3/5
COMFORT: 3/5
PRICE: 3/5 ($130)
LOOKS: 4/5

TOTAL: 13/20

These shoes were provided by RunningShoes.com for review. All opinions are my own.

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