Merrell is again with the ladies’s Merrell Antora 3 ($125) in common and Gore-Tex variations and has now expanded this line to incorporate mid-height waterproof choices and a sneaker boot. The main target of this evaluate, nonetheless, is the Antora 3 ladies’s-specific path operating shoe.
Merrell has chosen to remain fairly true to the Antora legacy with a couple of modifications right here and there that largely enhance the shoe. You’ll be able to learn our Merrell Antora 2 evaluate to be taught extra concerning the earlier model.
At 10.5 ounces (297 grams) precise weight in a U.S. ladies’s measurement 9.5, and retaining the claimed 8-millimeter (29 millimeters on the heel/21 millimeters on the toe) drop, the Antora 3 is a wonderful, comparatively low-cost choice — particularly for entry-level or lower-mileage path runners — who may additionally desire a shoe that performs properly throughout different out of doors actions resembling mountain climbing, disc golf, and mountain biking on flat pedals.
The Antora 3 might enchantment to a broader viewers with the comparatively low-feeling profile and truthful quantity of floor really feel — perhaps an excessive amount of for me over the lengthy haul — whereas nonetheless providing ample construction and assist.
Merrell gives common and broad widths throughout the complete measurement vary, with eight colorways. Thus, there’s all the time an choice on sale, which additional sweetens the deal.
The Merrell Antora 3. All photographs: iRunFar/Bryon Powell
Merrell Antora 3 Higher
The Merrell Antora 3 higher is similar to the prior mannequin visually, however I discover it extra snug general. I’m sporting the identical measurement as within the Antora 2 and really feel the toebox is a little more roomy in size and peak for toes three to 5, and fewer tough in texture.
Extremely breathable mesh by way of the forefoot has skinny thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) overlays reinforcing the toe and forming a skinny, steady rand from the thickened bumper towards the heel. Mud and grime do penetrate this mesh extra simply, leading to pretty soiled ft at occasions, however the breathability is superb on hotter days.
Midfoot mesh has a tighter weave beneath the Merrell-specific TPU overlay sample, which supplies simply the correct amount of assist and versatile construction medially and laterally.
These overlays combine with every of the recycled webbing loops that safe the laces. The recycled laces are dense and flat however sometimes come undone regardless of double knots, so taking time to essentially lock them down and utilizing the skinny lace management strap over the mid-tongue is useful.
The gusseted tongue is completely padded to guard the foot, but dries rapidly by way of the extremely breathable mesh extending from the forefoot.
Anchoring gaiters is a breeze due to the small metallic loop hooked up on the far finish of the laces, and brilliantly, two kinds of gaiter attachments on the well-structured heel — an elastic band beneath the pull tab, and a Velcro flap beneath that with either side of Velcro included. This can be my favourite bonus characteristic of the shoe; different firms ought to take observe.
The heel is additional stabilized by Merrell’s exterior rear sling, which additional locks the heel in place. This makes for a pleasantly secure shoe for talus hopping, however feels sometimes clunky at operating speeds when you hit a root or embedded rock improper. The padded ankle coloration improves the general consolation of the shoe at any velocity, and the comparatively low profile of the ankle bone cutouts and Achilles notch will preserve most ft completely happy.
A lateral view of the Merrell Antora 3.
Merrell Antora 3 Midsole
Within the grand scheme of path trainers, the Merrell Antora 3 is on the agency finish of the spectrum, maybe on the order of the Salomon Sense Journey 5, however options extra general consolation, particularly at slower speeds or with powerhiking combined in. The firmness coupled with the skinny rock plate, nonetheless, relegates it to a sub-15-mile operating shoe for me, as someway my legs find yourself tiring extra rapidly in them after about 10 miles, regardless that my ft are comparatively completely happy.
The tech specs embrace a 50% recycled EVA foam footbed with forefoot and heel air cushioning pods all designed to cut back impression and torque whereas making a easy transition by way of the midfoot.
In my expertise, whereas the midsole does cut back impression and roll pretty easily, there’s not a variety of vitality return, notably after 150 to 200 complete shoe miles at operating speeds. It’s like I’m working more durable to maintain the shoe advancing rapidly. Oddly sufficient, they’re nonetheless fairly nice for powerhiking or the straightforward to average paced run/hike mixture I usually get in when the paths are simply rugged sufficient.
Coupled with the construction of the higher and the dense foam detachable insole, what this midsole continues to do properly even because the responsiveness flattens is preserve my larger arched ft rolling properly from lateral heel by way of the primary ray, with out collapsing extra medially or laterally as some getting older EVA is wont to do. Although it doesn’t enable for as many complete operating miles, using the shoe is prolonged for much less impact-oriented actions.
One final good addition to focus on is the Cleansport NXT remedy on the recycled mesh footbed cowl. These sneakers have been out and in of some murky water — ahem, disc golf accuracy plus ravines — and odor higher than a couple of of my extra pristine sneakers.
A medial view of the Merrell Antora 3.
Merrell Antora 3 Outsole
Merrell made some refined modifications to the outsole of the Merrell Antora 3 as in comparison with the Antora 2. Vibram TC5+ continues to be the chosen compound, however the traction-enhancing sample now makes use of 4-millimeter lugs (as a substitute of 5 millimeters) in chevron, triangle, and rectangle lug patterns with higher spacing between them.
This makes the only real really feel much less heavy and roll from heel to toe with higher ease. It additionally means pointy rocks are stronger regardless of the skinny rock plate.
General, this traction sample continues to be an enchancment as a result of it sloughs off clay and dirt extra effectively and is much less skittery on the Colorado Entrance Vary hardpack downhills, dusted with sand and rubble, the place I run. Whereas grip continues to be glorious on rocky slabs and softer singletrack, they do lack a little bit of chew for the rubbly uphills, off-trail mountain excursions, and important mud or snow.
Very similar to prior variations, this outsole is extremely sturdy. With roughly 200 miles on the sneakers, there’s little or no put on and tear seen by way of the outsole. It’s been a really rocky and rubbly yr operating for me with some door-to-trail pavement concerned as I linked to neighboring singletrack. These sneakers have additionally seen loads of hikes, disc golf, and canine walks. This outsole handles all of it with nary a scratch.
The outsole of the Merrell Antora 3.
Merrell Antora 3 General Impressions
Primarily based on my expertise with all three variations of this shoe, the Merrell Antora 3 has developed into a terrific entry-level path shoe choice for the lower-mileage path runner with largely gentle to average terrain and circumstances exterior their door. It’s additionally a stable performer for the multisport particular person who needs one shoe that may deal with the entire day’s actions — early morning path run adopted by a hike with the household, mid-day yard work, and late afternoon flat-pedal mountain bike jaunt earlier than kicking again on the pleasant neighborhood yard pizza and cornhole jam.
The general sturdiness will lend months of additional use as soon as the optimum operating consolation ebbs, and the comparatively low price makes them very straightforward to attempt. Not each shoe must be a high-performance racing shoe, and the Antora 3 is a good choice for operating and an lively life exterior of that.
Name for Feedback
- Have you ever tried the Merrell Antora 3? How did you discover it?
- For those who’ve tried earlier variations of the Antora, how does this third model examine for you?
- Do you recognize a path operating shoe that can also be helpful for different actions?
[Editor’s Note: If you’re affiliated (i.e., an employee, ambassador, etc.) with a brand, please share your relation in each of your comments on this article. Thanks!]
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A high view of the Merrell Antora 3.
