Merrell Motovator

James Walton
Reviewed: 16 November 2005

GREAT AS A GENERAL MULTI-ACTIVITY SHOE

· Omnifit lacing system is superb for precise fitting & suited well for long, narrow low volume feet.
· Good firm fit, which makes for confident footwork
· Reflective trimming good for visibility
· Vibram sole is grips and wears well
· Solid build quality

· Longer to break in than MK1 design
· May not be good for wider feet (?)

I’ve been pleased with the Merrell Motivators having owned the MK1 and MK2 versions of the shoe, using them mainly on light trails and cycling.

The Omnifit system is a real plus point for me as it allows very precise lacing to clamp down the padded tongue onto the foot thus allowing for a very precise fit. It’s one of the few shoes to really fit my long, narrow, low volume feet really well.

My only complaint is that the Motivator MK2’s seemed to initially cause a stress point just up from my big toe, however this was only an issue when initially breaking them in, the MK1’s in comparison seemed to flex more naturally in this area and didn’t present a problem. Nevertheless once broken in the shoes perform brilliantly.

In response to Daniel's comment regarding insoles I use the blue superfeet footbeds and can just get them into my size 10's.

Overall I’d love to buy a MK3 version of this shoe if Merrell ever bought one out, as the lacing system is great and a provides a good precise fit for my feet.

hernan castaneda
Reviewed: 14 November 2005

GREAT SHOES, BU NOT SO TRAIL RUNNING

the most comfortable shoes I ever tried. Great traction, a lot of protectiosn, very soft inside and many support for your feet. I paid 75 USD so not too expensive.

a little bit bulky for trail running shoes but for me they're great

Not for any competition, they're bulky and a little bit heavy, but I weight 230 pounds so no complains, I also have the montrail leona divide, good shoes for trail running (specially for dry conditions) but I like this merrells a lot more, more comfortable, protection, soft inside, and supportive. I use them for trail ruinning, walking, birdwatching at the andes and rain forest, freeride mountain bike, even parties and theyre keeping doing great (1 year using them all days). I recomend this ones for any activitiy. Not T.running specialized shoes. Too bad they're discountinued.

Daniel Bebber
Reviewed: 01 August 2005

BEEFY TRAIL RUNNING SHOE WITH EXCELLENT GRIP AND RIDE

Construction
Tread
Ride
Reflective highlights

Narrow fit (unless you are narrow footed)
Weight (not the quickest shoe around)

I think these are discontinued now, so are on sale in many outlets. I bought mine from Field & Trek at half price (£35).
They are described as a dedicated trail runner, featuring an incredibly chunky Vibram sole, a big rubber rand in front, and not much venting. They seem built to last. The ride is excellent, with smooth heel-toe transition, good cushioning, and a sure-footed feel. They are as good on hard surface as on mud, but are really meant for muddy conditions. They probably aren't suited to over-pronators (no funny inserts). They are very chunky, so aren't the fastest shoe around, but would be good for trail walking too. The fit is narrow and you will need one size larger then your normal shoe size. Definitely worth a look if you can get them on sale.