Merrell’s lightweight trail shoe provides excellent protection against moisture while providing excellent cushion
By Elijah (Elissa) Sanchez
The All Out Crush Shield is one of a long line of trail shoes designed and manufactured by Merrell. The All Out Crush Shield (AOCS) combines the design of a lightweight running shoe, but with the extra cushioning and protection that make it stable and comfortable on long trails.
The first thing we noticed on the shoe, was the water repellent TPU coated mesh upper. It essentially looks like a painted-on coating but upon closer inspection, you see the breathable mesh lining. The mesh upper also features reflective stripes that make it visible at night, for those who like to take strolls in the dark.
The footbed in the AOCS is made from EVA and the shoe features Merrell’s UniFly™ midsole that adds extra cushioning and allows the shoe to absorb the terrain. The outer sole is Merrell’s M Select™ GRIP, that provides great traction on smooth and rocky terrain, allowing our tester to feel confident on a wide variety of terrain. Underneath the sole is the company’s TrailProtect™ pad that provides protection against sharp rocks, but you will still feel them as you cross that type of terrain. The front of the shoe features some toe protection and grip, while the rear has extra heel support that gives the shoe some rigidity but without sacrificing any of its agileness.
While this shoe makes for a great training shoe for weekend trail runners, it’s also a good choice for mud/obstacle course events, given that the shoe performs well on smooth or muddy terrain. We also liked that the AOCS has a traditional lace closure, making it simple to know if they feel loose and are easy to tighten.
We found the show very agile on the trail for both hiking and trail running. It quickly became one of our favorite shoes that we wore daily because of its overall comfort and fit. More information on the Merrell All Out Crush Shield, visit www.merrell.com.
