Merrell Antora 4: Versatile, Durable, and Eco-Friendly

The Merrell Antora 4 is a fantastic trail running shoe that checks all the boxes—comfort, durability, and even a little eco-friendly flair. Designed with a wide variety of runners in mind, it’s perfect for hitting the trails or even doubling as a hiking shoe for longer adventures. Plus, Merrell’s commitment to using recycled and sustainable materials is a nice bonus for anyone trying to be more eco-conscious.

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Specs

• Stack Height: 23.5mm-16 mm
• Drop: 8mm
• Lug Depth: 3mm
• Weight: 7.76 oz

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Trail Performance

I tested these on a mix of trails—soft paths at Tryon Creek State Park, rocky sections of Leif Erickson Trail, and root-filled stretches on Wildwood—and they handled everything like a pro. The grippy Vibram sole and built-in rock plate made rough surfaces feel a lot more manageable. That said, they’re not perfect on wet, slippery rocks or tree roots, where they could use a little more traction.

Fit and Feel

One of the first things you’ll notice is how comfortable these are. The roomy toe box and secure midfoot make them feel great, whether you’re out for a short run or an all-day hike. The breathable mesh upper keeps your feet cool, and the padded collar and tongue add extra cushioning. These shoes are lightweight but still tough enough to handle rough terrain.

Cushioning and Support

The FloatPro foam midsole gives decent cushioning and energy return, but if you’re used to super-cushioned shoes like the Hoka Speedgoat, these might feel a little flat for long distances. For runs up to 15 miles, they’re great—but for anything longer, you might want more cushioning underfoot.

Durability and Value

The Antora 4 is built to last, with reinforced toe caps and solid construction. Merrell’s made some nice improvements compared to earlier models, especially in cushioning and overall design. And at $125, they’re a great deal for a trail shoe of this quality.

What’s Great:

• Super comfortable with a roomy toe box
• Grippy Vibram sole handles most trails like a champ
• Lightweight, breathable, and built to last
• Stylish and eco-friendly, using recycled materials
• Affordable compared to other high-end trail shoes

What’s Could be Better:

• Lacks a bit on wet, slippery surfaces
• Cushioning feels a bit firm for very long runs (15+ miles)
• This specific colorway, while fresh, is likely to be discolored on Oregon trails immediately
  • **NOTE – Sometimes it’s better that way!

Bottom Line

The Merrell Antora 4 is a trail shoe that’s easy to love. It’s comfortable, tough, and versatile enough for runs or hikes. While I did not find it perfect for slippery surfaces or ultra-long distances, it’s a solid option for most trail adventures. And the fact that it’s made with sustainability in mind is just the icing on the cake.

At this price, it’s definitely worth adding to your gear rotation!