For minimalist runners whose passion does not ebb and flow with the whims of populist running trends, Merrell‘s All Out Fuse is a minimalist runner that offers the tread and support you need to tackle the obstacles you face as you sprint through the concrete jungle and head towards the trees and open levee trails.
On Performance and Design…
From the moment we pulled the All Out Fuse from the box we were impressed with the striking aesthetics, brilliant colorways and minimal stitching. But after just a few short miles you realize that these shoes are more substance than flash.
Merrell notes that they designed these shoes around a triad of features intended to unleash your natural form for your best run: “natural shaping to activate your foot’s responsiveness and control, UniFly™ impact-absorption system for soft landings and firm takeoffs, and M-Select GRIP traction for animal-like agility.”
A more naturally-shaped toebox offers a little more room up front so your toes don’t feel like their in a crowded theater. On warm days you’ll appreciate the light and flexible upper which allows the shoe to work with your natural movements. Moreover, the breathable and quick drying combination of mesh, synthetic and leather provides excellent ventilation for those hot after work runs along the local fire trails or urban greenbelts.
Merrell’s M Select GRIP outsole provides traction when you need it, without sacrificing ground feel or performance. The outsole and its moderately-sized lugs work best on lightly packed dirt trails and serve equally as well along the asphalt roadway that leads you to your local patch of earth. Conditions with wet rocks, excessively muddy trails, and undulating ruts are likely to challenge the performance of the outsole.
No matter what comes underfoot, Merrell’s use of its UniFly™ midsole does a solid job of dispersing ground impact providing for better landings and stronger push offs. And that’s the type of run experience that’s perfectly suited for both the experienced minimalist runner who can appreciate the feel of the open trail as well as those still adjusting their biomechanics to deal with the increased ground impact of minimalist running.
Long mileage days means plenty of perspiration, and perspiration can mean funky feet. But Merrell treated the lining with M Select Fresh Odor Control to keep you covered. And, if that doesn’t help, Merrell advises that the All Out Fuse can be washed in cold water, on a gentle cycle and air dried. Boom! Almost brand new shoes ready for another for more stink free miles.
Lacing up the All Out Fuse is like lacing up a pair of socks. Lightweight and foot-form fitting (depending on your feet), Merrell’s Omni-Fit Lacing system helps to secure your foot without sacrificing its sock-like feel.
Notes from the trail…
Urban runners will appreciate how seamless Merrell’s All Out Fuse makes the transition from urban asphalt to local green sanctuaries in the urban jungle. Best worn for short to medium tempo or faster runs and on less than technical trails, Gumption Gear testers appreciated its minimalist design, light-weight and rut-defying agility giving runners who prefer to feel the road (or trail) a solid choice.
Fans of Merrell’s line of minimalist running shoes will appreciate the fact that the All Out Fuse fits just as you would expect, snug in the heel with a wide enough toe box to allow toes to splay naturally. One qualm noted by the Gumption Gear run crew centered on the midpoint of the midsole and outsole where the lack of width fails to provide support for those that have slightly wider than average feet.
Bottom Line …
Your adventure doesn’t stop where the road ends. The minimalist design and agile performance of the All Out Fuse provides fleet-footed freedom on your runs from road to trail and back again.
*Gumption Gear Review received a product sample of the item featured in this review from Merrell at no cost, and receives no monetary compensation for this or any related review. The item featured was provided solely in return for our honest views and opinions.