(Update: I have now reviewed the Merrell AllOut Rush here)
In the comments section of my post yesterday on why I run in minimal shoes, the Merrell AllOut collection came up. I haven’t posted much about this line yet, but I got a chance to try them on back in May and I’m really looking forward to their arrival.
In a nutshell, the AllOut collection is new line that steps back a bit from the Merrell Barefoot collection by adding softer cushioning and a higher heel-toe drop (6mm). It’s not intended to replace Merrell Barefoot, which will continue to exist alongside AllOut, but rather to offer broader options to runners with different preferences (Merrell has already done this a bit with the Mix Master trail shoe). The last is similar to that found on shoes like the Trail Glove and Bare Access, so it retains the wide Merrell Barefoot forefoot construction that I love. Given that 4-6mm drop and slightly soft cushion is my sweet spot for a distance shoe, I’m hoping these will be a good match!
The feature Merrell is pushing in these shoes is a new sole design. The midsole is quite soft, almost squishy, but they put a firmer foam plate under the heel and forefoot to allow better feel in those areas (see photo below). This seems similar to what Newton does with the plate under the forefoot, but the Merrell shoes have no forefoot lugs like a Newton. I was only able to stand in them, and the shoes were a size too small for me, but my first impression was positive.
To give you a bit of taste of some of the shoes coming in the AllOut collection, below are preview videos that were recorded by Runningshoes.com at the 2013 Summer Outdoor Retailer Show (all images are still captures from the Runningshoes.com videos).
Merrell AllOut Rush
The Merrell AllOut Rush is a 6mm drop trail running shoe with 5mm lugs. This shoe is intended as a protective, dedicated trail running shoe.
Merrell AllOut Fuse
Whereas the AllOut Rush is a luggy trail shoe, the AllOut Fuse is more of a road-to-trail shoe with a grippy sole but no pronounced lugs. Of the two, the Fuse will probably be the better match for my typical running needs.
About Peter Larson
I’m looking forward to getting these in. I prefer to have a bit of a heel:toe drop while I am on the trails as opposed to roads. Probably so I can worry less about form and more about not falling.
I’d prefer a bit of a lower drop, but I’ll definitely be considering the Fuse as an alternative to the Bare Access. I like a firm feel for fast runs and races, but something softer for everyday would be great.
Also worth mentioning I think these are some of the best looking running shoes Merrell has ever released. Hope they perform well also. I think Merrell needed to improve to keep up/ahead of(?) with Altra and Newton – who seem to be getting better with their aethetics as well.
how much do they weigh?
Don’t know yet
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First Merrells witouth a Vibram sole?
Are they dropping the MixMaster 2? I sure hope not as I really like 0 to 4mm drop shoes. How was the flexibility in these shoes?
Haven’t heard anything about the MM2 being dropped. Flexibility is decent, but more cushion so that interferes a bit.
Do you know when they will be released?
Also, have you had a chance to review the Merrell All Out Flash. I just saw a video on them yesterday and its more of a road shoe than the fuse and is said to be less than 5 ounces.
The Rush and Flash are out now. I only have the Rush myself.
I’ve been looking for the Flash but haven’t been able to find it? Have any thoughts on the shoe?
Sorry, meant to say Fuse. Think the Flash comes later this year.
What is the bottom like on the Fuse? Is that rubber or foam (kind of like what Skechers is doing with the Go Run series)? Do you think the Fuse could be used only on roads?
Thanks…..continue to love the site…
Marc
Don’t have the Fuse unfortunately.
I’ve had the AllOut Rush for a few weeks now and have put in some decent mileage. I would absolutely love this shoe except that I can’t cinch it tight enough b/c of the lacing system. That means no technical trails which is why I bought this shoe so I’m really disappointed. I’m probably going to cut the omnifit lace straps out and see if I can use regular laces. I also use Merell’s Bare Acess and MixMaster Move and they fit fine so didn’t think my feet were that narrow. But I do think this shoe will work great for a lot of people.
I’ve found the Rush to be too firm and too heavy for my taste, just has not been a good match for me. Should be getting the Bare Access Ultra soon, high hopes for that one!
Will these shoes do well on road? Or should I go for the bare acces 3?
Thanks
I have not tried the Flash, but the Rush is not a great road shoe. To luggy, too much rubber underfoot. Feels hard.
Thanks. The fuse is better for the road? Because it is a hybrid?
Moreso since it does not have big lugs. Yes, I’d call it a hybrid shoe.
Would you recommend them for low arches? I tried them on in a store. They felt quite different from the other shoes I’ve had. I couldn’t decide if it was a good thing or not. I’ve been suffering from arch pain for months and am looking for something new.
They do have a bit of arch support, but not prominent. Really hard to say if it would be a positive or negative change since each person’s experience in a given shoe can be very different. Was your sense that it felt better or worse?
It was a different feeling. They felt good at that time but you never know until you wear them for a week or so. I am torn between this pair and a New Balance pair. The New Balance fit like gloves with less arch and heel support. I’d had their minimus in the past which was bad for my arches, so I am a little reluctant to go with another New Balance. I guess I will have to try and see if Merrell works.
Hi Peter, I am really in love with these shoes, I had a look on a web shop (Merrell is not very popular in Spain and it is difficult to find it in running shops) and maybe I buy it. The use would be two kilometers of road (from home to trail) and the rest trail areas but not very technical or difficult. Do you think is it a right use for these shoes? Now I use Mizuno Wave Ascend and I feel them very hard on road sections. Thank you.
I found the Rush to feel very hard on road sections, would not recommend for road use. I haven’t tried the Fuse so can’t comment on that one.