Good for road too

The Rubato from Merrell Same brand only:

for wide feet
Same brand only
We earn affiliate commissions at no extra cost to you when you buy through us

Merrell Rubato Mouth opening

Track and field

If you are planning to traverse more challenging, rocky terrains that require a higher level of stability and grip from your trail shoes, consider the Hoka Speedgoat 5 or the Topo Athletic Ultraventure 3 (Mar 31, 2021).

Solid grip on moderate terrain

Runners are happy with the Rubato's performance on both dry and wet rocks, hilly trails, and wet inclines, in addition to concrete and asphalt.

However, most of them do not recommend the shoe for demanding soft ground and mug given its rather shallow lugs. "You may struggle in a bog," says a reviewer.

Merrell Rubato Outsole

Topo Athletic Ultraventure 3

The cushioning of this Merrell shoe surprised many experienced runners with its lively and springy characteristic. It is especially tangible on hard-packed trails and roads. Here is what the reviewers have to say about the cushioning:

"Same brand only"
"offers springiness and energy return"

What's more, the shoe's got a 31.5 mm stack height which is plenty of cushioning to handle longer runs.

However, there is a downside to the shoe's bounciness. It makes the Rubato less appropriate for technical trails with lots of rocks and roots. More than a few runners refer to it as "wobbly" in that kind of environment.

Merrell Rubato Midsole

is best suited for trail runners looking for the following

For athletes seeking to achieve more natural biomechanics from their footwear, the Rubato is a pleasant surprise. This trail shoe comes with a 0 mm heel-to-toe differential, placing the foot in a more natural position.

A reviewer familiar with this setup is happy that "it mitigates any stress on [his] knees."

Merrell Rubato Side

Jens Jakob Andersen

The majority of runners took note of the shoe's wide, barefoot-like toebox. It offers plenty of space to welcome wide feet as well as feet that swell up during the run.

Merrell Rubato Upper

Inside the shoe, the upper offers smooth and well-padded coverage. However, there doesn't seem to be enough of a foothold. More than a few reviewers have complained about their heels slipping out of the shoe:

"heel section was too shallow for my foot so they slipped off"
"padding doesn't feel like it encloses your foot well"

Merrell Rubato Insole

Categories