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Merrell Antora 4: Complete Review & Comparison Guide
In-depth review of the Merrell Antora 4. See how it compares to similar value trail shoes, specs, pros, cons, and where to buy.
Merrell Antora 4: Complete Review & Comparison Guide
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Check your local running store or online retailers for availability.
Overview
The Merrell Antora 4 is Merrell's value-oriented trail shoe—offering solid performance for roads and light trails at accessible pricing. At MSRP: $130, it provides reliable cushioning and grip for runners exploring trail running without significant investment.
This is Merrell's entry point: quality trail performance at value pricing.
Key Specifications
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Category | Trail |
| Cushion Level | Moderate |
| Heel-to-Toe Drop | 6mm |
| Weight (Men's/Women's) | 9.5oz / 8.0oz |
| Stack Height | 28mm heel / 22mm forefoot |
| Pronation Support | Neutral |
| Width Options | Standard |
| MSRP | MSRP: $130 |
| Surface | Trail |
What It's Known For
The Antora 4's combination of comfortable cushioning and reliable grip makes it ideal for runners transitioning from roads to trails. It handles light trail conditions and easy terrain without the specialized features (or price) of technical trail shoes.
Runners appreciate the Antora's ability to handle casual trail running without breaking the budget.
Why Runners Love It
Pros
-
Good Value: Trail performance at MSRP: $130.
-
Versatile: Handles roads and light trails.
-
Comfortable: Easy cushioning for daily training.
What Some Runners Don't Like
Cons
-
Less Technical Grip: Not for rough terrain.
-
Not for Rough Terrain: Stick to maintained trails.
Who Should Consider This Shoe
The Merrell Antora 4 is ideal for:
- Trail-curious runners (15-50 miles per week) exploring trails
- 5K to half marathon on light trails
- Budget-conscious runners wanting trail capability
- Those transitioning from road to trail
Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere
Consider other options if you:
- Run technical terrain
- Need aggressive grip
- Want specialized performance
- Run in mud or wet conditions
How It Compares: Cross-Brand Comparison
| Shoe | Cushion | Drop | Weight (M) | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Merrell Antora 4 | Moderate | 6mm | 9.5oz | MSRP: $130 | Value light trail |
| Brooks Cascadia 18 | Moderate | 8mm | 10.9oz | MSRP: $150 | All-terrain versatility |
| Saucony Peregrine 14 | Moderate | 4mm | 9.2oz | MSRP: $140 | Technical trail |
| ASICS Gel-Trabuco 12 | Moderate | 8mm | 10.4oz | MSRP: $130 | GEL trail cushion |
| New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v8 | High | 4mm | 10.8oz | MSRP: $150 | Cushioned trail |
Merrell Lineup: Same-Brand Comparison
| Shoe | Cushion | Drop | Weight (M) | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antora 4 | Moderate | 6mm | 9.5oz | MSRP: $130 | Value trail |
| Moab Speed 2 | Moderate | 6mm | 11.8oz | MSRP: $140 | Trail to hike |
| Agility Peak 5 | High | 6mm | 10.6oz | MSRP: $150 | Ultra-distance |
| MTL Long Sky 2 | Moderate | 8mm | 8.3oz | MSRP: $160 | Trail racing |
| MTL Skyfire 2 | Low | 4mm | 7.4oz | MSRP: $150 | Mountain racing |
Final Verdict
The Merrell Antora 4 delivers solid trail performance at accessible pricing. It's for runners exploring trail running who want reliable performance without major investment.
For value-focused light trail running, the Antora 4 is an excellent choice.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Check your local running store or online retailers for availability.