FLEXIBLE FLIER
Good for Packed Trails
Like to blaze along your local fire road or creek path? The extremely light and flexible Paragon is tailor-made for off-road tempo runs and speed work. A sleek tread and multiple forefoot grooves make for a supple feel on the flats, but the Paragon doesn’t have enough traction or underfoot armor for steep or obstacle-strewn trails. The shoe is not designed to keep your foot dry in a storm, but the upper’s materials don’t soak up water, so it doesn’t get waterlogged in the rain. Bonus: If dusting your training partners isn’t reason enough to feel good, many of the materials are recycled. 11.2 oz; merrell.com
