Merrell Antora 4 WP Women's Waterproof Trail Running Shoes Muted Sage

The Merrell Antora 4 WP Muted Sage are women's waterproof trail running shoes with light knitted mesh, a cushioned midsole and a rubber outsole with grip lugs, made for running and walking comfortably on trails even when the ground is wet. We selected them at Calzados Vesga because they are a good way into trail: light, cushioned and with the extra protection of the WP version.

Technical Specifications

A light trail shoe that copes with rain

Trail running demands grip, protection and comfort and, in autumn and winter, a dry foot. The Antora 4 WP offers all of this with a rubber sole with lugs that bites into loose ground, a reinforced toe cap that protects the toes, a midsole that cushions descents and a waterproof membrane that stops liquid water getting in. It is not a racing shoe nor a maximal one: it is a balanced shoe, comfortable from the first day.

The membrane sits between the mesh and the lining, so the shoe keeps a clean look and a moderate weight. Being a low model, it protects against rain and puddles, but not against water coming in over the collar.

It is a very sensible choice if you are starting out on the trails, walk in the countryside daily in damp weather or want a light, protected sports shoe for mixed terrain.

Design and style: tonal Muted Sage

The Muted Sage colour combines a light sage green in the mesh, with a darker, perforated zone in the centre, with a midsole in greyish green with a dark speckle and a cream outsole that lightens the whole. A sand-toned overlay on the heel carries the brand name in large letters, and a small metallic piece on the side and the padded collar complete a discreet, modern design.

The midsole has a wavy profile reminiscent of natural terrain and carries the name of its technology on the side. The toe carries a protective piece in the same tone.

The silhouette is low and aerodynamic, with a firm heel, a padded tongue and a soft collar that prevents rubbing at the ankle. Its neutral, natural tone makes it more discreet than other trail models and easy to wear off the trail.

Materials and finish

The upper is knitted mesh, a light fabric with overlays that replace traditional stitching and reduce weight. The toe and heel carry protective pieces that look after the toes and stabilise the foot.

The midsole is a cushioning foam, designed to absorb impact with each stride. The insole is cushioned and comfortable, and the lining is textile.

The sole is rubber, with mid-depth lugs that clear mud and grip on earth and grass. Its pattern is made for mixed terrain and not very technical trails.

Everyday comfort

A comfortable trail shoe must cushion, hold and stay light. The Antora 4 WP cushions with a generous midsole, holds with a firm heel and adjustable laces and keeps a reasonable weight despite the membrane.

The standard fit leaves room for the toes on long descents, when the foot tends to slide forward, and the padded collar prevents rubbing at the Achilles tendon.

A practical tip: if you are going to run long descents or wear thick technical socks, try half a size up. For short or urban use, your usual size will be right.

When to wear them

It is a shoe for trail running training in changeable weather, for light hiking routes on damp ground, for country walks and for anyone who wants a cushioned sports shoe that copes with rain.

It is not a mountain boot: being a low model, it does not keep out water that comes in over the collar nor can the foot be submerged. For deep snow or technical routes with a heavy load, a boot with a shaft offers more protection, and in summer a shoe without a membrane is cooler.

How to style them

With long leggings or technical trousers and a windproof jacket, they make up the basic winter trail kit. With hiking trousers and a waterproof jacket, they suit mountain routes. On the street, their sage green goes very well with earth tones, beige, white and denim.

Seamless technical socks, preferably in synthetic fibre or fine merino wool, improve comfort and reduce rubbing.

Size guide

The model comes in EU 37 to 41, with half sizes (37.5, 38.5), with a standard fit: neither especially small nor especially large. If you are between two sizes, choose the larger one, above all if you have a high instep, a wide foot or plan to run long descents; in trail it pays to leave a little room at the front.

Approximate UK equivalents: EU 37 is about UK 4, EU 38 about UK 5, EU 39 about UK 6, EU 40 about UK 6.5 and EU 41 about UK 7. These are indicative only and vary between makers, so refer to the brand's size chart. With laces you can tune the pressure precisely, but the inner length is fixed: between two sizes, the larger one with firm lacing usually works best.

Care and maintenance

• Remove dry mud with a soft bristle brush and clean the mesh with a damp cloth, without running water.
• Let the pair dry at room temperature with newspaper inside, away from radiators or direct heat.
• Do not put them in the washing machine or the dryer, which damage the bonding, the foam and the membrane.
• Alternate two pairs if you train daily so the foam recovers its cushioning.

With these basic steps, the shoe keeps its look and the membrane keeps performing for many kilometres.

Our verdict at Calzados Vesga

We think it is a very solid buy for anyone who wants a light, comfortable trail shoe that copes with rain. Its main strength is that it combines things that rarely come together: cushioning, lightness, grip lugs and waterproof protection at a balanced price. Its limit is that of any low shoe: it does not shield the ankle from deep water, and it is not made for very technical terrain.

About the Merrell brand

Merrell is an American brand specialising in outdoor footwear, known for comfortable, accessible hiking and trail shoes and boots. See more options in our women's mountain and hiking shoes section or in the women's sports shoes and trainers category.

Frequently asked questions

Are they waterproof?

Yes, this is the WP version, with a waterproof membrane that blocks liquid water. Being a low model, they protect against rain and puddles, but not against water coming in over the collar.

Do these run small?

No, they follow a standard fit. Order your usual size and go up half a size if you have wide feet or run long descents.

Are they comfortable all day?

Yes. They are light, cushioned and have a padded collar. They suit training and also active everyday life.

Can I use them for hiking?

Yes, for easy routes and light hiking. For technical routes with a heavy load, a boot with a shaft gives more support.

How do I clean them?

With a soft brush and a damp cloth, no washing machine or dryer. Let them dry in the air, away from radiators.

Are they hot in summer?

With a membrane, they are slightly less cool than a shoe without one. For intense heat a light model without a membrane is better.

What size should I choose with wide feet?

Half a size above your usual. The laces let you loosen the instep, but a trail shoe should be roomy across the width of the foot.

Delivery, returns and secure checkout

Delivery anywhere in Europe takes 4 to 6 working days. Shipping is charged by destination country and calculated at checkout. Returns from outside Spain are at the customer's expense. Payment is secure, and an experienced member of the team answers any sizing question before you order.

Why buy from Calzados Vesga

We are a family shoe shop on the main square of Burgos, northern Spain, with over fifty years behind the counter. We work with a curated selection of brands rather than an endless catalogue, and we know each model because we try it and sell it in our shop. Before and after purchase you deal with a real person.

Are these your shoes?

Yes, if you want a light, cushioned, grippy, waterproof trail shoe. Perhaps not, if you need a mountain boot, a very cool summer shoe or a model for very technical terrain.

If you want a shoe to start in trail or to walk in the countryside comfortably even when it rains, the Merrell Antora 4 WP Muted Sage are a safe choice, available now at calzadosvesga.com.