Merrell MTL Skyfire 2

We find ourselves with the new version of the Merrell MTL Skyfire 2. One of the bets of the North American brand to make a difference in competitions on mountain terrain.

Its launch is of such importance that RUNNEA has proposed a detailed analysis with two of our most experienced #RunTester of the RUNNEA TEAM:Sonia Domínguez Rodríguez and Raúl Lozano. Here are their impressions and evaluations of one of the candidates to become the best trail running shoes of the year for fast running.

First impressions of the Merrell MTL Skyfire 2

SONIA DOMÍNGUEZ. Despite being only the second edition of this model is a completely renovated shoe. We can say that this second version is more focused on competition compared to its predecessor, the original version of the Merrell MTL Skyfire, which was more oriented to daily training.

One of the big bets of these Merrell is the nylon plate added in the heel that gives it a bit of structure and in the midsole from the toe to the heel of the shoe, looking for reactivity and adaptability to the terrain, and gaining more lightness.

RAUL LOZANO. I would never have imagined having in my hands, and my feet, such a light (190 grams) and fast trail running shoe. The lightest Merrellshoe and built from Merrell Test Lab (MTL), the testing laboratory for the brand's top products. The truth is that it is a model that fits like a glove for my weight, light, and my type of tread, neutral.

My expectations were low, as I do not consider myself a fast runner in the mountains, but from the first day I have managed to reduce my times on regular routes. Therefore, I'm really enjoying the way they are behaving, as I'm improving my performance.

What kind of runners are the Merrell MTLl Skyfire 2 for?

SONIA DOMÍNGUEZ. Unlike their first version, these new Merrell shoes are aimed at runners with very good technique, fast and very demanding.

As we mentioned before, to achieve this light weight, the shoe has practically no structure and very little protection, so it is designed for very light runners.

CompetitionShoe for very short and explosive distances. For runners who are not used to this type of concept it would be a very punctual option for very short distances.

RAUL LOZANO. Designed for trail runners with light weight and neutral tread, as we said before, this is a model for running at very high paces with good technique. It is in the lower weight range for trail running shoes, with an upper with almost no structure and a heel with little chassis, which offers little protection in technical areas but great flexibility. It is true that a sad gram counts on climbs, but they also need stability on descents and more difficult terrain.

Best trail running shoes 2023

It is a minimalist model with minimal padding, a very thin tongue and a 6 mm drop. Suitable for short distance racing. A competition model, but also for fast training.

What we liked most about the Merrell MTL Skyfire 2

SONIA DOMÍNGUEZ. From my point of view the strong points to highlight of these shoes are the lightness, the grip and the design of the sole for greasy terrain.

The Merrell MTL Skyfire 2 is only 190 grams, thanks to the upper being almost non-existent, practically transparent, which does not provide any structure. As this is a shoe focused on competition, they have introduced the FLoatPro compound, which is more reactive in the front part.

The outsole is very different from what we have seen so far, with a Vibram Megagrip spider web pattern, which gives you the best performance in terms of grip to the ground. Lugs with a very good prominence, with those 5 mm makes it a very versatile shoe in terms of terrain, whether more compact or with more mud. The front part is oriented to forward displacement and the rear part is more oriented to braking.

Best trail running shoes from Merrell

RAUL LOZANO. Its cushioning and reactivity come from the hand of an inner fiberglass plate, which is wrapped by two pieces of FloatPro foam. This plate seeks more adaptability to the terrain than the carbon plate can provide. A more reactive FloatPro in the front, while in the rear it provides greater comfort and cushioning. It also favors agility and speed in the race with good foot protection.

These are its strengths along with a brutal grip that is achieved with a kind of spider web in the sole, Vibram Megagrip, with 5 mm lugs makes it very versatile and works perfectly in compact and muddy terrain.

Opportunities for improvement in the Merrell MTL Skyfire 2

SONIA DOMÍNGUEZ. The lack of structure to make this second version of the Merrell MTL Skyfire a truly lightweight model has a side effect on durability.

RAUL LOZANO. With all the good things that these MTL Skyfire 2 from Merrell bring with them, it seems that one of their weak points can be found in the durability aspect. Perhaps it also lacks a little more protection in the toe area.

What are the direct rivals of these Merrell MTL Skyfire 2?

ASICS Fuji Speed

HOKA Zinal

Inov-8 X Talon 212

NNormal Kjerag

Nike Terra Kiger 9

La Sportiva Akyra

Final conclusions about the Merrell MTL Skyfire 2

SONIA DOMÍNGUEZ. Shoe purely focused on competition, and over short distances. Capable of bringing out your best version, if you are looking to improve your times in the mountains, but, as long as you are aware that you need a rather refined running technique. I prefer this combination of lightness, reactivity and grip on the ground.

RAUL LOZANO. In short, a new evolution of the Merrell MTL Skyfire, which has nothing to do with the first model. A huge change, a featherweight and minimalist design to fly down the mountain. Lightweight but very technically advanced, they carry in their DNA the competition in short races.

RUNNEA testers' ratings

• Lightweight: 9 (Sonia) | 9 (Raul)
• Responsiveness: 8 (Sonia) | 8 (Raul)
• Cushioning: 7 (Sonia) | 8 (Raul)
• Stability: 7 (Sonia) | 8 (Raul)
• Flexibility: 8 (Sonia) | 7 (Raul)
• Grip: 9 (Sonia) | 9 (Raul)