Merrell has added what it says is its lightest-ever trail running shoe to its range – the MTL Skyfire 2.
The shoe is now available to consumers worldwide.
“The MTL Skyfire 2 is the lightest plated trail running shoe on the market and its innovation comes in the form of extreme use capability,” said Merrell product line manager, Jon Sanregret.
“Like a track spike for the mountain, it has a unique blend of traction, under-foot protection and agility that lends itself perfectly to vertical mountain race environments and athletes looking to run far and fast.”
The elite trail runner weighs under 7 oz. while maintaining 5mm lugs and a customized webbed Vibram outsole for peak mountain traction. Its two-part, dual density FloatPro Foam midsole provides comfort to this fast racer and merges with the engineered ultralight FlexPlate.
This first of its kind FlexPlate offers torsional rigidity while maintaining forefoot flexibility to provide stability and protection in uneven terrain.
Merrell collaboration with athletes
The MTL Skyfire 2 was designed in collaboration with Merrell athletes. The brand examined the lightweight performance aspects of track shoes, infusing them with the durability of hiking shoes to give trail runners a blend of abrasion resistance, breathability, and adaptability to withstand any elements. The light, snug fit acts like a second skin allowing athletes to maintain optimal speed.
“We recognized a need from athletes to have a race shoe that was lightweight and agile yet could also withstand vertical sky racing environments – it needed stability with amazing traction and durability, and MTL Skyfire 2 is the solution,” said Sanregret.
The Vibram MegaGrip outsole is designed to offer excellent grip properties on dry and wet terrains while maintaining a higher level of durability to minimize weight and maximize strength – a custom webbed design reserved exclusively for Merrell.
The shoes are breathable engineered mesh and TPU upper; 100% recycled laces; and 100% recycled mesh footbed cover.
“The MTL Skyfire 2 is powerfully fast and practically weightless,” said Merrell athlete Rachel Tomajczyk.
“I’ve been able to set 11 Fastest Known Time records in them already and am challenging runners around the world to join me.” In addition to Tomajczyk, Merrell global athletes Ragna Debats, Lina and Sanna El Kott (Norway), Reid Burrows (Canada), and others, all supported the ideation, creation, and design of the MTL Skyfire 2.
