The Merrell MTL Skyfire 2 Matryx is a lightweight trail running shoe that packs a punch far beyond its 230g weight (UK men's size 9). As a novice to the world of trail running, I approached this shoe with a mix of excitement and trepidation. Could a shoe really teach me how to navigate the trails? The MTL in its name stands for Merrell Test Lab, and boy, did it put me through my paces.
From the moment I laced up it was clear this wasn't just another running shoe. The Matryx kevlar fiber upper hugged my foot like a second skin, while the FloatPro dual density midsole promised a ride that would keep me connected to the trail without sacrificing comfort. But how would it perform when taken from the outskirts of my local park to the dizzying heights of Trolltunga in Norway? Let's break it down.
Pros
- Exceptional traction on varied terrain
- Lightweight and responsive
- Secure, adaptive fit
- Encourages good trail running form
Cons
- Minimal cushioning may not suit ultra-distances
- Premium price point
- Minimal toe protection
| Weight: | 230g (UK men's size 9) |
| Drop: | 6mm |
| Stack Height: | 31.5mm heel / 24mm forefoot |
| Upper: | Matryx kevlar fiber |
| Midsole: | FloatPro dual density foam |
| Outsole: | 5mm Vibram Megagrip |
Upper
The Matryx kevlar fiber upper is a marvel of engineering. It's incredibly lightweight yet offers a level of durability that gave me confidence when tackling rocky terrain. The breathability is excellent, allowing my feet to stay cool even during intense uphill climbs.
What struck me most was how the upper seemed to mold to my foot over time, creating a custom-like fit that enhanced the shoe's performance. The secure heel and midfoot lockdown were particularly noticeable when navigating technical descents, preventing any unwanted sliding within the shoe.
One minor gripe: the minimal toe bumper. While it offered adequate protection for most of my runs, I did feel a bit vulnerable when scrambling over larger rocks on the Norwegian trails.
Midsole
The FloatPro dual density midsole is where the magic happens. As a trail running novice, I was surprised by how the midsole seemed to guide my foot placement. On easier trails, it encouraged a faster turnover, while on technical terrain it provided just enough ground feel to help me adapt my stride.
The Flexplate, sandwiched between the midsole layers, offered excellent protection against sharp rocks without sacrificing flexibility. This was particularly noticeable during a grueling ascent of Trolltunga, where the varied terrain put the shoe through its paces.
While the cushioning might not be plush enough for ultra-distances, it struck a perfect balance for my shorter (1-2 hour) trail adventures. The responsiveness of the midsole was a joy on faster sections, providing a springy feel that made me want to pick up the pace.
Outsole
The 5mm Vibram Megagrip outsole is a standout feature of the Skyfire 2. As someone new to trail running it was a confidence-inducing game-changer. Whether I was navigating muddy park trails or scrambling over wet Norwegian rocks, the traction never faltered.
The aggressive, chevron-shaped lugs bit into soft ground with ease, while still performing admirably on harder packed trails. I was particularly impressed by how the outsole handled transitions between different surfaces, allowing me to maintain my rhythm without constantly adjusting my footwork.
The durability of the outsole has been impressive so far, showing minimal wear even after subjecting it to some pretty gnarly terrain.
Features
A feature that really stood out to me was the unique lacing system, particularly the high lace loop. Initially, I was skeptical, and my first couple of runs felt slightly uncomfortable on the upper ankle, but after some experimentation I found it allowed for an incredibly secure fit, especially useful on technical descents.
The gusseted tongue is another winner, staying perfectly in place and preventing any debris from entering the shoe. This was particularly appreciated during runs through loose, gravelly sections of trail.
The option to add screws or hobnails to the outsole for extra traction is an interesting addition, though not something I needed during my testing. It's nice to know the option is there for more extreme conditions.
Sustainability
Merrell has made some efforts towards sustainability with the Skyfire 2, notably the use of recycled materials in the laces and mesh lining. The durability of the shoe also contributes to its sustainability, as it's likely to last longer than less robust trail shoes.
There's definitely room for improvement, though. I'd love to see Merrell push further in this direction, perhaps incorporating more recycled materials into the midsole or upper in future iterations.
Verdict
The Merrell MTL Skyfire 2 Matryx is a revelation for newcomers to trail running (me). It manages to be both forgiving enough for beginners and performant enough for more experienced trail enthusiasts. The shoe seemed to actively guide me in developing better trail running form, encouraging a more nimble, responsive style of movement.
While the £170 price tag might seem steep, the versatility and durability of the Skyfire 2 make it a worthwhile investment for those serious about getting into trail running. It's not just a shoe; it's a teacher, a confidence-booster, and a reliable companion on the trails.
For anyone looking to transition from road to trail, or for experienced trail runners seeking a lightweight, responsive shoe for shorter races and training runs, the Merrell MTL Skyfire 2 Matryx is an excellent choice. It opened my eyes to the joys of trail running and left me eager to explore more challenging terrain.
How we tested
As a complete novice to trail running, I put the Merrell MTL Skyfire 2 Matryx through its paces in a variety of settings over a one-month period. My adventures ranged from easy 5-10k runs through my local parks to a challenging 20k route culminating in the iconic Trolltunga in Norway.
The shoe saw everything from muddy, root-laden forest trails to technical, rocky mountain paths. It experienced wet conditions, dry dusty trails, and even some light snow at higher elevations. My longest single outing in the shoe was a 6-hour trek in the Norwegian fjords.
About the author
James Roe is a mountain explorer first and a trail runner second. He cut his teeth in the outdoor industry writing articles for adventure magazine Mpora, where he discovered an affinity for alpine expeditions at the good 'ol Arc'teryx climbing academy. He has since tackled the Welsh 3000s plus a handful of rocky scrambles across the UK and Europe, preferring nimble trail running shoes over chunky walking boots.
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