Running Shoes & Gear: Traction that performs beyond its price and a nimble ride make the Skyfire ideal for budget-minded mountain racers.
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- Running in the Cold.
- Upper mesh is reflective and tear-resistant, but not waterproof.
Price: $100
Type: Trail
Weight: 9.0 oz (M), 8.1 oz (W)
Drop: 13 mm (M), 9.5 mm (W)
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It’s not often that a quality running shoe costs less than a year of Netflix; it’s even less common when that shoe’s also rugged enough for the trails. But, the Skyfire is that rare gem. With the help of trail runner, skyrunner, and champion snowshoe runner, Ragna Debats, Merrell designed this shoe to be lightweight and affordable with only the essentials for going fast at high, rocky elevation. For a third of the price of Ragna’s competition-level snowshoes, you get a firm rockplate within a protective, slightly stiff EVA midsole. The platform sits you close to the ground at the forefoot, but raises the heel just enough to offer a propulsive feeling when you’re trail racing or bounding up steep singletrack. While the Skyfire skimps on some outsole amenities—it uses Quantum Grip rubber lugs rather than splurging for Vibram—the upper makes fewer divergences from Merrell’s other models. The Skyfire still locks in a snug fit with an internal sleeve, and gets tear-resistant netting that spans from its TPU heel counter and toe cap.
Firm and Fast Foam
You want A) traction, B) protection, and C) plush cushioning—but you’re on a budget. Pick two. If you went with A and B, you’ll get along just fine with this Merrell. Made from thick, responsive EVA foam to hide a stiffer rockplate, the midsole doesn’t lack cushioning, but it definitely isn’t a marshmallow. Our lab data showed that the forefoot cushioning is firm and the heel cushioning is very firm, which can start to feel a little harsh if you’re cranking on hard-packed dirt for hours at a time. But, if you’re like one of our testers who prefers a harder shoe, it may be just what you want. “I was overwhelmingly impressed with the cushioning on the Skyfire,” he said. “Between the protection, responsiveness, and moderate flexibility, I felt that I could take this shoe on long races, or go out for several hours without beating up my feet.”
Most Grip for the Dollar
Underfoot, the Skyfire has aggressive 5mm-deep lugs that provide tons of traction on mud, rocks, grass, and technical trails. (The chevron outsole design that looks like the bottom of a soccer cleat is popular among trail shoes for its nice bite on soft and muddy surfaces; Salomon’s popular Supercross also uses the pattern.) The only terrain on which the Skyfire’s Quantum Grip rubber faltered was over rain-slicked rocks and scree. Though not a deal breaker by any means, we noticed that Vibram rubber does have an edge over Merrell’s Quantum Grip composite in wet conditions.
All You Need in a Spartan Upper
The Skyfire’s upper is strictly utilitarian—no fancy lacing, gaiter traps, or luxe collar cushioning—but is plenty rugged for its purpose. A simple internal bootie that snugs up tight and a molded TPU heel counter offer a secure fit with extra support when you’re plowing through sticky mud, and that outer orange mesh is tear-resistant against any nasty brambles that stand in your way. The caveat is that it’s not super cozy—for shorter runs and races, the materials are plenty comfortable. However, when you really push the mile count and your feet swell, you may notice that the interior isn’t super plush and breathable. “The upper’s interior padding felt a little rough and cheap, despite the sock-like liner on the inside,” he said. “I feel it could be a little more breathable and flexible to alleviate some rubbing on my pinky toe.”
Words from the Wear Testers
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Outsole of Salomon’s Supercross is shown above.
“The Skyfire has a nimble racer-like feel, but with a deeper bite on the trail, and a little more cushioning,” one tester said. “Hiking steep, leafy hill repeats; rock-hopping on gnarly, technical terrain; fast running on groomed trails—these shoes handled it all.”