The RW Takeaway: A propulsive, featherlight trail shoe with exceptional grip for steep mountain running and agility for technical trail races up to 50K.

Available: May 1, 2023; $200

    After three years in Merrell’s Test Lab, the brand’s elite athlete product incubator, the Skyfire returns at exactly double the price. The modest yet capable budget model The debut Skyfire used Merrells slightly softer Quantum Grip outsole rubber.

    “Minimalist shoes are my preference, so I’d pick these for up to 50K of gravel, mud, and rock hopping,” said one tester. “The cushioning is a step up from a barefoot shoe or track spike, but it doesn’t feel too tall or add much weight.” Another tester agreed, saying the Skyfire was like “a racing flat with lugs,” with its snug fit and snappy ride on grassy cross-country courses.

    merrell mtl skyfire 2

    A nylon-based plate runs the full length of the shoe. With the feedback of Merrell’s trail athletes, the company worked through several iterations until it achieved the right plate design: four lengthwise slices aligned with the toes and one deep notch up front. This makes it stiff longitudinally, but flexible from side to side to maneuver uneven terrain.

    With its snug fit and snappy ride, the Skyfire 2 feels like “a racing flat with lugs.”

    That plate sits between two layers of Merrell’s most responsive foam, called FloatPro. Still made from EVA, it adds springy elastomers for improved energy return. Though slightly denser beneath the plate and softer above, the midsole feels pretty firm throughout.

    green, footwear, shoe, flip flops, illustration,
    Lakota Gambill
    The debut Skyfire used Merrell’s slightly softer Quantum Grip outsole rubber.
    merrell mtl skyfire 2
    Thomas Hengge
    For v2, Merrell uses durable Vibram rubber in a new webbed design to save weight.

    The chevron outsole lugs still measure 5mm, but they are made from Vibram MegaGrip rubber instead of Merrell’s Quantum Grip. No testers reported slippage with the Merrell equivalent, but Vibram adds more durability. It excelled on gravel, according to our testers, though most found that it was best for dry terrain. “I don’t see any wear on the sole after 200-plus miles. But the downside is this hard rubber isn’t great on wet surfaces,” our minimalist-shoe tester reported.

    More Tester Feedback

    Ben H. | Tester since 2012

    Arch Height: High | Pronation: Neutral | Footstrike: Midfoot

    “The Skyfire is a racing shoe and knows it—it’s doing everything it can to make you run fast on trails. The upper is mostly made of a woven plasticky material that’s light, non-absorbent, and super tough. It has a narrow fit and doesn’t have as much stretch as normal cloth, but I had zero issues with rubbing or hot spots.

    merrell mtl skyfire 2
    Thomas Hengge
    An elastic band secures the laces so they don’t flop in the mud.

    “The lacing system locks down the front of the shoe and lets you rip down rocky trails. I found it hugged my foot snugly when moving fast on gnarly technical terrain and it held tight on steep muddy climbs. The shape of the foam around the ankle collar made the heel feel less secure, though not enough to slip or cause any issues.

    “I had a few minor slips on steep, wet roads and rocks—it was just enough slipping to make me feel like I couldn’t quite go full speed on the hard surfaces. On mud, dirt, and gravel, I could go full speed in any trail condition, wet or dry.”