Merrell MTL Long Sky Trail Running Shoes

With lightweight, tear-resistant fabric, a medial post and an aggressive Vibram® Megagrip rubber sole, this race-day shoe is everything trail athletes need to adapt on long runs in rugged mountain terrain.

Breathable Mesh Upper

Designed to keep your feet comfortable, dry and ventilated the Merrell MTL Long Sky Running Shoes have been constructed using a waterproof mesh upper. The mesh acts as a lightweight second skin to ensure you are able to go the distance in complete comfort. Perforations in the fabric encourage cool air to circulate, removing uncomfortable heat build-up to create a healthy environment for your foot to thrive in. As well as this, TPU has also been used within the upper to provide durability and support. The TPU has been placed in specific areas along the upper to ensure lightweight abrasion resistance to give you confidence on the trails. A breathable mesh lining also sits comfortably against the skin and increases ventilation whilst an internal bootie provides a locked-in fit. A moulded TPU heel counter ensures added stability in the heel to ensure a lock-in fit. The heel counter works with the traditional lacing system to lock down the foot so you can enjoy distraction-free strides. Completing the upper are reflective details which increase your visibility on late night adventures.

EVA Foam Midsole

The midsole has been constructed using different technologies to ensure long-lasting comfort and increased cushioning. EVA within the midsole offers supreme cushioning and support to key areas like the arch and heel, holding the foot securely in place for a smoother transition and wear. By supporting these key areas of the foot, the midsole material can also help to offer enough support to help prevent discomfort and possible injury. Generous, soft and durable, the EVA spares your joints as you strike down onto hard, unforgiving surfaces. Exceptionally lightweight, the EVA ensures long-lasting cushioning to keep you comfortable on long-distance days. EVA is extremely firm, which will absorb shocks instantly and effectively, preventing them from causing any damage to the sole of the foot. The energy produced from this will also be returned as a rebound, which will give you an added spring in your step. A medial post has also been used within the midsole to provide light pronation control so you will always feel supported on the trails. Completing the midsole is a removable EVA foam insole which works to provide additional cushioning and comfort.

Vibram Megagrip

Developed using a Vibram Megagrip outsole, the MTL Long Sky provides extreme grip and traction for all surface wear. Developed for extremely slippery terrain, the extremely durable rubber can form a solid bond with the ground to anchor you in place. Despite facing abuse from rough ground, the rubber stands up against this, deflecting the blows and retaining a strong shape and structure. Ensuring multi-directional grip the outsole ensures traction on varied terrain ensuring confident footing on varied terrain. The durable rubber provides a strong grip on the most challenging terrain; it works to protect itself from damage, and protect users from losing control and slipping. Completing the outsole are 5mm lugs which dig deep into the ground when braking or changing direction. The deep lugs are able to anchor the foot into the wet and muddy ground, securing you into place whilst also forming a solid base to push off from.

Shoe Review

The Merrell MTL Long Sky is a trail shoe specifically designed for long-distance running on mountainous, alpine terrain. This is the first time I've ever worn anything from Merrell, so understandably it took me a few runs to get used to the fit and feel of the shoes. However, I found that the more I wore them, the more I liked them.

The Long Sky Trail is a hard-wearing shoe made to cope with heavy duty mileage and built to last. The shoe is a wide fit, not my preferred choice, so I really had to tighten the laces. Thankfully, the unique lacing system and tongue construction is just about the best I've ever used, allowing for plenty of adjustment and providing a secure and comfortable fit. The laces and loops attached to the uppers are both made from very hard-wearing materials, helping to increase their durability and life-span. This lacing system is my favourite feature of the shoe and it really made a difference in terms of providing more comfort, especially on longer training runs. The uppers are made from a rugged mesh, which helped to keep my feet protected and increase breathability. The heel mesh is super-strong and durable, providing enhanced support but also allowing enough flexibility and movement when running on challenging off-road terrain. The outsole of the Long Sky is very unique in design, as Merrell have opened up the rubber in the midfoot, essentially breaking the sole into three sections and therefore improving both flexibility and traction. The midsole is made from a firm foam material, which includes a medial post that sits in between the two pieces of rubber on the outsole. This has been designed to give more support, particularly for longer distances.

Overall, I've found this shoe to be extremely hard-wearing, adaptable to changing terrain and a solid, dependable choice for long and ultra-distance running.

Ben Mounsey - SportsShoes Trail Athlete