Merrell have a reputation for creating really comfortable footwear, and the MTL Long Sky 2 trail running shoe is no exception.
The foam midsole and insole create a well-cushioned interior that hugs and protects your foot on long runs through the hills, and there is a nice bit of padding on the tongue too for added comfort.
A little stiff on the first run, these Merrell shoes soon loosen up to a level the puts them pretty much bang in the middle of the flexibility spectrum.
The support around the heal and side of the foot is good, and the laces (100% recycled) can be tightened evenly across the top of your foot, holding it securely in place. After several runs, I found the laces – which are quite substantial in size compared to other trail running shoes on test – to hold well without coming undone.
The breathable mesh upper allows air to flow through the shoe. Like most trail running shoes, this means it isn’t waterproof, but the quick-dry construction means your feet don’t stay wet for long after a bit of rain.
One of MTL Long Sky 2’s standout features is the Vibram MegaGrip outsole. 5mm lugs give the shoe a brilliant level of traction on almost any terrain, from dry, dirt paths to wet stone. The outsole has a little bit of flex around the toe-bend area, but other than that is really quite sturdy. This combination of good traction and support make the shoe a great option of long runs on rough, varied terrain.
There are one or two interesting features, namely the gaiter D-ring behind the ankle - this makes the shoe gaiter-compatible, should you need it (most people don’t).
The MTL Long Sky 2 is available in 'tangerine' (orange-red, teal and dark green-blue). It fits as expected in terms of size, and has an average width.
The women's version of the MTL Long Sky 2 shares all the same features as the men’s model.
Facts at a glance
- RRP: £115
- Weight: 560g (men's)
- Designed for: trail running
- Waterproofing: not waterproof
- Fit: size fits as expected, standard width
- Colour: tangerine
- Buy the men's MTL Long Sky 2
- Buy the women's MTL Long Sky 2
Also consider:
Brooks Cascadia 16 Trail Running Shoe
Brooks Cascadia 16 shoes are designed with some serious cushioning, so hard, rocky trails have minimal impact on knees and joints. In fact, putting them on feels like slipping your feet into a pair of cushions.
There’s a fancy-sounding ‘Ballistic Shock Shield’, too: basically a bit of plastic underneath running along the front half of the foot to lessen the impact of pebbles and hard surfaces. But if you just wore these shoes while out running in parched, craggy environments, you’d be doing them a disservice. They’re designed for all kinds of conditions, and great for running in the British countryside.
The tread gives excellent grip and sheds well. On mucky runs through field paths, off-road in forests and on mossy ground, the purchase is excellent. Mud is nothing to them. Back on the hard paths, the support is very good both on the soles and at the sides, although they’re not quite as at home as on the trail.
Not quite what you're looking for? Read our roundup of the best trail running shoes, tried and tested by our team.
