Merrell - MTL Skyfire 2

After trying a few different shoes, I've decided that Merrell Long Sky 2 and Skyfire 2 are perfect for me. Fairly firm, don't have a massive drop and grippy enough for all but the worst weather conditions. I also have some Inov-8 x-talon 212 which come in handy when it's wet and muddy. I don't think they make them anymore, very narrow shoe but I've run varying distances up to 32km in them with no problems.

I've got around 450km on mine, used them for runs up to 40km with no issues when I was training for an ultra earlier this year. The grip is still good on them and I've found them super comfortable but I noticed some tears on the upper last week. Planning to keep them until they fall apart and would buy another pair, no doubt. I have the skyfire 2 as well, also a fan.

Merrell skyfire 2 although I've just ordered a pair of lone peaks to try out. I liked the long sky 2 as well but the uppers developed some tears after about 540km.

I use Skyfire 2s for almost all my trail running. Longest run I've done in them so far has been a 50k ultra. With 482km on them, I think they're reaching the end of the line but I'll squeeze a few more runs out of my current pair before I retire them. I have another pair ready to replace them. Also had Long Sky 2 but the upper tore after 543km, they were also a great shoe.

Hoka Speedgoat 6 Hoka Torrent 3 Merrell MTL Skyfire 2 Used to mainly run the speedgoats. Picked up the Torrents on sale. And realized how much I liked more minimal yet technical shoes. I hardly run over ten miles anyways. Enter the Merrells. Which are amazing.

I have put a boatload of technical climby miles into the Merrell MTL Skyfire 2s this year. They feel like an XC equivalent and I'm a fan. Go have fun! 

Slightly different, but I have the MTL Skyfire 2s with the Matryx upper and I absolutely love them. I like what Merrell is doing for a lower stack, super light, reliably grippy shoe. And I've gone up to 50k in them in a day; not the intended use, but my feet weren't too unhappy.

Mentioned elsewhere – I love the Merrell MTL Skyfire 2 (Matryx). You can find deals on them. And though not geared toward long stuff I've taken them 25+ miles comfortably.

I had the Skyfire 2 too, but most I've taken it was a 17K race and it was borderline for me. Also, lasted 150km for me before the midsole collapsed at the heels (I weight 70kg). The Long Skys will reach 250km this weekend, so longer lasting in my experience.

It is my impression that heavy cushioning and stability work against each other. I personally go for lighter cushioning as I prefer being able to handle uneven terrain with ease, never falling. For this I go with merrell MTL shoes: Long Sky for backpacking (half size bigger). Skyfire for trail running. The stability and ground feel is amazing with these very light shoes, especially Skyfire. But, the cushioning is probably much lighter than you desire.

You described my feet to a T. I have relief on Salomons in the past. I’m waiting on an order of Hoka Speedgoats (5) as I wanted to try something new. For very technical, I purchased a pair of Merrell Skyfire Matryx which are amazingly narrow and light. I also wear specialized insoles in all shoes, which I highly recommend.

Over the years I’ve worn trail runners from Merrill and Salomon, or standard running shoes from Nike and NB. A comfortable fit was the main criteria. Even on wet ground I’d rather have fast drying sneakers than boots.

I actually have those Merrels in blue. I love them.

I wouldn't know haha. I have some wide feet and have no problems. About 100 miles of trails and they look like they are brand new besides mud stains.

Just came back from Val Gardena area (Col Rodella/Antermoia/Vajolet Towers). I used my Merrill Trail runners but packed a pair of black Rothy Mary Janes for pre and post in Munich and Innsbruck. They pack up flat, go anywhere and are comfy for walking. Highly recommend if it's not too late! 

I’ve got two pairs of trail runners 1 merrell and 1 Nike Pegasus gtx. Both 9.5ik size. The merrell are roomier but have a slightly harder sole. The Nike have a softer sole but are tight across the width of the foot. So as others have said try and get to a running shop and try them on with different types of socks.