# Lightweight Trail-Running Shoes Merrell Launches Its New the MTL Skyfire 2 Shoes By Mickey Phoon | Published 2023-04-27 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lightweight-trailrunning-shoes References: [merrell](https://www.merrell.com/US/en/mtl-collection/?rst=MTL) Merell has released its latest [lightweight trail-running shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/on-running-cloudultra) called the MTL Skyfire 2. [Merrell](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/snow-peak-x-merrell-mtl-long-sky-2-matryx-sp) Product Line Manager Jon Sanregret said: "The MTL Skyfire 2 is the lightest plated trail running shoe on the market, and its innovation comes in the form of extreme use capability. Like a track spike for the mountain, it has a unique blend of traction, under-foot protection and agility that lends itself perfectly to vertical mountain race environments and athletes looking to run far and fast." The MTL Skyfire 2 was designed with Merrell athletes, including Ragna Debats, Reid Burrows, and more. The shoes were also made in an ideal blend of [abrasion resistance, similar to hiking shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mount-to-coast-t1). The shoes weigh under 7 oz while maintaining 5 mm lugs and customized webbed Vibram soles for extra traction. Its two-part, dual-density FloatPro Foam midsole offers comfort with the engineered ultralight FlexPlate. The shoes also come in TPU uppers with a 100 percent recycled lacing system and 100 percent recycled mesh footbed cover. The MTL Skyfire 2 is available for purchase. Image Credit: Merrell ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.3/10 - Popularity: 53% | Activity: 62% | Freshness: 15% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/shoes) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Lightweight Trail-running Shoes:** The trend of designing and producing lightweight and durable trail running shoes with high performance capability, particularly in vertical mountain race environments. - **Abrasion Resistant Shoes:** The trend of producing shoes with abrasion resistance technology that can withstand harsh trail conditions during frequent or prolonged usage. - **Sustainable Footwear Materials:** The trend of using sustainable materials in the production of shoes for environmentally conscious customers who a searching for eco-friendly and sustainable options. ### Where This Applies - **Athletic Equipment Industry:** The athletic equipment industry can invest in research and development targeted at manufacturing lightweight, abrasion-resistant and high-performance trail running shoes, to meet the growing demand from the market. - **Sustainable Apparel Industry:** The sustainable apparel industry can leverage on the trend of producing footwear with materials that promote environmental sustainability, reducing carbon footprint and attracting eco-conscious consumers, to gain a competitive edge. - **Footwear Manufacturing Industry:** The footwear manufacturing industry can invest in technological advances that enhance the production of lightweight, durable and high-performance trail running shoes, to offer customers quality products with higher performance capabilities. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Ultra-Training Trail Runners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/snow-peak-x-merrell-mtl-long-sky-2-matryx-sp.md) - [Elite Ultramarathon Running Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/merrell-mtl-adapt-matryx.md) - [Ultramarathon Trail Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/merrell-agility-peak-6.md) - [Lightweight Adaptive Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/speedarc-matis.md) - [Chunky Dynamic Trail Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/speedarc-surge-boa.md) - [Collaborative Trail Race Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/soar-and-altra.md) - [Trail Racing Shoe Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-north-face-summit-series-vectiv-sky-shoes.md) - [Harsh Terrain Trail Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mount-to-coast-t1.md) - [Efficient Energy Return Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/merrell-speedarc-surge-boa.md)