As a hiker and runner, these airy Merrell trail shoes are my favourite for summer - and now under £150 in the sale

Merrell has long been synonymous with walking shoes - I hiked the West Highland Way in the Moab 3s a few years back – but they're relatively new to the trail running scene. I've tested multiple pairs of the best trail running shoes over the past five years and been really impressed, but the Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx shoes are by far my favourite.

I first tried these shoes out during a few days of trail running and hiking in Gran Canaria in late spring, where I encountered warm weather, arid terrain, and steep, rocky trails. They're extremely light, and I feared they might not provide enough protection for my feet, but they were spectacular under those conditions. I've now worn them all over the world, and they're my favourite running shoe for off-road adventures in the warmer months.

An evolution of the Merrell Long Sky 2, which I tested a few years ago, these award-winning shoes are lighter and stronger, thanks to the Matryx fabric used in the uppers, and boast even more impressive grip. Now that I've been wearing them for a couple of years, they've earned the top spot in my picks for shoes for the summer.

Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx trail running shoes review

Specifications

• Size range: 2.5 - 8.5
• Weight: 200g per shoe
• Stack height: 23.5 mm - 19.5 mm
• Heel to toe drop: 4 mm
• Lug depth: 5 mm
• Waterproof version available: No
• Materials: Matryx upper, FloatPro Foam midsole, Vibram MegaGrip outsole

What are the Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx like for running?

When I pulled these shoes out of the box, I could tell that the midsole was really flexible and pretty thin compared to most of my other trail runners, such as my Keen Seek trail running shoes or the Brooks Cascadia 19s. Once I got them out on my first run – on a fairly rugged trail in the Agaete Valley – I really appreciated the benefit of this.

These shoes excel at trail feel over responsiveness, so I don't get a big bouncy ride out of them, but I can easily respond to the shifting ground beneath my feet. I would probably wear my Cascadia 19s or the Keen Seek for a longer run, but with these shoes, I feel more connected to the earth. I really feel like my feet and toes can flex properly.

The grip of these shoes continued to be the standout for me once I picked up the pace, and that didn't wane even once I flew back to the UK and tried them on the considerably damper trails of the Lake District.

Compared to most of my trail shoes, these have a very low heel-to-toe drop and with my running gait, that also translates into a nice, stable ride. This keeps my knees and ankles happy.

I've put quite a lot of use into these over nearly two years, and though some of the colour is beginning to fade, there are no signs of true wear and tear in the uppers. Even though they're a little pricier than some of the other trail running shoes I've tested, I think you'll get your money's worth.

What are the Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx shoes like for walking?

When it came time to pack for a hiking trip to Gran Canaria, I took a look at all my favourite walking shoes. I decided these were a good choice. The bright pink and orange colourway seemed perfect for a sunny holiday, and they're some of the lightest trail shoes I've ever tested, which was important, as I wanted to travel with just a carry-on.

Additionally, I was expecting warm weather. On holding these shoes up to the light, I could see that the uppers were very porous, which is usually a sign that they're going to keep my feet from getting too sweaty.

Of course, I tried them on before I boarded the plane and was pleased to find there's loads of room in the toe box, which for some reason is becoming increasingly important as I age (maybe my feet are getting wider with gravity?). However, the traditional lacing system means I can get them on easily and still secure them nicely around my midfoot, so my feet don't slide around inside them.

On that trip, I ran and hiked every day, and compared to the trails I'm used to back in Scotland, I encountered drier and rockier terrain. The first thing that struck me was how grippy the Vibram soles are on the Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx. Thanks to deep 5mm lugs, I never once skidded or lost my footing, even when I was descending a very steep, crumbly slope at quite high speed, trying to keep up with an over-enthusiastic (and very young) hiking guide.

In terms of breathability, the porous Matryx uppers did not disappoint. I could actually feel the sea breeze on my feet, which was so welcome when I was wearing these for hours on end during long, hot days. That said, I was concerned the light, flexible uppers wouldn't provide enough protection, but the reinforcements around the toes and heels have saved my feet from a lot of mishaps on the trail.

Who are the Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx trail running shoes made for?

The Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx trail running shoes might be designed with elite runners in mind, but I'm someone who just loves getting out on the trail and enjoying the views, and they really work for me.

I would recommend these shoes to anyone who wants a very lightweight pair of trail runners that give you a lot of trail sensation without sacrificing grip or protection.

I can definitely see how the low drop and thinner soles won't be for everyone, but if you find the big, bouncy maximalist approach of brands like Hoka doesn't work for you, these could be the solution. If they do, the Hoka Speedgoat 7 is one of the woman&home favourites.

They're probably not for anyone looking for trail shoes that double up as an everyday trainer. You'll want to save them for the trails.

The w&h verdict on the Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx trail running shoes

These shoes deliver superior grip, breathability and stability on rocky trails without sacrificing durability. They're light and breathable, which makes them a good choice for warmer weather and travel.

If you're only planning on jogging on flat gravel roads, or you want something that doubles as an everyday trainer, look for something with a plusher midsole. But if you want to feel the earth beneath your feet, you might fall in love with these shoes.