This shoe is packed with so many technical feats that it can sometimes be hard for consumers to understand exactly what it's for. So here's an easy overview.
Merrell MTL SpeedARC Peak is built to run fast when the terrain gets uneven, technical, and wet. If you want to see some examples of this in practice, watch the video below where we went on a trail run to show you exactly where it excels.
Merrell MTL SpeedARC Peak
| Specification | MTL Speedarc peak |
|---|---|
| Type | Trail |
| Drop | 6 mm |
| Weight | 305g (Men US 9) |
| Midsole | FloatPro™ Infinity (PEBA) / FloatPro™ |
| Upper | Matryx |
| Outsole | Vibram Megagrip Elite |
Specifications are based on standard size and may vary slightly between colors/models.
One tough task
It seems that Merrell's designers in MTL (Merrell Test Lab) were given one task five years ago: "Create the most technically advanced shoe possible." What they ended up with is Merrell MTL SpeedARC Peak – a robust grip monster that propels you forward on shorter, technical trails. A shoe for runners who love to move fast in challenging terrain, but it's not designed to be a comfortable shoe for extra-long 100-mile runs.
Some companies love to develop their own technology, while others rely on established market leaders. With MTL SpeedARC Peak, Merrell chose the latter path for much of the shoe. A Matryx upper (a thin, highly durable Kevlar weave) and a Vibram Megagrip Elite outsole (arguably the best grip on the market) form the foundation that keeps you locked in the shoe and secure on the trails. You never really go wrong in the woods when you choose these proven technologies.
How do all the technologies work?
If we dive into the details, the Matryx upper is structured and breathable. It has a slightly narrow fit around the midfoot, while the instep in the toe box offers some flexibility and space in the forefoot. Overall, a slightly narrower fit places the shoe solidly as a technical terrain shoe rather than a comfortable cruiser. I use my usual size US 11, and it fits just as it always does. Although the shoe fits a bit closer to the foot, I find it fits exactly as it should.
I have tested the shoe in quite steep terrain, and the upper keeps my foot securely in place. Although it is reasonably comfortable, there are certainly softer and more spacious uppers out there if that's what you need.
The other feature that excels in technical and wet terrain is the 4 mm Megagrip Elite outsole. It uses a very sticky rubber compound and aggressive butterfly lugs that not only cling to rocks and slippery surfaces but also provide good grip when it rains. There are many great features of this shoe, but it's no exaggeration to say the outsole takes the top spot.
To the trail party
Combine these technologies in the upper and outsole with a midsole that pairs a highly responsive PEBA foam with a stable FloatPro™ foam base, plus a flexible carbon plate to propel you forward. The result is an incredibly exciting shoe that will undoubtedly help you have a blast out in the woods.
You get a really good flow once you're going. Although the shoe may initially feel a bit stiff, it is incredibly agile on softer ground. It's always ready for quick direction changes, making every turn a breeze.
And in the end, that's exactly what Merrell MTL SpeedARC Peak represents for me: it helps you have fun. After all, what's more fun than running fast on technical trails in a shoe you trust 100%? If you see it differently, let me know. But as a Norwegian trail runner who loves the mountains, I'm thrilled to have this shoe as my partner on the trails because I know it keeps my feet firmly planted on the ground.
