Two Merrell trail shoes are getting a lot of attention right now for very different reasons: the MTL Longsky 2 (a lightweight, technical trail shoe) and the brand-new Agility Peak 6 (which Merrell position as a do-it-all option from 5K right through to ultra distance).
I’ve been wearing and testing the MTL Longsky 2 for the past three weeks, and it’s genuinely one of the best trail shoes I’ve ever run in. But here’s the important bit: I haven’t tested the Agility Peak 6 yet. So this isn’t a head-to-head review based on miles in both shoes. Instead, it’s a practical guide to help you understand what the Longsky 2 is brilliant at, what Merrell are promising with the Agility Peak 6, and the big question we’re all interested in:
Could the Agility Peak 6 be the perfect trail shoe for the majority of our community?
The real difference: specialist vs all-rounder
Think of these shoes like two different trail days:
- MTL Longsky 2: fast, nimble, technical terrain—when you want precision and confidence.
- Agility Peak 6: longer days, mixed terrain, bigger mileage—when you want comfort that holds up.
From what Merrell have told me, the Agility Peak 6 is designed to cover everything from a 5K runner right through to ultra distance. The Longsky 2, on the other hand, feels like a performance tool—exceptional when it matches the job.
My tested take: Merrell MTL Longsky 2 (3 weeks in)
After three weeks of running in the Longsky 2, the standout feeling is control.
What it’s built for
- Technical trails: roots, rocks, uneven ground, tight turns
- Short-to-mid distance runs: where agility matters more than plush comfort
- Runners who like a lighter shoe: less bulk, more feedback from the trail
Notable Race Victories
- World Championship Title: The MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx was notably worn by Fred Tranchand for a world championship trail-racing victory.
- Hardrock 100: Elite runner Diego Pazos secured a 2nd place finish at the renowned 2024 Hardrock 100 wearing the Long Sky 2 Matryx.
- Mountain Ultras: The shoe has carried ultra-runner Mike Postaski to multiple mountain ultra victories in the US, including the Standhope 100M, IMTUF 100M, and Scout Mountain 100M.
- Steep Technical Ultra Marathons: Runners have successfully trusted the shoe for demanding technical distance events, such as the Gran Trail Courmayeur 100K and the 70km Stubai Ultra.
Why I rate it so highly
The Longsky 2 has that rare “disappears on your foot” vibe—secure, responsive, and confidence-boosting when the trail gets messy. It’s the kind of shoe that makes you want to take the fun line, not the safe line.
Who it won’t suit (and that’s OK)
Because it’s a lightweight technical shoe, it can be less forgiving if:
- you want a softer ride for longer mileage
- you’re newer to trails and prefer more protection underfoot
- you’re running longer distances where comfort becomes the main event
In other words: it’s not that the Longsky 2 can’t go long—it’s that it’s not designed to be universally comfortable for everyone over long distances.
The untested (for now) contender: Merrell Agility Peak 6
I haven’t put miles into the Agility Peak 6 yet, so I can’t tell you how it feels on our trails in the real world.
What I can do is share the intent behind it—because if Merrell’s “5K to ultra” promise holds true, it could be a very strong match for a wide range of runners.
What it’s positioned to do
- Comfort over time: the kind you notice at 90 minutes, not 9 minutes
- Mixed terrain: hardpack, gravel, rolling trails, and longer routes
- One-shoe simplicity: a reliable go-to for most runs
Why that matters for our community
Most of our community (and most trail runners) aren’t trying to win a technical mountain race every weekend. They want a shoe that:
- feels stable and confidence-building
- is comfortable enough to keep showing up
- works for weekday runs and weekend adventures
- doesn’t punish you if you’re building fitness or returning from time off
If the Agility Peak 6 genuinely delivers across that range, it has the potential to be the “default recommendation” shoe—the one that suits the majority.
So… could the Agility Peak 6 be the perfect trail shoe for most runners?
Possibly. And the reason is simple: most runners benefit more from comfort and protection than they do from a super nimble, super technical feel.
The Longsky 2 is incredible when you want that precise, agile connection to the trail. But for a lot of runners—especially those newer to trails, building confidence, or increasing distance—an all-rounder tends to be the better long-term companion.
Quick decision guide (based on what we know today)
Choose the MTL Longsky 2 if you want:
- a lightweight, technical feel… perfect for the Mountain Challenge
- confidence on tricky terrain
- a shoe that encourages faster, more playful running
- a “performance” trail shoe that feels dialled-in
Consider the Agility Peak 6 if you want:
- would suit All Levels of FLOCK runner
- a more forgiving ride for mixed distances and abilities
- comfort and protection as the priority
- a trail shoe that suits a wider range of runners
What I’ll be looking to uncover when I test the Agility Peak 6
When I do get the Agility Peak 6 on-foot, these are the questions that matter:
- Does it feel comfortable from the first run, or does it need breaking in?
- Does it stay stable on uneven, off-camber trails?
- Does it feel fun on shorter runs, or a bit bulky?
- How does it handle wet ground and sloppy sections?
- After 90–120 minutes, do your feet still feel fresh?
Bottom Line
Right now, here’s the honest take:
- The MTL Longsky 2 is a standout technical shoe—and after three weeks, it’s earned a place among my all-time favourites.
- The Agility Peak 6 is the big question mark (in a good way). If it truly spans 5K to ultra, it could be the shoe that fits the broadest range of runners in our community.
Stay tuned as I bounce back with my findings on the Agility Peak 6 and we uncover if this really is a trail running shoe that would suit the majority of our community.