Merrell, the global leader in outdoor footwear, announces the launch of the MTL SpeedARC Peak, a technical trail running shoe developed inside the Merrell Test Lab (MTL) through a five-year innovation process driven by professional athlete feedback.Run all in
Across five development iterations, Merrell product experts worked alongside the brand’s roster of elite athletes to refine the MTL SpeedARC Peak through extensive prototype, component and material testing. In total, 154 prototypes were evaluated across 13,000 miles, with athletes feedback and lab validation shaping every detail. The result is a race-ready trail shoe built for elite runners to toe the line with speed, precision and confidence on technical terrain.
The MTL SpeedARC Peak is powered by Merrell’s award-winning SpeedARC™
A true expression of trusted technology, the MTL SpeedARC Peak incorporates two industry-leading performance technology partners. The upper features Matryx® with Kevlar®, delivering breathable, abrasion-resistance durability. The outsole is complete with Vibram® MegaGrip Elite, providing high traction grip on wet and dry surfaces and specifically fine-tuned for elite athletes. Together, these technologies create a race-ready trail shoe engineered for athletes who demand speed, grip, and confidence.
“The MTL SpeedARC Peak was built with one purpose in mind: to enable athletes to compete at the highest level,” said John Sanregret, Product Line Manager at Merrell. “Every detail was scrutinized and refined to deliver maximum speed, control, and confidence on race day. We’re thrilled to introduce an elite trail racing shoe that truly meets the demands of world-class competitors and pushes the boundaries of what’s possible on technical terrain.”
European launch activation at UTMB® Events
To support the launch, Merrell will showcase the MTL SpeedARC Peak at two of the trail running community’s most significant gatherings in Europe: the UTMB Ultra-Trail® Village in Vielha and the UTMB Ultra-Trail® Village in Chamonix during the 2026 season.
Visitors will have the opportunity to experience the new model firsthand, engage with Merrell athletes and product experts, and learn more about the innovation process behind the MTL SpeedARC Peak. The activations will also provide opportunities for media, retailers and runners to connect with the brand as it continues to expand its presence within the global trail-running community.
The Merrell MTL SpeedARC Peak will be available 29th July at Merrell.com and select specialty retailers worldwide for £260 / €290 to the 29th July.
