Merrell Debuts the MTL SpeedARC Peak

The shoe aims to deliver elite speed, stability, and performance so trail runners can race without reservation.
Published: July 15, 2026 Press Release

Merrell, a global leader in the modern outdoors, 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 athlete 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 – and Run All In when it matters most.

The MTL SpeedARC Peak is powered by Merrell’s award-winning SpeedARC™ midsole system, engineered for all-terrain performance through a three-layer design that delivers effortless efficiency and comfort. A top layer of FloatPro™ PEBA-based racing foam provides responsive cushioning through long miles, while a durable base layer of FloatPro™ foam ensures resilience on rugged terrain. Between them, A lightweight Carbon Fiber FlexPlate™ delivers propulsive energy return. The Carbon Fiber FlexPlate’s forked construction allows the forefoot to adapt independently to uneven terrain, balancing agility and control.

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.”

Forward Isn’t the Goal – It’s the Direction

The MTL SpeedARC Peak launches as part of Merrell’s 45th Anniversary collection, finished in bright colorways inspired by the ’80s, Merrell’s founding decade. The collection brings together iconic styles from across Merrell’s product line, including trail runners like the Agility Peak 6 and ProMorph, hikers like the Moab 3 Vista, and everyday lifestyle styles like the Hut Moc 2 and Sprint Anthem, all in celebration of the brand’s continued momentum in the modern outdoors. To explore the full 45th Anniversary Collection, visit Merrell.com.

The Merrell MTL SpeedARC Peak will be available July 15 at Merrell.com and select specialty retailers worldwide for $290.

ABOUT MERRELL:

Merrell exists to share the simple power of being outside and is committed to building an inclusive and sustainable environment for future generations to enjoy. As the global leader in outdoor active footwear with the Moab hiking boot and Jungle Moc, Merrell is focused on merging performance, styling, and comfort to empower all people to explore the outdoors confidently. The brand was recently named Footwear News’ 2022 Brand of the Year for promoting a more diverse vision of the outdoors. Visit Merrell.com or follow us on social @Merrell. Merrell is a division of Wolverine World Wide, Inc. (NYSE: WWW), one of the world’s leading marketers and licensors of branded casual, active lifestyle, work, outdoor sport, athletic, children’s, and uniform footwear and apparel.

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