The Merrell MTL Adapt Matryx makes a strong first impression with its aggressive look yet beefy, bubbly build — but what really matters is how it performs when you’re hours into a run on mixed mountain terrain.
Something about the design of these all-mountain trail running shoes for ultra running gave me the impression that some inspiration has been taken from the Hoka Speedgoat series, and guess what the performance on the trails proved me right.
The MTL Adapt Matryx balances cushion with ground feel in a way that I didn’t expect from a 36mm stack height. It's not light, and it’s not perfect — but it’s solid where it counts, and I'm going to be using these A LOT more, this summer!
Key specifications
- Price: $180 at Merrell.com / £170 at Sportsshoes.com (For UK Readers)
- Weight: 11.2oz (318g) for a US Men’s 9
- Drop: 6mm. Stack Height of 36mm at the heel, 30mm under the toe)
- Upper: Matryx upper made with Kevlar and high-tenacity polyamide, 3D printed and TPU overlays in high wear areas, padded collar, breathable mesh lining
- Midsole: FloatPro+™ Foam with soft core and firm sidewalls for cushioning and stability
- Outsole: Vibram MegaGrip with 4mm traction lugs
- Extra Attributes: Recycled laces and PU footbed, reflective details, lace keeper loop, vegan-friendly construction
Sizing and fit
The fit is right on the money for me — true to size with a nice, roomy forefoot that doesn’t feel sloppy.
The Matryx upper wraps securely, and the padded collars and heel counter adds comfort without feeling bulky.
The heel could lock in a bit better, but it wasn’t a major issue after a few lacing adjustments.
If you have narrow heels, though, you might notice that extra space more than I did.
Alastair Dixon
Performance review
The MTL Adapt Matryx has a midsole that looks pretty bulgy, but they don't look big on my feet, which I appreciate!
On the trail, it rides so much smoother than you might expect too.
The FloatPro+ midsole foam feels stable and surprisingly adaptive. It doesn’t swallow your stride like some max-cushion shoes can.
I stay connected to the ground and to my surprise, I could still feel what was happening underfoot — which I did not expect with this much stack height.
FlexConnect grooves under the forefoot are doing their job, and I think this is what makes the shoe adapt so well to varying terrain, and providing me with that ground feel I mentioned.
Transitions feel fluid, and toe-off is natural. On long training runs, the ride stays consistent, whether you’re climbing, descending, or cruising.
Traction is excellent. The Vibram MegaGrip outsole (pictured above) is everything you want for mixed mountain terrain — wet rock, loose dirt, even a bit of mud. It handles it all without second-guessing your footing.
Confidence is king in the mountains!
The upper is bombproof - I've talked about how well Matryx material uppers perform. Matryx uppers use Kevlar and polyamide threads which help it hold its shape well, while allowing good breathability and durability.
There’s a clear sense of support and structure, which gives confidence when picking lines across more uneven ground.
And the little lace stow loop (picture above) is a nice touch — more brands seem to include this feature in their trail shoes nowadays.
Alastair Dixon
That said, there are a few trade-offs. The 11.2oz weight while not really noticeable on the run, can affect climbing and long distance performance unless your used to the extra 10% weight over the average of most good cushioned, all mountain trail running shoes.
Compared to other all mountain trail running shoes in this class, like the Arc'teryx Sylan (10.3oz (292g)), Prodigio Pro (9.1oz (258g)), Xodus Ultra 4 (10.7oz (303g)), Speedgoat 6 (9.4oz (266g)), is on the heavier side.
The Matryx upper has an inner layer that adds durability but traps a bit more heat. On hot days, I found myself wishing they’d just left it as a single-layer Matryx mesh - this would have reduced weight and made them more breathable.
It’s not a sloppy fit, but I’d love a deeper or more sculpted heel cup to really lock things in. It wasn’t a dealbreaker for me, but others with narrower heels might notice it more.
And while the shoe can handle moderate technical terrain, tight singletrack isn’t its strong suit. That wide, stable platform can feel a touch blocky when agility matters most.
Alastair Dixon
For that type of running, the MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx is unbeatable right now for nimbleness and speed over technical terrain.
My verdict
The MTL Adapt Matryx is an extremely capable ultra trail running shoe that surprised me with how well it blends cushion while maintaining good trail feel, and a ride that adapts to most trails, providing good feedback and control.
It’s not the lightest or most agile, but it holds up incredibly well on long, runnable trails — especially when comfort and durability are non-negotiables.
The outsole is one of the best out there, and the fit, structure, and smooth ride make it a shoe I trust for big mileage days.
Just know you’re trading off some breathability and nimbleness to get that confidence and protection - this one is where the Speedgoat series should be right now! It's a hit for me!
