We are really pleased to introduce Merrell trail running shoes into the store and the first one we’ve had the pleasure of testing is the MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx. Find out how it’s performed…

Merrell is well established in the trail walking world, and their running shoes are starting to make some really positive waves too, so we were really keen to head off road and put some miles into the Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx.

Reading the specifications before heading out it certainly sounded like the Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx was a serious trail running offering with a very low weight, Vibram Megagrip outsole and the unique Matryx upper. And what does the MTL stand for you might ask? Merrel Test Lab - a stamp given to shoes in the Merrell range that meets the highest elite performance standards by being thoroughly tested and raced by Merrell athletes.

Local fell and trail runner Emma has been putting the Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx through its paces for the last few months, let’s hear her feedback…

Straight out of the box, I wore these for an extended version of the Coledale Horseshoe; 21km/1,700m elevation gain, on varied terrain and I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed running in them.

“Fit is true to size with a snug feel” this is achieved thanks to the Matryx upper which is light and thin, but highly compliant, wrapping around the foot nicely to feel secure but not restrictive.

Emma says, “Afflicted with protruding bunions, I was worried that the Kevlar reinforced upper would be too tough for my feet but the Matryx upper wraps around your foot so no hot spots, rubs or discomfort felt.”

One point that Emma noted was that “because the Matryx material is so light she did feel the cold wind blowing through them” but come the summer months this high level of breathability is likely to be a positive when feet can easily overheat. Emma also pointed out that what it does mean is that “water drained very quickly in wet conditions” so you’ll never be carrying around an excess weight in waterlogged materials! Despite its apparent fragility don’t be deceived this is a seriously tough material thanks to inclusion of Kevlar.

“Decent laces ensured a good, locked in feel without being too tight and there was no need for a double knot as the laces can be stored in a bungee strap which sits mid-way across the tongue”

This secure fit is achieved thanks to the non-stretch laces which ensure the lacing stays as tight as when you started, so there is no foot movement on uneven terrain. Exactly the confidence building feel you need for technical off-road terrain. As well as the excellent lace holder, the gusseted tongue also adds to excellent foot hold and prevention of irritation from it moving.

“The midsole provided enough cushioning whilst maintaining a really good ground feel and responsiveness that gave me confidence on more technical sections to attack these with speed.”

This description pretty much sums up how the Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx has been designed to feel – fast. It is unashamedly a lightweight racer trainer, designed for shorter distance runs, so don’t be fooled by the “Long” in the name! This is a shoe that is fast and nimble, not plush and highly cushioned.

The Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx has a low drop of 4mm which puts you much closer to the ground, while the 19.5mm of FloatPro Foam cushioning in the forefoot and 23.5mm in heel provides just enough protection underfoot to feel comfortable and protected on rocky terrain without losing any ground feel.

The shoes fast feel and responsiveness can also be attributed to the flexibility through the midsole which provides excellent propulsion off the ground.

Grip wise Emma says the shoes have a “decent 5mm lug which offered good traction in muddy sections and the Vibram MegaGrip rubber worked well on both dry and wet surfaces.”

One area of design that stands out on the Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx is the heel area, it’s minimal, but to counter this there is a padded area positioned inside that is designed to grip and hold and really does. Fit around the heel is exceptional and is arguably one of the most secure holds we’ve tested.

In conclusion Emma says “The Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx is a lightweight, durable and flexible shoe. There is not too much cushioning, but there is great underfoot feel and responsiveness. It’s a good, technical shoe with decent lugs for use on a variety of terrains. I would highly recommend it for lightweight runners wanting a fast mountain shoe and I having covered a variety of terrain and in various weather conditions, I can quite happily say these will remain in my shoe rotation!”

Interested in buying or wanted to read the full specifications check out the details here.

If you’re looking for a slightly trail shoe with slightly more to it in terms of cushioning and protection then we are also excited to be welcoming the Agility Peak 6 very soon, so watch this space for a run down on that shortly!