Trail-Running Shoes Buying Guide

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Combining underfoot cushion with over-foot durability and breathability, the men's Merrell MTL Adapt Matryx trail-running shoes are made for days on the trails when you want to test your limits.
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View the Merrell MTL Product LineView all Merrell Men's Trail-Running ShoesBest Use | Trail Running |
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Trail-Running Shoe Type | Rugged-Trail |
Running Shoe Cushioning | Maximum Cushion |
Heel-to-Toe Drop (mm) | 6 |
Heel Stack Height (mm) | 36 |
Forefoot Stack Height (mm) | 30 |
Footwear Height | Ankle |
Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
Upper | Matryx |
Lining | Mesh |
Midsole | FloatPro foam |
Outsole | Vibram MegaGrip rubber |
Rock Plate | No |
Vegan | Yes |
Weight (Pair) | Unavailable |
Gender | Men's |
Sustainability | Contains recycled materials |
7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | 14 | 15 | |
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U.S. Men's | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | 14 | 15 |
UK | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | 14 |
EU | 40 | 41 | 41.5 | 42 | 43 | 43.5 | 44 | 44.5 | 45 | 46 | 46.5 | 47 | 48 | 49 | 50 |
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All the comments on the laces crack me up, as I think they are fine. Distilling this to key points. Grip 4/5, Technical Terrain Ability 3/5 (Stack height does provide some instability, not a scrambling shoe), Comfort 5/5 Upper is gold in terms of comfort over long miles, Durability 4/5 thus far ~160 Miles only notable wear is on exposed outsole, performance 4/5 - not quite Sportiva Prodigio Max, but it rolls along very nicely and I feel is more comfortable for ultra distance and is my pick for over 100K distance. Looks, 3/5 not super keen on the Michelin man outsole but it's not as bad on foot as isolated photos.
Thank you Team Merrell for making the MTL Adapt Matryx. Great cushioning & a roomier toe box than the Agility Peak 5. Took me from Grand Canyon R2R with zero distractions.
Was already a fan of the Agility Peak 5 -- I have two pairs -- and had eagerly awaited these since I began seeing early reviews. They're fantastic. The fit is true to size, similar to the Agility Peak 5, and are perfect for my feet. Some reviewers have complained of some looseness in the heel collar, as with the Agility Peak 5, but I haven't had any trouble. Fits like a glove (and perhaps a little roomier in the toe box than the Agility Peak, which is welcome). They're more cushioned than the Agility Peaks but they still feel really agile on technical terrain, despite all that foam. (The Brooks Caldera 7, in contrast, feels wildly unresponsive to me.) I did 27k on the Camí de Cavalls, which is an incredibly demanding, technical trail, just a week after receiving them, and they were a dream to run in. They're also great on gravel. Another reviewer mentioned the fluid transition from heel strike to toe off, and I agree, the energy return is great. Just a really fun, pleasurable shoe all around. My only two complaints: I wish the laces were a tiny bit longer, and the tongue occasionally shifts and scrunches a tiny bit, but not in any way that's ever caused me any discomfort. Incredible shoe, I really hope Merrell keeps this model going.
Thank you for sharing your great review!
Three stars from the midsole down, maybe 1-2 stars for the rest. I’ve got about 150 miles in this shoe and am extremely conflicted. The midsole and outsole are the best. Just as good if not better than any other shoe on the market. Durable, grippy, etc. The upper though, that’s where I’ve been let down. I was concerned about the ankle lock down after trying the Agility Peak 5 last year, but decided to take a chance with these. While the heel lockdown is improved, the rest of the upper just gets sloppy. The laces that come with the shoes are awful, and loosen up after just a few miles, and the general low profile of the upper makes the shoe super sketchy (and probably encourages the loosening) in technical terrain. I’m surprised that with this much stack, they’ve chosen to have such a low profile and generally unsupportive upper. I’m no shoe designer but I’d imagine that as the stack gets higher, the upper needs to be designed appropriately to combat the extra forces it will be subject to given the height of the shoe. High school physics right? For a shoe that feels so good underfoot, and one that is advertised as being capable on technical mountain trail, I find this aspect really disappointing. It’s great on moderate to easy trail, but as soon as things get steep and technical, all I can think while I’m running is how my feet are just sliding around inside the floppy uppers. I’ve tried everything from different socks, different laces, and over tightening the laces, but I’m still left with a less than ideal fit, that gets sloppier as my run goes on. It’s a really disappointing and frustrating feeling. The shoes look (yes that counts!), midsole, and outsole are top notch. Just please Merrell, redesign the upper to work with the higher stack-especially if you’re marketing this shoe as one that can tackle the trail when things get hairy. Initially I felt this shoe was a bargain given how durable it is, but if I don’t like the way it feels on my feet during my runs, I’m really not going to be tempted to get the full life cycle out of this shoe. If your runs generally take you on flat, non-technical trail, this shoe is a home run. But if, like me, you prefer to be in the mountains and tackle whatever terrain is in front of you, you might reconsider and wait for an update. Bummed that a shoe I looked so forward to, and one that seemed to be a quiver killer, just doesn’t live up to what I thought it would.
I have owned many trail running shoes but this is my favorite!The combination of fit,stability and grip for me is a winner.It easily accommodates my pair of orthotics.The foot strike for me is different from the others as it seems an easier transition from heel strike to toe off.Energy return is excellent.I took them out on my favorite local trial network here on Whippoorwill Road in a pouring rain over rocks,streams and mud.Never felt this stable and secure before.I’m looking forward to using them more!
Thank you for the great feedback!
Not as cushy as they appear to be. Tha's OK with me 'cause I bought these purely for how they look.They look exactly like the picture (damned good). My only complaint is that the logo is barely visable due to its color. I'm someone who likes for people to see what I'm wearing.
Thanks for the awesome review!
I bought these shoes about a month ago, and the comfort is incredible. Obviously great for trail running, but also a solid pick for everyday walking! The thick cushion base is phenomenal. You will not regret purchasing these!
Thank you for your review!
*If you scroll down and read Dave's review it goes in more detail and is pretty accurate* I honestly never gave Merrell an ounce of thought whenever I'd look into trail running shoes. Yes, they make comfortable hiking boots but I was always either looking at Salomon, Brooks, and Saucony I just tried the newest Saucony Xodus Ultra 4 and unfortunately the upper put pressure on my foot in such a manner that my big toe would be numb within 15 minutes. Tried relacing and problem solving but I decided lets give this shoe a go. For having a higher stack height, I still have good cutting ability + proprioception. Great comfort in the midsole, nice feedback, and the outsole has been great. Heel lock is a solid B+ and very little to no foot sloshing around. The one gripe is the lacing system. You can feel the upper loosen some during a run or hike. A quick stop and re-tie is needed and off you go. Some might be okay with that and others might find it a dealbreaker. The shoe for me elsewhere has been solid and so 40 miles in I am happy and might try different laces to see if anything changes.
Another amazing shoe from Merrell. Quality construction and design. Excellent grip on all terrains and very comfortable- highly recommended.
We love the love! Thank you! :)
Wow! I just amazed by the fit! It fits like a glove on my feet! Cushy but stable! I love them
Thanks for your awesome feedback!