Trail-Running Shoes Buying Guide

An evolution of the MTL line, these Merrell shoes compete at the highest levels. They offer protection, grip and long-distance comfort. Their Matryx® woven textile uppers are breathable and durable.
Imported.
View all Merrell Men's Trail-Running ShoesBest Use | Trail Running |
---|---|
Trail-Running Shoe Type | Rugged-Trail |
Running Shoe Cushioning | Moderate Cushion |
Heel-to-Toe Drop (mm) | 6 |
Heel Stack Height (mm) | 25 |
Forefoot Stack Height (mm) | 19 |
Footwear Height | Ankle |
Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
Upper | Kevlar-reinforced Matryx synthetic/textile |
Lining | Recycled mesh |
Midsole | Dual-density FloatPro foam |
Support | BZM-8 engineered flex plate |
Outsole | Vibram MegaGrip rubber |
Rock Plate | Yes |
Vegan | Yes |
Weight (Pair) | 14.81 ounces |
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 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 |
Adding a review will require a valid email for verification
I had to lace these for a heel lock to get the best fit but after that they were as comfortable as being barefoot. I wore them up the back side of Pikes Peak and I was honestly shocks the traction. The grip on rocks, dirt and kitty litter gravel was mind blowing! I didn’t have any blisters or falls on the descent. I’m very happy with these shoes and they are lightweight too.
I bought these a few weeks ago and have been thoroughly underwhelmed. 1. The lack of sole coverage allows rocks to hit the tendons under your arch. Painful. 2. When the shoes were wet, the insole became bunched up very quickly and I had to rip them out to keep going. Uncomfortable. 3. The shoes force my ankles to over pronate inward which is not something I’m used to. It was like the shoe is trying to spin around my foot with every step. Awkward. 4. They did dry quickly and have great grip but I have no confidence in these shoes anymore. I'd like to return them.
I ran in the regular Skyfire 2s for the last 250 trail miles and they were good, but not great, the upper materials were stiff and jagged especially by the tongue, the Matryx upper changes this completely! Different tongue design altogether and this shoe seem wider in the toe box, which is welcome considering how narrow most trail shoes are nowadays, including the regular Skyfire 2. I've had Matryx uppers in other brands and it is pretty bulletproof, they always outlast the midsoles by a significant amount of time. Just give me slightly longer laces and a 4mm offset and it would be a perfect shoe for me! Still getting 5 stars though.
We value and appreciate your review. Thank you.
These are my first Merrell's . And I am 100 million times satisfied with these! Now I'm not a really "Active" trail runner. And I am a military veteran. When I Served, I always preferred wearing my shoes rather than my boots. Something lighter on my foot. The Matryx Material it uses is amazing. It's super strong, flexible, and durable. I have had no issues. The cushioning while it is minimal, is soft and feels like clouds to me. The spring plate also adds a nice touch to the balance and feel. The amount of research and technical detail put in this shoe is worth every penny. This is a very light and minimal shoe. Perfect for me.
Thank you for sharing your great review!
I bought this shoe as an alternative to Speedland, On, Craft and Solomon. The shoe fits me extremely well with plenty of toe box space. They feel super light and snappy which I appreciate on the trail. I can't even wear the Speedlands now (I also got the carbon fiber insert for the Speedlands) and they were a huge expense. I am very happy with this purchase.
Great shoe. I went 1/2 size above my normal running shoes and I am glad I did. These are very lightweight but seem durable. My runs so far have been enjoyable. I haven’t taken them on rough terrain yet, just track, field and treadmill.
I love these shoes! I have a wider foot and Merrills have always been a good fit. But I also don't like a lot of shoe under my foot. These are perfect: Light, Comfortable, Stable, Grip well......just great
Thanks for the great feedback, Chris!
I walk approximately 5 miles a day in a clinical setting and these have been a great choice. Comfortable, breathable & extremely light weight with awesome arch support. Plus the color pops with scrubs!
We truly value your great feedback! Thank you.
Best running shoes ever. If only more choice in colour but that is not important hopefully Merrell keep making them.
Great shoes!!! Super comfy and breathable. They traveled with me to Bristol bay Alaska and got many good comments