The Merrell MTL Adapt Matryx is a huge addition to Merrell’s trail footwear family. Combining advanced materials like Kevlar, FloatPro™ Foam cushioning, and a Vibram® Megagrip® outsole, this shoe provides a balance of durability, comfort, and traction. Whether you’re running trails or mixed terrain, it’s designed to handle it all—let’s dive into what makes it so impressive.
Who Is It Good For:
Who is the Merrell MTL Adapt Matryx good for? Let’s break it down with some common categories.
- Wide Feet: Yes! The roomy toe box is a great fit for wide feet.
- Technical Trails: Absolutely! The 4mm lugs are made for technical trails
- Long Runs: You bet! The cushion in this shoe is designed for longer adventures.
- Front of the Pack: Daily trainer, long runs, mixed terrain adventures, trail races for those wanting comfort over carbon plates
This is a high-performance trail shoe featuring cutting-edge technology and durable materials for serious adventurers.
Merrell MTL Adapt Matryx Review
I have a bit of a confession: before writing this review, I wasn’t convinced that Merrell’s trail running shoes could hold their own against the competition. In fact, when I was shopping for a new pair of trail runners, Merrell never even crossed my mind. I’ve always trusted them for work shoes and boots but never considered them a contender for running footwear.
After putting the MTL Adapt Matryx to the test, I’m left wondering what other great shoes I’ve missed out on!
Don’t make the same mistake I did—Merrell is absolutely a viable option for trail runners. With the introduction of the MTL Adapt Matryx, I think a lot of runners (myself included) will be rethinking their choices.
Right out of the box, the Merrell MTL Adapt Matryx caught me off guard. Not only did they come in bold, eye-catching colors, but the chunky midsole immediately reminded me of the first time I saw a Hoka rocker shoe—a bit unexpected from a brand I hadn’t previously associated with running.
But then again, how could I have had any expectations for Merrell in the trail running space? It’s a brand I’ve always thought of for work shoes and boots, not performance running footwear.
Once the initial shock wore off and I took a closer look at the details, I was pleasantly surprised again. These shoes are packed with high-tech features that set them apart from the standard trail shoe.
The standout is the Matryx® upper, a unique blend of Kevlar and high-tenacity polyamide fibers, which creates a breathable yet abrasion-resistant structure. This upper is designed to keep your feet protected over long, demanding runs, providing a level of durability I didn’t expect from the brand.
Another standout feature is the FloatPro™ Foam midsole—yes, the one that initially threw me off.
What makes this midsole unique is its use of supercritical nitrogen-infused foam, which is encased in a thinner, firmer carrier foam. The outer foam provides the stability the shoe needs, while the softer inner foam offers cushioning. This design ensures the shoe maintains control without compromising on comfort.
For my initial test, I took the shoes on a 7-mile run. I have to admit I was a bit skeptical at first. The midsole didn’t feel exceptionally soft or flexible when I twisted and bent it in my hands, and I wasn’t sure if I’d find it comfortable over the distance as it didn’t feel as cushiony as I was expecting.
However, once I started running, I quickly realized the shoe wasn’t as stiff as I had initially thought. The cushioning was there but didn’t overwhelm the foot with softness. Instead, it offered just enough cushion to absorb impact without sacrificing the stability I needed. My feet didn’t feel fatigued, and I wasn’t battling that “squishy” feeling that can sometimes come with high-cushioned shoes.
Merrell MTL Adapt Matryx Specs
- Heel-toe drop: 6mm
- Weight: Women’s 9.45 oz, Men’s 10.15oz
- Stack: 36mm
- Usage: Trail running, long runs, and ultra trail races
- Not available in Wide
- Available at merrell.com for $180
I’m curious to see how many miles I can rack up in these shoes. With other super-cushioned models I’ve tried, I’ve often noticed the foam compresses long before the tread shows significant wear, which can be frustrating—especially given how expensive quality trail shoes can be these days. However, with the FloatPro™ Foam midsole paired with the durable Vibram® Megagrip® outsole, I’m hopeful the MTL Adapt Matryx will offer better longevity and hold up longer over time.
Speaking of the outsole, the Vibram® Megagrip® outsole provides exceptional grip on both rough and wet surfaces. The FLEXconnect™ dual-directional flex grooves in the midsole further enhance the shoe’s responsiveness to various terrains, allowing for better control and ground connection.
Again, I was concerned with how flexible these shoes would be on the run- they felt pretty stiff until I wore them. (This is why it’s so important to test shoes before you buy them- sometimes how they feel at the hands is not how they perform underfoot.) Once I got moving, the FLEXconnect™ grooves really came into play, allowing the shoe to flex and adapt to the terrain.
I noticed this most on uphill climbs and rocky terrain, where the shoe worked in harmony with my foot rather than resisting it, offering solid support with the right amount of movement without feeling stiff or unstable. I was impressed!
Merrell MTL Adapt Matryx Fit
The fit of the Merrell MTL Adapt Matryx is snug and secure, providing a firm midfoot lock-down while still allowing you to adjust the laces for a personalized fit. The toe box is moderate, striking a good balance between a performance fit and enough space to comfortably wiggle your toes during longer runs. The Kevlar upper adds an extra layer of toughness, ensuring durability through harsh environments.
I tested these shoes in winter conditions and was impressed—my feet stayed warm and comfortable. However, I haven’t had the chance to wear them in temperatures above 32°F, so I can’t comment on how breathable they are in warmer weather.
As for sizing, the MTL Adapt Matryx generally runs true to size for most people, but those with narrow feet may find the fit a bit too roomy.
I don’t have narrow feet, but I still struggled a bit with the heel lock. Despite using the heel lock lacing technique, I had trouble getting a secure fit around my heel, which resulted in some rubbing on the back of my right heel by the fourth mile of each run. This issue persisted over several outings, even with different socks.
After a few attempts, I slapped Leukotape to the back of my heel before heading out, which eliminated the rubbing completely. While I would’ve preferred a more secure fit out of the box, the quick fix with tape was manageable, and given how much I liked the rest of the shoe, it was a trade-off I was willing to make.
One unexpected highlight was the arch support. While not overly pronounced, it provided just enough support to help my arches feel more stable during longer runs. It was a subtle yet noticeable benefit—kind of like having a spotter in the gym, there to lend a hand only when needed.
This added support was a pleasant surprise, and it made me think about using these shoes for an upcoming 50k race in February. Given their performance in training, I’m seriously considering swapping them in for my usual shoes.
Overall, the MTL Adapt Matryx is a high-performance shoe for a wide range of distances. If you’re looking for a shoe that offers excellent control, comfort, and traction on various terrains, this one should be at the top of your list.
Similar Shoes to Merrell MTL Adapt Matryx
If you’re looking for alternatives with similar performance characteristics, here are a few options worth considering:
The Bottom Line
The Merrell MTL Adapt Matryx balances comfort, durability, and traction, making it an excellent option for anyone looking to get out running on the trails. Whether you need the extra cushion for longer distances or because of previous foot injuries, the Merrel MTL Adapt Matryx is worth the try.
The innovative Matryx® upper, FloatPro™ Foam midsole with nitrogen-infused cushioning, and Vibram® Megagrip® outsole ensure that this shoe can handle a variety of conditions while keeping your feet comfortable and well-supported. Whether you’re taking on rocky climbs, muddy paths, or dry trails, the MTL Adapt Matryx is up to the challenge.
The shoes balance of cushion with control is particularly appealing for long-distance runners who may find softer shoes too unstable. It’s also a solid choice for race day if you find carbon plates too stiff. This shoe is worth considering if you need stability, durability, and a more responsive feel underfoot.
So that’s our take! We’re always curious to hear if you’ve tried a shoe or have other questions, so we can make sure to include that info in future reviews.
Who tried it?
Hi! I’m Constance Mahoney! I jumped into the world of running, starting with a 9-mile race and quickly progressing to a high-altitude 60k race. During that 60k race, I opted to test some brand-new gear, including a shirt, socks, and insoles that I had never worn before. So I’m a dedicated gear tester, to say the least!
When I’m not out on the trails with my family, you can find me with my camera in hand, searching for wildlife to photograph.
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