SQUIRREL_13331390
Three things to know:
- Built for long distances – It’s a max-cushion, protective trail shoe with a dual-density foam midsole that balances comfort and stability, making it ideal for ultras or all-day runs
- Durable & grippy – The Kevlar-reinforced Matryx upper resists abrasion, and the Vibram MegaGrip outsole with 4 mm lugs gives excellent traction on mixed terrain, including wet rock
- Not the most agile – At 288g and with a high stack, it feels a bit bulky and less nimble on very technical trails; it suits smoother or mixed terrain better than super twisty, rooty singletrack
Our rating:
Fit, Comfort and Support
Cushioning and Responsiveness
Durability, Traction and Grip
Weight and Flexibility
Stability and support
Check availability at Merrell.
Few shoes feel as instantly comfortable or at one with the foot than the new MTL Adapt Matryx trail-running shoe from Merrell. Designed for ultra running distances of 50-160km (30-100miles), they’re not for PB-hunters or sub-20-minute Parkrunners, but they’re hugely comfortable, cushioned and supportive, with far more versatility than that 50-160km figure above suggests.
- RRP: £170.00
- Weight: 288 grams
- Outsole: Vibram MegaGrip, 4 mm lugs
- Midsole: FloatPro™ foam: dual-density. Softer core (nitrogen infused / supercritical foam)
- Upper: Matryx™ material (Kevlar + high tenacity polyamide), with a padded collar
Fit, Comfort and Support
They feel true to size and secure in the heel area, and I’d have no qualms in attempting marathon distances in these.
The comfortable and rugged mesh upper is one of the MTL Adapt Matryx’s major plus points – the thickness makes them probably more suited to winter running, but they were just about breathable enough during midsummer heatwaves, and quick-to-dry after beach-running ventures through sandy tide pools.
That mesh feels durable, too, and I have few fears about running through trainer-tearing thorny trails and near beastly brambles in these.
The bright (garish?) ‘Blossom/Mantis’ colourway and visuals for both men and women might divide opinion, but I like the look of the MTL Adapt Matryx. Less impressive is how the white outer wall of the midsole is easily stained on any muddy or grassy trails – give us a darker option on any sequel, please Merrell.
I would’ve liked a heel loop and there’s little in the way of a toe bumper at the front if you’re tackling jagged rock-strewn trails. The vegan laces are resolute, with an elastic lace keeper ensuring they stayed neat and tidy, but they’re not as flexible as some and did need re-tying during very long runs. I’ll be replacing them soon.
Cushioning and Responsiveness
With a bumper 36mm stack height (the heel-to-toe drop is a fairly minimal 6mm), these are a world away from Merrell’s stripped back Trail Glove ranges (or the Bare Access Flex, one of my favourite lightweight trail shoes of all time) but retain that inner comfort we’ve come to expect from the Americans. That meaty dual-density foam midsole on these vegan shoes doesn’t deaden the trails below, however, and I still relished trail runs in the Forest of Dean, Mendips and on the South West Coast Path in these.
Don’t let Merrell’s targeting of 50-160km (30-100miles) ventures put you off if you’re not an ultra runner – I’ve used these for logging slow training miles, and their support is just what I need for nursing my way back from a serious/persistent knee injury. They’re also acceptable for running on concrete, with enough give in the midsole to ensure that they weren’t harsh when road running.
Durability, Traction and Grip
The grip proved confidence-inspiring on a range of trail types throughout, which included rocky coastal terrain, beaches, towpaths and asphalt ventures, aided by the 4mm lugs of the Vibram Megagrip outsole.
The wide platform also feels assured on landing, but I’d want a nimbler shoe and more aggressive lugs for the most technical of terrain.
Weight and Flexibility
For a chunky shoe with a wide platform and plenty of room in the toe box, the overall weight per shoe is somehow kept relatively light, clocking in at 284g per shoe (men’s UK7).
While I ‘raced’ in these on the 12km multi-terrain run leg of the Croyde Ocean Triathlon (partially because my dodgy knees needed optimum support), these are no lightweight racers, however, and I’d want more pep and forward propulsion for speedier trail-racing ventures.
They handled the rocky inclines of Croyde’s Baggy Point coastal trail and a beach run through vast sea puddles at that event, though, proving supportive for tired legs that already had three hours of swimming and cycling in them.
Stability and Support
My feet are fairly flat and I’m a midfoot striker, and these Merrells suited that. The support provided is substantial, with the wide platform helping me avoid overpronation. I’m not sure whether those with higher arches will share that appreciation, though.
The heel counter continues the comfort theme, offering plenty (but not too much) padding around the foot, and I was running blister-free in these from the get-go. The gusseted tongue also felt secure, and I had no problems with chafing here
Value for Money
At £170, these don’t come in cheap and there are other shoes, notably the £140 Hoka Speedgoat, that undercut these. The durability feels good, however, especially in the mesh area. You’ll have to fork out for some new laces, though.
Sustainability
In terms of sustainability, the MTL Adapt Matryx are vegan-friendly and there’s a 5% recycled footbed, but there’s little I can find on their website in terms of supply chain information and the sourcing of materials.
Suitable For?
Merrell target these at ultra trail runners and that feels right given the comfort and the midsole’s ability to soften the trails. They aren’t for anyone seeking a PB or for 5km speed sets, though, but I’ve welcomed that cushioning on my slow training runs and, anecdotally, my legs feel less sore in the days after running in these.
Should You Buy It?
Okay, they’re not cheap or light, but if I had serious ultra-running plans for the near-future then I’d consider the MERRELL MTL Adapt Matryx for their instant comfort and the midsole’s plushness.
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