Article by Mike Postask and Renee Krusemark
Merrell MTL Adapt Matryx ($180)
Introduction
Mike P: Merrell follows up their highly rated Matryx models (Long Sky 2 and Skyfire 2) with a new MTL (Merrell Test Labs) labeled model - the MTL Adapt Matryx. Not as racy as the aforementioned lightweight speedsters, the Adapt focuses on longer distances and smoother cruising. Top features including the Matryx upper and Vibram Megagrip are maintained to match the MTL lineup. I’ve tested this shoe in the dry conditions close to home as well as out in the wet and mud of forested Oregon. Does the Adapt keep pace with the rest of the MTL lineup?
Also please check out my Full YouTube video review HERE for some cool on-the-run footage and analysis.
Pros:
Massively cushioned, broad in platform yet stable and quite agile: Sam, Mike P
Flex Connect grooves in the midsole deliver a smooth quite easy and flexible toe off for such a big shoe: Sam, Mike P, Renee
Secure stabilizing and expected durable Matryx upper with dual midfoot gusset: Sam, Mike P
Tenaciously gripping aggressive MegaGrip outsole is also OK on firm surfaces and not overly rigid due to its segmented design: Sam, Mike P, Renee
Prefer the more standard heel collar setup compared to other MTL models Mike P
Wider toebox than Long Sky, Skyfire MTL models Mike P
Cons:
Quite warm given reinforced lined and dual gusset tongue upper and closed Matryx mesh (a pro in winter): Sam
Wish it were lighter but no real avoiding the 10.6 oz/300g US9 given the stack height, big outsole, and broad platform: Sam
A little bit more flex around the midfoot would make it even better Mike P, Renee
Heavy: Renee
Heel hold for narrow feet: Renee
Most comparable shoes
Brooks Caldera Mike P
Hoka Mafate Speed 4 Mike P
Merrell Agility Peak 5 Mike P
Saucony Xodus 3 Mike P
Please find the testers full run bios at the end of the article after Comparisons.
Stats
Approx. Spec Weight: men's 10.6 oz / 300g
Sample Weights: men’s 10.4 oz / 294g US8.5 , 10.2 oz / 288g US 9.5 women’s 9.45 oz / 268g US8
Midsole Stack Height (spec.): men’s 36 mm heel / 30 mm forefoot ( 6mm drop spec)
Total Stack Height (measured): 42mm heel /36mm forefoot
Platform Width: 90 mm heel / 85 mm midfoot / 110 mm forefoot
Available late Spring 2025. $180
First Impressions, Fit and Upper
Mike P: I always like to call out the literal first impression that I get when looking at or picking up a shoe. Definitely the Adapt’s midsole - all translucent, yellow grooved foam - gets the awards this time. It gives a striking impression of expected cushion, somewhat reminiscent of the Brooks Caldera 6 with its massive slab of foam.
The color design is also quite striking - orange-ish, pink-ish, neon yellow foam. Yea, I’m all for it. Merrell also typically puts out striking color options as well as design collabs (Janji) - they’ve got a great canvas to work with here.
Secondly, I checked out the heel collar area and I was happy to see that they went with a more standard padding setup here. Again, check my video review as I describe this. I also describe the fit and the upper early in the video so I won’t rehash everything here.
Essentially, the toebox is nice and spacious across the forefoot, and the sizing works well for me at TTS US 9.5 (same as Long Sky 2 and Skyfire 2). Matryx upper, as usual, is a favorite material.
A couple of small elements that I’ll point out about the tongue - it’s well padded throughou. I had no issues at all with lace bite. Height is fine, no slipping for me. It also has the same lace loop high up on the tongue as other MTL models. I like this as you can tuck the laces over the top and back up out of the way as seen here.
[Matryx durability - Coree Woltering’s pair at ~800 miles]
Renee: My first impression of the MTL Adapt Matryx? Probably the same as many people: this is A LOT of shoe. Merrell has released fun shoes recently, so I wasn’t going to judge this book by its stack height (isn’t that how the old adage goes?). I very much enjoyed Merrell’s MTL Skyfire 2 Matryx and the budget Morphlite.
Mike P has the details about the upper. My first run was 10 miles in the rain, and the upper is as durable and protective as it looks. Despite the rather stiff Matryx material, the upper is comfortable. Like Mike, I had no issues with the thin tongue. However, fit for me was an issue.
Mike describes a slight amount of extra room in the heel. I did not have a good heel lockdown. I have a somewhat low volume foot, and what I describe as a typical female-narrow heel. For a lighter shoe, the heel hold would not be a problem. For a heavy, high stack shoe, the heel hold was an issue on inclines/declines.
Midsole & Platform
Mike P: The spec stack listed at 36/30mm felt a bit low, so I measured manually and got 42mm at the heel - giving a total of 42/36mm. That feels about right, and of course includes the insole and outsole. So it’s clear that this falls into the range of high stack, ultra cushioned trail options.
The foam is Merrell’s FloatPro. It's difficult to compare the density to the other MTL models since there's so much more volume underfoot in these. Also, the supercritical nitrogen-infused foam is encapsulated in a thinner, firmer carrier foam which is what you see in the exterior. See some of the shots below from the Merrell Booth at The Running Event.
So pressing the foam with your hand doesn’t really indicate the softness that you feel underfoot as the outer carrier is there to protect the inner foam and also provide some stability. But this foam still is not as soft as the pictures may indicate. For me it strikes a balance as not being squishy at all (which can lead to instability) and not feeling firm underfoot.
In my video review you can see that I’m able to run quite confidently through some tricky terrain - indicating an effective ground feel despite the high stack. If you’re looking for a big squishmallow underfoot, these may not be the ones for you. But if you’re into effective trail cushion along with control, this midsole strikes the right balance.
Renee: The Adapt feels stiff and unflexing in hand, but the Flex Connect grooves make a significant difference underfoot, especially under the forefoot. Despite the weight and stack, the Adapt is quicker at climbing than I first assumed it would be. The heel fit is just a bit too wide for my narrow heel, so even though the forefoot flexes, I had heel slippage.
For a heavy shoe, this makes the ride more sluggish for me than it might be for other heavier runners. The midsole is firm but not uncomfortable. As Mike wrote, this is not a marshmallow trail cruiser. The control and stability is better than what the specs indicate. For ungroomed terrain it’s not the best simply because of the overall stack.
Outsole
Mike P: Merrell goes with top of the line Vibram Megagrip w/ Traction Lugs here. The lugs are 4mm and effective in loose terrain. Note the segmentation in the outsole - especially the big flex groove near the lateral forefoot. Clearly thought was put into the design to allow as much flex as possible via the midsole FlexConnect grooves and also the outsole pattern.
One thing I noted was that although the shoe feels somewhat stiff in hand, even a bit difficult to flex, on the run that is not felt. Landings, especially at the midfoot felt smooth and I was able to stride quite easily without any sense of stiffness or flatness underfoot.
I’ve never had any quality issue with a Megagrip outsole. The picture above is Coree Woltering’s pair after 800 or so test miles. This is not surprising to me given the level of wear on some of my Megagrip outsoles after that many miles. Also note that the outer carrier foam seems to have held up pretty well.
Renee: Mike has the details. I ran in rain and snow and the outsole worked great. The outsole for ungroomed terrain (debris covered trails and fields) is enough for traction. For truly soft terrain, I’d need a lower stack regardless.
Ride, Conclusions and Recommendations
Mike P: I mostly talk about the ride during my video review, so I’ll just summarize here. I find the Flex Grooves within the midsole really make the Adapt feel quite agile on the run. I was able to tackle some muddy, rooty, leaf covered sections without much trouble during one of my test runs.
I’ve seen some comments in our posts indicating that people think this shoe is softer underfoot than it actually is. I chalk that up to the striking visual look of the midsole itself. But I just want to reiterate that this shoe is not overly soft. It does strike the balance well of providing a controlled level of cushion without feeling overly stiff. When climbing, the flex under the ball of the foot felt smooth - especially given the spacious toebox. On descents, the fullness of the midsole under the arch and the heel provided adequate but not unsteady cushion.
I can certainly see this shoe being a long distance pick for a wide range of runners, especially those that are not fond of the high stack/very soft foam combo. It can certainly be a race day option if carbon plates are too stiff or obtrusive for you. Personally, I’d go with a plated option on race day, but will certainly reach for these for long distance training days.
Mike P’s Score: 9.7 / 10
Ride: 10 - Smooth, protective, stable, great for long days
Fit: 9.5 - Maybe a hair of extra space in the heel, but really nitpicking here
Value: 10 - $180 seems high for no plate, but these should last really, really long
Style: 10 - I love this look, Merrell will likely come out with plenty of cool options
Traction: 10 - Vibram MG, great pattern
Rock Protection: 9.5 - No plate, but not necessary, almost bombproof
Smiles 😊😊😊😊😊
Renee: Many of my personal thoughts about the Adapt are related to the heel hold, which is going to be an issue only for those with narrow heels. The shoe is heavy and high stack, and probably too much shoe for me for most of my runs and races.
For anyone who can handle this much shoe, the Adapt is a great choice. The upper is protective and comfortable, the midsole is durable, and the outsole is what we expect from Vibram. The midsole is firm but glides along nicely thanks to the flex grooves. The Adapt is best for strong runners who can handle the weight and for runners who need an extremely durable shoe for multiple long efforts on runnable trails.
Renee’s Score: 8.75 / 10
Ride: 7- Protective, smoother than it appears, unfortunately too heavy for my preference
Fit: 7.5 - Great in all areas, except for my narrow heel which affects ride given the stack and weight
Value: 9- Pricey, but on par for similar shoes and with high durability
Style: 9 - Good looking but massive on my feet (not much of an issue as it’s not a casual shoe)
Traction: 10 - Vibram, no issues for the shoe’s purpose
Rock Protection: 10- With the stack and firmness, I can’t feel anything underfoot.
😊😊
Mike's MTL Adapt Matryx Video Review (18:17)
9 Comparisons
Hoka Mafate Speed 4 (RTR Review)
Mike P (9.5): The MS4 may be the most similar shoe to the Adapt, but it does have a softer feel underfoot. The soft Profly layer feels cushier than the more supportive FloatPro of the Merrell. I detect a bit less volume in the upper of the MS4, but I think it just runs a bit smaller in my US 9.5. Grip, traction, and protection are a draw here. The MS4 may offer more comfort in terms of softness, but it can feel a little unstable when technical. The Adapt is firmer, but for me, more controllable. Again, like the Speedgoat, in the same class - choose based on fit and preference.
Salomon Ultra Glide 2 (RTR Review)
Mike P (9.5): In the same category, the UG may be a touch softer, but the platform is narrower and I find it much less stable. It’s fine though if going in a straight line, with more of a rockered feel underfoot. Platform width under foot is noticeable - Adapt is wider and I feel more solid in ground feel. The Salomon upper feels overbuilt in comparison to the Merrell’s superb Matryx setup.
Brooks Caldera (RTR Review)
Mike P (9.5): I tested V6, and found it to be way too much underfoot for me. Massive platform on the ground with the Brooks - more than the Mererll and flatter feeling with less “adaptability”. The appearance of the midsoles/foams looks similar in pictures, but the Brooks is softer and more bouncy, and the Adapt gets the edge in stability. The Adapt upper is better shaped in the toebox. I’m not sure if Caldare V7 was improved in this regard. I prefer the Merrell, but if you need MAX+ cush, and softer, the Caldera will suit your needs.
Merrell Agility Peak 5 (RTR Review)
Mike P (9.5): I talked about this comp a bit in my video review - the main difference is the AP has a rockplate, which dulls ground feel a lot, and leads to more of a rocker flex forward near the toes. The unplated Adapt has more flex under the ball of the foot, making them feel much more agile for me. The Adapt is wider in the toebox as well, whereas the AP is somewhat narrow up front. I much prefer the ride and fit of the Adapt.
Hoka Speedgoat (RTR Review)
Renee: I reviewed the GTX version of v5. I did not review v6. The Speedgoat has lower stack and has better ground feel while providing enough stack for distance runs. The geometry of the Speedgoat didn’t feel great for me, as the rocker doesn’t allow my midfoot to flex where it wants. The Adapt is much more shoe underfoot, but it has a smooth ride forward. I wore a half size down in the Speedgoat.
Mike P (9.5): I’ve tried most versions of SG aside from the recent V6. The toe box never works for me - it’s narrow, low volume and torpedo shaped. The Adapt has a much better shape and the Matryx material is much better than anything the SG has ever used. The SG foam is usually more responsive and also adaptable underfoot - you do have to get used to Hoka’s rocker, but it seems to start flexing more towards the middle of the foot. The Adapt is more solid/rigid under the midfoot, with the flex up front. The Adapt is surely in the same class as the SG, choose based on how they feel on foot. I default to Adapt based on the upper fit.
Salomon Genesis (RTR Review)
Mike P (9.5): The regular (non S/LAB) Genesis is closer to the Adapt than the S/LAB version. It also has a Matryx upper, but there seems to be less volume as I got some pinky toe side rubbing in the Genesis. The Genesis is a half ounce lighter and is more mid-distance oriented and is kind of better for shorter/quicker runs. The Adapt works better for longer, cruising miles. Both shoes are solid.
La Sportiva Prodigo (RTR Review) and Prodigio Pro
Mike P (10.5): Prodigio Pro is urrently in test. Note the huge sizing difference with La Sportiva. They’ve widened the toebox for sure, but they still run small. The Prodigio Pro is a great shoe, more technical trails oriented than the Adapt. The upper (non-Matryx) is a bit more dialed in than the Adapt’s, which suits its more agile nature. It’s also unplated, and more flexible throughout, especially around the midfoot compared to the Adapt. I’ll be doing a full review shortly - but both of these will be shoes that stay in my rotation.
Nike Zegama 1 or 2 (RTR Review)
Renee: I ran v1, so I suggest reading the RTR review of v2 for a comparison. The Zegama v1 has a softer and more forgiving midsole. The flex grooves of the Adapt give it a slight edge in being smooth underfoot. For sizing a wore a half size shorter than normal in the Zegama.
Mike P (9.5): The Zegama 2 is way softer - one of the softest and squishiest shoes that you can get right now. I found it way too soft, and hence unstable for me. It’s also quite heavy and backweighted. It is not ideal for forefoot strikers, but if you’re a heavy heel striker, and/or looking for the most cushion you could possibly get - the Zegama 2 is certainly a shoe to look at first. The Adapt is firmer (in comparison), with a much better upper, better ground feel, and is more agile.
ASICS Trabuco Max 2 (RTR Review)
Renee: I reviewed v2 not v3. The Trabuco has a softer midsole and a less technical focus. For a casual cruiser, the Trabuco will be better. For technical running and durability, the Adapt. I wore a size 8 in both.
Mike P (10.0): The Trabuco Max (I have V2) is a behemoth with the stack height and weight to match. Look here if you need supreme protection, cushion, and little/no ground feel. It’s very wide underfoot and can feel unwieldy at times, but if you want to protect the feet, it does the job. I see this as a great protective option for heavier runners, but a bit much for lighter runners like myself. I get as much protection with the Adapt for example, or other less massive shoes. Of course the Trabuco is no match for the Adapt in agility - it’s more of a slow plodder in comparison. The Adapt is way more versatile.
Index to all RTR reviews: HERE
Available late Spring 2025. $180
Tester Profiles
Mike Postaski currently focuses on long mountainous ultras - anywhere from 50K up to his favorite - 100M. 5'10", 138 lbs, midfoot/forefoot striker - he typically averages 70 mpw (mostly on trails), ramping up to 100+ mpw during race buildups. A recent 2:39 road marathoner, his easy running pace ranges from 7:30 - 9:00/mi. From 2022-23 Mike has won the Standhope 100M, IMTUF 100M, and Scout Mountain 100M trail ultras, winning the Scout 50M in 2024. He also set a CR of 123.74M at the Pulse Endurance Runs 24H and completed the Boise Trails Challenge on foot in 3 days 13 hours, besting the previous record by 7 hours. Mike's shoe preferences lean towards firmer, dense cushioning, and shoes with narrower profiles. He prefers extra forefoot space, especially for long ultras, and he strongly dislikes pointy toe boxes.
Renee is a former U.S. Marine journalist, which is when her enjoyment of running and writing started. She isn’t that awesome of a runner, but she tries really hard. Most of her weekly 50-60 miles take place on rural country roads in Nebraska, meaning mud, gravel, dirt, hills, and the occasional field. She has PR’s of 1:30:59 for the half marathon and 3:26:45 for the marathon.
Europe only: use RTR code RTR5ALL for 5% off all products, even sale products
3 comments:
Let us know if you have other comps in mind!
The look is terrible. Score is a 5.
@ Block Blast, Very comfortable running shoes. 7 points for this shoe
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