Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx review

The MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx is a race shoe, and it ranks last here only because our angle asks for cushioning as well as grip. On grip it is one of the strongest shoes on the list: Merrell fits a Vibram Megagrip outsole with 5 mm lugs and rates it for rugged trails with heavy debris and frequent changes of speed and direction. It is also the lightest shoe here at 8.29 oz per shoe. The upper is a single layer of Matryx fabric that combines Kevlar and high-tenacity polyamide threads, which Merrell says breathes better, stretches less and resists abrasion. FloatPro foam and an ETPU footbed provide the cushioning, but the stack is only 23.5 mm at the heel and 19.5 mm at the forefoot, with a 4 mm drop. Merrell says its athletes have raced it on major trail podiums. At $170, runners who want comfort over long training miles get more foam for less from the Agility Peak 6.

Who it is for

Racers and fast mountain runners who want maximum grip and low weight more than deep cushioning.

Price

$170 for the men's version at the Merrell US store when checked.

Men's MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx $170.00 USD
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 9, 2026.

Key features

• 8.29 oz per shoe, the lightest on this list
• Vibram Megagrip outsole with 5 mm lugs
• FloatPro foam midsole and an ETPU high rebound footbed
• Single-layer Matryx upper with Kevlar and high-tenacity polyamide
• 4 mm drop on a 23.5 to 19.5 mm stack

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: The lightest shoe here by more than an ounce
• Strength: 5 mm lugs, tied for the deepest listed here
• Strength: An abrasion-resistant Matryx upper
• Weakness: The lowest stack on this list, so the least cushioning
• Weakness: $170 is high for a low-cushion shoe
• Weakness: Some sizes showed as not available when checked

Key facts

• Price: $170 (men's)
• Weight: 8.29 oz per shoe
• Stack height: 23.5 to 19.5 mm
• Drop: 4 mm
• Outsole: Vibram Megagrip, 5 mm lugs

Where it ranks

Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx is No. 9 in our Best Trail Running Shoes verdict.