Merrell
MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx
A low, flexible mountain shoe with a tough Matryx upper and grippy 5 mm Vibram Megagrip lugs. It excels on very technical ground, but the thin cushioning limits it on longer or smoother runs.
About the MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx
For long and ultra-distance technical races, Merrell offers the MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx, the longer-distance counterpart to the short-race MTL Skyfire 2 Matryx. It replaces the original MTL Long Sky.
Both shoes share a Matryx upper, a single-layer polyamide mesh with Kevlar threads, FloatPro foam and Vibram Megagrip rubber. The Long Sky 2 has medium cushioning, 5 mm chevron-shaped lugs and no plate; a small arch insert sits in the midsole instead.
Its geometry is low and close to the ground, with a 23.5 mm heel and a 4 mm drop, which places it among Merrell's low-drop running shoes. Runners after more protection and speed for mountain ultras can step up to the carbon-plated MTL SpeedARC Peak, while the Long Sky 2 stays the simpler, more flexible option for very technical ground.
Specs and features from roadtrailrun.com, sportsshoes.com and our own spec data. A factual overview, not a review.
Video reviews
What the critics say
The reviews in briefiRunFar's Reese Ruland found the Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx excellent on rugged, technical trails, praising its light, durable upper, secure heel and grip on wet, dry and snowy ground. She felt the thin midsole let her feel the ground and lacked spring, so she would limit it to runs of around three hours.
- Positive: Light, breathable and durable upper
- Positive: Grippy on wet, dry and snowy trails
- Positive: Confident and flexible on technical descents
- Mixed: Needs a short break-in period
- Negative: Thin cushioning, so you feel the ground on longer runs
Paraphrased from published reviews. Read them in full:
The numbers
- Trail
- Type
- 241 g
- Weight
- 23.5 mm
- Heel stack
- 4 mm
- Drop
- No plate
- Plate
- Inherently stable
- Support
Weight for a men's US 9 / UK 8.5.
What it feels like
Fit
True to size
Snug heel and a toe box roomier than you'd expect, with a short break-in period.
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On TikTok
MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx on TikTokShort reviews and wear tests from runnersWhere to buy the MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx
RRP around £155. Tap through for today's price.
Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx
In short
Choose this if you run very technical, rocky or snowy mountain trails and want grip, ground feel and a durable upper. For long runs or smoother paths, you'll want more cushioning.
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