Review: Merrell’s MTL Longsky 2 Matryx is a huge improvement over the original design

Back in 2022, I tested and reviewed the original version of Merrell’s MTL Longsky 2. The shoe was fantastic — I really rated it — but there was one fatal flaw: durability. My pair fell apart after a few dozen miles. Two years later, Merrell has released a revamped design with a specific focus on improved toughness! Who'd've guessed?

Straight out of the box, the MTL Longsky 2 Matryx feels familiar yet refreshed. It has a similar ride to its predecessor, sporting the same FloatPro foam midsole and Vibram MegaGrip outsole, but the big update is the new upper. Matryx is the latest hot material many brands are experimenting with.

It’s a sophisticated blend of tough polyamide and Kevlar threads designed to be bulletproof without feeling like a lead boot. But can this technical shoe strike the right balance? And will it rival the best trail running shoes on the market? Let’s dive in.

Upper

The Kevlar-reinforced Matryx upper will either make or break your experience with this shoe. It’s clearly built for serious mountain terrain — rocky, rugged, and relentless. Despite its toughness, Merrell hasn’t sacrificed breathability. The material feels thin and light, offering decent air circulation and keeping overall weight low — key for nimble footwork on technical descents.

However, this durability comes at a cost: flexibility. There’s zero stretch in the upper, which can feel restrictive, especially on longer runs. Sizing becomes tricky — you might consider sizing up to accommodate foot swelling, but that could compromise the shoe’s precise fit on technical terrain. I went true-to-size and found the trade-off between comfort and performance worth it. These shoes aren’t for leisurely jogs, but for demanding skyrunning missions, they excel.

Midsole

Despite being geared for technical runs, Merrell’s FloatPro midsole is surprisingly soft and squishy. It’s versatile, stable, and remarkably durable. Initially, I doubted its longevity, but months of hard use proved me wrong — it stayed airy and responsive.

With the previous Longsky 2, the upper detached from the footbed far too quickly. This time, Merrell seems to have reinforced the connection points, especially around the heel, making durability concerns a thing of the past.

While the midsole is soft, it’s not particularly thick — a feature I prefer in technical shoes. It provides excellent ground feel, though it won’t appeal to Hoka fans seeking plush cushioning. For that, you'll want to consult our list of the best road to trail running shoes.

The 4mm drop promotes a more natural gait but makes flat trails feel a bit lifeless. Still, for anyone used to zero-drop shoes like Merrell’s Trail Glove, this design feels right at home.

Outsole

Merrell wisely sticks with Vibram MegaGrip — a familiar favourite among trail runners. The MTL Longsky 2’s outsole uses aggressive 5mm chevron-shaped lugs that bite into mud and loose dirt. Reversed lugs at the heel offer impressive braking power on steep descents, providing excellent control.

The outsole’s design includes plenty of gaps to save weight but exposes the soft midsole foam to sharp rocks — a potential durability concern. In testing across muddy Surrey trails and rocky Lake District fells, the outsole impressed with its grip on wet and loose terrain. It’s a proper mountain-ready tread.

Features

The MTL Longsky 2 includes thoughtful details like a D-ring for attaching gaiters. The tongue and collar are minimalist, though I did notice some debris ingress when running through dense woodland — wear good socks! A rare miss is the laces. They’re thin and tend to loosen over long runs. While the stiff upper compensates somewhat, more secure laces like those on the Scarpa Spin Infinity would be an improvement.

Price and competition

With an RRP of £155 ($194.63), the MTL Longsky 2 is priced squarely in the mid-range for technical trail shoes. It outperforms similarly priced models like the Adidas TERREX Agravic Speed in technical terrain but lacks the versatility of the Hoka Speedgoat 6, which is better suited for longer distances and mixed conditions. Against true mountain shoes, however, it shines. It competes well with heavy hitters like Kilian Jornet’s NNormal Tomir 2.0 while offering a competitive price.

Verdict

With excellent traction and a bulletproof upper, the MTL Longsky 2 is a stellar choice for tackling technical trails. It’s also a great stepping stone toward trying more natural-fitting, minimalist shoes. While it’s not the most versatile option, its rugged design and mountain-ready features make it a standout for serious trail runners.

How we tested

The MTL Longsky 2 Matryx was tested by Milo Wilson, LFTO’s resident running guru and gear tester since May 2023. This winter, Milo tackled both the Peak and Lake Districts, running through serious mountain terrain. He even left the shoes out in the rain for three days to test their resilience — they survived unscathed.

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