Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx Review

Oh boy excited for these; I've been holding off buying them until after the Epona, I was happy with the Merrell Agility Peak 5s for race day and didn't want to confuse myself with yet another choice of trail shoe.

Now that's done and dusted however, it is time to dive in to this new gorgeous offering from the increasingly excellent Merrell trail running line.

What Are The Long Sky 2?

Merrell have 3 recently released trail runners aimed at more technical and ultra running side of things, supplementing their range which previously targeted more hybrid / light trails:

• Agility Peak 5: general purpose and long distance focused with a high stack height, good grip and plenty of cushioning. My main shoe for 2024
• Skyfire 2: lightweight stripped back super-shoe designed for fast technical mountain running over short distance
• Long Sky 2: mid ground between the two, more cushioning than the Skyfires, but lighter and less cushioned than the Agility Peaks.

For the Skyfire and Long Sky, then they launched updated versions with an upper material called Matryx. This is a mix of kevlar threads that make a durable yet incredibly lightweight layer, and is starting to make its way into the more top end shoes out there like the Hoka Tecton X2 and the Salomon Metacross.

These recent efforts have given us some great trail running shoes, which makes it all the more of a shame that you don't see them on many start lines. I can easily count the number of people I've seen wearing Long Sky 2s at races I've done, because the number is precisely zero.

I mean just look at the specs on the Long Sky 2 Matryx, they are bang on what many folks look for in trail runners:

• Lightweight Matryx upper (non Matryx version available for slightly cheaper)
• Low stack height for more ground feel, at the expense of cushioning
  • Listed as 26mm in the heel, 19.5mm in the forefoot
  • However Road Trail Run indicated this likely doesn't include the insole and tread, instead measuring 30mm to 23.5mm in their tests (still very low)
• 4mm drop (same as a Hoka Speedgoat)
• FloatPro Foam midsole (same used in Agility Peaks, good level of comfort)
• 5mm Vibram Megagrip outsole
• A reportedly wide toe box, like Altra wide, whilst still gripping well around the midfoot
• Gusseted tongue with a sock-like fit
• Recycled materials and vegan

Ultimately they are designed for technical mountain racing at distances up to 50k, where connection to the ground and solid grip is important, as is the light nimbleness of the shoes.

What got me so excited were that these finally felt like the "Altra Lone Peak with decent grip" I'd been searching for. A low drop for ground feel, a wide toe box for comfort, "just enough" cushioning yet with a best in class outsole sitting on what is potentially a very durable upper, all in a light racing focused package.

Unboxing & First Impressions

First up, when holding them, they feel incredibly lightweight, coming in at 235g per shoe (Merrell's measurement at UK size 9), making them the lightest shoes I own.

Putting them on I get a great sock-like feel, with these grippy laces giving a strong lock down with very little pressure. I feel like I could run with them unlaced and get on ok.

The toe box gives plenty of wiggle room, moe than the Agility Peaks, and only a tad less than the Altra Lone Peaks. Interestingly they don't suffer the standard Altra issue of also being sloppy, due to a more narrow midfoot area keeping your foot in place.

The fit felt true to size, I'm using my standard walking shoe size here.

The cushioning when walking round the house was more substantial than I expected for the low stack height, time will tell if this translates onto tarmac stretches though.

Not sure about the heel cup and counter, wonder if it will cause issues with my foot lifting later.

First Run: Well I Am In Love

Straight off the bat they felt comfortable to run in, I didn't need to re-lace or reposition my feet. Their light nimble nature was apparent from the off, and my foot being in a more natural position ala Altras was a great return to form after many months in the high drop high cushion Agility Peaks.

You can feel the reduced cushioning however, there is a firmness to the midsole and a connectedness that, whilst great over softer ground, will definitely be fatiguing on road and hard trail. The firmness also means less "bounce" helping energy return, you sacrifice that for the nimble confident footing.

That said, I felt better in them on tarmac then I do in Altra Lone Peaks, likely due to the weight.

Grip and ground feel meant they felt bloody fantastic over technical ground, ascents and descents. All the confidence of 5mm of Vibrams and a low flexible shoe, with the comfort of a wide toe box.

The laces held firm, very firm in fact, I'd be cautious not to overtighten them as they aren't slipping any time soon. The upper remained well locked down, and the heel counter outperformed initial expectations by solidly keeping my foot in place, even without a heel lock.

After finishing my knees had definitely felt the reduced cushioning: if you're coming from shoes with a higher stack or higher heel to toe drop I'd recommend transitioning slowly to these to avoid injury.

After their first spin I'm inclined to agree with how Merrell are targeting these: they would be excellent for technical mountain/sky running, soft ground, grass, mud, whilst being less comfortable for hard packed trails, fire tracks and road. From an ultra running perspective I think they'd do absolutely fine with enough training and adaptation to them, but you may long for that extra cushioning in the later stages of the race.

Follow Up Runs

I want to call out how these feel to descend in. The way the upper hugs your foot, keeps it in place, and gives you that extra toe space, means you can absolutely smash it down an incline in pure comfort with no slippage.

I took them on a midday sunny hike and was surprised at how breathable the upper felt. I could feel a breeze passing through them, so they'd make good summer running shoes, but probably poor winter shoes without some extra thick socks. Haven't had a chance to get them soaking wet yet, so can't comment on how quickly they dry.

Doing some base work, I can't help but feel that these are exactly what I've been looking for. The grip and technical confidence of the Merrell Agility Peaks, yet the ground feel and forgiving comfort of the Altra Lone Peaks.

I do think to temper this that I will need time to adjust to them, I was wondering whether to use them at the EDDUM but (in a rare sensible decision on my part) decided that it would be too risky. They are a stripped back shoe with a different drop and stack height to what I've been training in, and it will take time for my muscles to adapt to that style.

Next

I want these to become my main shoe for ultras, and am looking to adapt into them over the next few months.

I've got my first proper long run in them soon, and I'll update the review if there's anything else I find, however confident from the first few runs me and the Long Sky 2 get each other.

My next, and last race of the year, is the Hateful 8. I'd love for these to be on my feet at the start line.