Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 Matrix Review: A Trail Shoe That Surprised Us

Introduction

The Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 Matrix arrived in a nicely designed presentation box with a small drawer of extras, including a matching bright pink shoe bag and multi wrap. That unboxing experience sets the tone: this is a shoe Merrell clearly cares about, developed with input from its elite athletes for running quickly over technical terrain.

It slots neatly into Merrell’s trail line. The Agility Peak 5 is a firm favourite for all-round trail work, while the racer-focused Skyfire 2 felt too stripped back in midsole cushioning and protection. The Long Sky 2 Matrix sits between those two, promising a lighter, nimbler ride without giving up all comfort.

Specs and Price

The Matrix version retails in the UK for £155. A standard Long Sky 2 without the Matrix upper is available for £135 if you want to spend less.

Key numbers: 261g in a UK 9.5, 23.5mm of stack at the heel, 19.5mm under the forefoot, and a 4mm drop. The outsole is an aggressive 5mm lug design clad in Vibram MegaGrip rubber.

The Matrix Upper

The headline feature is the Matrix upper: a lightweight, breathable, abrasion-resistant fabric that is becoming increasingly popular in trail running. This is built for durability over rough ground, with overlays and underlays wrapping from the heel around the lace eyelets and toe box for structure and support.

Design choices lean minimal. The tongue is thin and gusseted, and the ankle and heel collar are fairly stripped back, though there is a substantial heel cup. A standard lacing system comes with a handy elasticated band for stowing lace ends so they cannot snag on the trail.

Midsole and Outsole

The midsole uses Merrell’s Float Pro foam in a dual compound setup: slightly softer at the heel than the forefoot, though the difference is subtle. Compared with the stripped-back Skyfire 2, there is noticeably more substance here, which points to better comfort and underfoot protection.

The outsole is a thoughtfully executed design. Five millimetre lugs strike a good balance for consistency across most terrain, with chunky forward-facing chevrons on the forefoot and reverse-facing chevrons on the heel. Vibram MegaGrip rubber dominates the trail running world for good reason: it is a top-performing compound.

First Impressions and Fit

Straight out of the box, the shoe felt true to size on length, fitting similarly to the Agility Peak 5. The toe box is a little roomier in width, which felt immediately comfortable, and the upper delivered a secure, foot-hugging lockdown.

There was some early concern about whether the thin gusseted tongue would offer enough padding across the top of the foot with the laces pulled tight. That worry proved unfounded: the laces were very comfortable, and their slight texture seems to help the lockdown hold all run without loosening.

Out on the Trail: First Run

The test route covered roughly ten miles of coastal path, repeated climbs, and wet, muddy woodland, with hard-packed trail, rocky ground, and rooted paths all in the mix. Rain and mud made for genuinely testing conditions.

The shoe ran far better than expected. Despite the relatively low stack height and stripped-back build, it offered a good level of comfort underfoot and plenty of protection, even on fast rocky descents. The midsole never felt under-cushioned at any point on the run, and the shoe flexed nicely throughout.

The Vibram MegaGrip outsole took everything in its stride, performing especially well in deep mud. Traction was strong and consistent across every surface encountered.

Who This Shoe Is For

If you like the feel and fit of the Agility Peak 5 but want something a bit nimbler, lighter, and more responsive, this is worth a close look. It is also a sensible step up for runners who found the Skyfire 2 too minimal in cushioning and protection.

Runners who like more padding may want to note the stripped-back ankle collar and heel cup. It never caused discomfort on the test run, but on longer days a touch more padding at the back of the upper could be welcome.

Verdict After Ten Miles

At the end of ten miles, both feet and shoes felt great, which bodes well for distance. For a relatively lightweight, stripped-back trail shoe, it appears capable of handling long outings comfortably.

The upper stayed as secure at mile ten as it was at mile one, the cushioning held up across mixed terrain, and the grip never wavered. This is a top-performing, good-feeling trail shoe that earns its place between Merrell’s comfort-oriented and race-oriented options.

Conclusion

The Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 Matrix delivers a rare combination: the lightness and responsiveness of a performance trail shoe with more cushioning and protection than its appearance suggests. With a durable Matrix upper, proven Vibram MegaGrip traction, and a fit that locks down and stays locked down, it is an easy recommendation for technical trail runners who want speed without sacrificing comfort.