Merrell MTL Adapt

The Merrell MTL Adapt is a cushioned trail running shoe with Matryx® upper, Vibram® MegaGrip outsole, and FloatPro™ foam designed for rugged trail running.

Merrell·Shoes

5 video reviews

$200

Pricier than 84% of shoes · category average ≈ $167

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Key specs

Weight: 288 g
Drop: 6 mm
Heel Stack: 36 mm
Forefoot Stack: 30 mm

Best for: Trail running on rugged and varied terrain

Spec profile

Each axis ranks against the 174 products in Shoes on the site: the further out, the more it stands out in that spec (lighter, cheaper…).

Center: lowest in the category · Edge: highest

Weak points

Affordability

Cushioning
36 mmTop 35%
Lightness
288 g
Grip
4 mmTop 50%
Drophigher isn't better or worse
6 mm
Affordability
$200

Technical Specifications

Compare features between Merrell MTL Adapt

Essentials

$200

2025

288 g

Overview

Trail Running Shoe

Rugged trails

Trail running on rugged and varied terrain

Cushioning

6 mm

36 mm

30 mm

FloatPro™ foam for enhanced cushioning and energy return

Grip & protection

Vibram® MegaGrip high-performance rubber

Upper & fit

5% recycled PU footbed

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On the terrain

How Merrell MTL Adapt should behave on each kind of ground, estimated from lug depth, stack height, weight and outsole rubber. Pick a ground to see what decides it.

Pick a ground							Average
Merrell MTL Adapt							58

FlatPacked, runnable trail

Cushioning and low weight make the kilometres easier; very deep lugs squirm on hard ground.

Merrell MTL Adapt75

Cushioning33/40
Lightness17/35
Smooth roll25/25

A model built from the specs to compare shoes, not a lab measurement.

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Video Reviews

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Frequently Asked Questions

Answers based on product data and key differences.

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Is the Merrell MTL Adapt a good investment for trail running in 2026?

At $200, the Merrell MTL Adapt represents solid value for 2026, especially for trail running enthusiasts.

When was the Merrell MTL Adapt released?

The Merrell MTL Adapt was released in 2025.

Looking for alternatives to Merrell MTL Adapt?

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NNormal Kjerag Brut

NNormal

$200Score 91+11

Better than Merrell MTL Adapt at:

A higher overall score (91 vs 80)
A lighter option (58 g less)

Compare with Merrell MTL Adapt

Merrell MTL Skyfire 2

Merrell

$200Score 87+7

Better than Merrell MTL Adapt at:

A higher overall score (87 vs 80)
A lighter option (78 g less)
Deeper lugs for grip (5 vs 4 mm)

Compare with Merrell MTL Adapt

Salomon S/Lab Genesis 2

Salomon

$200Score 84+4

Better than Merrell MTL Adapt at:

A higher overall score (84 vs 80)
A lighter option (24 g less)

Compare with Merrell MTL Adapt

Popular Comparisons

Compare the Merrell MTL Adapt with other top trail running shoes from leading brands, including Merrell for the ultimate trail running experience.

Shoes

Spec profile

Each axis ranks against the 174 products in Shoes on the site: the further out, the more it stands out in that spec (lighter, cheaper…).

Center: lowest in the category · Edge: highest

Weak points

Affordability

Cushioning
36 mmTop 35%
Lightness
288 g
Grip
4 mmTop 50%
Drophigher isn't better or worse
6 mm
Affordability
$200

Pick a ground

Average

Merrell MTL Adapt

Merrell MTL Adapt

Spec profile