Merrell MTL Adapt Matryx vs HOKA Speedgoat 7

MTL Adapt Matryx or Speedgoat 7? Here’s how they compare on feel, fit, brand specs and price, from the fitting team at The Run House.

The short answer

Want cushion and Vibram grip for long trail days? Get the MTL Adapt Matryx.

Want cushion and grip for any trail? Get the Speedgoat 7.

Get the MTL Adapt Matryx if

• You want more foam underfoot (4mm more at the heel)
• You like a higher heel-to-toe drop (8mm vs 5mm)

Get the Speedgoat 7 if

• It’s mostly for easy days
• You prefer a lower drop (5mm vs 8mm)
• You need a wide width
• You’d rather spend $25 less

On the run

MTL Adapt Matryx: Cushioned, grippy long-trail shoe. Cushioned for long runs on varied terrain, with FloatPro foam, a reliable Vibram Megagrip outsole and a Matryx upper. Surprisingly nimble for its weight.

Speedgoat 7: The trail all-rounder. Plenty of cushion for downhills and a slightly livelier new foam. It stays stable on technical ground, and the Vibram Megagrip outsole sticks to almost anything.

The MTL Adapt Matryx hasn’t been lab tested by RunRepeat yet, so its feel ratings are estimated from Believe in the Run’s review (no lab test yet).

Specs side by side

Stack, drop and weight come from each brand’s own website. Numbers marked * aren’t published by the brand and come from other published specs. Weights are for the size each brand quotes. Expected life is our estimate.

Fit

MTL Adapt Matryx. Believe in the Run found the laces and heel need work, so try it on.

Speedgoat 7. Runs about a half size short, so most runners go up a half. Narrower than most HOKA trail shoes, and the toebox can press the big toe on long descents. Wide available.

Try them on

Come try on both at The Run House in Walpole, Needham or Falmouth. Gait analysis is always free.

Shop the MTL Adapt Matryx · Shop the Speedgoat 7 · Compare other running shoes