Saucony Xodus Ultra 4 vs Merrell MTL Adapt Matryx

Xodus Ultra 4 or MTL Adapt Matryx? Here’s how they compare on feel, fit, brand specs and price, from the fitting team at The Run House.

The short answer

Want bouncy cushion and Vibram grip for long trail days? Get the Xodus Ultra 4.

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

Get the Xodus Ultra 4 if

• You want more bounce and energy back
• It’s mostly for easy days
• You prefer a lower drop (6mm vs 8mm)
• You’d rather spend $20 less

Get the MTL Adapt Matryx if

• You want more foam underfoot (6mm more at the heel)
• You like a higher heel-to-toe drop (8mm vs 6mm)

On the run

Xodus Ultra 4: Bouncy, protective trail miles. Very bouncy PWRRUN PB foam on a stable platform, now with a Vibram outsole that unlocks its potential. It’s getting heavy.

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.

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

Xodus Ultra 4. Runs slightly short, so consider a half size up. The toebox is tapered.

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

Try them on

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

Shop the Xodus Ultra 4 · Shop the MTL Adapt Matryx · Compare other running shoes