Was reading reviews for this shoe yesterday and was hoping you guys would review it. Just loged in KZbin and there it is.
@HowardWortonjb712 сағат бұрын
Gave Brooks a try wi both the previous Caldera and the Cascadia 15. The latter is just ok, the former is the worst trail shoe I’ve ever run in. I want to like the brand and their products but they just feel a bit basic these days.
@seanmac804 сағат бұрын
What IS Brooks' race day shoe? Catamount 2? Caldera? I've never run in a Brooks shoe.
@massimomalossini78234 сағат бұрын
catamount 3 for sure. for long ultras caldera or cascadia. depends
@ilink109Сағат бұрын
The agil
@pates44425 сағат бұрын
Had the toe box issues too. Big toe always banged against the toe bumper and got pushed medially. Really painful when i used them for longer hikes/runs. For me it isn't a sizing issue, cause i have a lot of room in front of my toes. It's the shape of the toe box and the hard material.
@justinajat557Күн бұрын
Would you say the Salomon thundercross or Mountain Racer 3 was more protective underfoot without a rock plate of sharp rocks?
@ConversationalPaceКүн бұрын
At first it was the Mountain Racer 3, but even after 50 miles the shoe softened up to the point where I got nervous for rock hits. The Thundercross started out feeling a little less protective but still good enough, but it didn't change at all through my testing. So in the long term, I'd say the Thundercross
@bradleycox47122 күн бұрын
Hey guys, thanks for the great review. I am a bit late to the party, but what do you think of the Zegama 2 in technical terrain vs the Wildhorse 8. I remember you really liked the WH when you reviewed it. Is the 8mm drop noticeable / detrimental for the Wildhorse in technical terrain. I have Zegama 1's, Peg trails and Kiger 8's in rotation. I am wondering if the Wildhorse could be a 1 shoe to do everything replacement?
@ConversationalPaceКүн бұрын
I initially preferred the Wildhorse 8 over the Zegama 1, but now that the Zegama 2 has come out, I have a very hard time deciding which one I like more. I think I still lean to the Wildhorse for technical terrain because it's a bit lower to the ground. I don't find the 8mm drop to be an issue at all. BUT if I'm looking to get one shoe to do it all, then I learn towards the Zegama 2
@bradleycox471210 сағат бұрын
@ConversationalPace Thank you for your reply and thoughts. Yeah it is an interesting choice, hey, Both sound to be great shoes. I am glad to hear that the 8mm drop isn't too noticeable.I think I will go with the Wildhorse this time being considerably cheaper. 👍
@alpryor2 күн бұрын
Question, I have been in hokas for a decade (outside of marathoning) and have a technical 50k I’m targeting and deciding between a new pair of my trusty Mafate Speed 4s, or going all in on the tecton x 3. The course is actually 29 miles, 5,500ft gain, roughly half of it is extremely technical and can be pretty slick depending on weather, the other half you can rip on easy/moderate technicality with 3 road miles mixed in. I guess my question is, would I be more prone to roll my ankle and blow my race sprinting downhill in the tecton x 3? I’m sure they are way faster, but need to be confident in my footing. Thanks in advance!
@marshallmartinez17852 күн бұрын
Been watching a your shoe reviews for a while (big fan), and I realized I don't know what defines a "matrix" upper. What makes an upper a matrix?
@ConversationalPaceКүн бұрын
It's a whole other brand that is licensed out to be used on these shoe uppers. Just like a shoe having a vibram outsole but being a hoka or a nike. You'll always see the Matryx branding somewhere on it, and the characteristics are the thin and somewhat scratchy upper material that is incredibly strong and durable
@djclass0053 күн бұрын
Got the GTX version of this shoe for 80€ for this winter. Guided by this review, curious how it will feel!
@veitastic68663 күн бұрын
Great review, guys. Would you also recommend this shoe for hiking and backpacking tours where you also cover a lot of kilometers?
@ConversationalPaceКүн бұрын
Oh definitely! Comfort is key for something like that. Just make sure you are comfortable with only having the stability of a trail running shoe as opposed to a true hiking shoe
@veitastic6866Күн бұрын
@@ConversationalPace Sounds good. I will try to walk around with my backpack in my apartment to make sure of that :). Or would you maybe for the sake of stability recommend the Gel Trabuco 12 over this one?
@daniel-qs5sz3 күн бұрын
Can I run on road with this shoes ?
@ConversationalPaceКүн бұрын
You definitely can, although I found this current version to be a little less smooth on the roads due to the firmer cushion
@daniel-qs5szКүн бұрын
@@ConversationalPace thanks mate
@tommilam63203 күн бұрын
Extra validation post- just ran the Sawatch 50k today in this shoe. Techy Mtn races? Oh yes they do perform! 9-13k elevation, 7k of vert
@ConversationalPaceКүн бұрын
💥💥💥
@sofiamoschi19774 күн бұрын
Thanks guys, awesome and informative video as always! How would you compare these to the nike zegama 2? I'm looking for something comfy and I'm looking at these two 🤔 thanks!
@ConversationalPaceКүн бұрын
Definitely pretty similar shoes. I would say that personally, I think the Altamesa is a little smoother on mellow trails and dirt roads. The outsole is a little less rugged as well. The Zegama holds my foot down a bit better and has held up in the mountains much more. Both have a ton of cushion and are super comfortable. Neither are very wide. Hope this helps!
@sofiamoschi19774 сағат бұрын
@@ConversationalPace thanks, super helpful! For the kind of trails I run (mostly Dolomyths and Alps), then i think the outsole of zegama will be better 🤔
@PS-14215 күн бұрын
I love this shoe. This shoe has the best outsole and love the midsole. Prodigio - does the outsole work on wet surfaces??
@ConversationalPaceКүн бұрын
I had no problems with the Prodigio on wet surfaces. Others have said it was still a little slick on wet wood and some wet east coast trails when also in humid weather
@Johnnyengal7 күн бұрын
This was a very informative video! I would like to ask if you have tried the fujispeed 2/3? Do you have any thoughts about it?
@ConversationalPaceКүн бұрын
Haven't tried either of those models out, but we did just get in the Metafuji Trail the other day, which should definitely be thrown into this conversation!
@mcgovski7 күн бұрын
"its very approachable" haha had a barista in Ashland say that to me about a coffee roast....
@ConversationalPace6 күн бұрын
I'm sure they were right!
@TreySimcik8 күн бұрын
Not at all what's important here however what sunglasses are you wearing? Congrats on your race. I really enjoyed this video!
@ConversationalPace6 күн бұрын
Sunglasses? For which race are you referring to?
@gibbethoskins86219 күн бұрын
I dont get why shoe companies are still making shoes which such narrow toe boxes not even shaped to human feet
@kgenest1009 күн бұрын
Can’t wait to see your future video on the VJ Maxx2… and how they compare to the Long Sky Matrix.
@francoisgdt80879 күн бұрын
Hi ! great review i’m interested in these, have a question regarding the fit. It seems that it breaks-in as you first thought these were too small… so for someone like me between two sizes would you recommend to take the smaller one ? the 10.5 seems tight, but the 11 maybe too long/wide for me… if they breaks-in this should be good isn’t it ?
@ConversationalPace9 күн бұрын
Are there any shoes you've worn in the past or are currently wearing that work well for you? If so, what size are those? I've tried quite a few shoes, so being able to compare could help. Also, would you say you have a wide or narrow foot? Mine's a little on the narrow side, but if it were a bit wider, I'd consider the half size up
@francoisgdt80879 күн бұрын
@@ConversationalPace thanks for the feedback. I've always worn 10.5 whatever the brand is (saucony ride, nike pegasus, salomon aero glide...). And I have narrow feet ! just my left one is a tad longer which is a problem, in some shoes my right foot is perfect but my left is at the edge :D... I think I should go with 10.5 in these too, don't you think so ?
@Courtneydoeswalter9 күн бұрын
Zegama 2 or Zinal 2?
@ConversationalPace9 күн бұрын
First off, what an honor to be graced by your presence on the channel. second, they're pretty different shoes with the Zinal 2 being much lighter, thinner, and less protective than the Zegama 2. Zinal is definitely more fun of a shoe, but not one I'd be able to use for daily training
@joshbrady474010 күн бұрын
Can’t believe that yall love this outsole. Took the rift out on a rainy day here in East Tennessee and it literally would not bite onto anything. On a 3.6 mile trail loop it didn’t once grip onto a rock or root. Slipped on push off every time. I honestly feel like this is the worst trail outsole on any shoe, even worse than Nike rubber. Changed into the adidas agravic speed ultra for the second loop, and even with its very west coast oriented 2.5/3.5mm lugs, it gripped everything. I went out of my way to put it into worse situations than the rift and it stuck every time. Lug depth and configuration aren’t everything, you gotta have a good outsole compound. I hate seeing what would be good trail shoes get wasted with bad outsoles, Saucony has zero wet weather grip, north face has zero durability. They both need to stop the complacency and improve. Salomon used to be in the same boat with wet weather grip but got better with the thundercross and genesis. Sunday day drinking rant over😂😂😂
@ConversationalPace9 күн бұрын
hahaha I definitely didn't log any miles over what you did, so I'm sure our experiences of the outsole were completely different. Appreciate the rant!
@CANNABISfreedomNOtaxes10 күн бұрын
Brooks Caldera 7 💯%
@patricksaunders267411 күн бұрын
Another great video, cheers guys! Merrell are knocking out the park with these and the AP5. I believe this shoe has a torsion plate in the midsole very similar to the original Adidas Speed Ultra.
@PhuriousPhil11 күн бұрын
A really fair review. And the negative points that you guys raised resonate with me, in particular the movement of the forefoot in that wide toe box. I've spent the last two years running in the Nnormal Kjerag and the MTN Racer 3 is the first Topo that I've run in. But I'm really, really struggling with dialling in the lacing. If I go for a lace lock the midfoot is so tight, and with that rigid upper material the sides of my feet become painful, but I have a little less lateral slippage in the forefoot. However over a long distance it's just too painful. So, I forgo the lace lock and then my fore foot is moving all over the place , particularly on descents and technical terrain. It seems by going for a slightly wider fore foot toe box I've definitely sacrificed a more secure ride and just some general nimbleness, but I'm still puzzled why I've sacrificed these attributes because the MTB Racer 3 doesn't seem to offer anything else. I agree the durability of the sole is not in question, but to be honest, I've gotten at least a 1000kms out of each pair of Kjerags that I've owned (and they're way more breathable and have decent drainage too). I'm really non-plussed as to the positives of the MTN Racer 3 in regards to my needs. The original idea was to have a shoe that was more suited to running longer Ultras for when my feet swell(+100 milers), but I seriously doubt I'll use my pair for anything longer than a 2/3 hour run. However I'm very excited at the prospect of the Merrell Long Sky 2 Matryx - now that really does sound like a shoe that'll fulfill my needs (although maybe not for the +100 milers).
@dickdanforth425911 күн бұрын
My wife has same ankle issues with many shoes, this shoe no exception. She's pondering returning them if skipping the top eyelet doesn't help. You are not alone, Mr Low Ankles!
@mikefusaro815312 күн бұрын
For people with haglund heels or pump bump the 6’s are a huge step back from the 5’s. Really hoping they don’t put structure in the Mafate 5’s. Please continue to review the heel counter in your videos 👌
@ConversationalPace9 күн бұрын
Definitely will continue to try and be detailed about the structure (or lack thereof) of the heels of future shoes 👍
@spitzer325212 күн бұрын
Kiprun race light is very similiar this shoes , cost 100 Euros in E.U , but my favorite is Kiprun MTC 2 is best polyvalant shoes for me, cost 110 euros, all have Matrix ...
@yaolet10 күн бұрын
kiprun race is more like sky fire 2
@ConversationalPace9 күн бұрын
Kiprun might have the best value products out there. They're a little tough to find in the states though!
@davidwalsvig295913 күн бұрын
I picked up a pair of these recently, and I'm enjoying them. Heel is a bit big, but I'm able to get a decent lock down. I wish they made something in the moderate stack with a similar design and foam under 10oz. The 300 looks good, but it's still over 10oz and doesn't use the dream foam. Love the toe box and forefoot stability. Outsole already showing a little bit of wear from dry rocky California trails though in just 20 miles.
@ConversationalPace9 күн бұрын
Yeah a 300 with the Dream foam would be sweeeeeeeet. I agree, they still have a few bits that could be improved regarding durability, but definitely a pretty great first generation of a shoe!
@davidwalsvig29599 күн бұрын
Even with the extra weight, I find myself wanting to wear them for the comfort and ride quality. Promising stuff.
@ConversationalPace9 күн бұрын
@@davidwalsvig2959 Comfort and ride quality are going to be more beneficial than just getting the lightest shoe. Gotta enjoy what you're wearing!
@jakeva980213 күн бұрын
They look pretty slick. I always thought of them as just hiking boots
@ConversationalPace12 күн бұрын
Yeah that had always been my vision of the brand as well, but they definitely make some legit trail running shoes now!
@kkman405313 күн бұрын
Would be cool to resole a supershoe like a Vaporfly with a trail outsole and see how it performs.
@ConversationalPace12 күн бұрын
Definitely a project I've wanted to pursue for a while!
@jeanjulienfialip103313 күн бұрын
Quelle est la meilleure chaussure entre Caldera 7 et zegama 2 en générale selon vous ? Laquelle est la plus stable ? La plus adaptée pour les sentiers techniques ? Zegama 2 est plus réactive et dynamique ?
@ConversationalPace12 күн бұрын
Pour moi personnellement, la Zegama était une meilleure chaussure à la fois en termes de confort, de terrain technique et de performances. Cela était en grande partie dû à l'ajustement, et je suis sûr que nombreux sont ceux qui diraient le contraire. (Google Translate)
@stridarn13 күн бұрын
I think one thing you didn’t talk about that is worth mentioning is how well it drains after getting soaked. As a swimrunner I tend to be extra sensitive to that feature and after a couple of 30-60km races in this shoe, I believe that this is one of - if not the - best in that regard.
@ConversationalPace12 күн бұрын
Great point about these! I didn't have the opportunity to get them wet, and I can only assume they would drain really well, as that is an experience I have had with many shoes with the Matryx Uppers
@kasslatter113 күн бұрын
Nice video guys, another shoe that seems to fall in to the same category (light, low stack, matryx, vibram) is the scarpa spin race) what do you think?
@ConversationalPace12 күн бұрын
Yes looking at the dimensions of that shoe, it definitely seems like a pretty direct competitor. I haven't tried out, but it looks like it would line up in many similar areas!
@philipking301013 күн бұрын
Great stuff, thanks for the shout out, I'll stop bugging you about the AP5 then :-)
@ConversationalPace12 күн бұрын
🤣🤣🤣
@rmsrmsrmsrms13 күн бұрын
'Just a little bit long' doesn't go far enough :) 1/2size down was (and still is -- Why, Merrell?) unavailable, or I would've returned this TTS pair for that, but if I was buying the shoe again, I would go a full size down and see if it worked. I would also argue the slapping feel is due to this sizing issue. BTW about the wonderful insole: The Saucony Xodus beaded insole is *twice* as thick, and with all that extra toebox room fits just fine in the MTL -- worth keeping in mind for longer runs....! I share the excitement about this model, will be using it a lot. Plain white colorway is best.
@ConversationalPace12 күн бұрын
Wow I might have to get an Xodus just for the insole! That's a very good point about the sizing contributing to the slappy feel
@kimaboe13 күн бұрын
Tromsø Skyrace unfortunately isn't put on anymore, last years edition was the final one (for now), so you can sleep safe from exposed ridges, Brett.
@ConversationalPace12 күн бұрын
Aww that's a bummer. Do you know why it isn't put on anymore?
@kimaboe12 күн бұрын
@@ConversationalPace I believe the race was started by Kilian and Emilie when they lived in Tromsø, and when they moved another group of runners took over the organising. IIRC I heard on a podcast that some of them have since relocated to other parts of Norway as well, and it simply became too much work for the organisers and volunteers to continue.
@zacharygarner942513 күн бұрын
Same recipe from the norda 002 and sort of like the real predecessor the innov8 g270. Some people will really really like it and take it far like Diego at hardrock
@ConversationalPace12 күн бұрын
I envy those who are able to take light and flexible shoes like these over the 100 mile distance. haha I at least love the idea of it
@dviv1113 күн бұрын
Pretty sure Emilie the 1st female at RRR this weekend was also wearing these when she flew by me like I was running backwards around mile 60
@stellabylaw13 күн бұрын
Can confirm, that's exactly what Emilie referred to in another podcast! But I'm sure you weren't running backwards :)
@ConversationalPace12 күн бұрын
Super impressive! Both to Emilie and you running backwards at mile 60 🤣
@ericperramond346314 күн бұрын
No air-cooled traction lugs? No Service..... great review, guys.
@ConversationalPace12 күн бұрын
Thanks for watching! I thought it was refreshing to have such a simple, no frills outsole 🤣. Still waiting for the hover sole to come out
@ramblingrunner217214 күн бұрын
Brett, I completely agree about the slappy feel on flat, smooth terrain.
@ConversationalPace12 күн бұрын
hard to pair such an aggressive outsole with a flatter sole and also be smooth on flat terrain. Definitely not where this shoe was meant to be taken though. Appreciate you, my guy!
@TrailrunnerTroy14 күн бұрын
Part of my weekly rotation. Also have a separate (white and clean!) pair for casual/travel wear. Raced a 50 miler in the Sangre di Cristo Mountains in Colorado in the original version. Light, agile and surprisingly comfortable for a medium thickness midsole trail shoe. The lugs really claw into the terrain. The Matryx is a big improvement as the original version had a poorly fitted and overly thick upper. The best of Merrell’s underrated trail running shoes: The Agility Peak 5 is superior to the Hoka Speedgoat in all respects except heel lockdown; the Skyfire is amazingly fun for shorter uphills and speed-training. Highly recommend for training up to 20 miles in steep rocky terrain especially. Can use for ultras but there are many better options. Should note that the upper colors stamped into the Matryx wear out fairly quickly. Given comparatively lower price and discounts readily available, you can’t afford not to buy it.
@ConversationalPace12 күн бұрын
Great input on their line up of shoes! I'm excited to chat with the Merrell team at TRE this year and see what they've been cooking up for 2025
@grennangoeshiking14 күн бұрын
Thank you for this review. I have the non Matryx version, and there are several differences, all with the upper. The upper is still super light weight, super breathable. It appears to be two layers of mesh, the inner being very fine, the out a very visible mesh. I get a lot pf air flow, but it allows sandy soil to sneak through. The lacing system also looks very different. More of what I think you’d call a guile style lace. The gusseted tongue and this lacing system gives me the same lock down I’d get from a racing spike, but with plenty of toe box room. The upper is much less durable, I got small hole at the pinky toe at about 100 miles. It’s not much bigger after 160 but I still worry, as I prefer to takes shoes 500+. I’ve never felt it’s had a rock plate. Walking on hard surfaces, I feel the outsole through the midsole. Rock hits are possible through this midsole as well w/o that plate. I’ve raced a 30k in this shoe in the SE and wished I had the rock plate of the cascadia. I have a bit of an arch issue in this shoe which keeps me from longer races in it, but I still want to try.
@ConversationalPace12 күн бұрын
Thanks for the input on the other upper! Honestly, sounds more comfortable and suited well for use as a daily trainer if this style of shoe is your thing. Does sound though like you'd get some added durability benefits out of the matryx version
@grennangoeshiking12 күн бұрын
@@ConversationalPace for sure. Right before posting I noticed the hole mention previously, is tearing further. It’s a great shoe similar feel as the Lonepeak 4.5 I had, but with a more durable outsole.
@BillNanson14 күн бұрын
Very useful- thanks. Not to be sniffed at then, if I see an offer…
@ConversationalPace12 күн бұрын
Thanks for watching!
@paulreynolds131914 күн бұрын
Merrell definitely jumped onto the scene with some great shoes. Definitely go down a half size with this shoe. So much more step in comfort than the VJ maxx 2. Id like to see what you think of tbe skyfire.
@ConversationalPace12 күн бұрын
Definitely intrigued by that skyfire!
@gijssmets14 күн бұрын
I run a lot in Merrell trailshoes ( 2 pairs of Skyfire V1 and 2 pairs of Agility Peak 5) but the uppers always got ripped. My dream ultrashoe would be a AP5 with a matryx upper. So I hope that Merrell brings matryx to their other trailshoes. I might get a pair of these Long Skys for sub-marathon races. They look supercool too!
@paulreynolds131914 күн бұрын
I also have all 3 of those shoes but no issues with ripping. I was surprised how well they all performed. I prefer the AP 5 to the speedgoat in performance and comfort.
@gijssmets13 күн бұрын
@@paulreynolds1319 I scramble a lot over/under/through trees and bushes. So, ripped up uppers are not unusual for me but Merrell seem to rip easier.
@ConversationalPace12 күн бұрын
I have a hunch that if the AP5 was offered with a Matryx upper, we would have reviewed it quite some time ago 🤣
@yaolet10 күн бұрын
sky fire 2 has matryx version
14 күн бұрын
Great review as usual! Thank you for showing the tongue construction and insole! I might give this shoe a chance if I can find great deals. Still plenty of life left in my current 10+ running shoes 😅
@ConversationalPace12 күн бұрын
*queues the rocky training montage for 100 mile weeks* 🤣🤣
12 күн бұрын
@@ConversationalPace still trying to build the "mileage" back to 100km after some bad weeks with some mild injuries & covid🤞
@paddytrihey118914 күн бұрын
Would absolutely love to see some Arcteryx shoes come into the channel if you want to keep bringing new brands in! The Long Sky looks wicked.
@ConversationalPace12 күн бұрын
Definitely would love to try some arcteryx shoes out. Seems like this past year, they've definitely made a bit more of an honest push into trail
12 күн бұрын
@@paddytrihey1189 I just got arc'teryx Norvan SL 3 and it is really nice minimalistic shoe. Toebox is a bit pointy, midsole a bit harsh and not the best grip in soft mud. Other than that very light, agile and flexible shoe with great ground feel. Also has top notch water drainage!
@nadernikmorad7315 күн бұрын
What is the difference between this and cascadia 18 gtx thanks
@ConversationalPace12 күн бұрын
The biggest difference is that any of the 'gtx' shoes have a waterproof upper, where if that isn't noted, it's a fully breathable upper. So the regular Cascadia 17 and 18 will be more breathable and comfortable fit, but the gtx will keep all the moisture out. Hope this helps!
@nadernikmorad7312 күн бұрын
@@ConversationalPace thank you
@tommilam632015 күн бұрын
With X3 since you don’t have as much air pushing into the heel area of the shoe due to gator sort of sealing it up, the “pressure” could be different within the shoe so water doesn’t drain as easily? I know, I’m no hydrodynamics or physics guy so could be completely speaking out of my (inset word here).
@ConversationalPace12 күн бұрын
haha I actually love this theory! The TX3 gaiter vacuum theory is what it should probably be named. Definitely not a physicist either, but it feels plausible!