MTL Long Sky 2 Trail Running Shoe (Women)

Almost thought this was "the shoe" for short and mid distance technical NE rocky trail (at least for me). Low but some drop, Vibram mega grip sole, effective lace system, wide but not ridiculous toe box. These shoes have a nice comfortable fit and superb traction. Unfortunately, the mesh upper might breathe well, but it's not meant for the terrain that the rest of the shoe is asking for. Similar to others, the mesh upper tore quite quickly for me. I don't mind quick wear on real soft rubber that is meant to really stick to rock, but these tears come with the rest of the shoe still in great shape, which is saddening (see pictures). To be fair to Merrell, the rest of the shoe was good enough that I have gone ahead and given them a 2nd chance and purchased the Matryx version to see how he durability compares. Maybe I was just asking too much out of this version. Fingers crossed...a potentially great 5 star product... that I hope lasts for more than 2 months.