Altra Timp 6 vs Merrell MTL Long Sky 2

Altra Timp 6

€170

Merrell MTL Long Sky 2

$170

Quick verdict

Altra Timp 6

€170

The better pick if you want:

More cushioning (30 vs 23.5 mm heel stack)
A lower drop (0 vs 4 mm)

Merrell MTL Long Sky 2

$170

The better pick if you want:

A higher overall score (85 vs 55)
A lighter option (90 g less)
Deeper lugs for grip (5 vs 3.5 mm)

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

Altra Timp 6· leads in 1

Cushioning

Merrell MTL Long Sky 2· leads in 2

LightnessGrip

Tied

Affordability

Cushioning
30 mm
24 mm
Lightness
325 g
235 gTop 7%
Grip
3.5 mm
5 mmTop 13%
Drophigher isn't better or worse
0 mm
4 mm
Affordability
$170
$170

Technical Specifications

Compare features between Altra Timp 6 vs Merrell MTL Long Sky 2

Best value in this comparisonOnly differences (15)

Essentials

€170

$170

2026

2022

324.6 g

235 g

Overview

Trail Running Shoe

technical trails, rugged terrain, long distances

Technical trails

Trail running, long-distance trail training, hiking, and rugged outdoor adventures

Trail running on varied and technical terrain

Cushioning

0 mm

4 mm

30 mm

23.5 mm

30 mm

19.5 mm

Altra EGO™ MAX foam for maximum cushioning with responsive energy return

FloatPro™ foam for lightweight durable cushioning

High cushioning with breathable mesh and flexible upper for long-distance comfort

—

Grip & protection

Vibram® Megagrip redesigned for superior traction on varied surfaces

Vibram® MegaGrip high performance rubber with 5 mm lugs

Reinforced zones provide protection while maintaining flexibility

—

Aggressive Vibram® lugs for grip on wet and dry trails

—

Upper & fit

Soft rolled mesh (85% RPET) with integrated reinforcements for durability and protection

—

Standard Altra FootShape™ ergonomic insole for natural toe splay

ETPU high rebound foam footbed

Traditional lacing with evolved fit for secure midfoot and roomy toe box

—

Ready to buy?

On the terrain

How Altra Timp 6 vs Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 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
Altra Timp 6							48
Merrell MTL Long Sky 2							72

FlatPacked, runnable trail

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

Altra Timp 654

Cushioning22/40
Lightness7/35
Smooth roll25/25

Merrell MTL Long Sky 268

Cushioning20/40
Lightness31/35
Smooth roll17/25

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

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Video Reviews

Watch real-world YouTube reviews from content creators and the Trail Running community.

See all 10 video reviews

Altra Timp 6

Merrell MTL Long Sky 2

Visual Comparison

See the differences between Altra Timp 6 and Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 in a side-by-side slider comparison.

Comparison Questions

Answers based on product data and key differences.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which offers better value: Altra Timp 6 vs Merrell MTL Long Sky 2?

For value comparison: The Altra Timp 6 ($170) provides premium features compared to the Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 ($170). Consider your budget and the specific features that matter most for your trail running setup.

Which is newer, the Altra Timp 6 or the Merrell MTL Long Sky 2?

The Altra Timp 6 is newer: it came out in 2026, and the Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 in 2022.

Looking for alternatives to Altra Timp 6?

Closest in price, with what each one does better.

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The North Face Altamesa 500 v2

The North Face

$170Score 91+36

Better than Altra Timp 6 at:

A higher overall score (91 vs 55)
A lighter option (47 g less)
More cushioning (44 vs 30 mm heel stack)

Compare with Altra Timp 6

NNormal Tomir 2

NNormal

$170Score 90+35

Better than Altra Timp 6 at:

A higher overall score (90 vs 55)
A lighter option (61 g less)
More cushioning (33 vs 30 mm heel stack)

Compare with Altra Timp 6

INOV-8 TrailFly Max

INOV-8

$170Score 81+26

Better than Altra Timp 6 at:

A higher overall score (81 vs 55)
A lighter option (45 g less)
More cushioning (35 vs 30 mm heel stack)

Compare with Altra Timp 6

Popular Comparisons

Compare Altra Timp 6 or Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 with other top trail running shoes from brands such as Altra, Merrell and more.

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

Altra Timp 6· leads in 1

Cushioning

Merrell MTL Long Sky 2· leads in 2

LightnessGrip

Tied

Affordability

Cushioning
30 mm
24 mm
Lightness
325 g
235 gTop 7%
Grip
3.5 mm
5 mmTop 13%
Drophigher isn't better or worse
0 mm
4 mm
Affordability
$170
$170

Pick a ground

Average

Altra Timp 6

Merrell MTL Long Sky 2

Altra Timp 6 vs Merrell MTL Long Sky 2

Altra Timp 6

Merrell MTL Long Sky 2

Quick verdict

Spec profile