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The North Face Altamesa 500 v2
The North Face
$170Score 91+14
Better than Icebug Aura RB9X at:
- A higher overall score (91 vs 77)
- A lower drop (6 vs 9 mm)
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Icebug Aura RB9X
€170
The better pick if you want:
No clear advantage on the specs we track.
Merrell MTL Long Sky 2
$170
The better pick if you want:
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
Icebug Aura RB9X· leads in none
Merrell MTL Long Sky 2· leads in none
Tied
Cushioning
Lightness
Grip
Drophigher isn't better or worse
Affordability
A spec without data for a product is left out of its shape, so it doesn't count as a low score.
Compare features between Icebug Aura RB9X vs Merrell MTL Long Sky 2
How Icebug Aura RB9X 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 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Icebug Aura RB9X | 52 | ||||||
| Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 | 72 |
Cushioning and low weight make the kilometres easier; very deep lugs squirm on hard ground.
Estimated: no data on stack height, lug depth, weight, assumed average.
A model built from the specs to compare shoes, not a lab measurement.
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See the differences between Icebug Aura RB9X and Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 in a side-by-side slider comparison.
Answers based on product data and key differences.
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For value comparison: The Icebug Aura RB9X ($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.
The Icebug Aura RB9X is newer: it came out in 2023, and the Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 in 2022.
Closest in price, with what each one does better.
The North Face
Better than Icebug Aura RB9X at:
NNormal
Better than Icebug Aura RB9X at:
INOV-8
Better than Icebug Aura RB9X at:
Compare Icebug Aura RB9X or Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 with other top trail running shoes from brands such as Icebug, Merrell and more.
