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  1. Shoes
  2. Icebug Järv RB9X vs Merrell MTL Long Sky 2

Icebug Järv RB9X vs Merrell MTL Long Sky 2

Icebug Järv RB9X

Icebug Järv RB9X

€170
Merrell MTL Long Sky 2

Merrell MTL Long Sky 2

$170

Quick verdict

Icebug Järv RB9X

€170

The better pick if you want:

  • More cushioning (29 vs 23.5 mm heel stack)

Merrell MTL Long Sky 2

$170

The better pick if you want:

  • A higher overall score (85 vs 69)
  • A lighter option (105 g less)
SpecsReview10Alternatives5

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

Icebug Järv RB9X· leads in 1

Cushioning

Merrell MTL Long Sky 2· leads in 1

Lightness

Tied

GripAffordability
  • Cushioning

    29 mm
    24 mm
  • Lightness

    340 g
    235 gTop 7%
  • Grip

    5 mmTop 13%
    5 mmTop 13%
  • Drophigher isn't better or worse

    4 mm
    4 mm
  • Affordability

    $170
    $170

Technical Specifications

Compare features between Icebug Järv RB9X vs Merrell MTL Long Sky 2

Best value in this comparison
Feature
Icebug Järv RB9X€170Merrell MTL Long Sky 2$170

Essentials

€170
$170
2025
2022
340 g
235 g

Overview

Trail Running Shoe
Trail Running Shoe
Technical and mixed trail terrain
Technical trails
Trail running, technical off-trail, mixed terrain runs
Trail running on varied and technical terrain

Cushioning

4 mm
4 mm
29 mm
23.5 mm
25 mm
19.5 mm
Expanded e-TPU foam with high Susterra bio-based content for comfort and rebound
FloatPro™ foam for lightweight durable cushioning

Grip & protection

RB9X™ rubber compound with FSC®-certified natural rubber and recycled rubber lugs
Vibram® MegaGrip high performance rubber with 5 mm lugs

Upper & fit

—
ETPU high rebound foam footbed
Ready to buy?

On the terrain

How Icebug Järv 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 groundAverage
Icebug Järv RB9X54
Merrell MTL Long Sky 272

FlatPacked, runnable trail

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

Icebug Järv RB9X40
  • Cushioning20/40
  • Lightness3/35
  • Smooth roll17/25
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.

Icebug Järv RB9X

Have you used the Icebug Järv RB9X before?

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Merrell MTL Long Sky 2

Have you used the Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 before?

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Video Reviews

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

See all 10 video reviews

Icebug Järv RB9X

Merrell MTL Long Sky 2

Visual Comparison

See the differences between Icebug Järv RB9X and Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 in a side-by-side slider comparison.

Icebug Järv RB9X
Merrell MTL Long Sky 2

Comparison Questions

Answers based on product data and key differences.

Ask your own question

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which offers better value: Icebug Järv RB9X vs Merrell MTL Long Sky 2?

For value comparison: The Icebug Järv 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.

Which is newer, the Icebug Järv RB9X or the Merrell MTL Long Sky 2?

The Icebug Järv RB9X is newer: it came out in 2025, and the Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 in 2022.

Looking for alternatives to Icebug Järv RB9X?

Closest in price, with what each one does better.

See all alternatives
1The North Face Altamesa 500 v2
The North Face Altamesa 500 v2

The North Face

$170Score 91+22

Better than Icebug Järv RB9X at:

  • A higher overall score (91 vs 69)
  • A lighter option (62 g less)
  • More cushioning (44 vs 29 mm heel stack)
Compare with Icebug Järv RB9X
2NNormal Tomir 2
NNormal Tomir 2

NNormal

$170Score 90+21

Better than Icebug Järv RB9X at:

  • A higher overall score (90 vs 69)
  • A lighter option (76 g less)
  • More cushioning (33 vs 29 mm heel stack)
Compare with Icebug Järv RB9X
3INOV-8 TrailFly Max
INOV-8 TrailFly Max

INOV-8

$170Score 81+12

Better than Icebug Järv RB9X at:

  • A higher overall score (81 vs 69)
  • A lighter option (60 g less)
  • More cushioning (35 vs 29 mm heel stack)
Compare with Icebug Järv RB9X

Popular Comparisons

Compare Icebug Järv RB9X or Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 with other top trail running shoes from brands such as Icebug, Merrell and more.

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