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The North Face Altamesa 500 v2
The North Face
$170Score 91+10
Better than INOV-8 TrailFly Max at:
- A higher overall score (91 vs 81)
- More cushioning (44 vs 35 mm heel stack)
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INOV-8 TrailFly Max
$170
The better pick if you want:
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
INOV-8 TrailFly Max· leads in 1
Merrell MTL Long Sky 2· leads in 2
Tied
Cushioning
Lightness
Grip
Drophigher isn't better or worse
Affordability
Compare features between INOV-8 TrailFly Max vs Merrell MTL Long Sky 2
How INOV-8 TrailFly Max 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 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| INOV-8 TrailFly Max | 57 | ||||||
| Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 | 72 |
Cushioning and low weight make the kilometres easier; very deep lugs squirm on hard ground.
A model built from the specs to compare shoes, not a lab measurement.
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See the differences between INOV-8 TrailFly Max and Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 in a side-by-side slider comparison.
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For value comparison: The INOV-8 TrailFly Max ($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 INOV-8 TrailFly Max is newer: it came out in 2025, and the Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 in 2022.
Closest in price, with what each one does better.
The North Face
Better than INOV-8 TrailFly Max at:
NNormal
Better than INOV-8 TrailFly Max at:
Compare INOV-8 TrailFly Max or Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 with other top trail running shoes from brands such as INOV-8, Merrell and more.
