La Sportiva VK Boa vs Merrell MTL Long Sky 2

La Sportiva VK Boa

$170

Merrell MTL Long Sky 2

$170

Quick verdict

La Sportiva VK Boa

$170

The better pick if you want:

A lighter option (55 g less)

Merrell MTL Long Sky 2

$170

The better pick if you want:

A higher overall score (85 vs 72)
More cushioning (23.5 vs 15 mm heel stack)
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

La Sportiva VK Boa· leads in 1

Lightness

Merrell MTL Long Sky 2· leads in 1

Grip

Tied

CushioningAffordability

Cushioning
15 mm
24 mm
Lightness
180 gTop 1%
235 gTop 7%
Grip
3.5 mm
5 mmTop 13%
Drophigher isn't better or worse
4 mm
4 mm
Affordability
$170
$170

Technical Specifications

Compare features between La Sportiva VK Boa vs Merrell MTL Long Sky 2

Best value in this comparisonOnly differences (14)

Essentials

$170

2020

2022

180 g

235 g

Overview

Trail Running Shoe

steep uphill trails, vertical kilometer racing

Technical trails

Vertical Kilometer races and uphill trail competitions

Trail running on varied and technical terrain

Cushioning

4 mm

15 mm

23.5 mm

11 mm

19.5 mm

High‑density compression EVA with rock‑guard insert

FloatPro™ foam for lightweight durable cushioning

3D Heel design for fit and comfort

—

Grip & protection

FriXion® White Mix compound with minimal tread

Vibram® MegaGrip high performance rubber with 5 mm lugs

Lightweight TPU toe cap

—

FriXion® White compound lugs placed only where needed

—

Upper & fit

Bi‑elastic mesh with Sock‑Like™ construction for freedom of movement

—

Ortholite® Hybrid Mountain Running® ergonomic insole

ETPU high rebound foam footbed

BOA® Fit rapid closure system

—

Ready to buy?

On the terrain

How La Sportiva VK Boa 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
La Sportiva VK Boa							58
Merrell MTL Long Sky 2							72

FlatPacked, runnable trail

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

La Sportiva VK Boa80

Cushioning20/40
Lightness35/35
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

La Sportiva VK Boa

Merrell MTL Long Sky 2

Visual Comparison

See the differences between La Sportiva VK Boa 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: La Sportiva VK Boa vs Merrell MTL Long Sky 2?

For value comparison: The La Sportiva VK Boa ($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 La Sportiva VK Boa or the Merrell MTL Long Sky 2?

The Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 is newer: it came out in 2022, and the La Sportiva VK Boa in 2020.

Looking for alternatives to La Sportiva VK Boa?

Closest in price, with what each one does better.

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The North Face Altamesa 500 v2

The North Face

$170Score 91+19

Better than La Sportiva VK Boa at:

A higher overall score (91 vs 72)
More cushioning (44 vs 15 mm heel stack)
Deeper lugs for grip (4 vs 3.5 mm)

Compare with La Sportiva VK Boa

NNormal Tomir 2

NNormal

$170Score 90+18

Better than La Sportiva VK Boa at:

A higher overall score (90 vs 72)
More cushioning (33 vs 15 mm heel stack)

Compare with La Sportiva VK Boa

INOV-8 TrailFly Max

INOV-8

$170Score 81+9

Better than La Sportiva VK Boa at:

A higher overall score (81 vs 72)
More cushioning (35 vs 15 mm heel stack)

Compare with La Sportiva VK Boa

Popular Comparisons

Compare La Sportiva VK Boa or Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 with other top trail running shoes from brands such as La Sportiva, 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

La Sportiva VK Boa· leads in 1

Lightness

Merrell MTL Long Sky 2· leads in 1

Grip

Tied

CushioningAffordability

Cushioning
15 mm
24 mm
Lightness
180 gTop 1%
235 gTop 7%
Grip
3.5 mm
5 mmTop 13%
Drophigher isn't better or worse
4 mm
4 mm
Affordability
$170
$170

Pick a ground

Average

La Sportiva VK Boa

Merrell MTL Long Sky 2

La Sportiva VK Boa vs Merrell MTL Long Sky 2

La Sportiva VK Boa

Merrell MTL Long Sky 2

Quick verdict

Spec profile