Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 vs Saucony Xodus Ultra 4

Merrell MTL Long Sky 2

$170

Saucony Xodus Ultra 4

$170

Quick verdict

Merrell MTL Long Sky 2

$170

The better pick if you want:

A higher overall score (85 vs 75)
A lighter option (74 g less)
A lower drop (4 vs 6 mm)

Saucony Xodus Ultra 4

$170

The better pick if you want:

More cushioning (36 vs 23.5 mm heel stack)

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

Merrell MTL Long Sky 2· leads in 2

LightnessGrip

Saucony Xodus Ultra 4· leads in 1

Cushioning

Tied

Affordability

Cushioning
24 mm
36 mmTop 35%
Lightness
235 gTop 7%
309 g
Grip
5 mmTop 13%
4 mmTop 50%
Drophigher isn't better or worse
4 mm
6 mm
Affordability
$170
$170

Technical Specifications

Compare features between Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 vs Saucony Xodus Ultra 4

Best value in this comparisonOnly differences (16)

Essentials

$170

2022

2025

235 g

309 g

Overview

Trail Running Shoe

Max-Cushioned Trail Running Shoe

Technical trails

varied and technical trails

Trail running on varied and technical terrain

Trail running, ultra distances, long-haul adventures

Cushioning

4 mm

6 mm

23.5 mm

36 mm

19.5 mm

30 mm

FloatPro™ foam for lightweight durable cushioning

PWRRUN PB foam underfoot framed by PWRRUN for responsive cushioning and protection

—

Maximum cushioning for long-distance comfort and reduced fatigue

Grip & protection

Vibram® MegaGrip high performance rubber with 5 mm lugs

Full-coverage Vibram MegaGrip with 4 mm lugs for superior traction on rugged terrain

—

Reinforced upper and supportive chassis for protection on long runs

—

Vibram MegaGrip outsole provides confident grip on dry, wet, and uneven surfaces

Upper & fit

—

Durable ripstop engineered mesh with abrasion-resistant reinforcements

ETPU high rebound foam footbed

PWRRUN+ cushioned sockliner for added comfort

—

Traditional lace closure with secure trail fit

Ready to buy?

On the terrain

How Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 vs Saucony Xodus Ultra 4 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
Merrell MTL Long Sky 2							72
Saucony Xodus Ultra 4							56

FlatPacked, runnable trail

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

Merrell MTL Long Sky 268

Cushioning20/40
Lightness31/35
Smooth roll17/25

Saucony Xodus Ultra 469

Cushioning33/40
Lightness11/35
Smooth roll25/25

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

Have you used the Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 before?

Help the community by answering

Have you used the Saucony Xodus Ultra 4 before?

Help the community by answering

Video Reviews

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

See all 10 video reviews

Merrell MTL Long Sky 2

Saucony Xodus Ultra 4

Visual Comparison

See the differences between Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 and Saucony Xodus Ultra 4 in a side-by-side slider comparison.

Comparison Questions

Answers based on product data and key differences.

Ask your own question

Can't find what you're looking for? Ask anything about Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 vs Saucony Xodus Ultra 4 and our AI will answer.

Try asking:

Frequently Asked Questions

Which offers better value: Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 vs Saucony Xodus Ultra 4?

For value comparison: The Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 ($170) provides premium features compared to the Saucony Xodus Ultra 4 ($170). Consider your budget and the specific features that matter most for your trail running setup.

Which is newer, the Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 or the Saucony Xodus Ultra 4?

The Saucony Xodus Ultra 4 is newer: it came out in 2025, and the Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 in 2022.

Looking for alternatives to Merrell MTL Long Sky 2?

Closest in price, with what each one does better.

See all alternatives

The North Face Altamesa 500 v2

The North Face

$170Score 91+6

Better than Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 at:

A higher overall score (91 vs 85)
More cushioning (44 vs 23.5 mm heel stack)

Compare with Merrell MTL Long Sky 2

NNormal Tomir 2

NNormal

$170Score 90+5

Better than Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 at:

A higher overall score (90 vs 85)
More cushioning (33 vs 23.5 mm heel stack)

Compare with Merrell MTL Long Sky 2

INOV-8 TrailFly Max

INOV-8

$170Score 81−4

Better than Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 at:

More cushioning (35 vs 23.5 mm heel stack)

Compare with Merrell MTL Long Sky 2

Popular Comparisons

Compare Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 or Saucony Xodus Ultra 4 with other top trail running shoes from brands such as Merrell, Saucony 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

Merrell MTL Long Sky 2· leads in 2

LightnessGrip

Saucony Xodus Ultra 4· leads in 1

Cushioning

Tied

Affordability

Cushioning
24 mm
36 mmTop 35%
Lightness
235 gTop 7%
309 g
Grip
5 mmTop 13%
4 mmTop 50%
Drophigher isn't better or worse
4 mm
6 mm
Affordability
$170
$170

Pick a ground

Average

Merrell MTL Long Sky 2

Saucony Xodus Ultra 4

Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 vs Saucony Xodus Ultra 4

Merrell MTL Long Sky 2

Saucony Xodus Ultra 4

Quick verdict

Spec profile