The Merrell Nova 4 is the brand’s best-selling trail shoe, and I set out to find out why. When a brand reaches a fourth iteration of a product, it’s a sign they’ve got something worth keeping around.
Of course, each new version can come with changes that might alienate some users or attract new ones. I’m one of the new ones.
As someone who’s never tried a Merrell running shoe before, I was excited to test one that has been in production for a while—hopefully, meaning it’s been fine-tuned over the years.
Equipped with technologies like Cleansport NXT™, FloatPro™ Foam Midsole, and Merrell Quantum Grip™, the Nova 4 promises to handle various terrains while keeping your feet comfortable. It certainly has the right features, but let’s dive into how well it actually performs on the trail.
The Merrell Nova 4 is a consistent favorite for Merrell, delivering a solid performance on technical trails.
Who’s It Good For?
Who is the Merrell Nova 4 good for? Let’s break it down with some common categories:
- Wide Feet: Yes, they even have a wide option!
- Technical Trails: Perfect for rocky, uneven surfaces with solid grip and support.
- Long Runs: With its cushioning, it’s designed for both short and longer trail distances.
- Front of the Pack: This is a great trail shoe for long runs and trail races.
Merrell Nova 4 Overview
New training blocks are always a great time to try out new ideas—whether it’s testing different distances, fueling strategies, or, of course, new gear!
The Merrell Nova 4 arrived just as I started a new training block, and I was excited to see what Merrell had to offer.
Gearing up for a trail 50k, this block had both long training hours and speed play workouts. Usually, I stick to my trusted Hoka/Topo rotation, but it was the perfect opportunity to test out a shoe that claims to handle a little bit of everything.
Right out of the box, I was surprised by how comfortable the Nova 4’s were. The FloatPro™ Foam Midsole immediately reminded me of my favorite pair of Hoka Speedgoats, which are known for comfort. Merrell definitely had my attention from the first try-on.
But I wanted to really test them out, so I took them on a nice long (20 mile) test run.
The midsole provided just the right balance of cushioning without losing responsiveness. It offered solid support for my long runs, providing a comfortable, impact-absorbing feel over the rough terrain. Yet, when I picked up the pace for a few strides, the shoe still was responsive.
It wouldn’t be my first choice for a speedwork only workout, but it easily handled my mid-run pick-ups.
The knit mesh upper was another surprise. It’s lightweight, breathable, and snug without being restrictive—definitely a big plus when it comes to getting a comfortable fit right off the bat. I was impressed by how durable it was, especially when I accidentally tested it by snagging a low branch. No rips or fabric snags!
The double-layer mesh kept my feet well-ventilated, even when I went from Colorado’s 6º to Arizona’s 70º weather. And, while they got soaked running through snow and puddles, the mesh upper allowed them to dry quickly.
The FLEXconnect™ Midsole deserves a mention, as it plays a key role in the Nova 4 versatility. It flexes in multiple directions, allowing the shoe to adapt to varying terrain. This provides a responsive feel without sacrificing stability or feeling too stiff. Partnered with the Merrell Quantum Grip™, it creates a durable and flexible outsole.
When it comes to traction, the 4mm lugs on the outsole offer just enough grip without being too aggressive. This makes the Nova 4 ideal for mixed conditions, providing a solid hold on everything from dirt paths to technical trails.
The hoof-shaped lugs in the middle provide maximum grip where most of the weight is distributed during runs, while the more narrow, rectangular lugs on the outside, top, and bottom ensure even more traction—essentially offering wall-to-wall grip.
One feature that I absolutely loved and wish every shoe had is Cleansport NXT™ technology, which treats the shoe for natural odor control.
Honestly, this has been a game-changer. I’ve been running in these shoes for a couple of months, putting them through the wringer—soaked in snow, splashed through puddles, and zipped closed into my running bag—yet they never developed a bad smell. It’s actually impressive how well it works!
Merrell Nova 4 Specs
Let’s look at some of the details:
- Weight: Men’s 9.7 oz (men’s only shoe)
- Heel Drop: 8 mm
- Stack Height: 29 mm
- Usage: Trail running, long runs, and ultra trail races
- Available in 7 colors
- Available in wide
- Available from merrell.com for $130
Merrell Nova 4 Fit
The fit of the Merrell Nova 4 is comfortably roomy without being excessive—perfect for my standard foot (not too narrow, not too wide).
According to other reviews, it fits true to size for most runners, though it may feel a bit roomier in the toe box for those with narrower feet.
The padded heel collar felt nice, and the heel cup kept my foot securely in place. To make sure it stayed locked in, I used a heel lock lacing technique, and there was plenty of lace length to achieve that.
Speaking of laces, I really like these—flat, textured, and with minimal stretch. The best part? They stayed tied throughout my runs and even have a lace keeper on the tongue, which is always a win!
I was curious to see how my body would handle an 8mm drop compared to the 4mm drop of my beloved Speedgoats. My Achilles tend to speak up quickly if it doesn’t like a drop—whether it’s too high or too low—but I didn’t notice any discomfort at all. In fact, everything felt just right.
The Merrell Nova 4’s overall footprint is noticeably smaller and even lighter than that of a Speedgoat and other high volume shoes. Despite its more compact design, it still manages to deliver on comfort.
If shoes like Hoka, Altra, or even Topo have ever felt too wide for you or not quite right, I’d definitely recommend giving the Nova 4 a try. Its accommodating fit might just be the solution.
Similar Shoes To Merrell Nova 4
If you’re looking for alternatives with similar performance characteristics, here are a few options worth considering:
- Hoka Speedgoat: (5mm lugs, a 4mm drop, and a little heavier)
- Topo Ultraventure 4: (wider fit with a 5mm drop)
- Nike Wildhorse: (has a built in gaiter)
Final Thoughts
The Merrell Nova 4 surprised me in a lot of ways. I was initially unsure what to expect from a brand I hadn’t used before, but the Nova 4 proved to be a solid performer. With a comfortable fit, good traction, and responsive cushioning, it works well for a variety of terrains.
Merrell’s in-house technology, like the FloatPro™ Foam Midsole and FLEXconnect™, delivers on the claims of being a comfortable, durable, and a supportive ride, making it a reliable option for longer runs and technical trails.
What stood out to me most was the instant comfort that never faded with the miles.
It never caused hotspots, even on longer runs, which is kind of amazing. I realize that everyone’s foot shape is different, but for me it fits almost perfectly. And to think, I hadn’t given Merrell a chance before… I now understand why it’s one of Merrell’s top trail shoes.
Overall, the Nova 4 is a solid trail shoe that offers comfort, durability, and performance without any major drawbacks. It’s not a shoe that will blow you away with flashy-looking features, but it does its job well and has earned its spot in my trail running rotation.
If you’re looking for a reliable, comfortable, and durable trail shoe, the Merrell Nova 4 is definitely worth considering.
Who Tested It
Hi, I’m John, a 40-year-old runner who is passionate about pushing my limits. I played college basketball and coached high school basketball, but these days, I’ve traded the court for the trails, running races that range from 5Ks to 100 miles. The mountains are my favorite place to run; the rugged terrain and stunning views make every step worth it.
I also mix up my routine with cross-training, enjoying Nordic and backcountry skiing in the winter, and biking during the summer months. When I’m not running or adventuring outdoors, you can find me fly-fishing with my family.
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