ProView – Merrell Men’s Nova 4 Review

When it comes to trail running in the rugged terrain around Boulder, Colorado, the right footwear can make all the difference. I recently put the Merrell Nova 4 to the test across various trails, from forested paths to rocky ascents, to see how it performs in a variety of conditions.​

As a seasoned trail runner based in Boulder, I’ve tackled everything from the Flatirons to the iconic trails of Chautauqua Park, Bear Peak, and Mt. Sanitas. As a former race director with over two decades of experience navigating Colorado’s diverse terrains and weather conditions, I have a good feel for what makes a trail shoe stand out. Testing the Merrell Nova 4 involved early morning runs in colder weather conditions, unexpected spring snowfalls, and sunny-warm afternoon outings on the local trails.​ And, of course, spring in Boulder means training for the Bolder Boulder, the largest 10K in the country and a race that attracts runners of all stripes! It’s a moving spectacle you don’t want to miss!

Fit/Comfort

The Nova 4 immediately struck me as a light and comfortable shoe that could do it all–road or trail. It offers a roomy (but not wide) toe box, allowing for natural toe splay, which saves the toes on longer runs. The 8mm heel to toe drop gives a nice athletic and forward feeling posture. However, I noticed some slip in the heel on steep or rocky off-camber descents.  This required a snug lacing technique to secure my foot. Thankfully, extra eyelets are provided at the ankle to dial this in. The padded collar and gusseted tongue added to the overall comfort, keeping debris out and providing a snug fit around the ankle and forefoot.​ Additionally, the FloatPro™ midsole+insole provided generous cushioning and rock protection.

Look/Style

Sporting a semi-curved last and traditional forefoot with subtle mountain patterns in the mesh, the Nova 4 looks great on the trail or around town for a post-run beverage. The available colors skew toward natural tones and are versatile, with a good sense of outdoor style. 

Features

Key features include a breathable engineered mesh upper, 100% recycled laces and webbing, and a removable EVA foam footbed made from 50% recycled materials. The Cleansport NXT™ treatment effectively controls odors, a notable benefit after long runs. The FloatPro™ Foam midsole provides lightweight cushioning, while the FLEXconnect® grooves enhance flexibility and ground connection. The Merrell Quantum Grip™ outsole with 4mm lugs offers reliable traction on various terrains. A welded toe guard is a welcome feature for durability.

Weight/Packability

Weighing in at 9.7 oz (275g) for a men’s size 9, the Nova 4 is lightweight and easy to pack, making it a suitable option for travel, climbing approaches/descents, or multi-day trail adventures.​ I’d gladly use this shoe for trekking and climbing approaches.

Function/Performance

On the trail, the Nova 4 performs well on moderate terrain, providing a stable and comfortable ride. However, on more technical descents, the flexible platform can lead to a less secure feel, especially if the fit isn’t dialed in perfectly. It’s a versatile shoe for most trail conditions but may not be the best choice if you aspire for highly rocky or technical routes.​

Durability/Construction

After a month of testing, the Nova 4 shows minimal signs of wear. The upper mesh has held up against wear, and the outsole’s lugs remain intact, providing good traction. The shoe’s construction appears solid, promising many miles of fun for regular trail runners.​

Friendliness to the Earth

Merrell has made notable strides in sustainability with the Nova 4. The use of recycled materials in the laces, webbing, mesh lining, and footbed reflects a commitment to reducing environmental impact. They also note the shoe is vegan friendly. However, Merrell’s sustainability rating by the organization Good On You indicates they could be doing more to reduce impact, water use, and microplastics.

The Final Word

The Merrell Nova 4 is a versatile trail running shoe that balances comfort, light-weight cushioning, sustainability, and performance, making it a solid choice for runners and trekkers tackling moderate trails, approaches, and terrains.​

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