Merrell Nova

The upper of the Merrell Nova is crafted from recycled materials, making it an environmentally friendly choice. It features a breathable mesh lining that enhances ventilation, ensuring comfort during long runs. The upper also includes TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) overlays for added durability and support. The fully gusseted tongue (meaning the tongue is attached to the upper most of the way to the opening of the boot under the laces) provides a secure fit, preventing debris from entering the shoe. This combination of materials and design elements makes the upper both durable and breathable.

The midsole of the Merrell Nova is made from compression-molded EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate), which offers excellent cushioning and responsiveness. This material helps to absorb impact and provide a comfortable ride, even on rough terrain. The midsole also features stabilizers in the toe and heel areas, enhancing stability and support during runs. This design ensures that the shoe remains comfortable and supportive, even during extended use.

The Merrell Nova features a Vibram Megagrip outsole with adaptive lugs, providing exceptional traction and grip on various terrains. The outsole is designed to be durable, ensuring that it can withstand the rigors of trail running. The TrailProtect rock plate integrated into the outsole offers additional underfoot protection, preventing sharp objects from causing discomfort. This combination of features makes the outsole highly effective for trail running.

The Merrell Nova offers a snug, performance fit, which may not be suitable for runners with wide feet. The toebox width at the widest part measures 96 mm, providing a snug fit, while the big toe area features a gentle taper, measuring 78 mm, offering a bit more room. The shoe also includes a fully gusseted tongue, which helps to secure the fit and prevent debris from entering. Overall, the fit is designed to be secure and supportive, ideal for trail running.

The Merrell Nova is designed with comfort in mind, featuring a thick, cushioned midsole and a breathable upper. The tongue padding is quite thick at 9 mm, which may feel restrictive for some runners but adds to the overall comfort. The heel tab, although small, provides a convenient way to put on the shoe. The insole is easily removable, allowing for customization if needed. These features combine to create a comfortable running experience, even on longer trails.

The cushioning in the Merrell Nova is provided by a compression-molded EVA midsole, which offers excellent shock absorption and comfort. The heel stack measures 34 mm, providing ample cushioning for longer distances, while the forefoot stack measures 26 mm, offering a balanced feel. The insole is also quite thick at 6 mm, contributing to the overall cushioning. This design ensures that the shoe provides a comfortable and cushioned ride, even on rough terrain.

The Merrell Nova features a breathable mesh lining in the upper, which enhances ventilation and helps to keep the feet cool during runs. While the upper is made of thick engineered mesh, it still allows for adequate airflow, making it suitable for all-season use. This breathability ensures that the shoe remains comfortable, even during extended use, and helps to prevent overheating.

The Merrell Nova offers good stability, thanks to its balanced cushioning and supportive midsole. The shoe features stabilizers in the toe and heel areas, which help to enhance stability during runs. The torsional rigidity of the shoe is noticeable, providing a stable platform for trail running. The heel counter is flexible, offering comfort without compromising stability. These features make the Merrell Nova a stable and supportive option for trail running.

The Merrell Nova is designed to be durable, with a robust upper made from recycled materials and a Vibram Megagrip outsole. The TrailProtect rock plate adds to the shoe's durability by providing underfoot protection. The toebox durability is decent, and the outsole hardness ensures that the shoe can withstand the rigors of trail running. However, the heel padding durability could be improved, as it scored lower in tests. Overall, the shoe is built to last, making it a reliable choice for trail runners.

The Merrell Nova excels in grip, thanks to its Vibram Megagrip outsole with adaptive lugs. This design provides excellent traction on various terrains, making it suitable for trail running. The lugs are of average depth, offering a good balance between grip and versatility. This grip ensures that the shoe performs well on both wet and dry surfaces, providing confidence and stability during runs.

The Merrell Nova is relatively stiff, which may not be ideal for runners who prefer a more flexible shoe. The stiffness is due to the rock plate and dense foam used in the midsole. This rigidity provides a stable platform but may feel restrictive for some runners. The shoe's stiffness is more noticeable in colder conditions, as it requires more effort to bend. While this design enhances stability, it may not suit those looking for a more flexible and agile shoe.

Yes, the Merrell Nova is designed for trail running, offering durability and protection on moderate trails. Its Vibram Megagrip outsole provides excellent traction, making it suitable for various terrains.

The upper of the Merrell Nova is made from recycled materials, including a breathable mesh lining and TPU overlays for added durability and support.

The Merrell Nova features a compression-molded EVA midsole that offers excellent cushioning and shock absorption. The heel stack measures 34 mm, providing ample cushioning for longer distances.

Yes, the Merrell Nova is eco-friendly, with an upper made entirely from recycled materials. This makes it a sustainable choice for environmentally conscious runners.

The Merrell Nova weighs approximately 309 grams, making it slightly heavier than some other trail running shoes. However, its durability and protective features compensate for the added weight.