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Merrell Nova 4 Review | Worth It In 2026?
In this article, I’m going to share my HONEST Merrell Nova 4 review for those who are wondering whether it’s are still WORTH IT in 2026.
As a seasoned trail runner with over 16 years of experience testing trail running shoes, I recommend the Merrell Nova 4 for runners looking for a versatile, budget-friendly road-to-trail option.
For this Merrell Nova 4 review, I’ve put in extensive testing across various terrain types to give you the most honest assessment possible.
The Nova 4 continues Merrell’s reputation for creating accommodating trail shoes that balance performance with everyday comfort.
Priced at $130, this fourth iteration promises improvements in fit, breathability, and traction while maintaining the roomy toe box that made previous Nova models popular among runners with wide feet.
In this comprehensive review, I’ll break down every aspect of the Nova 4’s performance, from its FloatPro midsole cushioning to its Quantum Grip outsole traction. I’ll cover comfort and fit, stability and support, overall protection, and durability based on real-world testing across multiple terrain types.
Editor’s Note: We updated this review on 12/27/25 with new insights and scoring regarding stability and support, come over all protection and durability after further testing miles.
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Should you buy the Merrell Nova 4?
Buy if
You want a versatile road-to-trail running shoe for under $130
You need a shoe with excellent breathability and quick-drying mesh upper
You prefer a roomy toe box that allows natural toe splay
You’re looking for reliable traction on moderate terrain with Quantum Grip outsole
You want FloatPro midsole cushioning for all-day comfort
DON’T Buy if
You need a shoe for highly technical terrain with rock plate protection
You prefer a more secure, locked-down fit in the heel and midfoot
You want aggressive lugs for muddy or wet conditions
You need gaiter compatibility for winter trail running
Merrell Nova 4 Pros and Cons
PROS
- Highly breathable mesh upper
- Roomy toe box
- Quatum grip outsole is very grippy on varied terrain
- Floatpro midsole offers great balance of cushioning and responsiveness
- Fits true to size
Cons
- Baggy heel can cause slippage
- No rock plate
- 8 mm drop reduces stability on steep descents
See our comprehensive hands-on YouTube review of the Nova 4
Merrell Nova 4 Price
Right now, the Nova 4 retails for $130.
Disclosure: These links may provide a discount and in return, give us a commission in order to run the website 🙂
Merrell Nova 4 Comfort & Fit: 8.5/10 (20%)
When I put on the Nova 4 for the first time I noticed the big toe box and how my foot just settled in without any pressure points. The breathable upper felt comfortable right out of the box.
The toe box is similar to the Hoka Challenger 8. Lots of room for toe splay.
The shoe fits true to size no break in period required. I tested a men’s 10.5 and the length was perfect. The wider fit is great for runners who’s feet swell during longer runs, so it’s a great option for wide footers.
The breathable mesh upper is one of the Nova 4’s best features. During testing on warm days my feet stayed noticeably cooler than other shoes with less ventilation. The mesh allows for great airflow while still providing support and structure.
The padded collar and heel cup felt comfortable right away without any hot spots. The tongue has a bellows design to keep debris out, but it’s not completely gusseted. I didn’t have to do any special lacing to get a secure fit, but the shoe does accommodate heel lock lacing if needed.
The FloatPro foam midsole is that “just right” level of cushioning – enough to absorb impact without feeling too soft or unresponsive. I didn’t feel it was too cushioned like many of the Hoka trail shoes.
For daily routine runs and casual use the comfort level is excellent. The 8mm drop felt natural for most running styles, it’s a traditional feel most runners will be used to.
One area where the Nova 4 falls short is heel and midfoot lockdown. The forefoot feels secure but the heel cup can feel a bit loose especially on technical terrain
The FloatPro foam midsole is that “just right” level of cushioning – enough to absorb impact without feeling too soft or unresponsive. I didn’t feel it was too cushioned like many of the Hoka trail shoes.
For daily routine runs and casual use the comfort level is excellent. The 8mm drop felt natural for most running styles, it’s a traditional feel most runners will be used to.
One area where the Nova 4 falls short is heel and midfoot lockdown. The forefoot feels secure but the heel cup can feel a bit loose especially on technical terrain
Overall, the comfort and fit of the Nova 4 is among the best in its price range, especially for runners prioritizing all-day comfort over race-day performance.
Traction: 7.5/10 (20%)
The Nova 4’s Quantum Grip outsole has 4mm lugs that provide good traction on moderate terrain. I found the traction to be excellent on dry packed dirt, gravel paths and light technical sections.
The lug pattern is spaced well and designed for versatility not extreme conditions. On moderate trails with mixed surfaces from packed dirt to mixed gravel the outsole provides confident grip. The rubber compound is durable and flexible for road sections.
Where the Nova 4 really shines is in road-to-trail transitions, like the Hoka Mafate 5. The outsole is soft enough to feel comfortable on pavement during approach runs and grippy enough to handle trail surfaces once you leave the road. This is perfect for runners who want one shoe for varied terrain.
But the traction starts to show its limits on more challenging surfaces. In wet conditions, especially on rocks or muddy sections I noticed some slipping. Going off-camber I really felt the grip wasn’t dialed in enough to take on these sections.
The 4mm lugs aren’t aggressive enough for loose, steep terrain where deeper lugs would provide better bite.
On technical terrain with loose rocks or steep descents the Nova 4’s traction feels good but not confidence inspiring like the NNormal Kjerag 02. The moderate lug depth means you’ll need to be more careful on challenging surfaces than shoes designed for big time technical trail running.
The toe-off traction during high speed efforts could be better. When pushing pace on steep climbs or during fast descents I felt the grip wasn’t quite as secure as I’d like for maximum performance.
On technical terrain with loose rocks or steep descents the Nova 4’s traction feels good but not confidence inspiring like the NNormal Kjerag 02. The moderate lug depth means you’ll need to be more careful on challenging surfaces than shoes designed for big time technical trail running.
The toe-off traction during high speed efforts could be better. When pushing pace on steep climbs or during fast descents I felt the grip wasn’t quite as secure as I’d like for maximum performance.
Stability & Support: 7/10 (20%)
The Nova 4’s stability comes primarily from its wide platform base rather than any aggressive support features. The shoe provides good lateral stability on even surfaces, with the wide forefoot helping create a stable platform for most terrain.
I measured the heel-to-toe drop at 8mm with a 29mm heel stack, 21mm forefoot stack. The higher heel-to-toe drop took it out of the more neutral feeling most runners prefer.
Forefoot stability is one of the Nova 4’s strengths. The wide toe box and stable platform give me an agile feeling for making quick directional changes. The Nova 4 had one of the best forefoot stability ratings of any of the trail shoes we have tested to date.
However, heel and midfoot lockdown issues become apparent on tough technical terrain. The accommodating fit that makes the shoe so comfortable for casual use can allow foot movement inside the shoe when you need that more precise control on the trail.
There was one stretch of slick, uneven boulders where I caught myself thinking, “Yeah, this isn’t the shoe for this kind of trail.” I could feel the midsole flexing over the rocks, and every little shift in footing made me back off my pace.
The lack of any aggressive stability features means the Nova 4 relies on its basic design for support. There’s no rock plate, rigid heel counter, or other technical elements that provide additional stability on challenging terrain. This keeps the shoe lightweight and comfortable but limits performance on technical trails.
Weight: 8/10 (15%)
the Nova 4 sits in the lighter end of the trail running shoes spectrum at 9 oz for a men’s size 10.5. This weight strikes a good balance between having enough shoe for protection and cushioning while not feeling heavy on your feet.
The weight distribution feels balanced, The most comparable shoe weight-wise is the NNormal Kjerag 02.
How’s The Overall Protection Of The Merrell Nova 4?
The Nova 4 lacks any real durable protection features like the Kevlar in the Nnormal Kjerag 02. The 29mm heel stack height provides good impact absorption, helping protect against repeated impacts from rocks and uneven surfaces.
One significant limitation is the absence of a rock plate. On rocky trails with sharp or pointed stones, you’ll definitely feel more underfoot than with shoes that include rock plate protection. The FloatPro midsole does provide some protection through its thickness, but it’s definitely not a substitute for a traditional rock plate.
The toe area features adequate protection for most trail running scenarios. While not as robust as some trail shoes, the toe cap provides reasonable protection against rocks and roots. During testing, I didn’t experience any toe injuries despite some contact with obstacles.
The heel cup and ankle area provide minimal protection beyond basic cushioning. There’s no additional armor or protective overlays, keeping the shoe light and breathable but less protective than more technical trail shoes.
For moderate terrain and casual trail running, the protection is adequate. For rocky, technical trails or areas with significant hazards, you’ll want more aggressive protection features.
Overall Protection: 6.5/10 (10%)
Durability: 7.5/10 (10%)
After testing on various terrain types the Nova 4 is good for the price and intended use. The Quantum Grip outsole shows minimal wear even after many miles on rough surfaces so should last through many training cycles.
The mesh upper has held up well to trail abuse, only minor wear in high contact areas. The welded construction looks solid, no separation or failure points developed during testing. The mesh doesn’t snag on vegetation and small tears haven’t propagated into further tears.
The FloatPro midsole shows good compression resistance. After many miles the cushioning still feels responsive and supportive, no dead compressed feel like some foam midsoles get over time. The foam seems to hold up well to repeated compression.
One area of concern is the mesh upper on very abrasive terrain. While it’s held up well in testing the prioritization of breathability over heavy duty protection means it may not last as long as shoes with more robust upper materials in harsh conditions.
The overall construction feels good for the price. Not built to the same standards as premium trail shoes but good attention to detail and quality control should mean reasonable longevity for most users.
Is the Merrell Nova 4 worth it?
The Merrell Nova 4 delivers solid value for runners seeking a versatile road-to-trail shoe under $130. Its combination of comfort, breathability, and moderate terrain performance makes it an excellent choice for most runners who want one shoe to handle varied conditions.
The shoe’s greatest strengths: the roomy toe box, breathable upper, and comfortable FloatPro cushioning make it ideal for runners focusing on all-day comfort over maximum performance. If you’re someone who runs a mix of roads, gravel paths, and moderate trails, the Nova 4 handles this versatility exceptionally well.
However, the Nova 4 isn’t the right choice for every runner. If you need precise fit and control for technical terrain, prefer aggressive traction for challenging conditions, or want maximum underfoot protection, other shoes such as the Nnormal Kjerag 02 or Norda 001.
For most runners seeking an affordable, comfortable, and versatile trail shoe, the Nova 4 is tough to beat. Just understand its limitations on technical terrain and wet conditions.
Value: 4.5/5 (5%)
Scoring Breakdown
Comfort & Fit (20%): 8.5/10
Traction (20%): 7.5/10
Stability & Support (20%): 7/10
Weight (15%): 8.5/10
Overall Protection (10%): 6.5/10
Durability (10%): 7.5/10
Value (5%): 4.5/5
Total Weighted Score: 1.70 + 1.50 + 1.40 + 1.70 + 0.65 + 0.75 + 0.45 = 8.1/10
Our Rating
Frequently Asked Questions
What terrain is the Merrell Nova 4 best for?
The Nova 4 excels on moderate terrain including packed dirt trails, gravel paths, light technical sections, and road-to-trail transitions.
Can you wear the Nova 4 on roads and pavement?
Yes! The Nova 4’s versatile outsole design makes it comfortable for road running and pavement use. While primarily designed for trails, the moderate lug pattern and comfortable midsole handle road surfaces well, making it ideal for mixed-terrain runs.
How does the Nova 4 fit compared to other Merrell shoes?
The Nova 4 fits true to size with a notably roomy toe box that accommodates wide feet better than many trail shoes. The wider fit is more generous than previous Nova iterations and provides an accommodating fit for most foot shapes without sizing up.
Is the Nova 4 good for wide feet?
Absolutely. The Nova 4’s spacious toe box and accommodating midfoot make it an excellent choice for runners with wide feet. The design allows natural toe splay and reduces pressure points that can cause discomfort in narrower trail shoes.
How does the Nova 4 compare to the previous Nova 3?
The Nova 4 features improved breathability with a more ventilated mesh upper, enhanced comfort with better padding, and refined fit with a roomier toe box. The traction and overall durability have also been upgraded based on user feedback from the Nova 3.
Does the Nova 4 work for hiking and walking?
Yes, the Nova 4 works well for hiking and casual walking. The comfortable FloatPro cushioning, breathable upper, and moderate terrain traction make it suitable for day hikes, walking trails, and general outdoor activities beyond just running.
How We Tested and Our Methodology
I personally tested the Merrell Nova 4 over multiple months and signifcant trail miles with the sole intent of providing the most comprehensive and unbiased Nova 4 review possible. Our testing methodology focuses on real-world performance across varied terrain and conditions.
Over the past 12+ years, I’ve tested hundreds of trail shoes across everything from smooth gravel paths to technical mountain terrain. This includes extensive testing in various weather conditions, different trail types, and long-distance efforts that reveal how shoes perform under real stress.
This hands-on experience helps me evaluate how trail running shoes truly perform. Whether they provide reliable traction, maintain comfort over distance, and hold up to extended use on abrasive surfaces. Each shoe is tested across multiple terrain types to understand its strengths and limitations.
We purchase all products for testing ourselves; no manufacturer pays us or influences our opinions. This independence allows us to provide honest assessments based purely on performance and value rather than marketing relationships.
Tyler
Tyler is the founder Mountaineer Journey and a professional Mountain Guide with 15+ years of technical experience in trekking, mountaineering, and trail sports. Having logged thousands of miles from rugged alpine summits to urban paths, Tyler provides rigorous, field-tested insights on hiking, walking, and trail running gear. All reviews are 100% unsponsored and unbiased, ensuring you get honest scoring based on real-world performance. His mission is to help outdoor enthusiasts of all levels find reliable equipment that ensures comfort, safety, and performance on any terrain.
