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Merrell Nova 3 Review

Affordable, comfortable, and versatile, this is a solid all-around pair of shoes
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Merrell Nova 3 Review
Credit: Matthew Richardson
Price:  $125 List
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Manufacturer:   Merrell
By Matthew Richardson ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Oct 3, 2024
71
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#13 of 23
  • Foot Protection - 25% 6.8
  • Traction - 20% 7.0
  • Sensitivity - 15% 7.0
  • Stability - 15% 7.4
  • Comfort and Fit - 15% 8.2
  • Weight - 10% 6.1
Length Sizing
Runs Small
Runs Large
Width Sizing
Runs Narrow
Runs Wide

Our Verdict

The Merrell Nova 3 is one of the most unassuming models in our test lineup. There is little fanfare regarding technical midsoles or superlight uppers, but the shoe just works — and it's affordable, to boot. If you need one shoe to do it all, consider the Nova 3. The upper is durable and comfortable, and the midsole is supportive yet cushioning. It tracks well on a variety of different trail types and never feels too minimal or overbuilt. If you're after something more technical, check out our full trail running shoe lineup.
REASONS TO BUY
Affordable
Comfortable
Versatile
REASONS TO AVOID
Heavy
Longer drying times

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merrell nova 3
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Merrell Nova 3
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Best Buy Award
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Bottom Line Lacking exciting new features or materials, this traditional model is still a good, versatile, all-around option for an affordable priceNearly perfect in the upper fit but loose in the forefoot, which creates an issue when descending very steep slopesWhile comfortable, sometimes the heel rigidity felt overbearing, but this is still a great option for technical terrainWith great responsiveness without feeling harsh, this model is our favorite for long runs that are focused and fastSome more advanced runners may find this shoe overbuilt with stiffness and support, but we love the protection and comfort
Rating Categories Merrell Nova 3 Nnormal Tomir 2.0 La Sportiva Bushido... Hoka Torrent 3 Brooks Divide 4
Foot Protection (25%)
6.8
7.6
8.0
7.8
7.9
Traction (20%)
7.0
9.5
8.0
7.5
4.8
Sensitivity (15%)
7.0
7.4
7.5
4.8
3.4
Stability (15%)
7.4
7.9
9.0
7.4
9.0
Comfort and Fit (15%)
8.2
7.7
6.5
8.4
7.8
Weight (10%)
6.1
6.5
5.6
7.8
6.5
Specs Merrell Nova 3 Nnormal Tomir 2.0 La Sportiva Bushido... Hoka Torrent 3 Brooks Divide 4
Sizes Available 7 - 15 US regular
7 - 14 wide
4.5 - 12.5 US regular 6 - 14.5 US regular and wide 7 - 15 US
regular
7 - 15 US
regular
Measured Heel Stack Height 34 mm 36 mm 30 mm 28 mm 32 mm
Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop 9 mm 12 mm 8 mm 7 mm 9 mm
Rock Plate Yes; unknown material No 1.5mm EVA No No
Measured Lug Depth 3.8 mm 5.0 mm 4.2 mm 4.0 mm 2.5 mm
Measured Weight 11.21 oz 10.84 oz 11.60 oz 9.60 oz 10.82 oz
Upper Breathable mesh Monofilament polyester + TPE AirMesh, thermal adhesive microfiber, high-frequency welded ripstop overlays with mono-burr mesh inlays, TPU toe cap Mesh Mesh
Midsole Merrell Air cushion, Super Rebound compound EExpure midsole 4mm LaSpEVA, compression-molded MEMlex, 1.5 mm dual-density compressed EVA rock guard in forefoot, TPU STB inserts EVA DNA LOFT
Outsole Vibram TC5+ Vibram Litebase Bi-Compound FriXion XT 2.0 V-Groove3, FLEX Inserts Rubber TrailTack Rubber
Heel Tab Type Finger Loop None Finger Loop None None
Claimed Heel-to-Toe Drop 8 mm 8 mm 6 mm 5 mm 9 mm

Our Analysis and Test Results

If you're looking for a shoe that can handle anything, the Merrell Nova 3 is a great option to consider. This model stands out for its simplicity, forgetting flashy technical features like high-tech midsoles or ultra-light uppers. Despite its unassuming nature, the Nova 3 delivers impressive performance. Its upper is both durable and comfortable, while the midsole offers a balanced mix of support and cushioning. The shoe tracks well on various trail types, providing a feel that's neither too minimal nor overly constructed.

Performance Comparison


Our team of in-house testers deconstructed the Merrell Nova 3 to provide you with the most accurate real world specs.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Foot Protection


There is plenty of foot protection in the Nova 3. With a moderate stack height and an above-average drop, these shoes provide all-day protection. There is a harder layer of plastic sandwiched between the midsole and outsole to reduce impact from trail debris. The upper is made of durable materials, and there is a welded toe cap to reduce toe bumps on roots and rocks. The model is adequate for everything except long periods in the alpine in scree and talus. In that particular scenario, we'd opt for something with a harder outsole and a toe bumper that is more substantial.

With high stack and moderate cushioning the Nova 3 has good underground protection and a comfortable upper that will be more durable than the lighter counterparts.
Credit: Matthew Richardson

Traction


The Nova 3 contains some of the softest rubber in our lineup, giving them excellent grip right out of the box. With a blend of directional and angular lugs, the model works in a variety of different terrain types. The 3.8 mm lugs provide good traction in wet and loose conditions without sacrificing ground feel on more moderate terrain. The outer edge of the outsole is also well-designed, offering a ring of small lugs that help with cornering. The outsole perfectly matches the shoe's intended do-it-all style, and we found it to be one of the better designs in the market. For loose or technical terrain, you may want to opt for larger lugs or a denser compound.

merrell nova 3 - with one of the softest outsole compounds, the nova 3 has an...
With one of the softest outsole compounds, the Nova 3 has an out-of-the-box grip that works didn't let us down in wet conditions.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Sensitivity


After running on hardpack and more technical terrain, we'd classify the sensitivity of the Nova 3 as on the upper end of average. The softness of the outsole combined with a moderate cushioning midsole meant the ground was a bit vague at times. There is enough density to feel confident on most terrain types, but if you're racing technical terrain, you may want something with more hardness or less stack. This is one of the clunkier shoes in our lineup, so it wasn't a surprise that this shoe felt a bit less precise.

merrell nova 3 - with a higher stack there is less sensitivity in the nova 3 but it...
With a higher stack there is less sensitivity in the Nova 3 but it still is adequate for most moderate usage.
Credit: Matthew Richardson

Stability


With a moderate stack of 34 mm and 9 mm of measured heel-to-toe drop, you can expect some good rigidity throughout the Nova 3. During our testing, it never felt perfect for one type of terrain, but it did everything without hesitation. If we had to pick one type of trail that the Nova is best suited for, it would be moderate tech with a medium-level incline. This could be a great option for those who blend hiking and running. It feels adequate on gravel and hardpack but also doesn't resist tech, which still feels lively in tight situations. There isn't a ton of cushioning, but we still felt adequately supported through the ankles, knees, and hips and never felt like we needed more rigidity.

merrell nova 3 - merrell provides a good blend of sensitivity and stability and we...
Merrell provides a good blend of sensitivity and stability and we felt supported through our ankles, knees, and hips when running in this model.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Comfort and Fit


Our team likes a traditional fit that's just snug enough to prevent slop in the forefoot and feels good on technical terrain. From our experience, the thinner the upper, the more precise it needs to fit. The upper on the Nova 3 is probably similar to a shoe you've worn in the past, and we have never had any issues with comfort. Blisters and hotspots were non-existent, and the design worked well even when wet. It was a bit hot due to the more substantial fabric, but we never felt overheated or disappointed. The underfoot foam was compressive and comfortable yet supportive and sure-footed. From short runs to long runs, the Nova performed well, and we never felt like it wasn't capable. For all-around running comfort daily, this could be a perfect option for any athlete.

merrell nova 3 - the traditional upper found on the nova 3 isn't anything fancy but...
The traditional upper found on the Nova 3 isn't anything fancy but it works well. If you're often running in wet conditions, you may look for something thinner.
Credit: Matthew Richardson

Weight


At 11.21 ounces per size US men's 10.5, the Nova 3 is one of the heavier models in our test group. While it never felt overbearing the model is less lively, especially through the full running stroke. In longer straightaways where you can develop consistency the weight was noticeable, in more technical terrain the shoe felt far more nimble. The Nova's upper is going to be more durable naturally than the lighter counterparts and generally can be expected to last longer. We'd recommend this weight class for moderate tech on blue-black terrain.

merrell nova 3 - the merrell nova 3 weighs 11.21 ounces per shoe, in size us men's...
The Merrell Nova 3 weighs 11.21 ounces per shoe, in size US men's 10.5.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Should You Buy the Merrell Nova 3?


There is little that's flashy about the Nova 3, but we think it's an excellent all-around pick, and we highly recommend it, especially at this price point. It's comfortable, durable, and enjoyable to run in. If you are just starting out trail running, this is a great entry point into the sport. For those who have been trail running for a long time and like a more traditional option, this is also a great fit. We are impressed with Merrell's most recent offerings and lineup, and we hope to test more of their models in the future.

merrell nova 3 - the nova 3 is one of the most versatile shoes in our lineup and is...
The Nova 3 is one of the most versatile shoes in our lineup and is an easy pick for the price.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

What Other Trail Running Shoes Should You Consider?


If you want something with a little more spring and reactivity in technical terrain, check out the Nnormal Tomir 2.0. If you want some more supportive features and a lighter design, check out the Brooks Catamount 3. Other great all-around models are the Hoka Speedgoat 6 or La Sportiva Karacal.

For all-day versatility consider the Merrell Nova 3, with a great blend of comfort, durability, and a more affordable price.
Credit: Matthew Richardson


Matthew Richardson