REASONS TO BUY
Inexpensive
Comfortable
Versatile
REASONS TO AVOID
Less stable in technical terrain
Heavy
Merrell Nova 4 Review
This iteration has increased cushion, stack, and drop, providing comfort and stability on variable easy trails, for an affordable price
The Merrell Nova 4 offers versatile plush comfort for an affordable price.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
By Matthew Richardson ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ May 3, 2025
RELATED: Best Trail Running Shoes for Men
Our Verdict
Sporting significantly more cushion, stack, and drop, the Merrell Nova 4 marks a distinct shift for this series. The shoe stands out as a notably runnable, budget-friendly, and well-cushioned option in our lineup, echoing the feel of higher-stacked models like the Hoka Challenger. It has a higher stack than previous models, offering plush comfort on moderate trails. A comfortable upper and a stable platform make this shoe suitable for a variety of easy-to-moderate trail types.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Merrell Nova 4 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best for Long Distance Trail Runs | Best-Tractioned Trail Runner |  Best Value Men's Trail Runners | ||
| Price | $129.95 at Backcountry Compare at 2 sellers | $130.00 at REI Compare at 2 sellers | $145.00 at REI Compare at 3 sellers | $109.95 at Amazon Compare at 3 sellers | $110.00 at REI Compare at 2 sellers |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | Now with excessive cushion and drastically increased stack height, this version changes up the series, making it more comfortable but less able to handle technical terrain | This version's upper fit is narrower, which adds more technical performance but may feel tighter than some like | Unrivaled traction makes this a one-stop shop for mountain athletes and off-trail runners | Changes to the outsole and midsole make this iteration more comfortable and with better traction, while maintaining its status as a lightweight, versatile, affordable shoe | While great in moderate terrain those in technical or loose may opt for something more rugged |
| Rating Categories | Merrell Nova 4 | Hoka Torrent 4 | Salomon Speedcross 6 | Saucony Peregrine 15 | Brooks Divide 5 |
| Comfort and Fit (25%) | |||||
| Traction (20%) | |||||
| Stability (15%) | |||||
| Foot Protection (15%) | |||||
| Weight (15%) | |||||
| Sensitivity (10%) | |||||
| Specifications | Merrell Nova 4 | Hoka Torrent 4 | Salomon Speedcross 6 | Saucony Peregrine 15 | Brooks Divide 5 |
| Measured Heel Stack Height | 37 mm | 31 mm | 33 mm | 31 mm | 38 mm |
| Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop | 11 mm | 5 mm | 12 mm | 4 mm | 11 mm |
| Rock Plate | No | No | No | No | No |
| Measured Lug Depth | 3.7 mm | 4.3 mm | 5.5 mm | 5.1 mm | 2.8 mm |
| Measured Weight | 11.21 oz | 9.40 oz | 11.08 oz | 10.11 oz | 10.55 oz |
| Upper | Breathable mesh | Single layer mesh | Synthetic, textile | Synthetic textile | Mesh |
| Midsole | FloatPro | Foam | Salomon EnergyCell+ EVA | PWRRUN Foam | Foam |
| Outsole | Merrell Quantum Grip | Rubber | Salomon Mud Contagrip | PWRTRAC | Rubber |
| Sizes Available | 7 - 15 US regular | 7 - 15 US regular |
7 - 14 US regular and wide |
7 - 15 US regular | 7 - 15 US regular |
| Heel Tab Type | None | Finger loop | None | Loop | None |
| Claimed Heel-to-Toe Drop | 8 mm | 5 mm | 10 mm | 4 mm | 8 mm |
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Merrell Nova 4 is a departure for the Nova series, adding more cushion, stack, and drop. Fans of the series may find this good or bad. This is one of the more runnable, affordable, and heavily cushioned models in our lineup, with similar traits to higher stack models like the Hoka Challenger series. It's plush over moderate terrain, the upper is comfortable, and the platform provides good stability for varied non-technical trail use.
The Merrell Nova 4 is an affordable do-it-all that provides plush cushioning.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
Comfort and Fit
Merrell continues to impress us with its value-to-performance ratio. The Nova 4 is different from previous versions, with improved comfort. Its upper is well made and the thin mesh is both durable and breathable. The tongue and heel collar are made with beefier fabric, which provides good comfort and minimizes pressure points. The heel lockdown was adequate, and the laces didn't slip, which we appreciated. The toe box is pointed but not overly squished — those who want more room should consider a more rounded toe box.
Merrell's new FloatPro midsole provides a good balance between stability and cushion. I found good energy transfer through the footstrike, and never felt like I was sinking too much into the midsole. The larger nature of the shoe did make it feel clunky at times. It excelled best in moderate terrain — fast flats felt a bit sluggish and slow, and on technical terrain, the Nova comes across as clunky. I found long runs with moderate and varied terrain to be suited best for the Nova 4, making it an easy recommendation for beginners who don't know exactly what they want.
Fans of the series may find this model more overbuilt than the previous, but it still provides great comfort at an affordable price.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
Traction
With measured 3.7 mm lugs, the Nova 4 excelled most on dry terrain. I found the outsole to be plenty hard to give good durability and grip in dry conditions. This iteration has good performance on rocks and mountainous terrain. It does okay getting through minor wet spots, but it isn't the best in our lineup. For users in wet and muddy conditions, you may opt for something with deeper lugs and a full rubber outsole.
The traction design of the Merrell Nova 4.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Stability
In technical terrain, the Nova 4 suffers from instability due to its high stack and drop. For those who prefer more supportive features, you may want something with a lower stack to provide a more solid platform for your joints. But on smoother terrain, the Nova is wide enough to provide a solid sensation of stability. For those running on flatter surfaces, we think you'll find this model plenty supportive.
An internal look at the men's Merrell Nova 4.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Foot Protection
With ample underfoot foam, there isn't a ton of sensitivity in the Nova 4, making for great foot protection on long runs. During my testing, I never felt like impacts were making it through to my sole — even on rocky technical terrain. The upper is plenty protective, and the ultraweld toe cap is a nice addition for accidental toe bumps and catches.
The thicker stack of the Nova 4 creates lots of distance between you and the ground, preventing impacts and increase their protection.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
Weight
We measured the Nova 4 at 11.21 ounces per shoe, US men's size 10.5. While there are heavier options in our lineup, this weight, compounded with its large stack, makes this shoe feel heavy at times. Particularly, over easy terrain, it feels like overkill, and in technical terrain, it feels clunky. Regardless, the Nova still has a nice feel through the stride, and its neutral rocker makes it consistent even when out of its element. If you really are looking for something lively and energetic, you may opt for something lighter. If you're just after an enjoyable experience and couldn't care less about fast times, this could be a great option for you.
Weighing the Merrell Nova 4, in size 10.5.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Sensitivity
Due to the high stack and drop, there isn't a ton of sensitivity. Our in-house lab team measured the heel stack at 37 mm and the forefoot at 26 mm, for a heel-toe drop of 11 mm. This is one of the largest in our lineup, and it's most noticeable on technical terrain. This high stack puts more torque on my ankles than other shoes, so I'd opt for something with less stack in off-camber terrain. For more moderate trails and gravel roads, this was less of an issue. This high stack does have its benefits, reducing fatigue for long distances. We'd recommend this model across the distance spectrum, and it could work well for walking, running, and ultra distances. We found the sweet spot between the 10-mile and 50-mile distances.
There isn't a ton of sensitivity in the Nova 4 due to the ample cushion but it still has good ground feel on flatter surfaces.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
Should You Buy the Merrell Nova 4?
The Merrell Nova 4 provides great comfort for the price. Its high stack will limit it on technical terrain, but it still has plenty of versatility for the average runner. Experienced runners may find the model slightly overbuilt, but if you're looking for extended all-day comfort, this is a great option to consider.
We'd recommend the Merrell Nova 4 for those who desire value and comfort over moderate terrain.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
What Other Men's Trail Running Shoes Should You Consider?
If you're looking for a bit more stiffness and rigidity but still want plush comfort, consider the Hoka Challenger 7. If you want something with a bit more energy transfer and liveliness, consider the Brooks Catamount 4. If you're looking for a similar design to the previous Merrell Nova 3, you could try and find a pair online or check out the Saucony Peregrine 15.
—Matthew Richardson
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