Craft Nordic Trail 2 vs Merrell Nova 4

Craft Nordic Trail 2

$139.95

Merrell Nova 4

$135

Quick verdict

Craft Nordic Trail 2

$139.95

The better pick if you want:

No clear advantage on the specs we track.

Merrell Nova 4

$135

The better pick if you want:

A higher overall score (75 vs 63)
To spend $4.95 less
A lighter option (39 g less)

Spec profile

Each axis ranks against the 174 products in Shoes on the site: the further out, the more it stands out in that spec (lighter, cheaper…).

Center: lowest in the category · Edge: highest

Craft Nordic Trail 2· leads in none

Merrell Nova 4· leads in 1

Lightness

Tied

CushioningAffordability

Cushioning
28 mm
29 mm
Lightness
309 g
270 gTop 27%
Grip
No data
4 mmTop 50%
Drophigher isn't better or worse
8.5 mm
8 mm
Affordability
$140Top 23%
$135Top 23%

A spec without data for a product is left out of its shape, so it doesn't count as a low score.

Technical Specifications

Compare features between Craft Nordic Trail 2 vs Merrell Nova 4

Best value in this comparisonOnly differences (16)

Essentials

$139.95

$135

—

2025

309 g

270 g

Overview

Trail Running Shoe

rugged trails and smooth roads

Trails and varied outdoor surfaces

Trail running and speed hiking

Trail running, outdoor adventures, varied terrain

Cushioning

8.5 mm

8 mm

28 mm

29 mm

19.5 mm

21 mm

Ar Foam™ EVA midsole

FloatPro™ foam for lightweight, durable cushioning

Firm, lower-stack ride with ground feel

—

Grip & protection

Rubber outsole with organic-structured tread

Merrell Quantum Grip™ rubber for confident traction

TPU toe guard and reinforcements in critical areas

—

Organic-structured tread for varied off-road surfaces

—

Upper & fit

Durable mesh with TPU reinforcements

Breathable engineered mesh and TPU

Removable sockliner

50% recycled removable EVA foam with recycled mesh footbed cover

Traditional lacing

Traditional lace closure with elastic lace keeper

Ready to buy?

On the terrain

How Craft Nordic Trail 2 vs Merrell Nova 4 should behave on each kind of ground, estimated from lug depth, stack height, weight and outsole rubber. Pick a ground to see what decides it.

Pick a ground							Average
Craft Nordic Trail 2							50
Merrell Nova 4							55

FlatPacked, runnable trail

Cushioning and low weight make the kilometres easier; very deep lugs squirm on hard ground.

Craft Nordic Trail 256

Cushioning20/40
Lightness11/35
Smooth roll25/25

Estimated: no data on lug depth, assumed average.

Merrell Nova 467

Cushioning20/40
Lightness22/35
Smooth roll25/25

A model built from the specs to compare shoes, not a lab measurement.

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Video Reviews

Watch real-world YouTube reviews from content creators and the Trail Running community.

See all 5 video reviews

Craft Nordic Trail 2

No YouTube reviews available for this product yet.

Merrell Nova 4

Visual Comparison

See the differences between Craft Nordic Trail 2 and Merrell Nova 4 in a side-by-side slider comparison.

Comparison Questions

Answers based on product data and key differences.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which offers better value: Craft Nordic Trail 2 vs Merrell Nova 4?

For value comparison: The Craft Nordic Trail 2 ($139.95) provides premium features compared to the Merrell Nova 4 ($135). Consider your budget and the specific features that matter most for your trail running setup.

Looking for alternatives to Craft Nordic Trail 2?

Closest in price, with what each one does better.

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Adidas Terrex Agravic 3

Adidas

$140+$0.05Score 87+24

Better than Craft Nordic Trail 2 at:

A higher overall score (87 vs 63)
A lighter option (34 g less)
More cushioning (32.5 vs 28 mm heel stack)

Compare with Craft Nordic Trail 2

Asics Fuji Lite 6

Asics

$140+$0.05Score 85+22

Better than Craft Nordic Trail 2 at:

A higher overall score (85 vs 63)
A lighter option (49 g less)
More cushioning (34 vs 28 mm heel stack)

Compare with Craft Nordic Trail 2

Asics Fuji Lite 7

Asics

$140+$0.05Score 83+20

Better than Craft Nordic Trail 2 at:

A higher overall score (83 vs 63)
A lighter option (68 g less)
More cushioning (32 vs 28 mm heel stack)

Compare with Craft Nordic Trail 2

Popular Comparisons

Compare Craft Nordic Trail 2 or Merrell Nova 4 with other top trail running shoes from brands such as Craft, Merrell and more.

Shoes

Spec profile

Each axis ranks against the 174 products in Shoes on the site: the further out, the more it stands out in that spec (lighter, cheaper…).

Center: lowest in the category · Edge: highest

Craft Nordic Trail 2· leads in none

Merrell Nova 4· leads in 1

Lightness

Tied

CushioningAffordability

Cushioning
28 mm
29 mm
Lightness
309 g
270 gTop 27%
Grip
No data
4 mmTop 50%
Drophigher isn't better or worse
8.5 mm
8 mm
Affordability
$140Top 23%
$135Top 23%

A spec without data for a product is left out of its shape, so it doesn't count as a low score.

Pick a ground

Average

Craft Nordic Trail 2

Merrell Nova 4

Craft Nordic Trail 2 vs Merrell Nova 4

Craft Nordic Trail 2

Merrell Nova 4

Quick verdict

Spec profile