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  1. Shoes
  2. Merrell Nova 4

Merrell Nova 4

The Merrell Nova 4 is a versatile trail running shoe with Quantum Grip™, FloatPro™ foam, and recycled materials designed for trail running and outdoor adventures.

Merrell Nova 4
Merrell·Shoes
5 video reviews

$135

Cheaper than 80% of shoes · category average ≈ $167

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See alternatives

Key specs

Weight
270 g
Drop
8 mm
Heel Stack
29 mm
Forefoot Stack
21 mm

Best for: Trail running, outdoor adventures, varied terrain

SpecsReview5Alternatives5

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

Strengths

LightnessAffordability

Weak points

Cushioning
  • Cushioning

    29 mm
  • Lightness

    270 gTop 27%
  • Grip

    4 mmTop 50%
  • Drophigher isn't better or worse

    8 mm
  • Affordability

    $135Top 23%

Technical Specifications

Compare features between Merrell Nova 4

Essentials

$135
2025
270 g

Overview

Trail Running Shoe
Trails and varied outdoor surfaces
Trail running, outdoor adventures, varied terrain

Cushioning

8 mm
29 mm
21 mm
FloatPro™ foam for lightweight, durable cushioning

Grip & protection

Merrell Quantum Grip™ rubber for confident traction

Upper & fit

Breathable engineered mesh and TPU
50% recycled removable EVA foam with recycled mesh footbed cover
Traditional lace closure with elastic lace keeper
Ready to buy?

On the terrain

How 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 groundAverage
Merrell Nova 455

FlatPacked, runnable trail

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

Merrell Nova 467
  • Cushioning20/40
  • Lightness22/35
  • Smooth roll25/25

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

Merrell Nova 4

Have you used the Merrell Nova 4 before?

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Video Reviews

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

See all 5 video reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers based on product data and key differences.

Ask your own question

Can't find what you're looking for? Ask anything about Merrell Nova 4 and our AI will answer.

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Is the Merrell Nova 4 a good investment for trail running in 2026?

At $135, the Merrell Nova 4 represents solid value for 2026, especially for trail running enthusiasts.

When was the Merrell Nova 4 released?

The Merrell Nova 4 was released in 2025.

Looking for alternatives to Merrell Nova 4?

Closest in price, with what each one does better.

See all alternatives
1Joma TR-5
Joma TR-5

Joma

$132−$3Score 83+8

Better than Merrell Nova 4 at:

  • A higher overall score (83 vs 75)
  • To spend $3 less
  • A lower drop (5 vs 8 mm)
Compare with Merrell Nova 4
2Craft Nordic Trail 2
Craft Nordic Trail 2

Craft

$139.95+$4.95Score 63−12
Compare with Merrell Nova 4
3Hoka Torrent 5
Hoka Torrent 5

Hoka

$130−$5Score 94+19

Better than Merrell Nova 4 at:

  • A higher overall score (94 vs 75)
  • To spend $5 less
  • A lighter option (6 g less)
Compare with Merrell Nova 4

Popular Comparisons

Compare the Merrell Nova 4 with other top trail running shoes from leading brands, including Merrell for the ultimate trail running experience.

Hoka Speedgoat 7
Mount to Coast M1
VS
Shoes

Hoka Speedgoat 7

3 – 0

Mount to Coast M1

Compare now →
Mount to Coast M1
Salomon Genesis 2
VS
Shoes

Mount to Coast M1

2 – 1

Salomon Genesis 2

Compare now →
Hoka Tecton X 4
Brooks Cascadia Elite
VS
Shoes

Hoka Tecton X 4

2 – 1

Brooks Cascadia Elite

Compare now →
Hoka Speedgoat 7
Hoka Speedgoat 6
VS
Shoes

Hoka Speedgoat 7

1 – 2

Hoka Speedgoat 6

Compare now →
Salomon S/Lab Genesis 2
Salomon Genesis 2
VS
Shoes

Salomon S/Lab Genesis 2

2 – 2

Salomon Genesis 2

Compare now →