Nova 4 combines lightweight cushioning with trail-ready durability for adventurous comfort
What Our Gearhead® Experts Are Saying:
"The Nova 4 is my favorite shoe for mixed trails—it’s lightweight yet provides excellent grip and comfort over rocky paths. The eco-friendly materials and cushioned midsole make it a reliable choice for long runs or hikes. Plus, the breathable upper keeps my feet feeling fresh even on hot days."
The Nova 4 Trail Running Shoe is designed for us to tackle trails with confidence and comfort, offering the perfect blend of performance and sustainability. Its engineered mesh and TPU upper provide breathability and durability, while 100% recycled laces and webbing reflect a commitment to eco-conscious construction. A padded collar and bellows tongue enhance the fit, keeping debris out so you can stay focused on the journey ahead.
With a FloatPro™ Foam midsole delivering lightweight cushioning and FLEXconnect® grooves enhancing ground connection, every step feels stable and smooth. Merrell’s Quantum Grip™ outsole ensures exceptional traction on varying terrain, so whether you're navigating rocky trails or forest paths, you can trust your footing. Designed for adventure and built to last, the Nova 4 will keep you moving forward in total comfort.
Details
- Versatile trail-running shoe for mixed terrain adventures
- Engineered mesh and TPU upper enhances durability and airflow
- 100% recycled laces, webbing, and mesh lining for eco-friendly performance
- FloatPro™ Foam midsole cushions every step with lightweight comfort
- FLEXconnect® grooves improve stability and connection on uneven surfaces
- Merrell Quantum Grip™ rubber outsole offers reliable traction on technical terrain
- Removable EVA foam footbed (50% recycled) adds comfort and customization
- Item #MERZ2YU
- Responsible Collection
- Recycled/Repurposed
- Upper Material
- synthetic mesh, TPU
- Lining
- 100% recycled mesh
- Closure
- lace (100% recycled webbing)
- Footbed
- 50% recycled mesh, Cleansport NXT odor control treatment
- Midsole
- FloatPro Foam (50% recycled EVA foam), FLEXconnect dual-directional flex-grooves
- Sole
- Quantum Grip (rubber)
- Cushion
- moderate
- Heel / Forefoot Height
- 29 / 21mm
- Drop
- 8mm
- Claimed Weight
- 1lb 3.04oz
- Activity
- trail running
- Manufacturer Warranty
- limited 1 year
Reviews
Q&A
What do you think about this product?
Overall Rating
4.5 based on 49 ratings
Review Summary
Customer Images
Here's what customers have to say
The shoes provide good comfort, cushioning, and support for a variety of activities. However, some customers found the traction and durability lacking, especially on technical trails or wet conditions. The sizing may also not accommodate all foot types. Overall, the shoes seem suitable for everyday wear and lighter activities, but may not be the best choice for more demanding outdoor use.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews.
View
Selecting an option will reload the available reviews on the pageOctober 3, 2025
I love these shoes!
Very comfortable shoe. I have medium-high arches, and I can feel the arch support in these. I love running in these shoes. I've ran on the road, track, and trail, and these do it all comfortably.
Originally reviewed on Merrell
October 2, 2025
comfy, sturdy, stylish
Merrell continues to improve the Nova every year. This latest iteration has a taller and wider foundation (kinda like Hoka's but much more stylish) that feels more planted to the ground. That said, because it is wider, it feels less agile for trail running in tight places and for quick turns, but way more stable for walking, standing, and jogging compared to Nova 3.
Originally reviewed on Merrell
October 1, 2025
good looking. but not a serious trail shoe.
comfortable out of the box. looks good. but not a serious trail shoe. should fall under "light" for the trail rating. imo, midsole is too bouncy for proper ground feel (slightly improved with superfeet insole) and minimal confidence in lateral stability. the outsole is outstanding for dry, non-technical trails. however, the "grip" on wet rocks and/or roots is non-existent and borderline dangerous. not sure i've ever experienced a more slippery outsole. although i hate its billboard-sized branding, i should have gone with the Agility Peak 5 and the vibram megagrip sole.
Originally reviewed on Merrell
September 25, 2025
Not as good as Nova 3s
as a fan of the Nova 3s, i bought these to replace a pair of Nova 3s that were worn. However once i wore them for a few days i realize they were no where near as good at the Nova 3s. They switched from Vibram soles to some new kind of rubber that isn't nearly as good. I ended up having to find some place that still sold the Nova 3s, wish Merrel had not messed with someone that were that good.
Originally reviewed on Merrell
September 22, 2025
My new favourite shoes!
Excellent shoe! I wanted a tactical show that didn’t look like a tactical shoe. Incredibly comfortable and lightweight. Runs a little large. If you’re the type that is 10.5 is some shoes and 11 in others, would recommend the 10.5 or even a 10. This shoe is versatile and doesn’t look out of place in a variety of settings. My new favourite shoe!
Originally reviewed on Merrell
September 20, 2025
Enjoyed the fit, durability could be better
Enjoyed the fit. I have a narrow foot and had to close down the lace more for comfort. Great until the toe came through the top of the shoe. Only used for 7 months with wear outside of work. Did mixed workouts usually in parking lot. Like the shoe, better durability desired. This is my third set of the Nova shoe and don't plan to buy again until I see a better toe cover update.
Originally reviewed on Merrell
September 20, 2025
Style
I really preferred Nova 3 style so much better. Don’t make them as goofy looking as all the other sneakers on the market.
Originally reviewed on Merrell
September 6, 2025
Fabulous
Nova 4 in Black. True to size and SUPER comfortable out if box. Great for running and look fab with a pair of jeans. Can’t go wrong!
Originally reviewed on Merrell
September 6, 2025
No break in just wear them
Very comfortable shoes and no break in time required
Originally reviewed on Merrell
August 25, 2025
Comfort out the Box
These had zero break-in needed. They are comfortable to run in
Originally reviewed on Merrell
Do you have a question about this product?