Merrell Nova 3 Review

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.