Merrell Nova 3

The Merrell Nova 3 have evolved in this latest version and are positioned more as a trail running shoe than a trekking shoe, although they are still aimed at a large group of athletes looking for a shoe for their free activities.

It is a trail running shoe that stands out for being one of the most versatile and polyvalent models of the company and stays between a trail running shoe and a trekking shoe. It is a shoe that arrives in this third generation with the same essence and a renewed style.

First impressions and features of the Merrell Nova 3

Since a few weeks ago we have been testing the new version of one of the most versatile shoes from Merrell, the Merrell Nova 3, we were looking forward to it because it had been a long time since I had a shoes of this brand on my feet and, in addition, I think it adapts perfectly to my characteristics as a runner.

The versatility and comfort are the two aspects that we would highlight the most of this shoe that, in this version, adopts a more trail than trekking character.

The first thing that has pleasantly surprised us is the comfort that we had at all times with the shoe, regardless of the terrain we have tested, more or less technical, with more or less technical difficulty, we didn't have any problem with it at any time, being one of the aspects that we highlight the most.

The midsole presents a reasonable cushioning to run comfortably in the mountains, it is not excessive but it is not too hard either, we believe that it is perfect for middle distance without any doubt and that even heavy runners can run or jog feeling a good cushioning in their feet.

The upper of the shoe helps to bring comfort. It fits perfectly, it has generous padding in the heel area to provide extra stability that is appreciated as the kilometers go by or we go through more technical terrain.

We have been testing the shoe during the last few weeks and the heat was already there, but even so the shoe has a good breathability and, compared to other similar shoes, we have finished our workouts without excessive sweating in the feet. On the contrary, a positive point to consider this shoe at this time of the year so hot.

The outsole was one of the aspects that we were most eager to check and analyze and, here, we believe that there is great room for improvement in the shoe. The Merrell Nova 3 has a Vibram outsole which, truth be told, we expected much more. In terms of durability we have no complaints (although it lacks kilometers to show any sign of wear). What we do believe that can be improved is the grip and adherence, as we have suffered in this aspect.

It is a sole designed primarily for tracks and trails with few technical difficulties, but if the terrain is more complicated or with steep slopes, the sole does not have enough grip. Perhaps a greater prominence of the lugs and a better design (more aggressive) would improve in this aspect.

Trail Catllaràs and Night Trail Lloret, two different races to finish the race.

Nothing better than, after weeks of running and training with the shoe on different terrains and intensities, to put them to the test directly in races that, although the time is not an objective for me at any time, one always squeezes a little more when we have a bib on our chest.

We have the opinion that, when you have the opportunity to test a shoe, you have to take it further, that means, test it on terrain in which, in theory, they do not perform very well, to check if it is really so or not and, sometimes, we have had some surprises, so we have made this final test, in two races that are very different to really check how they behave in each of them.

They are two very different races, the Trail Catllaràs a hard test, with enough unevenness (more than 1400 d +) in just over 20 kilometers and trails through forests and steep slopes and, on the other hand, the Night Trail Lloret, much more "runner" by tracks with little technical difficulty in its vast majority (although in this edition the new route was more technical) and where it also alternates with a little asphalt to finish in the same sand of the beach.

During the first of the races we confirmed that the grip of the sole could be improved considerably.  Much of the route ran through wet and damp terrain by the last rainfall in the area and we suffered more than expected, as well as traction in areas of greater slope (which were not few) where we thought they would work better, yes, despite all these adversities: the truth is that we greatly appreciated the comfort we had at all times that helped us to continue adding kilometers to reach the finish line.

During the Night Trail Lloret, we did not have those problems of grip so pronounced because the terrain was not so aggressive and we could squeeze them a little more in the more running tracks: yes, always with the care and caution of running at night defending much better in this type of terrain than the more mountainous and steep, although in the more technical segments and with greater unevenness we accused a little lack of grip.

What kind of runners are the Merrell Nova 3 for?

The Merrell Nova 3 is a shoe that adapts to a wide range of runners, it will be those of light and medium weight and with neutral tread who will be able to enjoy the characteristics of this shoe the most.

All those who prioritize comfort over fast paces, have in this shoe a strong candidate for their mountain routes and also have a good quality / price ratio compared to other similar shoes on the market.

Main characteristics Merrell Nova 3

For what distances do we recommend the Merrell Nova 3?

They are shoes that we can use without any problems in routes, training or mountain races of medium and long distance in which they will respond perfectly. It is a shoe with a structure, protections and cushioning ideal for distances up to the marathon, but as we have mentioned, provided that the runners who use them prioritize comfort over fast paces.

For longer distances we believe that they can also respond well, it will depend largely on the state of the terrain and its technical difficulty, but perhaps, shoes with a more trail DNA such as the Merrell Agility Peak 4 can be more consistent and recommended for longer distances.

What we liked most about the Merrell Nova 3

The aspect that we liked the most is the comfort that we have had at all times with the shoe, whether at fast paces on trails of little technical difficulty or more technical terrain, we have not suffered at any time discomfort, damage to the foot or similar.

We also liked the details of the shoe. The Merrell Nova 3 has different reflective motifs that are very useful during our routes at night or early in the morning. It also has a strap to collect the laces and thus avoid possible chafing with branches or similar as already have other trail shoes and, we also liked and, is a sign of its versatility, the hooks with which it has to add gaiters if conditions or terrain make it necessary.

Opportunities for improvement in the Merrell Nova 3

We expected more from the sole of the shoe. Despite being a Vibram outsole, the truth is that it did not offer us enough grip, especially on wet and humid terrain or with steep slopes, where we had great difficulties due to the lack of grip with the terrain.

A more aggressive outsole design and a more prominent lugs could be the solution to provide more grip in the terrain. We would be more confident in terrain beyond the wide trails or the tracks with little technical difficulty, either for running or for our trekking routes, that are not high mountain.

With which models do we compare the Merrell Nova 3?

Brooks Divide 3

New Balance Dynasoft Nitrel v5

Mizuno Wave Rider TT2

Merrell Antora 3

Altra Outroad 2

Merrell Nova 3 Final Conclusions

The Merrell Nova 3 is a shoe that can perfectly fit a wide range of runners who need a multipurpose shoe for their activities, like running, jogging or hiking in the mountains.

They are guaranteed to be very comfortable and can be used for many kilometers without any problems, provided that they are not overly technical terrain or with steep slopes where the shoe has more difficulties to perform properly.

RUNNEA tester's rating of the Merrell Nova 3

• Lightweight: 8
• Responsiveness: 7
• Cushioning: 8.
• Stability: 7.
• Flexibility: 7
• Grip: 6.