frontpageCooney01 posted Jan 01, 2026 01:37 PM
Item 1 of 6
Item 1 of 6
frontpageCooney01 posted Jan 01, 2026 01:37 PM
Merrell: Extra 40% Off Sale: Men's Winter Pull On Boots (Camel or Black)
& More + Free S&H on $49+$48
$160
70% offMerrell
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Who should buy
Based on our testing, we found that the Merrell Nova 4 is a great match for:
Beginners who want an affordable way to try trail running without overthinking gear.
Heel strikers who prefer a high-drop trail shoe that feels supportive in every landing.
Runners who want a simple, no-frills model and are not focused on performance.
Fans of the Nova 3 who liked the shoe but wished it was lighter
Who should NOT buy
In our view, the Nova 4's ultra-low energy return makes it a poor choice for anyone who wants a lively, bounce-filled ride. We found that its foam feels flat and slow, and we believe there are far better responsive options—like the New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 or the Nike Pegasus Trail 5—that deliver a more dynamic experience.
We also believe that its steep, high-drop geometry creates an awkward feel for midfoot and forefoot strikers. If that's your footstrike, the shoe simply pushes you forward in a way that feels forced and far from smooth on trails. From our perspective, those who prefer moderate or low-drop shoes will get a far more natural ride in the ASICS Gel Trabuco 13 or the Altra Experience Wild 2.
https://runrepeat.com/merrell-nova-4
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