Merrells best-selling mens trail running shoe just got better in the Nova 3 GORE-TEX. Key updates include a more durable upper for over foot protection, a softer and more responsive midsole with FloatPro Foam pods strategically placed under the heel and forefoot where you need extra cushion the most, and a new grip-enhancing design to the outsole made by our partners at Vibram. This version also includes a GORE-TEX waterproof membrane to keep your feet dry in the harshest conditions. The Nova 3 GORE-TEX updates will ensure youre comfortable and capable when you make your miles wild on trail.
Merrells best-selling mens trail running shoe just got better in the Nova 3 GORE-TEX. Key updates include a more durable upper for over foot protection, a softer and more responsive midsole with FloatPro Foam pods strategically placed under the heel and forefoot where you need extra cushion the most, and a new grip-enhancing design to the outsole made by our partners at Vibram. This version also includes a GORE-TEX waterproof membrane to keep your feet dry in the harshest conditions. The Nova 3 GORE-TEX updates will ensure youre comfortable and capable when you make your miles wild on trail.
Merrells best-selling mens trail running shoe just got better in the Nova 3 GORE-TEX. Key updates include a more durable upper for over foot protection, a softer and more responsive midsole with FloatPro Foam pods strategically placed under the heel and forefoot where you need extra cushion the most, and a new grip-enhancing design to the outsole made by our partners at Vibram. This version also includes a GORE-TEX waterproof membrane to keep your feet dry in the harshest conditions. The Nova 3 GORE-TEX updates will ensure youre comfortable and capable when you make your miles wild on trail.
Merrells best-selling mens trail running shoe just got better in the Nova 3 GORE-TEX. Key updates include a more durable upper for over foot protection, a softer and more responsive midsole with FloatPro Foam pods strategically placed under the heel and forefoot where you need extra cushion the most, and a new grip-enhancing design to the outsole made by our partners at Vibram. This version also includes a GORE-TEX waterproof membrane to keep your feet dry in the harshest conditions. The Nova 3 GORE-TEX updates will ensure youre comfortable and capable when you make your miles wild on trail.
Last updated at 11/30/2025 08:34:20
originally posted on merrell.com
This is a lightweight good-looking shoe for all around activities, trail or no trail. I think the Olive color of the Nova 3 is the best colorway so far. However, I found them to be an uncomfortable fit for me. The outside edge of the soles felt elevated and stiff to me. I went to an outlet store near me to try on other pairs to see if I had received a defective shoe, but they all felt this way. I've owned many Merrell's in the past, including prior Novas (without Gore-tex), but I've never felt this before. I can't speak to durability. I was disappointed because the look is so great and would work well as an all-around shoe. Merrell- please make more subtle earth-toned colorways!
originally posted on merrell.com
Chose the Nova 3 GTX because of the great reviews. My review isn't great, October 2023. I have a men's narrow, low volume foot and used these shoes (size 13) for light to moderate speed hikes. I'm tall with a brisk pace. I live in Western Massachusetts. Within two months the shoes were falling apart. The soles were grippy, but went bald quickly. The shoes feel clunky although the fit wasn't bad for my narrow foot. No heel slippage. Roomy toe box. Waterproofing is horrible. Go through grass mowed at typical lawn height and my feet are damp. Trek through damp meadows or muck that doesn't go over the shoe, my feet are wet and have to let them dry-out overnight. Within two months the shoes started separating from the sole. Contacted Merrell, filed a warranty claim and ... MoreChose the Nova 3 GTX because of the great reviews. My review isn't great, October 2023. I have a men's narrow, low volume foot and used these shoes (size 13) for light to moderate speed hikes. I'm tall with a brisk pace. I live in Western Massachusetts. Within two months the shoes were falling apart. The soles were grippy, but went bald quickly. The shoes feel clunky although the fit wasn't bad for my narrow foot. No heel slippage. Roomy toe box. Waterproofing is horrible. Go through grass mowed at typical lawn height and my feet are damp. Trek through damp meadows or muck that doesn't go over the shoe, my feet are wet and have to let them dry-out overnight. Within two months the shoes started separating from the sole. Contacted Merrell, filed a warranty claim and they gave me a credit towards a new pair of my choice, no complaints. They stand behind their product. Just a bad pair of shoes? I hope so. I have the clay (orange) color scheme and it's okay. Sometimes the laces keep coming undone, which is a royal pain. The shoe's mesh seems durable. Toe bumper is unique in that it's an extension of the sole. Comes up at the toe like a lip. Durable. These shoes clearly did not meet my expectations.
originally posted on merrell.com
Lightweight, supportive, great grip in a variety of terrain. My second set, the first worn out after many miles and vertical feet. Considering getting a half size up. I thought the first set were good at my usual size. Current ones are slightly larger and am very pleased. What wore out: Eventually wore out the toes where the different materials join, but more than that the heel material gave out and lateral stability became too little. Have used for both trail running and hiking in everything from wet New England mountains to sandy California desert. Good all around.
This is a lightweight good-looking shoe for all around activities, trail or no trail. I think the Olive color of the Nova 3 is the best colorway so far. However, I found them to be an uncomfortable fit for me. The outside edge of the soles felt elevated and stiff to me. I went to an outlet store near me to try on other pairs to see if I had received a defective shoe, but they all felt this way. I've owned many Merrell's in the past, including prior Novas (without Gore-tex), but I've never felt this before. I can't speak to durability. I was disappointed because the look is so great and would work well as an all-around shoe. Merrell- please make more subtle earth-toned colorways!
Chose the Nova 3 GTX because of the great reviews. My review isn't great, October 2023. I have a men's narrow, low volume foot and used these shoes (size 13) for light to moderate speed hikes. I'm tall with a brisk pace. I live in Western Massachusetts. Within two months the shoes were falling apart. The soles were grippy, but went bald quickly. The shoes feel clunky although the fit wasn't bad for my narrow foot. No heel slippage. Roomy toe box. Waterproofing is horrible. Go through grass mowed at typical lawn height and my feet are damp. Trek through damp meadows or muck that doesn't go over the shoe, my feet are wet and have to let them dry-out overnight. Within two months the shoes started separating from the sole. Contacted Merrell, filed a warranty claim and ... MoreChose the Nova 3 GTX because of the great reviews. My review isn't great, October 2023. I have a men's narrow, low volume foot and used these shoes (size 13) for light to moderate speed hikes. I'm tall with a brisk pace. I live in Western Massachusetts. Within two months the shoes were falling apart. The soles were grippy, but went bald quickly. The shoes feel clunky although the fit wasn't bad for my narrow foot. No heel slippage. Roomy toe box. Waterproofing is horrible. Go through grass mowed at typical lawn height and my feet are damp. Trek through damp meadows or muck that doesn't go over the shoe, my feet are wet and have to let them dry-out overnight. Within two months the shoes started separating from the sole. Contacted Merrell, filed a warranty claim and they gave me a credit towards a new pair of my choice, no complaints. They stand behind their product. Just a bad pair of shoes? I hope so. I have the clay (orange) color scheme and it's okay. Sometimes the laces keep coming undone, which is a royal pain. The shoe's mesh seems durable. Toe bumper is unique in that it's an extension of the sole. Comes up at the toe like a lip. Durable. These shoes clearly did not meet my expectations.
Lightweight, supportive, great grip in a variety of terrain. My second set, the first worn out after many miles and vertical feet. Considering getting a half size up. I thought the first set were good at my usual size. Current ones are slightly larger and am very pleased. What wore out: Eventually wore out the toes where the different materials join, but more than that the heel material gave out and lateral stability became too little. Have used for both trail running and hiking in everything from wet New England mountains to sandy California desert. Good all around.
Super comfortable running shoes. Hiking? I’d consider the trail. I can see these on smooth trails and slabby environments. Appalachian trail through PA where every rock is about the size of a human head? Not the right tool. I’d love to see the tops of these on a Moab last because they’re incredibly comfortable and breathable and I’d like to wear them in more rocky terrain.
Love Merrell and I needed a replacement trail running shoe. But barely worn these a month and already see massive wear on the sole, doubt they will last another 2 months. Just disappointing to see these poor quality from Merrell. Bought these since I wear Merrell hiking boots and they seem to last but will likely shop around for my next pair and hopefully find a brand that is making a product that will last.Otherwise, I've liked these shoes and they have been great.
Only reason I gave them 4 stars was actually a big reason. First time out in the woods walked through wet grass and the left shoe leaked. The fit was perfect. I returned them and pondered having a new pair sent to me. I went in another direction ordered a pair of MQM gtx 3sh. The fit was even better because they lace closer to the toe and no leaks trekking through rain showers. Im inserting a pic of the MQM’s. Didn’t have the nova’s long ent
Bought (2) pairs several months ago. Wore one, nice shoe for trail running, hiking. Really enjoyed the pair. Broke out the other pair, new out of the box, terrible...left shoe squeeks every step of the way. Called customer service, no go, over 30 days old. Not cool. Be careful with these, you might get a squeeking shoe...and the guy on the phone will tell you to put talcum powder under the inner sole which is glued down or rub the bottom of the shoe with a dryer sheet? Say what?
These shoes have exceeded my expectations. They are a fantastic, light weight pair of trail shoes. I got these to replace a 15+ year old pair of Merrell's that have been great but now starting to come unstitched in a couple spots. The first thing I noticed about the Nova 3 is the soft but supportive cushioning. You'd think that with such cloud-like cushioning you'd feel every rock, root and pebble but I've worn these on two separate occasions where I have been outdoors for 8+ hours in the dirt, over uneven, rocky, and sandy ground and I barely felt any rocks. I was worried about the GORE-TEX not breathing very well but that has not been an issue at all. I like these so much I am seriously considering buying another pair that are non-GTX just for day to day running ... MoreThese shoes have exceeded my expectations. They are a fantastic, light weight pair of trail shoes. I got these to replace a 15+ year old pair of Merrell's that have been great but now starting to come unstitched in a couple spots. The first thing I noticed about the Nova 3 is the soft but supportive cushioning. You'd think that with such cloud-like cushioning you'd feel every rock, root and pebble but I've worn these on two separate occasions where I have been outdoors for 8+ hours in the dirt, over uneven, rocky, and sandy ground and I barely felt any rocks. I was worried about the GORE-TEX not breathing very well but that has not been an issue at all. I like these so much I am seriously considering buying another pair that are non-GTX just for day to day running around and outdoors when I know my feet won't get wet. Can't speak to the longevity of these shoes but I'll be happy if they last half as long as my old Merrell's have. I highly recommend the Nova 3.
Perhaps the best trail shoes I have ever owned. Light weight, supportive, super comfortable, and durable materials. I like how the GORE-TEX allows my feet to breath and not develop odor. I bought two additional pair after my original purchase I like them so well. The laces can be tucked into the elastic on the tongue keeping the laces from flopping around which is great for cycling too. Great job, Merrell.
I bought the Nova 3 Gore-Tex pair for my 2-week trek in the backcountry of Southern Patagonia. I knew the Novas are more light-weight trail-runners but I always like to push the limits and I like lightness and efficiency than shoes with outright more sturdy/rugged designs. I have strong legs and ankles so my thinking is this low-top less rugged pair will fit my habits/style me well. The Nova 3 Gore-Tex performed well in the backcountry for me. I knew I wanted my first Gore-Tex pair as my last 2 Merrells did not fair well in puddles and wet conditions. This turned out to be a godsend as unfortunately I stepped into a few puddles and muddy patches which would have normally soaked my prior Merrell's but the Nova3 held up fantastic!My trip involved a lot of technical ... MoreI bought the Nova 3 Gore-Tex pair for my 2-week trek in the backcountry of Southern Patagonia. I knew the Novas are more light-weight trail-runners but I always like to push the limits and I like lightness and efficiency than shoes with outright more sturdy/rugged designs. I have strong legs and ankles so my thinking is this low-top less rugged pair will fit my habits/style me well. The Nova 3 Gore-Tex performed well in the backcountry for me. I knew I wanted my first Gore-Tex pair as my last 2 Merrells did not fair well in puddles and wet conditions. This turned out to be a godsend as unfortunately I stepped into a few puddles and muddy patches which would have normally soaked my prior Merrell's but the Nova3 held up fantastic!My trip involved a lot of technical areas, some minor scrambling. Nova3s held up well except it's construction is more for a trail-runner it was not suited well in other technical areas. As a result the fabric in a few areas started to wear and fray from abrasions with the environment. This is not anything wrong with Nova3 itself, rather I am pushing these shoes to the extremes, and they still performed well other than the outer fraying. This is the only reason for a 4 and not 5 star.pros: lightness, traction, waterproofnesscons: lightweight construction will use less rugged materialsMost other trekkers had the full-fledge rugged high-top shoes compared to my Nova3s and I was still outpacing them :D
