Our best-selling men’s 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 you’re comfortable and capable when you make your miles wild on trail.
Our best-selling men’s 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 you’re comfortable and capable when you make your miles wild on trail.
Our best-selling men’s 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 you’re comfortable and capable when you make your miles wild on trail.
Our best-selling men’s 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 you’re comfortable and capable when you make your miles wild on trail.
originally posted on REI
I bought these to replace my usually go-to chunky high-top hiking boots. These are phenomenal shoes for nearly any occasion. They're my main hiker, trail runner, mtb shoe, vacation walker, tennis sneaker, and occasional road running shoe. Very comfy, so far pretty durable, not ugly, and lots of nice features throughout like the laces band and the little d-ring at the bottom of the tongue that my gators hook in to. If I could only have one pair of shoes in the world, these would be at the top. My only nitpick is that the heal and opening around the rear aren't very comfortable for long periods of driving, at least for me.
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.
I bought these to replace my usually go-to chunky high-top hiking boots. These are phenomenal shoes for nearly any occasion. They're my main hiker, trail runner, mtb shoe, vacation walker, tennis sneaker, and occasional road running shoe. Very comfy, so far pretty durable, not ugly, and lots of nice features throughout like the laces band and the little d-ring at the bottom of the tongue that my gators hook in to. If I could only have one pair of shoes in the world, these would be at the top. My only nitpick is that the heal and opening around the rear aren't very comfortable for long periods of driving, at least for me.
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.
I bought these shoes for form, fit, and function for a recent 10 day trip to the UK. Not all brands offer a 2E width so that narrows my choices. The Nova 3 GoreTex has ample room and kept my feet dry while walking >4 miles per day in London and while light hiking in cold, rainy, windy southwest Wales. They did great of wet cobblestone, grass, mud, and gravel. The only time they slipped was random due to super smooth stone or oily road surface. My only complaint is the insoles are glued in which makes removing and replacing with better arch support insoles a bit annoying. I would not hesitate to buy these shoes again and will probably pick up the non-GoreTex variant. Recommended!!
At the store and out of the box… Amazing! Comfortable! Supportive! The bottom of the sole has superb grip. After a week the ankle support started to give way. Was able to slightly correct by dropping the laces to the bottom hole. The second week the top of the soles become so compressed I had about 1/4 of play left to right and front to back. The mesh on the top and sides of the shoe become so stretched out the shoe no longer offered any support. The heel was still cushy. Primarily used them for urban walking 3-5 miles per day. Merrell refuses to say they are defective. So the shoes have been dead weight in my suitcase while I traveled abroad for two months. Hoping Dicks will be able to do something with a return but probably outside their terms. Merrells use to ... MoreAt the store and out of the box… Amazing! Comfortable! Supportive! The bottom of the sole has superb grip. After a week the ankle support started to give way. Was able to slightly correct by dropping the laces to the bottom hole. The second week the top of the soles become so compressed I had about 1/4 of play left to right and front to back. The mesh on the top and sides of the shoe become so stretched out the shoe no longer offered any support. The heel was still cushy. Primarily used them for urban walking 3-5 miles per day. Merrell refuses to say they are defective. So the shoes have been dead weight in my suitcase while I traveled abroad for two months. Hoping Dicks will be able to do something with a return but probably outside their terms. Merrells use to last me 8-10 years. A pair of boots and a pair of flip flops lasted about 6 months. These shoes two weeks. Time to move on to something that still has a quality build.
I'm partial to lightweight shoes with traction for yard work and all around "get dirty" type chores and activities. I should note that I also enjoy trail running, camping, hiking and outdoor activities in general. I tried this shoe to replace the hiking sneaker from another brand that I really liked. It is absolutely my NEW FAVORITE SHOE!! I use this shoe for everything, e.g., yard work, home projects, casual dress, and they are light enough and grippy enough to take on the trails for a run! I may pick up the Nova 3 trail shoe as well, but this shoe is just amazing. I hope Merrell doesn't mess with a good thing here.
Nearly the perfect shoe. Super comfortable, lightweight, breathable, dry quick, look great and can be dressed up if need be as the neutral black provides a lot of flexibility and less of a technical look. I LOVED everything about the Tactical Nova. Thought they had good traction until.... traversing wet surfaces!!!I had these as my main shoes on a trip to Vietnam, and once I had to deal with wet pavement, pavers, and rocks, there is absolutely NO TRACTION, and I LITERALLY thought I was going to kill myself on a trek in the highlands wearing them. The amount of falls and slips really took away from the experience, and I am feel almost lucky I didn't get seriously injured.Merrell for life, and have never had a problem with other shoes over the years, but this was ... MoreNearly the perfect shoe. Super comfortable, lightweight, breathable, dry quick, look great and can be dressed up if need be as the neutral black provides a lot of flexibility and less of a technical look. I LOVED everything about the Tactical Nova. Thought they had good traction until.... traversing wet surfaces!!!I had these as my main shoes on a trip to Vietnam, and once I had to deal with wet pavement, pavers, and rocks, there is absolutely NO TRACTION, and I LITERALLY thought I was going to kill myself on a trek in the highlands wearing them. The amount of falls and slips really took away from the experience, and I am feel almost lucky I didn't get seriously injured.Merrell for life, and have never had a problem with other shoes over the years, but this was a huge concern and almost threw them out during my travel because i was scared to wear them. Not sure how this could have been missed in the design unless i had a defect pair, because something seemed seriously wrong.I hope that there is improvement made on this in future iterations. Will keep these around for leisurely walks and light hikes when it is bone dry, but would NEVER wear them anywhere you encounter or anticipate moisture. In no way should these be classified as a trail shoe!
My height: 5'10", weight: 185 lb activity: about 200 km/month +/- on flat ground, asphalt and gravel mostly After the first 200 km, almost all the lugs under the ball of the foot were so used up they all looked flat, that is, almost completely shaven off, no height left. So the Vibram sole is not durable. A lot of cushioning, thus comfortable to walk with. However, if walking nonstop for 15 km, you will start feeling your feet. Perhaps there is no shoe that can keep you feeling comfortable after 15 km of non-stop walking, so maybe it is not the Nova 3's fault. The back of the heel has some padding, so it took a while before the beginning of a blister started appearing. By that time, the inside fabric had worn out and there wasn't enough padding left. If you walk at ... MoreMy height: 5'10", weight: 185 lb activity: about 200 km/month +/- on flat ground, asphalt and gravel mostly After the first 200 km, almost all the lugs under the ball of the foot were so used up they all looked flat, that is, almost completely shaven off, no height left. So the Vibram sole is not durable. A lot of cushioning, thus comfortable to walk with. However, if walking nonstop for 15 km, you will start feeling your feet. Perhaps there is no shoe that can keep you feeling comfortable after 15 km of non-stop walking, so maybe it is not the Nova 3's fault. The back of the heel has some padding, so it took a while before the beginning of a blister started appearing. By that time, the inside fabric had worn out and there wasn't enough padding left. If you walk at a leisurely pace, that's ok. But as soon as you go fast for a sustained period of time, you will start feeling a burn right at the back of your heel. So inner padding worn out after 2 months only of having used the Nova 3, again 200 km the first month, and 230 km the second month. So I am not impressed.After the second month, I thought I'd try the Merrell MTL LongSky 2, a trail runner. They are lighter, the sole is harder, so less comfy, also almost no padding at the back of the heel and this meant that blisters were instant from day 1 and that's when not even running, just walking at a normal pace but for 2 hours a day, sometimes 4 hours on the weekend without a break. Average distance per month is same as when using the Nova 3. But the biggest difference is the sole: Doesn't get used up as fast as the Nova 3, the lugs are higher and still in good shape and thus afford a lot more grip and control than the Nova 3. The upper is made of a very breathable and thin mesh that is not sturdy at all. After one month, a hole starting forming in the mesh where my right foot pinky is located, and it keeps getting ever so slightly bigger. For a pair of shoes that is not cheap to have the upper start breaking down after just now 4 months of use is not what I call a quality build. The Nova 3 also has started displaying fraying in the same location, but since the upper isn't made of a thin mesh, there is no hole yet, but you can see that it is just a matter of time.Weather: Nova 3 will feel too hot above 25C, whereas MTL LongSky 2 because of its mesh construction will be comfortable all the way up to 30C. If it drizzles, the Nova 3 will keep you dry, the MTL LongSky 2, not. For cooler weather, ie < 20C, Nova 3 is ok all the way down to 15C. MTL LongSky 2 is just for warm/hot weather.Fit: both fit exactly, MTL LongSky 2 a bit tight so I went 1/2 size up. Both also keep your ankle from wobbling, with the lace system and the sole giving the right support, even if you don't lace tight, you won't get any tendon fatigue like with those runners that are too soft and let your ankle wobble all the time.Conclusion: for the occasional walk-about in an urban park, or an easy trail in a national park, the Nova 3 are ok. Just don't push yourself too much and don't carry a heavy backpack or attempt technical terrain. The MTL LongSky 2 is more of a running shoe. So I am still looking for the elusive, sturdy, light, comfortable, not pricey, breathable hiking shoe with a durable sole, meaning that will last at least 1 year. If that is too much to ask...Hope this helps you make a more informed choice. God knows there is a plethora of choices and not enough objective reviews.
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.
I've had 3 or 4 pairs over the last few years. I've worn them until the fabric across the toes tore from side to side and my pinky toes busted out the edges. Lot of experience here...These are just alright. For what you get, I don't think they're worth the $125. There's better value elsewhere. The tread packs with mud and then it becomes useless. Grip is marginal. Soles are thin so you feel all the rocks. The rubber Vibram tread separated from the midsole and fell off in chunks after just a few weeks. The fabric tore quickly. Long story short, these are trail runners for people that don't actually trail run. They're not durable and the construction doesn't hold up to much, They look cool but after awhile, all shoes look old. Between the novas and the Agilitys, the ... MoreI've had 3 or 4 pairs over the last few years. I've worn them until the fabric across the toes tore from side to side and my pinky toes busted out the edges. Lot of experience here...These are just alright. For what you get, I don't think they're worth the $125. There's better value elsewhere. The tread packs with mud and then it becomes useless. Grip is marginal. Soles are thin so you feel all the rocks. The rubber Vibram tread separated from the midsole and fell off in chunks after just a few weeks. The fabric tore quickly. Long story short, these are trail runners for people that don't actually trail run. They're not durable and the construction doesn't hold up to much, They look cool but after awhile, all shoes look old. Between the novas and the Agilitys, the Agilitys held up much better. These fell apart. I'd try a few more pairs and maybe the durability has improved, but I wouldn't pay full price. They're just not worth it.
