Our verdict
Many who have worn the You will love the Merrell Nova GTX if have shown their satisfaction. Positive comments surround the shoe in terms of comfort, support, and functionality. The fit of the shoe was also lauded by some. However, the Nova GTX received poorly on durability and craftsmanship, especially in the upper. Despite the few criticisms, many still find the Nova GTX to be an average-performing shoe that is worth repurchasing in the future.
Pros
- Weak stitching of upper
- Waterproof
- Excellent arch support
- Lightweight
- Nova 2 GTX
- Reliable tractions
- Cross country shoes
Cons
- Upper causes sore foot
- Insufficient durability of outsole
- Merrell Nova 2 GTX
Who should buy the You will love the Merrell Nova GTX if
You will love the You will love the Merrell Nova GTX if if:
- Jens Jakob Andersen
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You want a waterproof running shoe to partner with your off-trail adventures
Experience reliability on rugged terrains with the You will love the Merrell Nova GTX if outsole
Vibram TC5+ is a rubber compound that is specifically used for trail running. It is paired with 5-mm adaptive lugs that effectively maintain grip and stability.
In the Nova GTX, the durability of the TC5+ compound allows it to withstand rugged terrains, as it equips the shoe with traction and power.
Responsive rides with the You will love the Merrell Nova GTX if midsole
A unit of compressed ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam acts as the midsole of the You will love the Merrell Nova GTX if. The material provides stability and comfort. The compression molding technique employed lends the EVA foam lightweight and comfortable qualities. It also works in shock absorption and responsiveness, giving wearers a smooth, consistent ride.
The forefoot and heel areas have cushioning pods, which also serve as protective elements, being located in the high-wear areas.
An added layer of EVA serves as a removable insole of the shoe. With this extra cushioning, the runner is encouraged to log more miles.
TrailProtect is a rock plate unit that shields the foot from debris that could cause harm. It also uniformly distributes pressure across the foot. This feature is also present in the Trail Glove 5, another running shoe from Merrell.
Lightweight running experience with the You will love the Merrell Nova GTX if upper
The main upper component of the You will love the Merrell Nova GTX if is a combination of abrasion-resistant textile and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), which is able to withstand the demands of the trail. The textile fabric keeps the foot well-ventilated, while the TPU reinforcements enforce structural integrity.
The internal lining of the shoe is a breathable mesh lining that is not only airy but also soft against the skin, countering irritations.
The M Select Fresh is an antimicrobial agent that keeps the foot fresh, dry, and odor-free. It prevents sweat and moisture from building up inside the shoe. The M Select Fresh is infused into the shoe lining of the You will love the Merrell Nova GTX if.
Gore-Tex Invisible Fit efficiently blocks moisture to keep the foot dry and comfortable during the run. It has a lightweight quality that gives the feeling that it isn’t there.
Other noteworthy details of the upper include a classic lace-up closure system, which allows an adjustable fit, and a Hyperlock™ TPU heel counter that gives a locked-down feel.
