Merrell Nova 3 GORE-TEX Trainers Brown Orange - 41

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.