The heel cup on the Merrell Nova is rigid yet padded to keep my feet free from unwanted motion inside the shoe.

It gets the job done well so that I could make it to the mountaintop in record time! The Merrell Nova is a rugged-looking shoe The outsole is made of durable rubber and features 5mm lugs that provide excellent traction on a variety of surfaces. The M Select GRIP technology enhances the shoe's grip and ensures you stay stable on any terrain. Merrell is owned by Wolverine Worldwide and in its latest annual Corporate Responsibility report (2022), Merrell is mentioned a lot in its work on diversity, equity, and inclusion. But there is little detail regarding sustainable materials or emissions reductions. For example, Merrell has pledged all its products will ‘contain’ organic, recycled, or renewable materials by 2025 but doesn’t specify what ‘contain’ means.

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I found that I was able to summit a mountain faster than usual in this model, running partway and hiking the rest. There are a few shoes that would allow me to do this. Breathable upper The RW Takeaway: The Nova doesn’t skimp on traction, cushioning, or durability (despite its modest price) and is well-suited for wet terrain and trails of moderate difficulty. Its design is similar to that of brands such as Altra or Topo, with a lower heel-to-toe drop than many traditional running shoes and a roomy toe box. On the terrain it prefers, the Nova 3 feels agile. We liked the confidence the toe protection gave us too. Sustainability

It includes a few reflective strips for visibility in low-light conditions. The padding inside the heel is soft and comfortable, keeping the heels blister-free. The Merrell Nova is a versatile and comfortable hiking shoe that's perfect for any trail. With a combination of durability, support, and breathability, this shoe is designed to keep your feet comfortable and protected during long hikes. I didn’t feel like my heel was loose in the shoe, which is a critical factor in blister prevention.

I appreciated the lightweight design, overall flexibility, cushioning pods in the heel and forefoot, and excellent traction that this model provides. The type of shoe that the Nova/Antora 3 is aiming to be is one that appeals to many of us, whether as a multi-purpose outdoor shoe, trail running shoe for training, or a runner’s first pair. Featuring sneaker-light comfort and hiker-like durability, the Nova Sneaker Boot offers the perfect cold-weather escape vehicle for when you're ready to answer the call of the wild. The upper is made of a durable yet breathable textile with overlays for structural support. I appreciate the way that the upper wraps around my feet and to snugly hold them in place. We found the Sense Ride 5’s Contragrip outsole offers much more reliable grip over a range of surfaces. It also felt a bit more agile and responsive. Although, the Salomon Sense Ride 5 does have a narrower fit, which won’t suit everyone.