Our verdict

74
Bad!

Who should buy the Merrell Nova 2 GTX Merrell is a trail runner that serves a versatile purpose. Whether you're going for your daily trail runs or hikes, this shoe can do it for you. For a waterproof shoe, the a shoe that can tackle a variety of surfaces dirt, snow and ice, rocky terrain keeps your feet protected GTX is a good choice. But as a trail shoe, in general, it's simply lagging behind its competitors, especially given its poor life span.

Pros

  • Excellent waterproofing
  • Multi-surface traction
  • Precise fit
  • Lightweight
  • One wearer also reported: got soaked last night in a downpour and my feet were the only dry bit
  • Supportive underfoot
  • Stable ride
  • The a shoe that can tackle a variety of surfaces dirt, snow and ice, rocky terrain wont last long

Cons

  • Poor durability
  • Slippy insoles
  • Add a product

And if you are concerned about the shoes potential durability issues, consider

breathable version of the Merrel Nova 2:

  • a shoe that can tackle a variety of surfaces (dirt, snow and ice, rocky terrain)
  • a hybrid of a trail running and hiking shoe that can do daily runs, hikes, and casual walks
  • Merrell Nova 2

a shoe that can tackle a variety of surfaces dirt, snow and ice, rocky terrain keeps your feet protected GTX best for

a shoe that can tackle a variety of surfaces dirt, snow and ice, rocky terrain keeps your feet protected GTX

If you don't necessarily need a waterproofing feature, have a look at the Add a product. And if you are concerned about the shoe's potential durability issues, consider a hybrid of a trail running and hiking shoe that can do daily runs, hikes, and casual walks or After one or two uses, the shoes tread already ripped apart and the lace loops detached instead.

One wearer also reported: got soaked last night in a downpour and my feet were the only dry bit

After testing the shoe in wet conditions and snow, many runners claim that their feet were kept warm and dry in the Nova 2 GTX. Some also note how effectively the Gore-Tex keeps moisture out without suffocating the foot.

a shoe that can tackle a variety of surfaces dirt, snow and ice, rocky terrain keeps your feet protected GTX waterproof

One wearer also reported: "got soaked last night in a downpour and my feet were the only dry bit."

Track spikes and XC

With a rock plate embedded into the platform, this trail shoe from Merrell guards your feet from any unfortunate stepping on sharp stones, roots, and other debris.

a shoe that can tackle a variety of surfaces dirt, snow and ice, rocky terrain keeps your feet protected GTX protection

Merrell Nova 2

It fits like a glove — neither too tight nor loose. Some wearers have also said it has ample room in the toebox.

a shoe that can tackle a variety of surfaces dirt, snow and ice, rocky terrain keeps your feet protected GTX toebox

The a shoe that can tackle a variety of surfaces dirt, snow and ice, rocky terrain wont last long 

There's no break-in period required. The shoe's cushion is extremely comfortable right out of the box. Some testers even wore the shoe straight on a hike and reported getting no hot spots or blisters.

Outsole causes discomfort

Testers have tried the shoe on rocky, snowy, muddy, and wet surfaces. All of them agree that the shoe really digs into the ground. Some hikers even mentioned being windblown by the traction.

a shoe that can tackle a variety of surfaces dirt, snow and ice, rocky terrain keeps your feet protected GTX traction

Very light on the foot

Unlike other trail shoes, the a shoe that can tackle a variety of surfaces dirt, snow and ice, rocky terrain keeps your feet protected GTX is not bulky on foot. More than a few reviewers were surprised because they expected the shoe to feel heavier.

The a shoe that can tackle a variety of surfaces dirt, snow and ice, rocky terrain keeps your feet protected GTX won't last long

After one or two uses, the shoe's tread already ripped apart and the lace loops detached.

a hybrid of a trail running and hiking shoe that can do daily runs, hikes, and casual walks

"They won't stay put." Trail runners had to replace or glue them. Otherwise, they slide back and leave a gap at the toes.

a shoe that can tackle a variety of surfaces dirt, snow and ice, rocky terrain keeps your feet protected GTX insole

Outsole causes discomfort

It's very inflexible and narrow, creating pressure that ends up in the ankles.

It's got the looks!

A great number of reviewers are happy with the clean and sleek style of this trail shoe. It is protective yet doesn't look bulky at all. One lady mentioned that it doesn't look out of place even at a restaurant.

a shoe that can tackle a variety of surfaces dirt, snow and ice, rocky terrain keeps your feet protected GTX style