While quite soft, the Vibram outsole is well-established and lasts a solid 400-miles The Merrell Nova 2 isn’t the lightest

Nothing about the Merrell Nova 2 feels particularly fast, which isn’t too much of a surprise when it weighs in at 10.9oz (310g). It’s surprisingly lighter than I expected when looking at it.

Merrell Nova 2 GTX

This plus a breathable, durable upper, uncomplicated laces, and a protected toe make the Antora 2 and Nova 2 excellent choices for light, trail-ready footwear. While not the best for longer distances, the Merrell Nova 2 can hold up to a beating. With strong stitching and a carefree attitude to heavy, robust materials, the upper isn’t coming apart any time soon.

Featuring sneaker-light comfort and hiker-like durability, the Merrell Nova 2 offers the perfect escape vehicle for when you're ready to answer the call of the wild. With solid construction, plenty of grip, and an easy 9.3mm drop, the Merrell Nova 2 are a well-suited beginner trail shoe. They are also incredibly versatile and suits anything from fast, day hikes to easy trail runs. Who should buy the Merrell Nova 2 The RW Takeaway: The men’s Nova and women’s Antora are sturdy and versatile daily trainers for the trail, with ample cushioning and protection to take on longer efforts and rugged terrain. That being said, 310g puts it in the same weight class as stability shoes, which often have far more things going on in the midsole that the Nova 2. Please put a heel tab on shoes Seeing as Merrell hasn’t worried so much about the weight of the Nova 2, I’d love to see them add a heel-loop just as an added benefit. ConclusionI am a mid to forefoot striker, and the Nova 2 had more than enough cushioning for me for the long haul. I would imagine someone looking for a fast trail racer for 20 miles or under might find the cushioning a bit too soft. (Certainly my Altra Superiors feel way faster, but they don’t offer the long-haul cushioning or the protection of these shoes.) These are not speedwork or short-racing trail shoes; these are long mile trainers or amazing hiking shoes.”