The Merrell Nova 4 WP Black are men's trail running shoes with a waterproof membrane, technical mesh, a highly cushioned midsole and a rubber sole with pronounced lugs, made for running with grip and dry feet in the mountains. We selected them at Calzados Vesga because they are a cushioned, waterproof option for training in wet weather.
Technical Specifications
| Feature |
Detail |
| Brand and model |
Merrell Nova 4 WP |
| Outer material |
Technical textile mesh with synthetic overlays |
| Waterproofing |
Waterproof membrane (Waterproof label on the heel) |
| Lining |
Breathable textile |
| Sole |
Rubber with pronounced lugs |
| Sole / heel height |
Approx. 3 to 4 cm, cushioned midsole |
| Insole |
Cushioned comfort footbed |
| Closure |
Round laces |
| Colour |
Black (black and charcoal grey) |
| Sizes available |
EU 40, 41, 42, 43, 43.5, 44, 45 and 46 |
| Manufacture |
Technical construction with artisan-level quality control |
A trail shoe that does not fear wet ground
Trail running demands grip and protection and, when it rains, a dry foot. The Nova 4 WP offers these with a sole of pronounced lugs that bites into loose ground and clears mud, a reinforced toe cap that protects the toes and a waterproof membrane that stops liquid water getting in. The thick midsole adds cushioning for descents and long runs.
The membrane sits between the mesh and the lining, so the shoe keeps a clean look and a moderate weight. With a membrane, breathability is somewhat lower than in a shoe without one.
It is a sensible choice if you train on trails in autumn and winter, do fast routes in changeable weather or want a highly cushioned shoe that copes with damp.
Design and style: Black
The Black colour combines a black and charcoal grey mesh with a black midsole with wavy lines, a dark grey protective toe cap and light grey details on the eyelets and heel. The black laces carry small reflective flecks. The brand name appears large on the side of the heel, with the Waterproof label.
The silhouette is low and aerodynamic, with a firm heel, a padded tongue and a soft collar that prevents rubbing at the ankle. Its dark palette hides mud and goes with almost any sportswear.
Materials and finish
The upper is technical mesh with perforated ventilation over the toes and synthetic overlays at the toe, side and heel that add abrasion resistance. The midsole is a large-volume foam, with FlexConnect moulded in, designed to absorb impact and return energy. The insole is cushioned and the lining textile.
The sole is rubber with pronounced, spaced lugs that clear mud and bite into loose ground.
Everyday comfort
A comfortable trail shoe must cushion, hold and stay light. The Nova 4 WP cushions with a very thick midsole, holds with a firm heel and adjustable laces and keeps a reasonable weight despite the membrane. The standard fit leaves room for the toes on long descents and the padded collar prevents rubbing.
A practical tip: if you are going to run long descents or wear thick technical socks, try half a size up. For short or urban use, your usual size will be right.
When to wear them
For training in trail running in changeable weather, fast mountain routes on damp ground, light hiking in autumn and winter and for anyone who wants a cushioned shoe that copes with rain.
It is not a mountain boot: being a low model, it does not keep out water that comes in over the collar nor can the foot be submerged. For deep snow or technical routes with a heavy load, a boot with a shaft offers more protection. In summer and in intense heat, a shoe without a membrane is cooler.
How to style them
With long tights or technical trousers and a windproof jacket, they make up the basic winter trail kit. With hiking trousers and a waterproof jacket, they suit mountain routes. On the street, their black and grey palette goes with sportswear and dark jeans. Seamless technical socks improve comfort and reduce rubbing.
Size guide
The model comes in EU 40 to 46, with the half size 43.5, with a standard fit: neither especially small nor especially large. If you are between two sizes, choose the larger one, above all if you have a high instep, a wide foot or plan to run long descents; in trail it pays to leave a little room at the front.
Approximate UK equivalents: EU 40 is about UK 6.5, EU 42 about UK 8, EU 43 about UK 9, EU 44 about UK 10, EU 45 about UK 10.5 and EU 46 about UK 11.5. These are indicative only and vary between makers, so refer to the brand's size chart. With laces you can tune the pressure precisely, but the inner length is fixed: between two sizes, the larger one with firm lacing usually works best.
Care and maintenance
- Remove dry mud with a soft bristle brush and clean the mesh with a damp cloth, without running water.
- Let the pair dry at room temperature with newspaper inside, away from radiators or direct heat.
- Do not put them in the washing machine or the dryer, which damage the bonding, the foam and the membrane.
- Alternate two pairs if you train daily so the foam recovers its cushioning.
With these basic steps, the shoe keeps its look and the membrane keeps performing for many kilometres.
Our verdict at Calzados Vesga
We think it is a solid buy for anyone who wants a cushioned trail shoe with grip that copes with rain. Its limit is that of any low shoe: it does not shield the ankle from deep water, and its high cushioning asks for a foot with some stability.
About the Merrell brand
Merrell is an American brand specialising in outdoor footwear, known for comfortable, accessible hiking and trail shoes and boots. See more options in our men's sneakers and sports shoes section or in the men's hiking and outdoor shoes category.
Frequently asked questions
Are they waterproof?
Yes. They have a waterproof membrane, as the Waterproof label on the heel shows. They protect against rain and puddles, though being a low model they do not keep out water that comes in over the collar.
Do these run small?
No, they follow a standard fit. Order your usual size and go up half a size if you have wide feet or run long descents.
Are they comfortable all day?
Yes. They are highly cushioned, reasonably light and have a padded collar. They suit training and also active everyday life.
Can I use them for hiking?
Yes, for fast routes and light hiking. For technical routes with a heavy load, a boot with a shaft gives more support.
How do I clean them?
With a soft brush and a damp cloth, no washing machine or dryer. Let them dry in the air, away from radiators.
Are they hot in summer?
With a membrane, they are slightly less cool than a shoe without one. For intense heat a light model without a membrane is better.
What size should I choose with wide feet?
Half a size above your usual. The laces let you loosen the instep, but a trail shoe should be roomy across the width of the foot.
Delivery, returns and secure checkout
Delivery anywhere in Europe takes 4 to 6 working days. Shipping is charged by destination country and calculated at checkout. Returns from outside Spain are at the customer's expense. Payment is secure, and an experienced member of the team answers any sizing question before you order.
Why buy from Calzados Vesga
We are a family shoe shop on the main square of Burgos, northern Spain, with over fifty years behind the counter. We work with a curated selection of brands rather than an endless catalogue, and we know each model because we try it and sell it in our shop. Before and after purchase you deal with a real person.
Are these your shoes?
Yes, if you want a cushioned, grippy, waterproof trail shoe. Perhaps not, if you need a mountain boot, a very cool summer shoe or a more minimalist, flatter model.
If you want a shoe for mountain training that copes with rain with grip and cushioning, the Merrell Nova 4 WP Black are a safe choice, available now at calzadosvesga.com.
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