​WHAT’S TO LIKE ABOUT THE PRODUCT:  
This lightweight dynamo is your summer go to for day hikes & trail runs . you will swoon over its flexibility and happy clap its breathability.
Where was this product tested:

• Halfmoon mountain
• Great Falls River Trail
• Billy Goat Trail

PRODUCT SOLD AT: merrell .com
PURCHASE PRICE:  $110.00 - $140.00

​Background:
For newcomers to the outdoor adventure world, Merrell at 40 years young is an industry leader in footwear priding themselves on comfort and fit. Their product set ranges from hiking, trail running, comfort footwear to sandals and performance clothing. 

THE REVIEW

My previous Merrell hiking shoes lasted me 9 years and before that, my initial Merrell shoes lasted me 12 years. Am I biased to Merrell? Yes. I have enjoyed their product since I was a rock hopping teenager on the single tracks of Shenandoah National Park.  I love the flexibility of their shoes with the ability to take them on day trips, big mile trails in Yosemite and other great adventures. Their product meshes perfectly my outdoor life with protection from wear and tear on my feet. In the market for a hiking shoe? saunter over to our guide

THE WHY ?
 I had two goals: lightweight and grip.  I strived to find that perfect balance of lightweight without giving up durability, flexibility, and grip.   Why is weight important?  it benefits balance, improves trail speed , aids foot health and durability,  lessens the risk of injury. translation: win ,win ,win.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS :
taking the shoes out of the box I raised an eyebrow at how ridiculously light the shoes were. the shoes were slim, less bulky than a hiking shoe and oh them cushion EVA insoles, like pillows!  time to hit the trail......

PERFORMANCE:
the break-in period were the trails of halfmoon mtn , the river trail at great falls and then finally the billy goat trail. each trail with a different challenge for this shoe.

HALFMOON MOUNTAIN: (6.6 miles)
the shoe got a chance to showcase its comfortability on this loose rock single-track day hike. the shoe performed exceptionally well, the Vibram grip (5mm) was noticeable and provided comfort on tricky footing areas. the EVA insole and rock plate stood the test of the rugged terrain limiting shock to my feet. the mesh lining kept everything breathable and flexible without a drop off in stability. 

RIVER TRAIL (4.1 miles)
A quick scamper with the kids in Great falls national park during a misty, foggy morning. the trail is compacted dirt with a few boulder scampers but not by any means technical. the shoe was agile for the ever changing trail and with a five pound pack on my back it never missed a beat with comfort. the post hike review fared well for the nova ii as well, the shoe dried quickly (all that mesh helps nicely).

BILLY GOAT TRAIL  (3.4 MILES)
​This shoe was going to get to tackle on one of the area's best technical rock scrambles. the trail known for its scramble also throws at you roots, sandy elements, narrow footing, uneven surfaces and a rock wall. What a perfect testing playground!  The nova II again held form with comfort against many surfaces and elements as it continued to provide maximum protection. the trail did manage to dent the armor of the nova II by exposing its grip during damp and sandy conditions for which at times I felt I lost quite a bit of traction on the rocks. I was also disappointed to find the mesh lining had developed a small tear after three hikes!  The shoes at times lacked control, grip and flexibility on the scramble.

Last words:
The nova II is ideal for my trail running friends or day excursions on less technical hikes. I would recommend them highly for distance hikes of 12 miles or less as the cushioned sole mixed with the rock plate and Vibram grip will provide maximum comfort. the shoe fails to become a full time hiking option as it struggled on rock scrambles and in wetter conditions. My fear of having such a lightweight shoe and compromising durability was realized quickly ( three hikes??? ). This shoe should not be looked at as a primary option for hiking or backpacking, rather go with what it was designed to be: a solid trail runner.

FAST FACTS:

• weight 1lb 4 oz
• vibram sole
• built in rock plate.
• comes in multiple colors and with alternate versions including gore-TEX, Waterproof or mid ankle versions.

LOVE

• grip! fantastic toe grip and heal brake for trails
• stylish look
• lightweight !!!!
• breathability
• CUSHION sole (EVA)
• dried fast

not love

• DURABILITY
• GRIP issues on rock scrambles

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