Merrell Agility Peak 6 vs Nova 4

Agility Peak 6 or Nova 4? Here’s how they compare on feel, fit, brand specs and price, from the fitting team at The Run House.

The short answer

Want grip and security for technical trails? Get the Agility Peak 6.

Want a comfortable, beginner-friendly trail shoe? Get the Nova 4.

Get the Agility Peak 6 if

You want more foam underfoot (9mm more at the heel)
Long runs are your thing
You have slimmer feet and like a snug fit

Get the Nova 4 if

It’s mostly for easy days
You’re on your feet all day or walk a lot
You need a roomier fit
You want the lighter shoe, by about 0.9 oz

On the run

Agility Peak 6: The grippy technical-trail shoe. Dependable on technical terrain with an excellent Vibram Megagrip outsole with Traction Lugs, and more flexible than before. The FloatPro foam has little energy return and low shock absorption.

Nova 4: The beginner-friendly trail shoe. Flexible and beginner-friendly, ideal for heel strikers, with a breathable upper. Very low energy return, and the high drop can feel awkward.

Specs side by side

	Agility Peak 6	Nova 4
Price	$160	$140
Stack height (heel / forefoot)	38 / 30mm	29 / 21mm
Drop	8mm	8mm
Weight, men’s	10.05 oz	9.2 oz
Weight, women’s	8.11 oz	Not listed by Merrell
Support	Neutral	Neutral
Plate	None	None
Widths	Standard, Wide	Standard, Wide
Built for	Trails, Long runs	Trails, Easy days, Walking & all-day wear
Expected life	450–550 miles	350–450 miles

Stack, drop and weight come from each brand’s own website. Numbers marked * aren’t published by the brand and come from other published specs. Weights are for the size each brand quotes. Expected life is our estimate.

Fit

Agility Peak 6. True to size with a secure fit, but the toebox is narrow. Wide available.

Nova 4. True to size with a comfortable, fully redesigned upper. Wide available.

Try them on

Come try on both at The Run House in Walpole, Needham or Falmouth. Gait analysis is always free.