Merrell Nova 4 vs Antora 4

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

Want a comfortable women’s trail shoe for moderate terrain? Get the Antora 4.

Get the Nova 4 if

• You need a roomier fit
• You need a wide width

Get the Antora 4 if

• You have slimmer feet and like a snug fit

These two are close. Fit will decide it, so try both on.

On the run

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.

Antora 4: The women’s everyday trail shoe. An everyday women’s trail shoe for light to moderate terrain, with FloatPro foam and a Quantum Grip outsole. Good for runs up to about a 50K.

The Antora 4 hasn’t been lab tested by RunRepeat yet, so its feel ratings are estimated from the Antora 3 lab test (RunRepeat) and Believe in the Run’s review of the 4.

Specs side by side

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

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

Antora 4. Women’s sizes only, with a wide toebox.

Try them on

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

Shop the Nova 4 · Shop the Antora 4 · Compare other running shoes