On Cloudsurfer Trail 2 vs Merrell Nova 4

Cloudsurfer Trail 2 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 road comfort with grip for gravel and easy trails? Get the Cloudsurfer Trail 2.

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

Get the Cloudsurfer Trail 2 if

You want more foam underfoot (5mm more at the heel)
You have slimmer feet and like a snug fit

Get the Nova 4 if

You need a roomier fit
You want the lighter shoe, by about 0.8 oz
You need a wide width
You’d rather spend $30 less

On the run

Cloudsurfer Trail 2: The road-to-light-trail On. Dependable on road, gravel and easy trails, and great for heel strikers. The midsole is firm with little bounce.

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

	Cloudsurfer Trail 2	Nova 4
Price	$170	$140
Stack height (heel / forefoot)	34 / 26mm*	29 / 21mm
Drop	8mm*	8mm
Weight, men’s	10 oz*	9.2 oz
Weight, women’s	Not available	Not listed by Merrell
Support	Neutral	Neutral
Plate	None	None
Widths	Standard	Standard, Wide
Built for	Trails, Walking & all-day wear, Easy days	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

Cloudsurfer Trail 2. True to size with a high-quality upper. It doubles as a rugged sneaker.

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.