Nova 2 Gore-Tex

I’m hesitant to give specific shoe advice because feet are so different and you might have to experiment and make sure you buy through REI or somewhere similar where you can return used shoes. I love my Merrell Nova 2 in a wide width so much I ordered a backup pair from eBay for when these wear out - still going strong. If you’re not using trekking poles, they have helped me a lot, especially on downhills.

That goes for cities too. I took a waterproof Nova, a black pair to Lisbon during Christmas and they started to stink. Imagine having to ask the shoe cobbler for something to kill the stench. I gestured by holding my nice close and acted if I wanted to barf as I pointed to my feet. They laughed and gave me a spray that did kill the stench. From that point on it was black and breathable for me. Lately I've worn Adidas Free hikers to Peru, high tops. Fantastic experience. Went up mountains and walked the Amazon in them. Then wore low tops Free hikers to Jordan Egypt and Asian capitals this summer. They did great, I have flat feet and felt good after 25k steps daily. The only problem was that in Deserts where sand would get in between the lining of the shoe. It would then bunch up in my big toe area and making it annoying. So I'm interested in the recos for black shoes that do everything as well

I never had that problem with waterproof Merrell Nova trail runners. I used them in Spain and Italy in the late Spring and Florida year round.

All black Merrell Nova. They might look a little goofy in the website pics, but they look fine in person. I wore the Nova 3’s year round in Florida and in Spain and Italy in late Spring with no problems. Very light and comfortable, good for cities and trails. I didn’t have any issues with overheating or abnormally sweaty feet.

Try them on first. The soles are so padded and thick they are a little unstable on steep rocky trails. They are so cushy they can make me trip walking on a sidewalk if I’m not accustomed to them. I bought a pair and they stayed in a closet after one use. Later, I had a severe painful sprain which took 6-months to heal and they were a godsend because the softness helped me be active while healing. They are weird shoes and very very soft.

Most trail runners dry super fast. When temps are above 25°F or so, wool socks will keep your feet warm in trail runners even when a little damp. Shoes that dry fast are better than shoes that advertise being waterproof but never dry if they do get wet, and retain tons of sweat in all 4 seasons.

I hike around 1500 miles per year on steep rocky trails (I live next to a mountain). I only wear trail runners because many are durable, affordable, light, and breathe well. If they get wet, they dry fast too. “Hiking” shoes are always hot and heavy in comparison. Wearing boots will make your ankles weak, just wear light shoes that fit well, breathe well, and have good grip. My favorites are Brooks Cascadia and Merrell Nova. Trail runners have a lot of variety. Many are ultra light and fall apart. Many are so cushioned that you can’t feel the ground under your feet and the soles are so pillowy you’ll trip. Some are waterproof/gore so they are super hot and sweaty and never dry if they do get wet. Try them on at a store and get a feel for what is “just right.”

I just started wearing the Merrell Nova and the Merrell Agility Peak. In my opinion the Nova are way more comfortable and the grip is great. Dont bother spending more money on the Agility Peak. They arent as comfortable and the grip is the same.

I love the Merrell Nova! They are such great shoes. Did my 50k in them.

I really like them. I tried the Hokas before as well, but I would rather take the Merrells. And honestly, for the longer runs I like the Novas better than the Agility Peak or whatever they are called from Merrell, even though the Novas are cheaper. They are much more comfortable.

I get it. I've tried a bunch of shoes. Find a mid priced shoe that is comfortable and wear them out. I have found Merrell Novas and Altra Lone Peaks to be pretty comfortable. Looks for last seasons color ways and you can find them on discount. I am wearing a pair of Danner 2650's right now and they have been the best so far but they are pricey. You can find them new on Ebay and Poshmark for a pretty good discount, though.

I have flat, wide feet that are pretty sensitive and it is hard to find shoes so I've tried a bunch. Altra Lone Peaks have a really wide toe box and they were pretty comfortable. Wide width Merrell Novas were really comfortable as well. The bottom line is durability though. I have just come to accept that I will get about 6 months out of a pair of disc golf shoes. I play 3-5 time a week and there just isn't a shoe on the market that will hold up to it. You will get people on Reddit saying they get years out of shoes but I suspect they aren't playing as often as they say they are.

Merrell Nova's are pretty good and waterproof. I have 2 pairs. I don't think I can go back to non zero drop shoes after wearing Altra lonepeak 9+'s.