Bottom Line
New to our selection of the best winter hiking boots, the Merrell Nova 3 Thermo is a highly comfortable boot that fits like a running shoe but is designed with winter weather in mind. With quilted Primaloft baffles and a brushed interior, these boots are cozy for colder temperatures while on the trail.
We were impressed with the rockered sole’s performance in providing a smooth-feeling ride – more akin to that of a running shoe than a winter boot. You’ll find no cumbersome clunking in this boot. An added zipper aids in easily putting the boot on, and an integrated gusset keeps snow out of the lower foot.
Testing these boots in deep snow in Alaska’s Chugach Range, we found that they wetted through quickly and had large openings around the ankle that let in ample amounts of snow. The PrimaLoft baffles on the boot, while warm, are not waterproof, and we found ourselves wet quickly. These boots are most at home on trail in packed conditions where topping the low shaft height is not an issue.
Quick Specs
Merrell Nova 3 Thermo
Lightweight winter hiking boot
Price:
$160
Temperature Rating:
Not rated
Insulation:
100g Primaloft
Weight (Pair):
2 lb.
Height:
4 in
Pros
- comfortable
- casual style
- good traction
- lightweight
Cons
- shorter shaft height
- waterproofing
- durability
Comfort
As soon as we put these boots on, it was immediately evident that the Merrell Nova 3 Thermo boots were some of the more comfortable boots we tested. Fitting more like a running shoe, the slightly narrower toe box keeps the feet from sliding around, and the boots cinch up snugly through the midfoot. That being said, these boots will likely fit those with narrow feet better than wider ones.
We also loved the rocker sole on the boots, which allows for a comfortable, rolling stride rather than the cumbersome clonking of many winter boots. The minimal shaft of this boot – though comfortable – does not provide the level of ankle support that other boots offer. With only a single level of hooks to finish the lacing system, the boots did not feel as snug and secure, leaving us to roll our ankles more often than usual while wearing them.
Warmth
The first noticeable thing looking at the Merrell Nova 3 Thermos is the quilted Primaloft baffles that extend through the midfoot and up the shaft of the boot. With 100 grams of Primaloft insulation, these boots are warm on days just below freezing and down into the low 20s. Once the temperatures dropped under 20 degrees, however, the warmth of these boots met their match. They have much less insulation than other winter boots we tested.
When hiking in rain or moist snow, their warmth immediately suffered. The quilted baffles became a weak point, allowing cold to seep in, and we felt the cold start from our toes and work up the boot. These boots are warmest when not exposed to water and in moderate winter temperatures. We suggest pairing these boots with winter-weight socks to feel most comfortable.
Traction
As we kicked steps into firm snow and walked up mixed ice and packed snow, we were impressed with the Nova Thermo’s traction. While hiking in Alaska’s Chugach, we didn’t feel the need for extra grip or traction aids like microspikes. The lugs on these boots were more than ample for most conditions.
Where we did notice some concessions in traction was while walking downhill. The rockered sole, while comfortable, means that there is less surface area in contact with the ground. This compromises some of the grip, primarily going downhill in loose snow. When walking across mixed rocks and snow, the lugs gripped the rock tightly and provided confidence with each step.
Weather Resistance
We were disappointed in the weather resistance of these boots for use in deep snow and wet conditions. The leather upper more resembles suede and quickly absorbs moisture. Plus, Merrell’s proprietary waterproofing failed to prevent snowmelt from reaching our feet. The quilted insulation of the exterior quickly wetted through and held onto moisture long after the hike. As we post-holed our way up a mountain through knee-deep snow in the Chugach Mountains, we quickly determined that these boots were not our first choice for rugged winter adventures.
After two hours of hiking in deep snow, our feet were wet, and our socks were soaked. The wide opening of the shaft lets in too much snow for these to be considered a great option for deep snow travel. Although Merrell claims these to be waterproof, we found that water entered through the material of these boots as well as down the short shafts. Without any attachment points for gaiters, the Nova 3 is best used on packed trails or in situations where the boots’ four-inch shaft height will not be overwhelmed. Despite the manufacturer’s claims, these boots are not fully waterproof, and we recommend these for shorter outings without long exposure to moisture.
Durability
After our testing, we are left with questions about the Merrell Nova 3 Thermo’s long-term durability. The suede-like leather of the boots easily showed scuffs and knicks from brushing against rocks and kicking steps in firm snow. With a minimal rubber toe cap, the front of the boots took the brunt of the impact, leaving the leather with a frayed appearance. With the crease point of these boots running through the quilted Primaloft baffles, the material showed signs of creasing and wear after only a few uses.
After completely wetting through on the first test of these boots, any waterproofing these boots do have is not durable enough to withstand repeated outings in wet and snowy environments. Though these boots may provide good enough durability for casual and in-town use, these are not the ones to grab for trail adventures that demand the most out of your boots.
Should You Buy the Merrell Nova 3 Thermo Boot?
For those looking for a lightweight boot without any of the cumbersome feelings of more traditional winter boots, then the Merrell Nova 3 Thermo is a great pick. Comfortable immediately out of the box, these boots are among the most comfortable that we have tested. With great traction and a comfortably designed rockered sole, walking in these is a breeze. However, the weather resistance and durability of these boots left us wishing for more. We cannot recommend these boots for rugged adventures with serious exposure to the weather as they wet through quickly. But if your primary use for these boots is in town or on a packed trail – without exposure to deep snow or wet conditions – then these boots will fit the bill perfectly.
What Other Men’s Winter Boots Should You Consider?
Our Men’s Winter Boot Guide has several great options tested and reviewed by our Alaska-based gear analyst.
Merrell Thermo Chill Mid – Another offering from Merrell that provides immediate comfort, the Thermo Chill offers more weather resistance in a slightly more robust boot.
Columbia Fairbanks – Similarly stylish, the Fairbanks is warmer with a slightly taller shaft height. Still stylish enough to take out on the town, the Fairbanks is perfect for cold-weather outings and is more resistant to wet snow and puddles.
Salomon X Ultra Snowpilot – If you’re after another lightweight hiking boot with better weather protection, then check out the insulated version of Salomon’s best-selling lightweight hiking boot.
