Merrell · Running & Athletic Shoes
Merrell Men's Nova 4
Skip until Merrell discloses waterproof treatment chemistry.
Merrell Nova 4 is a trail runner with waterproof treatment but no public PFAS disclosure. Standard industry practice suggests possible PFAS-based water-repellent coating, unconfirmed.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Mesh/textile upper with waterproof coating, unspecified
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
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What Merrell Men's Nova 4 is made of, ingredients and materials
The Nova 4 upper combines mesh textile with an unspecified waterproof coating. Mesh breathes well and sheds minimal fibers, but the coating chemistry is not public. Degradation of that coating over time or from heat/solvents could expose the underlying textile to direct water contact and potentially release coating particles.
What’s concerning
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
Water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Waterproof coating degradation and unknown chemistry
The coating type is not named by Merrell. If it contains PFAS (suspected but unconfirmed for this model), wear could release microparticles or leachables. Abrasion, heat, or solvent exposure (e.g., detergent) may accelerate breakdown.
Microparticle shedding from coating wear
As the waterproof coating ages through normal use and flexing, small particles may detach from the mesh surface. Composition unknown; risk depends entirely on coating identity and durability.
What’s reassuring
Formaldehyde / VOCs
No recalls or test reports of formaldehyde in Nova 4 uppers are on record. Merrell does not certify formaldehyde-free production, but standard mesh footwear uppers carry low risk if not heavily treated.
Source, ATSDR ↗Azo dyes in mesh or synthetic fibers
No specific azo dye contamination has been reported for Merrell footwear. Industry-wide testing of outdoor shoes does not flag Merrell as a concern, but the brand provides no third-party dye certifications.
Heavy metals
No lead, cadmium, or other heavy metal contamination is documented in Merrell mesh footwear. Merrell is not a brand with a known heavy metal compliance issue.
Source, FDA ↗The full breakdown
The brand's record and disclosure
Merrell does not publicly disclose waterproof treatment chemistry for this model or most footwear lines. The brand has no known certifications for hazard-free coatings (e.g., GOTS, bluesign). No major safety recalls or formaldehyde/azo dye controversies are on record for Merrell footwear, but silence on PFAS in waterproofing is standard across the outdoor footwear industry and reflects low transparency.
How it compares in its category
Men's hiking and trail shoes commonly use waterproof coatings; most brands withhold chemistry details. The Nova 4's mesh-and-coating design is typical. Alternatives with PFAS-free or disclosed water-repellent treatments (e.g., Salewa, some Scarpa models) are available but cost more. Merrell's silence places it in the lower-transparency tier.
If you buy it
Avoid machine washing or prolonged immersion; hand wash with cool water and mild soap to preserve coating integrity. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat or solvents. Inspect the upper quarterly for peeling or flaking; replacement is advised if coating visibly degrades, as bare mesh loses water resistance. Allow 48 hours air-dry after wet use; do not use heat sources.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 35% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Merrell has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
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How we score, every product runs through the same public 0-100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.