Nortiv 8 Vs. Merrell: Which Outdoor Shoe Brand Is Better?

Outdoor footwear has become increasingly popular, with more people enjoying hiking, trail running, and other outdoor activities. Two of the top brands in this market are Nortiv 8 and Merrell. But who will win on shoe battle of Nortiv 8 Vs. Merrell?

But which one offers better quality and performance? This in-depth comparison examines the key features and differences between Nortiv 8 and Merrell shoes.

A Brief Comparison Table

Feature	Nortiv 8	Merrell
Brand Origin	China	United States
Typical Use	Hiking, Trail Running	Hiking, Casual Wear
Weight	Lightweight	Medium Weight
Cushioning	Moderate	High Cushioning
Traction	Excellent Grip	Very Good Grip
Waterproof Models	Yes	Yes
Breathability	Moderate	Very Breathable
Durability	Durable	Extremely Durable
Styles	Athletic, Sporty	Athletic, Fashionable
Price Range	Affordable	Mid-Range to Expensive
Sizing	Runs Small	Accurate Sizing
Break-in Period	Little to None	Moderate Break-in

Overview of Nortiv 8

Nortiv 8 is a relatively new brand that specializes in hiking and trail running shoes. They are known for making lightweight and breathable shoes with excellent traction. Here are some of the key features of Nortiv 8 footwear:

• Lightweight – Many Nortiv 8 shoes weigh less than 1 lb per shoe, making them some of the lightest hiking and trail shoes available. This minimizes fatigue when wearing them for long periods.
• Comfortable Fit – The shoes feature thick cushioning and padding around the collar and tongue for comfort. However, some find the toe box to be too narrow.
• Excellent Traction – Outsoles are made of durable rubber with an aggressive lug pattern to grip surfaces. The deep lugs provide excellent traction on dirt, rocks, sand, and mud.
• Waterproof Options – Select Nortiv 8 models come with waterproof membranes like Gore-Tex to keep feet dry. But breathability can suffer in waterproof versions.
• Moderate Support – The midsole and insole provide a moderate amount of arch support and stability. But those needing more support may require aftermarket insoles.
• Durable Construction – Upper material and soles are quite durable, with many shoes lasting 500+ miles before needing replacement.
• Affordable Price – Most Nortiv 8 shoes cost between $70 – $120, making them budget-friendly compared to other hiking brands.

Overview of Merrell

Merrell has been crafting outdoor shoes for over 30 years. Their footwear is known for having excellent traction, cushioning, and durability. Here are the notable features of Merrell shoes:

• Medium Weight – Merrell shoes tend to be heavier than Nortiv 8 but are still comfortable for long wear. Weights range from 1.25 – 2 lbs per shoe.
• High Cushioning – Merrell uses proprietary foam cushioning like EVA and M Select FIT.ECO+ in the midsole for impact absorption and comfort underfoot.
• Excellent Traction – The Vibram or proprietary Merrell outsoles grip well on wet or dry terrain. Lugs are spaced well for debris release.
• Highly Breathable – Mesh upper construction and breathable lining wick away moisture and allow airflow into the shoes. Keeps feet drier than Nortiv 8 models.
• Waterproof Options – Gore-Tex waterproof membranes are used on select Merrell models to block water while still being breathable.
• Durable Construction – Shoes made of hardy leathers, textiles, and Vibram soles allow them to last 500-800 miles before replacement.
• Varied Styling – Merrell has athletic hiking styles plus more fashionable shoes suitable for everyday wear. Models come in many color options.
• True to Size Fit – Sizing is consistent; most users get an accurate fit ordering their normal shoe size. But some models run narrow.
• Mid-Range to Expensive Pricing – Expect to pay $120 – $190 for Merrell shoes, more than double what Nortiv 8 charges. But they frequently go on sale.

Also Read: Comparison Between Nortiv 8 and Columbia

Key Differences Between Nortiv 8 and Merrell

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s do a deep dive into how Nortiv 8 and Merrell shoes stack up across important categories:

The Nortiv 8/Merrell Comparison: Traction and Grip

Both Nortiv 8 and Merrell use quality rubber outsoles with aggressive lug patterns to provide traction. However, there are some differences:

• Lug Design – Nortiv 8 has deeper lugs that are more widely spaced. This allows the shoe to penetrate soft ground and shed mud well. Merrell’s lugs are low-profile and more closely spaced, better for hard surfaces.
• Wet Traction – Merrell edges out Nortiv 8 slightly when it comes to wet rock and slippery terrain. The deeper lugs of Nortiv 8 can get clogged more easily in mud.
• Durability – The Vibram or proprietary rubber on Merrell soles lasts somewhat longer than the rubber compounds Nortiv 8 uses before lugs start to wear down.

On the battle of Nortiv 8 Vs. Merrell, both offer excellent traction that will grip terrain securely during hiking or trail running. Nortiv 8 has a slight advantage on soft, uneven ground, while Merrell grips better on wet surfaces.

Nortiv 8 versus Merrell: Cushioning and Comfort Comparison

The amount of cushioning affects underfoot comfort and shock absorption:

• Midsole Cushion – Merrell has thicker midsoles that use softer EVA foam or proprietary cushioning units. This gives greater underfoot plushness and comfort for long miles. Nortiv 8 midsoles are firmer.
• Impact Absorption – With more cushioning, Merrell shoes absorb impact better and reduce foot fatigue. Nortiv 8 offers moderate shock absorption.
• Arch Support – Both brands are about equal when it comes to arch support. Those needing more support may need aftermarket insoles.
• Collar Padding – Nortiv 8 collars and tongues have thicker padding for a more enveloped, comfortable fit around the ankle and instep compared to Merrell.

For those logging high mileage or wanting maximum foot comfort, Merrell’s plush cushioning has an advantage. But Nortiv 8 offers sufficient comfort and shock absorption for most.

Breathability and Ventilation

Proper airflow and ventilation helps keep feet cooler and drier:

• Upper Material – Nortiv 8 uses very breathable mesh on most models. But some Merrell shoes use full-grain leather or nubuck which isn’t as air-permeable. However, mesh is also offered on many Merrell models.
• Lining – Merrell has an edge here. Their shoes incorporate breathable linings like mesh or CirroFlex that enhance air circulation inside the shoe. Nortiv 8 lacks any special lining material.
• Moisture Wicking – With the lining, Merrell shoes do a better job passing moisture away from the foot and drying faster after getting wet.

For hot weather hiking or running, Nortiv 8’s mesh upper and lack of insulating lining give them better potential ventilation. But Merrell still offers enough breathability for comfort in most conditions.

Nortiv 8 Vs. Merrell: Weight Comparison

Weight affects energy expenditure when wearing shoes for long periods:

• Lightweight Design – On average, Nortiv 8 shoes weigh 25% less than comparable Merrell models. Most Nortiv 8 shoes are around 1 lb per shoe, while Merrell is typically 1.25+ lbs.
• Materials – The lightweight mesh and thinner midsoles Nortiv 8 uses contribute to its lower weight versus the leather/nubuck and thicker midsoles on Merrell shoes.

If keeping weight down for faster hiking or trail running is a priority, Nortiv 8 has a noticeable advantage. But Merrell shoes aren’t excessively heavy by any means.

Also Read: Adidas Samba Vs. Samoa: Which Iconic Shoe Is Right For You?

Waterproofing

On the battle of Nortiv 8 Vs. Merrell, Both brands offer waterproof versions of some models:

• Waterproof Membranes – Select shoes from both brands incorporate Gore-Tex waterproof/breathable liners that prevent external water from penetrating while allowing vapor to escape.
• Treatment Options – Nortiv 8 relies solely on membranes for waterproofing. Some Merrell shoes use proprietary coatings like M-Select DRY sealant instead of a membrane, compromising breathability.
• Wet Weather Performance – In heavy rain and puddles, shoes from both brands keep feet dry as long as moisture doesn’t seep in from the ankle collar. Merrell’s coatings bead water better initially.

Overall for wet trails, the Gore-Tex equipped models from Nortiv 8 and Merrell perform comparably. Merrell offers more waterproof shoe choices, but non-membrane coatings sacrifice ventilation.

Durability and Construction Comparison of Nortiv 8 and Merrell

Durability determines how long the shoes last before needing to be replaced:

• Upper Material – Nortiv 8 uses lightweight mesh that resists damage fairly well but isn’t as abrasion-resistant as the leather/nubuck uppers on some Merrell shoes. However, mesh Merrell models are comparable.
• Sole Durability – Merrell soles last slightly longer, with Vibram rubber compound resisting wear better than the outsole material Nortiv 8 uses.
• Stitching and Overlays – On the battle of Nortiv 8 Vs. Merrell, Both shoes are well-made with double stitching in high-stress areas. Merrell has more durable leather or synthetic overlays.
• Longevity – With leather construction and robust Vibram soles, Merrell shoes can last 500-800+ miles. Expect 300-600 miles from Nortiv 8 shoes.

Merrell has the edge for durability thanks to the leather and construction elements they incorporate on many models. But with care, Nortiv 8 shoes still deliver plenty of miles before replacement is needed.

Also, Watch This Review Video:

Sizing and Fit

Getting the right size is crucial for performance and comfort:

• Size Runs – Nortiv 8 shoes typically run at least a half size small, so sizing up is advised to get the proper fit. Merrell shoes are true to size so order your normal size.
• Width Options – Both offer regular/medium and wide widths to accommodate narrower or wider feet. But Merrell has more choices like extra wide and narrow.
• Toe Box – Nortiv 8 toe boxes run narrow and can pinch, especially if sizing isn’t accurate. Merrell toe boxes are more anatomically contoured for roomier comfort.

Trying shoes on in-person is recommended since Nortiv 8 runs small. Merrell offers accurate sizing, but some models are also on the narrow side.

Nortiv 8 and Merrell: Price and Value Analysis

You can pay a lot or a little for outdoor shoes these days:

• Nortiv 8 Pricing – These shoes retail from $70 – $120 with most models around $100 MSRP. That’s considered budget-friendly for serious hiking/trail running shoes.
• Merrell Pricing – Expect to pay $120 – $190 for most Merrell shoes, sometimes more for premium collections. But discounts and sales are common.
• Price-to-Value Ratio – On our comparison of Nortiv 8 Vs. Merrell, We found both deliver solid value – Nortiv 8 for the budget-conscious and Merrell for those wanting proven performance and Construction Cost Per Mile, Nortiv 8 costs around $0.17-$0.20 per mile based on typical longevity, while Merrell averages around $0.15-$0.24.

Nortiv 8 wins if keeping costs down is key. Merrell justifies its higher pricing through its brand reputation and construction quality. But deals can be found on both brands.

Also Read: Comparison Between Taos Star and Plim Soul

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Thoughts

In our details comparison of Merrell Vs. Nortiv 8, we can say each has its strengths and target customers:

• Nortiv 8 is ideal for shoppers wanting reliable outdoor shoes on a budget. They offer impressive grip, cushioning, and performance at very wallet-friendly pricing.
• Merrell is the better choice for those demanding maximum durability, traction on slippery terrain, and premium comfort for logging serious mileage. You get what you pay for.

While Merrell takes the lead in some areas, Nortiv 8 comes surprisingly close in quality and execution while costing far less. You can’t go wrong with either brand. Focus on the features and design most important for how you plan to use the shoes.