Merrell Hiking Boots: Which Moab Should You Buy? Scores, Weights and Drawbacks

Merrell Hiking Boots and Shoes at a Glance

Merrell’s Moab family in the mid-cut boot and low-cut shoe versions that reviewers cover most. Tap a photo or the button to see the model on Amazon. For other brands, see our best hiking boots guide.

Price category reflects current US listings: budget is roughly under $150, mid-range roughly $150 to $200, premium above $200. Prices change, so confirm on the product page.

Reported Scores and Weights for Merrell Moab Models

These are the scores and weights each outlet published. The scales differ between outlets, so compare within an outlet, not across them.

Which Merrell for Which Hiker (and Who Should Skip Each)

Who should skip each model

Best Merrell Mid-Cut Hiking Boots

Merrell’s mid-cut boots, from the budget Moab 3 to the lighter Speed 2.

Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof (Men’s)

Best for: budget comfort on maintained trails

OutdoorGearLab scores it 70 and gives it Best Bang for the Boot Buck, with comfort 8.0, support 7.0 and water resistance 7.0, and says the waterproofing kept feet dry through muddy meadows, stream crossings and snowy early-season trails. Switchback Travel rates it 4.6, calling it a standout price for a proven, very comfortable day-hiking boot. RunRepeat scores the GORE-TEX Moab 3 Mid 82 and names it a top pick for day hiking.

What this means for you: three outlets agree it is a comfortable, good-value day-hiking boot, with limits on heavy loads and hot days.

Fit and sizing: Sources disagree: Switchback Travel says both testers fit their normal sizes, while RunRepeat says the GTX version runs half a size small. Wide sizes exist.

Men’s and women’s versions: Separate women’s model, covered on the next card.

Watch for: OutdoorGearLab says traction is adequate but not strong on loose forest floor and the lugs clog with mud. Switchback Travel says the mesh absorbs moisture, dries slowly and runs warm. RunRepeat gives the GTX version a breathability score of 1/5 and advises against wearing it above 70 degrees F.

Skip it if: you carry heavy loads or hike in heat.

Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof (Women’s)

Best for: women’s day hikes and light backpacking on easy trails

OutdoorGearLab scores the women’s boot 74 and gives it Best Bang for Your Buck, with traction 8.0 and support 7.5, noting ample cushion, Vibram traction and regular and wide widths. Switchback Travel lists the women’s weight at about 2 lb 0.5 oz for a size 8.5.

What this means for you: a budget-friendly women’s boot for well-maintained trails.

Fit and sizing: OutdoorGearLab says regular and wide widths are available.

Watch for: OutdoorGearLab lists durability concerns, limited ankle support, heavy weight, no padding near the Achilles and a lower flood height. In its bucket test water rose above the 4-inch ankle shaft, and it does not recommend the boot for extremely wet, muddy terrain.

Skip it if: your trips are very wet and muddy.

Merrell Moab Speed 2 Mid GTX (Men’s)

Best for: light, grippy waterproof hiking

OutdoorGearLab scores it 78, ranked 5th of 18 hiking boots, with traction 9.0, water resistance 8.0 and weight 8.6, at 2.10 lb per pair in size 14, and reports no leaks including stream crossings and rain. GearJunkie scores it 7.8 out of 10 at 1 lb 8 oz, praising comfort, excellent traction and a very waterproof GORE-TEX membrane.

What this means for you: two outlets agree it is a light, waterproof, high-traction mid boot.

Fit and sizing: Sources disagree: OutdoorGearLab says it runs long, while GearJunkie says true to size. A wide version is available per GearJunkie.

Watch for: OutdoorGearLab says its lightweight materials are less durable than heavier boots. GearJunkie says the lace loops frayed after several weeks and it is not very breathable. Both advise a sturdier boot for heavy packs.

Skip it if: you carry heavy packs or hike hot desert trails.

Merrell Moab Speed 2 Mid GTX (Women’s)

Best for: light waterproof hiking in a women’s boot

We have not found a separate women’s review among our sources, so the notes here come from the men’s Moab Speed 2 Mid GTX that OutdoorGearLab and GearJunkie reviewed.

What this means for you: use the men’s reviews as a guide, since the outlets reviewed the men’s boot.

Watch for: The men’s boot is described as less durable than heavier boots and not for heavy packs.

Skip it if: you carry heavy packs.

Best Merrell Low-Cut Hiking Shoes

The low-cut Moab versions for warm weather and easy trails.

Merrell Moab 3 (Low, Men’s)

Best for: a low-cut Moab for warm, dry trails

OutdoorGearLab scores the Moab 3 low 69 at 2.42 lb per pair in size 14 and says it suits warm, dry climates on hardpacked trails. RunRepeat scores it 89 and says it is best for sunny-day hikers who want breathable, comfortable shoes out of the box, with a breathability smoke test of 4 out of 5.

What this means for you: the two outlets use different scales, but both call it comfortable and note the weight.

Fit and sizing: RunRepeat says true to size, medium width, with a wide version available.

Watch for: OutdoorGearLab says it is not waterproof, with a mesh lining that dries slowly, and traction is average. RunRepeat says it is heavier than average.

Skip it if: you need waterproofing.

Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof (Low, Women’s)

Best for: a waterproof low-cut women’s Moab

RunRepeat scores the Moab 3 GTX 87 and its best overall Merrell hiking shoe, praising comfort from day one, strong grip and excellent waterproofing with a gusseted tongue.

What this means for you: a comfortable waterproof shoe for day hikes.

Watch for: RunRepeat calls it heavy for a low-top with below-average breathability and says it lacks support for multi-day hikes or heavy packs on uneven ground.

Skip it if: you carry heavy packs.

Merrell Moab Speed 2 (Low, Women’s)

Best for: light, cushioned everyday hiking

RunRepeat scores the Moab Speed 2 91, naming it Best Shock Absorption at 11.6 oz, praising light weight, plush cushioning and stability. Treeline Review names the GORE-TEX Moab Speed 2 Best for Beginners among shoes.

What this means for you: a comfortable first hiking shoe for moderate trails.

Watch for: RunRepeat lists a thin inner lining that lets small debris inside and says its measured drop is higher than advertised.

Skip it if: you hike technical terrain.

Our Merrell Evaluation Framework

We score each model on five questions using only what the named outlets published.

1. Source agreement. How many outlets cover it?
2. Comfort and fit. Reported comfort and sizing.
3. Waterproofing. Reported results.
4. Weight and support. How heavy and how supportive.
5. Recurring drawbacks. Complaints the outlets raise.

Source agreement counts outlets that reviewed the model. The rest summarizes what those outlets wrote.

How to Choose a Merrell Hiking Boot

• Pick Moab 3 for budget and comfort. Three outlets call it good value, with the caveat of weight.
• Pick Speed 2 for weight and grip. OutdoorGearLab and GearJunkie both praise its traction, with less durability.
• Decide waterproof or not. Merrell’s own membrane and the GORE-TEX version behave differently, per Switchback Travel. See best waterproof hiking boots.
• Keep loads light. Every outlet suggests a sturdier boot for heavy packs. See our best hiking boots guide.

Where the Expert Reviews Disagree

Moab 3 sizing. Switchback Travel says both testers fit their normal sizes, while RunRepeat says the GTX mid runs half a size small.

Moab Speed 2 sizing. OutdoorGearLab says it runs long, while GearJunkie says true to size.

Moab 3 breathability. OutdoorGearLab’s review lists good breathability among its reasons to buy while judging it less impressive in testing, Switchback Travel says below average, and RunRepeat scores the GTX mid 1 out of 5. RunRepeat’s low-cut non-waterproof Moab 3 scores 4 out of 5.

Waterproof depth. OutdoorGearLab found the men’s mid kept feet dry through streams, while its women’s review found water above the 4-inch shaft in a bucket test.

Questions About Merrell Hiking Boots, Answered

“What is the best Merrell hiking boot?”

The Moab 3 Mid Waterproof wins on value across three outlets, and OutdoorGearLab ranks the Moab Speed 2 Mid GTX 5th of 18 hiking boots.

“Is the Merrell Moab 3 waterproof?”

The standard low shoe is not, per OutdoorGearLab. The Mid Waterproof and GTX versions are, and Switchback Travel says the in-house membrane is not GORE-TEX.

“Are Merrell boots good for backpacking?”

OutdoorGearLab and Switchback Travel suggest light backpacking at most, and both Speed 2 reviewers advise a sturdier boot for heavy packs.

“Do Merrell boots need break-in?”

Switchback Travel and OutdoorGearLab both say little or none.

“Are they good for wide feet?”

Wide sizes exist for several models per RunRepeat, OutdoorGearLab and GearJunkie.

Mistakes to Avoid When Buying

• Buying the standard Moab for wet trails. OutdoorGearLab says the standard low is not waterproof.
• Loading it up. Reviewers call the Moab family best for light loads.
• Ignoring sizing reports. The outlets disagree, so try before you commit.
• Expecting heat comfort from GTX. RunRepeat advises against wearing the GTX mid above 70 degrees F.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best Merrell hiking boot?

Three outlets rate the Moab 3 Mid Waterproof for comfort and value, and OutdoorGearLab ranks the Speed 2 Mid GTX 5th of 18.

Is the Moab 3 waterproof?

Only the Mid Waterproof and GTX versions are. The standard low shoe is not.

Is the Merrell Moab good for backpacking?

Reviewers suggest light backpacking at most.

Does it run true to size?

The outlets disagree, so try before you buy.

Do Merrell boots come in wide?

Yes for several models.

Which Merrell is lightest?

OutdoorGearLab rates the Speed 2 Mid GTX at 2.10 lb per pair.

Are they good for beginners?

Treeline Review names the Moab Speed 2 GTX Best for Beginners.

Where can I compare other brands?

See our best hiking boots guide.

The Short Version

Choose the Moab 3 Mid Waterproof for budget day hikes, the Moab Speed 2 Mid GTX for a lighter, grippier waterproof boot, and the low-cut Moab 3 for warm, dry trails. Keep loads light.

Keep Reading

Sources

• OutdoorGearLab: Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof
• OutdoorGearLab: Merrell Moab 3 Mid WP (women’s)
• OutdoorGearLab: Merrell Moab Speed 2 Mid GTX
• OutdoorGearLab: Merrell Moab 3
• Switchback Travel: Merrell Moab 3 Mid
• GearJunkie: Merrell Moab Speed 2 Mid GTX
• RunRepeat: Merrell Moab 3 Mid GTX
• RunRepeat: Merrell Moab 3
• RunRepeat: Best Merrell hiking shoes
• Treeline Review: Best hiking boots
• CleverHiker: Best hiking boots for men