2 lbs. 4 oz. (men’s size 9)
Yes (M Select DRY)
Great price for a proven and extremely comfortable day hiking boot.
Middling traction and support falls short on rougher and technical terrain.
(4.7/5)
Merrell’s Moab is as timeless as hiking boots can get and is an extremely well-loved the first pair of hiking boots for many (including many editors on our team). We tried one of the most popular models–the mid-height model that retails at just $145 and has a fantastic fitting and excellent comfort for day hikes as well as easy backpacking. It’s not the most technologically advanced as the more affordable model has some drawbacks in terms of traction and durability However, it’s still an excellent design and comes with a reasonable price. Here’s our review of our experience of moab2mid. Moab 2 Mid. To find out how it compares to its competitors, read our review of the most comfortable hiker’s boots.
Performance
Comfort
As one would expect from the well-known style, comfort out of the box is the main strength that is the main feature of Merrell Moab Mid. The padding on the collar and along the tongue is incredibly firm, soft, and is comfortable even when tightened. Furthermore, the boot is flexible enough to require minimal break-in and the sculpted insole hugs your heel perfectly and offers an impressive amount of arch support for the price. I went to the trail in a flash with the Moab I took it on a long hike which required substantial snow and ice travel (I had micro spikes on for the majority of it) and was able to handle no issues with comfort. The Moab’s other key element to its highly regarded comfort is its superb fit, which features an in-built heel that is locked, a secure lacing system, and plenty of space for the toes of normal-width feet to grow. The snug and secure fit is particularly noticeable when I was hiking on steep terrains–I felt no heel slippage, or rub even with the relentless climb.
The main complaint I have against Moab is that Moab is the fact it doesn’t have the sporty and modern feel of more agile and lighter models similar to the Salomon Ultra 4 mid. It’s fairly heavy considering that the collar is only covering the ankle (more about this later) The design is much more retro in the model as opposed to the running shoes popular in the marketplace. Additionally, although the cushioning beneath the heel is great to take the sting of abrasive impacts on rough and rocky trails There’s a noticeable lack of protection underneath the heel. This has led to painful feet during higher-mileage days and when hauling a larger weight on terrain that is particularly rough.
Weight
The Moabs I have in a male size 9 weighs 2 pounds and 4 ounces when measured according to my scale. This is comparable to Merrell’s stated weight. Like I said, it’s an impressive amount when you consider the boot’s height that is just above the ankle. However, the cushioning is a lot and the more robust upper material are definitely significant to the factors. To give you an idea the Moab is quite comparable to direct competitions such as KEEN’s Targhee III WP Mid. KEEN Targhee III WP Mid (2 pounds. 2.8 oz.) in addition to Oboz Sawtooth II Mid WP (2 2 lbs. 6 oz. ) however, it’s significantly heavier than performance-oriented models such as the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX (1 1 lb. 14 oz.). For just a few pounds more, you’ll gain a significant boost in grip and stability with Lowa Renegade (14 oz. Lowa Renegade (2 lbs. 7 oz. ) However, the boot weighs nearly twice the cost. The added weight is clearly noticeable but it’s really not a problem when you’re looking to cover greater distances and prefer to travel quickly and lightly. If this is the case, then you’ll have to increase your spending or make sacrifices on cushioning and comfort.
Stability and Support
The Merrell Moab’s stability is in line with its intended use It has a very wide and solid foundation with sufficient support in the heel to provide good lateral stability. However, the smaller height and flexible forefoot make it far from being a standout in terms of technical performance. The lower construction was especially evident when hiking on an uphill slope, when the boot was flexing quite aggressively downhill and left me needing more support. However, this was an isolated experience, and the majority times the flexibility was benefit for comfort when hiking. The bottom line is that those who have plans that require rough terrain or carrying a large pack may want to invest in a more durable and more comfortable boot such as that of Salomon Quest 4 or Lowa Renegade. If you want to stick to established trails and trails, it’s the Moab 2 Mid is a good choice.
Traction
Through testing, I discovered my experience with the Merrell Moab 2 mid’s grip to be average. It’s not a star in any particular area and doesn’t possess any major weaknesses. Also like stability, The Moab’s design is the purpose of the boot to do, which is to grip well on trails that are well maintained. The relatively simple and busy lugs don’t really bite all that well in dirt, and it’s not solid and durable on the hard rock. However, the firm tread is durable in time and gives enough grip in a variety of non-technical scenarios. Also, I found that heel braking was fairly excellent thanks to the thick rubber beneath the top of the heel. Even in a dusty, loose environment, it was a reliable performer.
Fit and Sizing
Similar to my experiences with lower-top Moab I also found that the mid-height model has an excellent fit, which is exact to the size. It’s the perfect length to prevent toe bang when descending and the sculpted inside and a lacing system that was well-constructed kept me from experiencing any slippage of the heel (a great thing considering that my heels are quite narrow). There’s also plenty of space inside the toe box and the boot didn’t feel comfortable or uncooperative. This is the kind of fit that is compatible with a range of foot designs, which is the key to the success of the Moab over time. For those with heavy-volume foot types, Merrell also offers the style in a wide range of sizes.
Other Versions of the Merrell Moab 2
We took the waterproof men’s Moab 2 Mid along for testing. Merrell offers the same model with a female version. It’s a women’s version. ladies’ Moab 2 Mid costs exactly the same, at $145. It has the same features and overall construction, but is available in a variety of colors and weighs in a bit less weight at just 2 pounds per pair. The mid-height models are also available with the Moab 2 is also offered with a premium Gore-Tex membrane, which costs $165 as well as it’s also available with the Moab 2 Prime Mid ($160) features a full-leather upper that is more durable. In addition, for those who do not require ankle-height protection Moab 2’s low-top version Moab 2 comes in waterproof (either Gore-Tex or M Select) as well as non-waterproof versions for women and men.
What We Like About HTML0
- With a price of $145 at $145, it’s a steal at just $145. Moab 2 Mid is an excellent value, especially considering its tested and sturdy design.
- A great out-of-the-box experience with plenty of padding, excellent flexibility as well as a comfortable and secure fitting with a durable lacing pattern.
- Very well-constructed for the price, with a well-sorted lacing system with decent heel and toe defense, along with sturdy construction.
- Comfortable fit with enough length to keep your feet from getting a bang, adequate space in the toe box, and a sculped inside sole to avoid slippage of the heel.
“What We Never Do”
- A shorter height and a fairly flexible foot build detract from the overall stability of terrain, and also when carrying heavy loads.
- The Moab is a good grip on well-maintained trails However, it’s not the most striking in mud or on a steep rock.
- The heavier end of the spectrum , it weighs 2 pounds and 4 ounces, it is a bit more outdated than many modern, running models that are inspired by shoes.
- A thick, durable construction and a budget-friendly liner result in below-average breathability, even at moderate temperatures (Merrell does have boots in water-resistant model).
The Competition
Merrell’s Moab 2 Mid is still one of the most sought-after walking boots available due to its value and performance. For a little more than $10, Oboz’s Sawtooth II Mid is another highly regarded model. The Sawtooth comes in a few more ounces that Moab. Moab with a weight of 2lbs and 6 ounces for each pair, and utilizes Oboz’s in-house BDry membrane to waterproof (which is also lacking in breathability) However, it’s a step ahead in some important areas. In particular it’s the Oboz has better grip on rocks and in mud as well as being the more rigid and more comfortable option to transport heavier loads across rough terrain. However, we did notice that the Sawtooth was a bit clunky and heavy when we hiked However, it’s a most suitable option for backpacking. When hiking for day and carrying lighter loads we’d prefer the Moab.
KEEN’s Targhee III Mid is another top-of-the-line model in the market for hiking boots and shares the same intentions as that of the Moab 2. As with the Merrell The KEEN has a great comfort right out of the box and features in-house waterproofing technology and weighs just 2 pounds 2.8 pounds per pair. If you look at the differences between the two, it’s clear that the Moab 2 costs $30 less however it offers more stability, though the mesh-heavy construction isn’t as durable or durable as the Targhee’s mainly leather construction. Both are excellent choices for anything from day hikes that are easy to moderate backpacking adventures However, we’d like to give a little kudos to the Moab for its comparable overall quality and performance, at a less expensive cost.
One of our top hiking boots of the time of year is Salomon’s famous X Ultra 4 Mid GTX It is a completely different experience in comparison to Moab 2 Mid. Moab 2 Mid. Particularly it is lighter. X Ultra weighs less (1 1 lb. 14 oz.) and is noticeably more flexible with a more running shoe-like look on the trails. We also appreciate the superb balance between comfort, protection, and stability. the X Ultra’s outsole is better on a wide range of terrains, including the muddy and wet conditions common in the Pacific Northwest. The Moab is a better choice in terms of cushioning, with the more comfortable and well-padded construction (especially in the lower thigh) It’s also the least expensive option, by about the amount of $20. However, we believe Salomon to be the best choice. Salomon is among the best hiking boots available in the market and is worth the additional investment for dedicated backpackers and hikers.
The next product on this market is The Flash from REI’s Co-op, which is budget-friendly. For $150 at $150, the Flash is among one or two hiking boot styles that can compete with Moab in terms of cost. It’s also lighter by about 2 ounces per pair, comes with an outsole that is more aggressive, and the knit upper is a great feature for the flexibility and overall comfortable. However that the REI is a less tested model and has a long way to go before it can match the record of the Moab and the fitting is rather difficult to get right (it’s recommended to test the Flash before purchasing in the event that you can). Since the Merrell will cost you just 5 bucks and it’s been in use for a long time, we believe it’s the most reliable and reliable choice.
Not to be left out last but not least the La Sportiva Pyramid GTX, which is the top choice out of the bunch. At first glance it’s important to note it’s the Pyramid is a significant purchase at $189, however, it’s a step up from the Moab in many aspects, including a marked improvement in breathing, stability, breathability, and durability. It’s also more durable. Pyramid has a lighter weight, at 2 pounds 1.6 pounds, but it punches over its weight when it comes to performance. One of the major drawbacks to note is the fact that the Pyramid is quite narrow and could be problematic for some (there aren’t any large sizes to choose from). However, if it’s a fit for our needs, we believe that the Pyramid is a long way from the better boot for those who intend to hike for longer distances than hiking, or include off-trail activities to the mix.
