Merrell Mens Moab 2 Waterproof Hiking Shoe Review

Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator

Price: $100
Weight: ii lbs. 0 oz. (men'southward size ix)
Waterproof: No (available)
What we like: Nifty on-trail condolement and excellent fit at a reasonable toll.
What nosotros don't: Flexible build isn't a good match for heavy loads or technical terrain.
Encounter the Men'due south Merrell Moab ii  Run across the Women's Merrell Moab two

four.8

Merrell's original Moab reached legendary status, and the current "ii" carries on the tradition. To cut right to the chase, later on taking the Moab ii Ventilator to Utah's Coulee Country and subsequent testing in Washington's Pour Mountains, the shoe impressed almost beyond the board. It's not the most athletic design, but the Moab has a nice, wide base, is very comfortable, breathes well, and is one of the improve values on the market at $100. Below we pause down our experiences with the Moab 2. To see how it stacks up to the competition, see our article on the best hiking shoes.

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Table of Contents

• Condolement
• Weight
• Stability and Support
• Traction
• Breathability
• Build Quality and Immovability
• Fit and Sizing
• What We Like/What We Don't
• Comparison Table
• The Contest

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Operation

Condolement

Sliding your feet into the Merrell Moab two is a reminder of what has made these shoes so popular for and so long. It'southward truly comfy correct out of the box with a cushioned neckband and tongue, supportive footbed, and enough flexibility to take straight to the trail. One noticeable area of improvement in the latest Moab shoe is the refined insole. You now get decent arch back up, and the molded heel loving cup holds you nicely in place. Moreover, there is actress padding in the heel that offers a surprising amount of trail isolation and underfoot protection. This additional cushioning felt a picayune alpine and funny at first but gives the shoe a customized feel as the miles add together up and likely contributes to the impressive comfort over long trail days.

Weight

Merrell's Moab shoes always accept been considered a moderately lightweight hiker, and the electric current model carries the torch. On our calibration, the non-waterproof Ventilator weighs in at 2 pounds exactly for a pair of men'due south size 9 (slightly more than the listed weight of 1 pound 15 ounces). The waterproof depression-top model adds 2 ounces for the pair, which is competitive in the traditional hiking shoe marketplace. For comparison, Oboz'southward Sawtooth II Low is i pounds xv.2 ounces and Keen's Targhee Vent is even lighter at one pound 13.6 oz. (the waterproof Targhee Three is ane lb. 14.8 oz.). You tin salve fifty-fifty more than weight with a trail running-inspired model like Salomon's X Ultra 3 (i lb. nine.8 oz.) or Ten Raise (i lb. 5.five oz.), but you do give upward a fiddling in cushioning and underfoot protection. For most hikers and backpackers, the Moab 2 provides a great combination of weight and comfort.

Stability and Back up

The Moab 2's core customers are twenty-four hours hikers, and equally a result, the shoe offers modest stability and support. Stacked up against a running shoe, the Moab 2 is less prone to ankle rolls on rocky terrain, only in both the mid-height boot and low-top shoe version, there is a off-white amount of flex both underfoot and around the collar. This isn't necessarily a bad matter—a more flexible shoe frequently is quite a scrap more comfortable—merely the Moab is not ideal for carrying heavy loads, long and steep climbs, or traversing technical terrain.

One of the more noticeable changes with the Merrell Moab 2 is the addition of ii silicon bands built into the upper fabric that run lengthwise around the within and outside of the human foot. The intention of these bands is to provide more than construction and reduce the gamble of rolling an talocrural joint. In use, information technology's been difficult to quantify the differences in this design change. The shoe definitely felt planted while scrambling over slick stone in Utah and hiking rocky and muddy trails back home in the Pacific Northwest, but the shoe still has the mild flexibility side to side of the original Moab. Whether or non the band is helping is hard to tell, just the shoe felt secure and stable in a range of atmospheric condition.

Traction

Merrell opted non to mess with the tread pattern or Vibram rubber compound from the original Moab with the "2." We think this is a fine determination every bit the trusty outsole has proven to take a long lifespan and offers up decent all-around traction over stone and dirt. The tread design looks pretty decorated with a funny mix of circles, open up channels, and narrow and thick lugs, only information technology gets the job washed.

Overall, I give the Moab a passing grade on traction and am confident they'll be a skillful match for most day hikers and moderate-difficulty peak baggers. We've certainly worn grippier shoes on stone—we found the Merrells a little slippery while scrambling around the canyons outside of Moab—but the tread dug in nicely into soft mud and dirt back in the Pacific Northwest. Those tightly spaced lugs did have a tendency to cake up in the early season muck, still. Further, while the shoe does a fair chore on descents, it's a step downward from a serious hiker like our Salomon X Ultra 3's angled tread that bites into the basis at the heel.

Breathability

I had the non-waterproof Ventilator model for testing, and so information technology shouldn't come as a surprise that breathability was very good. The Moab 2s have quite a flake of mesh along the sides and tiptop, which along with lightweight socks kept me comfortable while hiking in the mid 80s in Utah. The available waterproof models will have a pretty significant bear on on breathability, so if y'all're hiking in warm temperatures or don't heed getting your feet moisture on the occasional stream crossing, the Ventilator model is a corking mode to stay cool.

Waterproofing

Wearing the non-waterproof shoe turned our typical creek dunking and wet-weather testing into more than of a sock-soaking exercise. The liberal use of mesh in the shoe's upper means moisture that clears the sides of the outsole will kickoff seeping in. The positive is that the mesh dried very apace and our merino hiking socks did the same in the Utah oestrus.

As with the prior model, Merrell offers two waterproof options: an in-house K-Select blueprint and Gore-Tex. While we oasis't had a take chances to exam these variants, prior experience tells us the Chiliad-Select (chosen the Merrell Moab 2 WP) is a fine option for most twenty-four hour period hikers that desire a waterproof shoe. The Gore-Tex shoe probable will offer a lilliputian meliorate breathability at a slightly lower weight, but both are pretty darn waterproof, and the Gore-Tex version is $20 more expensive ($145 for the shoe and $155 for the mid-height boot).

Build Quality and Durability

In terms of durability, with a few months of use the Moab is holding up really well. Our trip to Utah left a few permanent scrapes forth the toe cap, but otherwise the shoes await as proficient every bit new. A potential area of weakness is the mesh along the upper textile, but we haven't had whatever signs of trigger-happy yet. The previous model was a pretty reliable hiking shoe—particularly for a lightweight design—and the build quality appears just every bit skillful with the newer Moab 2.

Fit and Sizing

I went with my typical men'south size 9 and this turned out to be a great match. As with my previous Moabs, the fit was excellent with the Merrell Moab 2: the length is just correct and in that location is enough of space in the toe box for long days on the trail without feeling sloppy. And the sculpted insole that has more than arch support does an fifty-fifty ameliorate job holding the foot in place. I especially like the snug heel cup that was a nice fit for my somewhat narrow foot (I take the occasional issue with heel slippage with some wider-set models, which can lead to blisters). A big part of the Moab's appeal is its friendly fit, and Merrell stuck with what worked hither.

Other Versions of the Merrell Moab

For this review, we tested the men's version of the Moab two Ventilator Depression, but Merrell too makes the shoe in a waterproof model, which adds virtually ii ounces per pair and costs $25 more than. For hikers who desire added support and protection, the line includes a Moab 2 Mid boot in both non-waterproof Ventilator ($110) and waterproof ($135) models (run across our in-depth Moab 2 Mid review). As we touched on higher up, you likewise can upgrade to a premium Gore-Tex waterproof membrane for $145 (low-peak) or $155 (mid). And all of the same options are made in women'due south-specific versions in different colorways. Finally, Merrell offers the Moab ii Prime with an all-leather upper, besides as piece of work and tactical variations for more specialized activities. What they all share in common, however, is a high level of comfort and expert price points for what yous get.

What We Similar

• Sticks to what made the original Moab so great: reasonably lite, splendid comfort, and value toll.
• The Ventilator model is a slap-up warm-weather shoe.
• Lots of options: low-top shoe or mid-superlative boot, and two types of waterproofing or non-waterproof models.
• Well-made and should take a proficient lifespan.

What We Don't

• Not a specially fast-and-lite shoe. The Moab prioritizes condolement over a nimble feel.
• Only average traction in stone and mud.
• A piddling too flexible for heavy loads or technical trails.

Comparison Table

Shoe	Price	Type	Weight	Waterproof	Upper
Merrell Moab two Ventilator	$100	Hiking shoe	one lb. 15 oz.	No (WP available)	Leather / mesh
Keen Targhee Vent	$130	Hiking shoe	1 lb. 13.6 oz.	No (WP bachelor)	Leather
Oboz Sawtooth Two Low	$115	Hiking shoe	one lb. 15.2 oz.	No (WP bachelor)	Leather / mesh
Salomon X Ultra 3	$120	Hiking shoe	ane lb. nine.8 oz.	No (WP bachelor)	Constructed
Salomon X Raise Low	$110	Hiking/trail running	1 lb. v.5 oz.	No (WP available)	Constructed
Merrell MQM Flex ii	$110	Hiking/trail running	1 lb. 9 oz.	No (WP available)	Mesh / TPU

The Competition

The lightweight and upkeep-friendly end of the hiking shoe and kick market is teeming with options, but the Merrell Moab 2 retains its place as i of our favorites. The Moab's long-time competitor is the Keen Targhee, which is one of only a few shoes that tin compete in terms of popularity. The Dandy Targhee Vent accomplishes a lot of what we love almost the Moab two: a solid feel with a roomy toe box and good accommodating trail performance. Both are neat options, simply the Moab undercuts the Targhee in cost by a significant $xxx for the non-waterproof version. No shoe is perfect, only the Moab's value is what pushes it ahead in our round-upward of hiking shoes.

A second shoe that goes head-to-head with the Moab ii is Oboz's Sawtooth II Depression, which is in many ways a beefed-up Moab. Its strong heel counter and thick outsole provide a surprisingly rigid construction and practiced trail isolation for a low-meridian design. Further, its snug fit effectually the heel and spacious toe box make it a favorite among both day hikers and backpackers. One downside of the substantial build is that the Oboz has a clunkier and heavier feel compared with the Moab despite having a like all-in weight of 1 pound fifteen.ii ounces. In the end, we give the edge to the softer and more comfortable Moab for lighter trail uses.

Opting for a operation-oriented lightweight shoe like the Salomon X Ultra iii gets you a nimbler experience, similar ventilating abilities, and a step upwards in traction. If we're moving fast over long distances or tackling technical terrain, nosotros prefer the 6-ounce-lighter Salomon. But if you lot prefer a more traditional shoe that puts a premium on stability and comfort, the Moabs may exist the amend selection. The Merrell'due south solid base and better isolation from the trail are a great combination for day hikes and weekend backpacking trips.

A second Salomon option to consider is their newer X Enhance. For $10 more the Moab 2 (for the non-waterproof, low-tiptop version), the X Raise is impressively comfy with generous cushioning underfoot, squeamish padding at the collar, and a soft interior. It also has an able-bodied, trail runner-like feel and lite weight (1 b. five.five oz.) that are a dandy friction match for fast-and-light adventures. Our just notable functioning-related complaint is that the shoe felt surprisingly squirrely and hard to trust while hiking over wet rock. Therefore, we still consider the Moab 2 the best upkeep hiking shoe, just the Ten Raise isn't far backside and wins out in a few primal areas.

Finally, Merrell'south own MQM Flex 2 is an interesting lightweight alternative. This shoe has a trail runner-similar expect and build, which trims abroad a meaning 6 ounces per pair compared with the Moab. The MQM is as well more flexible, which is a nice match for fast-moving days. But nosotros found it falls short in a couple key areas. First, the sparse construction underfoot can lead to foot soreness when conveying a heavy load or when traveling over rocky terrain. And we also have some concerns from a long-term durability standpoint. Specifically, the lugs are notably flexible, and we've torn off a couple chunks subsequently just two months of use on fairly moderate terrain. Overall, inside Merrell'due south lineup, we recollect the Moab two stands apart every bit their most complete and well-designed production.

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Source: https://www.switchbacktravel.com/reviews/merrell-moab-2