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 along the toe cap, but otherwise the shoes look as good as new. A potential area of weakness is the mesh along the upper material, but we haven't had any signs of tearing yet. The previous model was a pretty reliable hiking shoe—particularly for a lightweight design—and the build quality appears just as good with the newer Moab 2. The lacing system is a combination of heavy nylon duty loops and four hooks at the top of each boot, two on either side. I know some people don’t like these types of systems, but it’s one I’ve used for a very long time and, overall, I’m pretty happy with it. The layout and construction make it easy to pull your boots on and get a nice tight fit with just a couple of tugs. Simple and effective lacing system Delivery timescales are esimates in working days; Public Holidays, Saturday's and Sunday's are NOT classed as working days. My hikes and treks have taken me to some pretty extreme destinations, and my Moabs have travelled with me. On most terrain, the cushioning has proven more than adequate. The padded tongue is very effective for preventing the discomfort that comes when the laces are pulled in tight.

Moab 3 GORE-TEX® - Shoes | Merrell Men - Moab 3 GORE-TEX® - Shoes | Merrell

I average about 20 to 30 miles a week in these boots. To some people, in particular through hikers, this might not seem like a big deal. But I work my boots hard, but I put it in more than average mileage on a weekly basis and my GTXs are still going strong. Delivery timescales are based on working days; Public Holidays, Saturday's and Sunday's are NOT classed as working days. The rather randomly organized Vibram outsole has taken a more surrealist approach to traction than competitors.

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The wide toe box and flexible sole are great for running. On my hikes, in particular the training days, I like to up the tempo and run for between ½ and 1 mile. Alternating between running and walking allows me to cover more distance and is a great way to improve cardio conditioning. These Merrell boots are not designed as an alternative to cross country running shoes, but they are a great halfway house for anyone looking to add some speed work to their hiking and training. From time to time carriers may deliver earlier or later, or on non working days however this is cannot be guaranteed nor should it be expected. What I really like about these boots is that they needed no breaking in. Like my now departed KSBs, I pulled them out of the box and went on a 12-mile hike. At the end of that training session I had no blisters or hotspots.

Moab 2 Review: The Ultimate Beginner’s Hiking Boot? Merrell Moab 2 Review: The Ultimate Beginner’s Hiking Boot?

Some of the moisture build up was sweat, so I can grumble too much. To add this, much of damp came from water splashed up over the top of the cuff as I wasn’t wearing gaiters. On a positive note, rubber durability looks promising on the Moab 2 GTX. We measured its hardness to be right in the middle range of hiking footwear. I think you’ll agree that, so far, these boots get a huge thumbs up. I need the right and you’re right, they do. Now let’s get down to a really important factor: the price. Lots of options: low-top shoe or mid-height boot, and two types of waterproofing or non-waterproof models. The sole is made from Vibram rubber, a good move on Merrell’s part as this is the same material used in the first model and, in my eyes, the one of the best options for hiking boots. There is enough rigidity in the soles to give added support to your feet and prevent a loss of sensation when walking. What I mean by this is that the soles provide the flexibility necessary to give you an almost natural feeling when walking in them.Sliding your feet into the Merrell Moab 2 is a reminder of what has made these shoes so popular for so long. It’s truly comfortable right out of the box with a cushioned collar 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 support, and the molded heel cup holds you nicely in place. Moreover, there is extra padding in the heel that offers a surprising amount of trail isolation and underfoot protection. This additional cushioning felt a little tall and funny at first but gives the shoe a customized feel as the miles add up and likely contributes to the impressive comfort over long trail days. If you’re not too concerned about the weight of you boots consider the Keen Venture Mid WP, which offer more stability and fantastic support for marginal increase in weight (a few ounces). Comfort Rating