Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Mid Gore Tex Hiking Boots

Also Great: La Sportiva Ultra Raptor Ii Gtx

While not an exact update, La Sportivas Ultra Raptor II boots replace our former top pick, the La Sportiva Sabers, and carry over many of the same qualities we loved in those boots: The Raptors are lightweight, flexible, versatile, and well-tractioned. Unlike our other picks, these are designed on trail running mids and outsoles, rather than on the mold of a standard hiking boot, for a lighter fit. Like our top pick, they also strike that ideal balance of waterproof and breathable, which can be tough to come by. And compared with our other picks, they have more support around the toes for protection. However, they require some break-in time before theyre truly comfortable. And compared with our top pick, the Salomons, the Raptors offer a narrow fit that is less likely to fit all foot shapes.

The Raptor boots biggest win is their weight: A pair of the mens boots weighs about 2 pounds, while a pair of womens boots weighs 1 pound 7 ounces. This makes them some of the lightest of the boots we tested and provides significant advantages on the trail, especially if you want to move quickly. We noticed that our legs were less fatigued after a hike in these boots than with our top pick, and it was easier to drive in the Raptors because theyre much more flexible in the mid-foot than your average hiking boots.

Budget Pick: Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots

*At the time of publishing, the price was $135.

Weve been recommending the Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots to hikers for four years now. These boots are a much-loved standby among both backpackers and hikers, who prize them for their versatility, lower price, and decent grip. The Moab 2 boots come in both wide and medium-width sizes, which our testers with wider feet appreciated.

In 2018, the Moab model got a redesignand we think these boots have lost nothing in the process. Although the Moab 2 boots are the least expensive of our picks, theyre still sturdy and waterproof, fairly breathable, designed to offer decent underfoot protection, and capable of handling a 5-mile day hike. That said, we found their comfort and traction lacking on steep, wet, and rocky treks of more than 5 miles.

The Moab 2 boots weigh a middle-of-the-road 2 pounds 4 ounces per pair, and they offer relatively good grip on varied terrains. They also have a quick break-in distance: We thought they felt broken in after just a mile of walking on a well-groomed path. The Moab 2 boots are also waterproof, but while our feet stayed fairly dry through multiple creek crossings, the suede leather sections on the boots themselves got soaked. We doubt that in rainy, wet climates these boots will be able to hold the water out for long.

Other Versions Of The Merrell Moab 3

Given the popularity of Merrells Moab collection, its not too surprising that the latest Moab 3 comes in several variations depending on your preferences and objectives. In addition to the standard non-waterproof shoe tested here, the low-top offerings also comprise a waterproof variation with Merrells in-house membrane for $135, as well as an upgraded version with Gore-Tex for $155. If you prefer the added stability of an over-the-ankle design, there are a number of boot options to consider, including the non-waterproof Moab 3 Mid and two waterproof variations . All of the aforementioned designs are sold in both men’s and women’s options with varying colorways. Rounding out the collection are a few Prime versions with full-grain leather uppers for men , as well as lighter-weight synthetic Edge models.

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Other Versions Of The Merrell Moab 2

We brought the men’s waterproof Moab 2 Mid along for testing, and Merrell sells the same design in a women’s model. The women’s Moab 2 Mid costs the same at $145 and retains an identical feature set and overall construction but comes in different colorways and checks in slightly lighter at 2 pounds even per pair. Rounding out the mid-height models, the Moab 2 is also offered with a more premium Gore-Tex membrane for $165, and the Moab 2 Prime Mid boasts an all-leather upper for added durability. Finally, for those who dont need the ankle-height coverage, the low-top Moab 2 comes in waterproof and non-waterproof variations for both men and women.

Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Waterproof Mid Hiking Boots

The Merrell Woman’s MOAB 2 Hiker is the Mother of All Boots!

Flexible & comfortable right out of the box, these Merrell MOAB 2 Mid Hikers require little to no break in time. An EVA Contoured Footbed plus the mid-ankle height supports feet really when hiking over any terrain. T

he Vibram Outsoles provide exceptional grip especially on slippery surfaces.A roomy toe box means toes won’t feel cramped, even after hours on the trail. The air cushion in the heel provides extra shock absorption and helps prevent foot fatigue.

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Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Hiking Boot Features

• M Select DRY seals out water and lets moisture escape so you stay dry when you’re on the move
• Performance suede leather and mesh upper
• Bellows, closed-cell foam tongue keeps moisture and debris out
• Protective rubber toe cap
• Merrell M Select FIT.ECO+ blended EVA contoured footbed with added zonal arch and heel support
• Molded nylon arch shank
• Merrell air cushion in the heel absorbs shock and adds stability
• EVA midsole for stability and comfort
• Vibram® TC5+ sole

Merrell Mens Moab 2 Mid Gtx Hiking Boot

The Merrell Mens Moab 2 Mid Gtx Hiking Boot features a waterproof GORE-TEX® membrane. It guarantees exceptional breathability and waterproof performance of the boot. It is made of synthetic leather and a mesh upper. The bellows, closed-cell foam tongue keeps moisture and debris out, and the rubber toe cap protects your toes. The Merrell M Select FIT.ECO+ blended EVA contoured footbed with added zonal arch and heel support and a molded nylon arch shank does their part to make you a happy camper. The air cushion in the heel absorbs shock and adds stability, and the EVA midsole offers stability and comfort. The Mid Gtx sports a Vibram® TC5+ sole and weights only 2lbs 1oz or 936 gr.

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Merrell Mens Moab Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot

The Merrell Mens Moab Mid Waterproof hikers work hard on all your active endeavors in all types of weather. The mid-height version is now an even better match for wet conditions with the addition of waterproof construction and a reinforced breathable mesh upper. You can glide across more demanding terrain due to the bellows tongue that keeps out the debris. The compression-molded EVA foot frame and Merrell air cushion allows for shock absorption and stability. You will stay dry and comfortable while you conquer the endeavors your heart desires.

Merrell Mens Moab 2 Vent Hiking Shoe

The Merrell Mens Moab 2 Vent Hiking Shoe are super-comfortable out of the box. They are well ventilated with durable leathers, a supportive footbed, and Vibram traction, all in a versatile package. You wont doubt why Moab stands for Mother-Of-All-Boots. The upper is made of leather and mesh. The tongue is made from closed-cell foam and keeps moisture and debris out. The shoe features Merrell M Select FIT.ECO+ blended EVA contoured footbed with added zonal arch and heel support. The Merrell air cushion in the heel absorbs shock and adds stability, while the EVA midsole provides stability and comfort. The Vibram TC5+ sole will never let you down, no matter where the path will lead you.

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Durability Of The Moab 2 Gtx Boots

As I mentioned earlier the souls of these boots are rubberised, but that doesnt mean they wear out easily. Ive been using the GT axis front rear now, walking cross country, up and down hills and all Road. As you expect the souls are starting to show a little bit aware, but no way near as much as I wouldve thought this stage.

The Merrell Moab 2 GTX soles: still looking good after one year of pretty hard use.

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.

The uppers of the boots, like the soles, arent really showing much wear at the moment. I do take care of my footwear and regularly treat the suede to prevent it from going brittle, or cracking. There is a nice mix of durability and comfort that comes with the Moab 2 even after one year that balance is still there. I think my boots are getting into the comfortable pair of slippers stage of life.

So far none of them lacing eyes have come loose. The top hook is made from a rust-proof metal.

The souls of my boots have lost a little cushioning and the ability to absorb shock, thats not really a big issue. But they were used for over a before Im starting to detect a little less give in the sole, and a bit more hardness in the ride. This is a minor issue, one that can easily remedied by me .

Who Should Get This

Whether youre just starting your hiking journey with a local day hike or youre planning a one-month thru-hike on the Appalachian Trail, you need a pair of good hiking boots. You can tromp through the woods in many different types of shoes, including hiking boots, hiking shoes, or trail-running shoes. But most hikers who want to tackle intermediate trails should choose a pair of hiking boots because they provide over-the-ankle support, whereas hiking shoes generally stop before your ankle bone. Youll need that extra support to keep you stable if youre carrying weight on your back.

Hiking boots fall into a few categories: hiking, backpacking, and mountaineering. In this guide, we cover hiking boots that bridge the hiking and backpacking categories to accommodate day hikers, campers, and weekend warriors. Most of the boots in this guide should be able to support a hiker carrying a backpack weighing up to 25 pounds, but we wouldnt recommend using most of these for a mountaineering trip.

We chose boots that would accommodate a range of gaits. Our picks will likely work for you whether you pronate or supinate , and all should accommodate high or fallen arches. Theyll also work for you no matter your gender.

• After hiking 160 miles in 18 pairs of hiking socks, we chose the mens and womens Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew as the best hiking socks for most people.

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Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Mid Gore

Experience out-of-the-box comfort in GORE-TEX® hiking boots. With durable leathers, a supportive footbed, and Vibram® traction, Merrell® Women’s Moab has been worn on the feet of nearly 20 million people since its inception.

• GORE-TEX® waterproof membrane, exceptional breathability and waterproof performance
• Synthetic Leather and Mesh upper
• Bellows, closed-cell foam tongue keeps moisture and debris out
• Protective Rubber toe cap
• Merrell M Select FIT.ECO+ blended EVA contoured footbed with added zonal arch and heel support
• Molded Nylon arch shank
• Merrell air cushion in the heel absorbs shock and adds stability
• EVA midsole for stability and comfort
• Vibram® TC5+ Rubber lug traction outsole

Our Analysis And Test Results

The Moab 2 Mid WP scored highly across many of our hiking boot tests for their simple, supportive, and comfortable design. Our testers love the extra room in the toe box, which increases the comfort for those of us with wider feet. The Vibram soles also provide decent traction, but it is in water resistance and durability that the Moab 2 falls a tad short. The mostly mesh sides and lacing system are areas of weakness that were a concern when looking at the longevity of these boots.

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Merrell Mens Moab 2 Vent Mid Hiking Boot

The Merrell Mens Moab 2 Vent Mid Hiking Boot is one of the best Merrell Hiking Boots made and is perfect for those who love to roam. Your foot will remain in contact with cool air thanks to a breathable mesh lining. Do not fret that treacherous terrain any longer, this boot provides encompassing protection against it. Shock absorption and stability meet your feet as you stomp onward. You will experience the benefits of a durable tread pattern as your adventurous soul experiences the vast outdoors.

Merrell Mens Moab Rover Mid Waterproof Boot

Do you look for a boot that you can take hiking to the cabins, for a camping trip, or to the snow-covered urban landscapes? Merrells Moab Rover Mid Waterproof Boots feature the rugged good looks of a good old oiled leather boot. Still, it comes with todays all-day cushioned comfort. These Merrell Mens Moab Rover Mid Waterproof Boots feature a Merrell M Select DRY waterproof oily leather and abrasion-resistant textile upper with a die-cut rubber heel for durability. The M Select FIT.ECO blended EVA contoured footbed with organic odor control stops odor before it starts for good smelling feet. The air cushion in the heel absorbs shock and adds stability, with the compression-molded EVA foot frame providing cushioning. A Vibram rubber outsole with 5 mm lug depth for durable traction and aggressive grip.

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Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots Granite

Color:

With a fit directly for the trails, Merrells mid-height hiker outfits you with the basics and then some. Water-repelling attributes start at the surface and then continue inward, while stability and support, through a nylon shank, contoured footbeds, and air cushioning, begin from within to help you go forward. Along with these crucial aspects, a lugged Vibram® outsole delivers all the durability and traction needed for a dependable grip in any rough conditions you may encounter.

Description

With a fit directly for the trails, Merrells mid-height hiker outfits you with the basics and then some. Water-repelling attributes start at the surface and then continue inward, while stability and support, through a nylon shank, contoured footbeds, and air cushioning, begin from within to help you go forward. Along with these crucial aspects, a lugged Vibram® outsole delivers all the durability and traction needed for a dependable grip in any rough conditions you may encounter.

Updates To The Merrell Moab 2 Mid Gtx

• Merrell has updated the Moab 2 with features promoting comfort, breathability and durability. It now comes with an M.Select FIT.ECO plus blended EVA as its footbed. A molded nylon shank and EVA midsole grant support and flexibility.
• The Merrell Moab 2 Mid GTX has a Vibram TC5+ outsole. It grants traction on different ground conditions.
• The upper is crafted with synthetic leather and mesh panels. Its linings, a Gore-Tex laminate and a breathable mesh, work together to promote airflow in and out of the boots. A closed-cell, foam-cushioned tongue creates a comfy environment.

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Flaws But Not Dealbreakers

These boots have a few downsides: Most important, as we noted previously, the Quests are the heaviest of our picks they may be too much boot for shorter hikes. Their rigid build and heavy weight make them slow to break in, with about double the mileage required compared with most of the other boots we testedit took 10 miles, while most boots we tested felt broken in by 5 miles. Additionally, the laces on the updated Quest 4 pair are sheathed with a material thats supposed to make them more secure, but in our experience it only made them difficult to tie, because they were quite rigid. Even when we double-knotted the laces, they came untied or loosened as we walked to get a more secure fit, we opted to replace them with another pair of laces we had at home.

Toe And Foot Protection

One of the benefits in opting for a hiking shoe over a lightweight trail runner or standard sneaker is added foot protection. The Moab 3 boasts a raised rubber toe cap right at the front, which does a nice job taking the sting out of any direct hits to rocks, and reinforcements along the side of the toes also help isolate you from impacts. Its true you can get even more toe protection with a full rubber caplike what you get with KEENs Targhee collectionbut the difference is relatively minor. And its a similar story with the rest of the shoe: The Moabs thick cushioning used throughout the upper material, at the heel, and underfoot offer good all-around protection for most on-trail uses.

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Why We Like The Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot

From limitless blue skies to afternoon cloudbursts, our backpacking trips usually involve trekking through all kinds of weather. We stay prepared for anything with the Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot. Crafted with a breathable mesh upper overlaid with performance suede, this boot offers ventilation to keep feet comfortable on hot, dusty trails. A waterproof membrane seals out water when we’re trekking through wet conditions. The mid-height and cushioning midsole assures support and comfort whether we’re on a technical day hike or enjoying a multi-day journey, while the Vibram soles ensure traction as we navigate variable terrain.

Details

• Versatile hiking boot for comfort in wet and dry conditions
• M Select Dry membrane seals out water and lets moisture escape
• Ventilated upper with performance suede overlays
• Contoured footbed with added arch and heel support
• Air cushion in the heel absorbs shock and adds stability
• Cushioning midsole for stability and comfort
• Vibram TC5+ sole ensures traction in variable conditions
• Lace closure for a secure fit
• Item #MER00EA