Girls’s Merrell Moab 3 WP Overview

Bottom Line

The Merrell Moab 3 WP is an affordable hiking boot for casual hikers and weekend adventures. Despite the low price, it is durable and one of the most comfortable boots we’ve tested. It requires almost no break-in period and comes in a wide version (although the regular still has a wider toe box than many other brands). 

This boot is relatively lightweight and has a soft, flexible construction that gives it more of a trail runner feel. Think of it as a mix between a sturdy hiking boot and an agile trail runner. Because it feels agile and light, it isn’t the most stable boot option and lacks ankle support. 

We wore the Merrell Moab 3 WP on various day hikes and weekend trips throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond, navigating muddy and rainy conditions. While they performed adequately on well-maintained trails, we found them less ideal on more demanding trails.

For those who want a quality boot without breaking the bank, the Moab 3 WP provides excellent value. It’s a top pick for casual hikers, those seeking a reliable boot for less intense adventures, or anyone on a budget.  

Check out our guide to the best women’s hiking boots for more options. 

Comfort

The Merrell Moab 3 WP boots are among the most comfortable hiking boots we’ve tested. They have essentially zero break-in period, and while they have a snug, secure fit, they also have a wide toe-box for a more natural foot feel. The upper is surprisingly breathable despite its waterproof design, which helps keep feet comfortable in warmer weather. They incorporate mesh onto the upper to improve breathability, but this feature will require more frequent at-home waterproofing treatments to keep your feet dry through the seasons.  

All boot versions have a slightly wider fit than average hiking boots, but the regular version is more medium-width, while the wide version gives even more comfort to hikers with wide feet. This can be a con if you have narrow feet since the boots may be too loose. 

Merrell includes the Kinetic Fit insole and Super Rebound Compound cushioning for support and comfort as you hike. These two features make the boots feel tall or even bulky, depending on what you’re used to, but we didn’t experience any issues besides that. The boot is far more agile than heavier-duty options, and the lighter feel provides a more tennis shoe-style comfort. 

Durability

Despite the lower price tag, these boots are built to last. They have a well-constructed upper made with pigskin leather and mesh and a sturdy Vibram rubber outsole. During testing, all aspects of the boot held up to continued exposure on rocky and highly vegetated trails. The stitching and materials are durable, but we saw wear at the seams where the leather meets the mesh after a couple of months of use. 

The overall construction, including the outsole tread, holds up even when used in potentially more rugged conditions than intended. The lugs show some wear after months of use, but that is to be expected. Though this boot is intended for casual hikers, it is highly durable and of great value.

Ankle Support

Ankle support is not the Merrell Moab 3 WP’s strong suit. These boots feature a low-cut design, which enhances ankle flexibility and gives a more trail runner-type feel, but they lack stabilization. This can be an issue, especially on steep or more technical terrain. We did experience some ankle rolling on less stable footing, like going downhill with loose rocks or crossing streams with loose stones. Due to this, we wouldn’t recommend these for more technical hikes or while wearing a heavy backpack. 

While the lack of ankle support may be an issue for some, these are excellent for light hiking where stability isn’t a concern. Casual hikers or hikers that stick primarily to well-maintained trails will find these to be a supportive option.

Traction

The Merrell Moab 3 WP boots have a Vibram TC5+ outsole and a shallow lug pattern. These two design aspects make these boots best suited for smoother, flatter terrain but they still have a  good enough grip to feel stable on rocky sections of trail, mud, gravel, and even wet rocks. These boots excel on well-maintained trails but fall short on less traveled or off-trail pursuits. Even with steep or less stable terrain, the traction feels less secure than we’d like. 

On less technical trails, the traction is sufficient enough for most hikers. But if you plan to venture off the beaten path into muddy, slippery, or steep terrain, consider a boot with a more aggressive lug pattern for better grip and stability. I wore these on my annual larch hike up Carne Mountain, which is a steep 4-mile climb to the summit where you encounter some scree and loose rock. While I had no issues on the way up, I did slip more than usual on the way down due to loose gravel and rock. 

Weather Resistance

The Merrell Moab 3 boots are waterproof and have a membrane suitable for shallow water crossings. The waterproofing capabilities are excellent for the price, and it holds up well to cross streams or hiking in wet weather. 

Even with the ability to keep our socks dry, they are surprisingly breathable. The boots manage moisture well, giving them more versatility to tackle both wet and hot, dry conditions. Living in central Washington, I tested these boots on both dry desert trails and more varied trails in the Cascade Mountains. During all hikes, my feet stayed dry and comfortable even when wading in shallow water crossing rivers. To truly test the water resistance, I went down to the Columbia River near my home standing in the water at varying depths for 5 minutes at a time to see how well the waterproofing held up. These boots protect your feet quite well until you start to get to the tongue and higher laces. 

The outer material is made of pigskin suede leather, which takes a long time to dry once it gets wet. To combat this, we applied Nikwax to the boot’s exterior to protect the leather from becoming fully saturated. This level of waterproofing will be sufficient for the average hiker. But for longer distance hikes or climates with prolonged wet seasons, the leather outer would get wet and stay wet for extended periods of time.

Weight

While these boots are not excessively bulky, they are heavier than expected. They weigh 2 lbs 0.5 oz., which can feel clunky on longer, more strenuous pursuits. This weight isn’t noticeable for short, less intense hikes, which is why these boots are a great entry-level or casual hiker option. 

The upside to the slightly higher weight is the durability and support provided. They’re still fairly agile compared to heavy-duty hiking boots

Should You Buy the Merrell Moab 3 WP?

The Merrell Moab 3 WP are boots designed for casual hikers or weekend adventurers looking for affordable, high-performing hiking boots. They have a wide toe box ideal for medium to wide feet and are comfortable right out of the box. They’re well suited for less technical trails, day hikes, or casual outdoor activities where you want a little extra support without losing agility. 

If you tackle more demanding hikes that require crossing technical terrain or steep inclines, these may not be the boots for you. The Moab 3 WP offers excellent value for the right user as a versatile, reliable boot on a budget.

What Other Hiking Boots Should You Consider?

If the Merrell Moab 3 WP isn’t right for you, there are many more to consider in best hiking boots for women.

Women’s Lowa Renegade Evo GTX Mid Review: If you’re looking for a boot with more support and durability than the Merrell Moab 3 WP, the Lowa Renegade Evo GTX Mid is a great choice. These boots are designed for hikers tackling more rugged terrain or those carrying heavier loads. They have a higher level of ankle support and reinforced upper materials to protect your feet in more challenging conditions. While they are heavier boots, they offer better protection and stability, which is ideal for more demanding terrain.

Women’s La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX Review: These boots are for hikers looking for a lighter, more breathable boot option. They’re ideal for day hikers or lightweight backpackers and offer solid ankle support. The membrane is waterproof but provides slightly better breathability and feels less bulky on your feet. They have a narrower fit and require much longer to break in, but these are a more performance-oriented alternative.

Women’s Salomon Quest 4 GTX Review: If you prioritize stability and ankle support, take a look at the Salomon Quest 4 GTX. These boots can handle heavy loads and have outstanding support and traction. They’re built for rugged terrain and weighed-down packs. The durable upper and protective toe cap add to their durability and performance in rough conditions. These are heavier and more clunky than the Merrell Moab 3 WP boots, but they’re top-notch for hikers pursuing technical terrain.