With over-the-ankle support, contoured insoles, and air cushion in the heels, these boots provide adequate support on and off the trail. Our testers took these through streams and meadows in Colorado’s San Juan mountains, and through desert and sagebrush and up rocky trails in the high desert of Bishop, Calif. Lead tester Miya Tsudome made sure to hike in them over a distance of at least 5 miles with and without a heavy backpack on to test their real-world application.
While its breathable mesh upper is also waterproof, it won’t provide the same amount of weather resistance as a GORE-TEX boot. Luckily, Merrell makes a GORE-TEX version as well, which will be less breathable but more capable out in the elements.
These aren’t the most attractive hiking boots out there, and they have a more traditional look and feel than some of the more sporty, lightweight models on the market today. But for a decent price, the Moabs are a great choice for on-trail hiking and backpacking.
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Waterproof -
Comfortable -
Work for high arches -
Great traction
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Not as waterproof as the more expensive GORE-TEX version -
High heel drop makes this better for heel strikers and not as much for others
Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Review
Comfort and Fit
The Moab 3s are comfortable right out of the box due to their cushioned insoles, air cushioning in the heels, and soft, padded ankle collar. These boots are a bit stiffer and more bulky, however, than other hiking boots in our lineup that take their design from trail runners like the SCARPA Rush 2 Mid GTX or the Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid 2s.
A traditional hiking boot will always have a bit of a break-in period before you can really catch your stride, and we recommend hiking in these a few times before taking them out on your next backpacking trip. The Moab 3s have a comfortable, roomy toebox, and the contoured insoles are supportive enough to keep your feet feeling fresh for miles.
Breathability
The Moabs have a waterproof membrane to shield your feet from getting soaked in river crossings or rain showers. Typically, waterproofing and breathability are opposing features, but the Moabs strike a good balance between the two.
The membranes seal out water and allow moisture to escape, and the mesh linings of the boot keep your feet relatively cool and comfortable on the trail. The addition of this waterproofing membrane does make for a warmer hiking experience overall, however, Merrell also makes a non-waterproof version of the Moab 3s that will allow those who favor breathability to buy a pair that best suits their needs.
Stability
Removable Kinetic Fit advanced contoured insoles also have reinforced heel cushioning for adequate support, shock absorption, and stability. There was clearly a lot of thought and intention behind this design, where many elements of comfort and support come together. Molded nylon arch shanks provide some torsional stability, but with a short ankle collar and bulkier build, these wouldn’t be our first choice for more technical terrain.
With a drop of 11.5mm, these hiking boots are a moderate heel-striking shoe, meaning that it will be possible to midfoot strike while hiking, but you will feel the heel significantly. If you are someone who prefers to hike more on the mid to forefoot, these won’t be the boots for you, and you might want to look for a boot with less of a drop.
Materials
The mesh lining, laces, and webbing are made with 100% recycled materials, so you can feel better about your purchasing decision. Made with pigskin leather, which is slightly thinner than cowhide plus more breathable, the Moab 3s are a great choice for a leather hiking boot without the heavier weight.
Moderately supple, these boots are more flexible as a result as well. The mesh uppers add to the breathability, though they are typically not the best for durability, as mesh can be prone to snagging and abrasion over time.
Conclusion
If you like the look and feel of more traditional hiking boots but don’t want the weight that comes with heavy leather, the Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof boots are a great choice. These are our top budget pick in our guide to the Best Hiking Shoes for Women.
Ample padding around the ankle, cushioned and supportive midsoles, and decent waterproofing make these boots one of our go-tos for long day hikes and weekend backpacking trips. They are a bit too wide, bulky, and heavy for technical, off-trail hiking that requires nimble footwork, but are a great, mid-priced boot for on-trail pursuits.
