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Merrell Moab Waterproof

rated 3.5 of 5 stars
photo: Merrell Moab Waterproof trail shoe

Comfortable and waterproof...but for how long? Used for hiking and geocaching, all terrains. Medium use did its toll on my pair, sole began to separate. Not recommended.

Pros

  • Comfortable
  • Waterproof (at first)

Cons

  • Lost waterproof quickly
  • Sole separation from shoe
  • Lacking durability

When I think of trail shoes, I think of a few things: about $100 give or take, waterproof, durable. These Moabs pass the first test (mine were about $80) and were great with the other two aspects...at first.

Not only is this review from me, but I am pretty much speaking for my friend who received a pair about a month before I did.  

The sizing and fit for my relatively normal to flat arch, wide toe box foot was great.  Had enough cushion without being to constricting.  Weight wasn't a big deal either, it felt as heavy as I thought they would from looking at them.  When I began wearing them, the waterproof aspect and durability seemed great.  Over time though, the shoes didn't hold up. 

With my friend having a pair before me, it was like I was looking into a crystal ball; I knew where my shoes were heading.  Hoping he had a lemon and that mine would last was wishful thinking.  The sole began to separate from the rest of the shoe and the sides began to lose their waterproof capability.  Issue with the inner Gore-Tex? Not sure.

As with most waterpoof shoes, breathability wasn't great.  It's a trade-off. 

I had my pair in 2008 and 2009.  Merrell is a great brand, maybe this model is a dud.  They still make this same model, but I'm not sure if anything has been tweaked or if I just had a bad experience.  When they started to wear, I used them for yard work.  Shortly thereafter they made their way to the dump.  

Would not recommend.  If you're going for waterproof, look at another model.  If you just want trail shoes and don't care that they lose their waterproofing, you might as well get a different pair (i.e. specialize in your "wants").

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $80

These were my first pair of hiking shoes and I hiked all over Scotland, Korea, and NZ without problems. Slipped while crossing a stream and my feet only got wet from the water getting in from the top. It's extremely comfortable even with my narrow feet and wide toes with painful bunions.

Pros

  • Comfortable right out of the box
  • Kept my feet dry during hours of rain
  • Easy to lace tightly for hiking downhill

Cons

  • Not a boot, so no ankle support

These were my first pair of hiking shoes and I hiked all over Scotland, Korea, and NZ without problems. I didn't know about breaking in shoes before a trip, but luckily these were very comfortable right out of the box. I have difficult feet, narrow but I need a wide toe box to accommodate my painful bunions.

Talking about bunions, I found that for me these shoes have the perfect degree of stiffness which means my big toe joint doesn't get overused and I only feel pain after very long days. I found it easy to tighten the laces to keep my foot in place during downhill hikes. I never got a blister. 

The shoes remained dry during a constant rain on a couple of days in Scotland and my only issue with getting my feet wet was when I slipped while crossing a stream and the water got in from the top. 

I found the traction on both wet and dry ground good, but realized that I needed to start wearing boots on difficult terrain to protect my ankles in the future.

I haven't used them in hot climates yet, so I can't comment on how well they will do when my feet are constantly sweaty. I wore them in the desert, but only during winter. 

I have worn them for a few weeks at a time on maybe four trips as there are no places to go hiking where I live.

Source: bought it new

Solid shoe great support. Walking through wet grass and waterproofing held up.

Pros

  • Solid
  • Good support
  • Comfortable

Cons

  • Hot

You will give up breathability to get waterproof, but if that is what you are looking for you won't go wrong with the Moab.

I was breaking them in during a house move and wore them all day. Very comfortable and saved my feet and legs from strain in a way only good boots can.

They do run about 1/2 size small, so make sure to try them on.

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $120

Super comfort and truly waterproof.

Pros

  • Well-built and sturdy
  • Very comfortable

Cons

  • Pricey, but worth it from a value perspective.

These shoes live up to their promise of being waterproof, while delivering the comfort and long-term wear you can expect from Merrell products. These are low cut, which saves on weight for long days on the trail, but don't expect to navigate anything over ankle deep and stay dry.

Pricey, but worth it in value, and still well under more expensive options of other exotic manufacturers.

Not as breathable as other non-waterproof options, so air them out regularly.

 

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $120

Not waterproof. Toes get wet just walking through dew on the grass. Overpriced, cheaply made. Chinese junk!!! Do not waste your hard earned money!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pros

  • Comfort

Cons

  • Not waterproof

Returned second pair today. Both pair leaked by just walking in wet grass. Junk that cost me over $100. Should have known. Merrells are made in China probably for about $2. Stupid American beware!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

I need to note that these shoes are not the Mid version. This shoe comes with Merrell's own brand of waterproof (or not) bootie. These shoes say waterproof on each shoe. When I returned the second pair, I was offered the same exact shoe (Merrell Moab low cut hiker) with the real trademark GoreTex. I had to pay $30 dollars more. I have a feeling these will not leak.

Great marketing scam. I wonder how many people buy the first kind and never return them if dissatisfied or never really use them on actual wet treks and more for treks to the mall.

Source: bought it new

Excellent daily walking and trail shoe. Waterproof, fairly lightweight, supportive on my size 13 feet.

Pros

  • Waterproof
  • Durable
  • Comfortable

Cons

  • Could be more breathable

20180414_164241.jpg
I'm on my third or fourth pair so far, and I always keep my older pair for dirty work. I've found Merrells to fit better than other brands such as Keen, North Face, Columbia, and others.

Waterproofing is excellent. Good shoe for walking in rain and snow. I tend to get over a year's use of almost daily wear. 

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $95

This product is a very good shoe for the average hiker who might encounter uneven terrain and possible wet conditions.

Pros

  • Very comfortable
  • Breathable

Cons

  • Sizes run narrow
  • If water comes over the top of shoe it's hard to get out and feet stay soggy all day

No break-in period needed. Breathes very well and kept feet dry when walking through hardened snow and wet forest floor. Can take a beating, only downside is that I dried them by a campfire and sole started to separate from heat.

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $112

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Specs

Men's
Price MSRP: $100.00
Current Retail: $107.99
Historic Range: $39.88-$125.00
Reviewers Paid: $80.00-$120.00
Weight 1 lb 8 oz
Sizes 7 - 12 (Half Sizes) 13, 14, 15 and Wide 7 - 12 (Half Sizes) 13, 14, 15
Materials Waterproof Dura Leather and Mesh Lining
Women's
Price MSRP: $100.00
Historic Range: $21.97-$120.00
Weight 1 lb 13 oz
Sizes 5 - 11 (Half Sizes)
Materials Waterproof Dura Leather and Mesh Upper
Product Details from Merrell »

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