Merrell Moab 3 GTX
Pros
- Superb day-one comfort
- Brilliant surface adhesion
- Supportive like a work shoe
- Remarkably durable
- A-grade waterproofing
- Sheds mud quite well
- Protective toe box
- Incredible overall quality
Cons
- Heavy for a low-top
- Subpar breathability
- Its shoelaces unravel often
- Minimal shock absorption
Key Features
- GORE-TEX waterproof membrane for exceptional breathability and waterproof performance
- Pigskin leather and mesh upper for durability and comfort
- 100% recycled laces, webbing, and mesh lining promoting sustainability
- Bellows tongue effectively keeps out debris
- Protective toe cap shields against rocks and obstacles
- Vibram TC5+ rubber sole offers superior traction on varied terrains
Specifications
- Fabric type: 100% Synthetic
- Sole material: Rubber
- Shaft height: Ankle
- Outer material: Suede
The Merrell Moab 3 GTX is recognized as an excellent choice for winter hiking, particularly suited for those seeking comfort and durability in cold conditions.
This model upholds the comfort expected from the Moab range, providing a snug fit straight out of the box. In our lab tests, we recorded the tongue’s thickness at 14.6 mm, significantly more cushioned than the average of 10.2 mm, ensuring comfortable hikes without any rubbing or blisters, eliminating the need for break-in periods.
The Merrell Moab 3 GTX incorporates several key features to enhance winter hiking performance. Its watertight upper effectively passed our wet test, remaining impermeable even when submerged in a stream. The fully gusseted tongue aids in keeping water from entering around the instep, complemented by the reliable Gore-Tex membrane.
With sticky 4.8 mm lugs in the Vibram outsole, these shoes provide strong traction on muddy, snowy, or rocky trails, instilling confidence during hikes. However, it is important to note that the Merrell Moab 3 GTX emphasizes ground feel; therefore, individuals seeking maximum impact protection may want to consider more cushioned hiking options.
Merrell Moab Speed 2
Pros
- One of the lightest hiking shoes
- Plush and abundant cushioning
- Great support and stability
- Perfect grip for moderate terrain
- Excellent durability
- Breathable for summer
- Cozy step-in feel
- Two loops for easy on-off
Cons
- Frail inner lining
- Small debris gets inside
Key Features
- Responsible Collection: Incorporates recycled and repurposed materials to lessen environmental impact.
- Upper Material: Constructed with durable nylon ripstop and TPU for enhanced resilience.
- Lining: Features a breathable mesh made from recycled materials to keep your feet cool and comfortable.
- Closure: Uses a lace system crafted from recycled materials for a secure fit.
- Footbed: Made of EVA that contains 50% recycled content and treated with Cleansport NXT for anti-odor protection.
Specifications
- Origin: Made in the USA or imported, ensuring quality craftsmanship.
- Sole Material: Durable rubber that offers excellent grip and longevity.
- Outer Material: Leather exterior for durability and support.
- Inner Material: Recycled mesh lining for breathability and comfort.
The Merrell Moab Speed 2 is designed for women seeking a lightweight yet supportive hiking shoe. It excels in performance, making it a top choice in the lab for women's hiking footwear.
Weighing only 11.6 oz (329g), the Moab Speed 2 is 13.4% lighter than the average hiking shoe. Its stack height of 38.8/23.8 mm surpasses the average of 32.8/22.0 mm, contributing to its impressive design. The full-length FloatPro Foam offers significant impact protection, evidenced by a high 125 SA score.
During testing, we found the shoe provided excellent traction and stability. The midfoot features a FlexPlate that extends to the heel, enhancing controlled movements. Additionally, the firm Vibram TC5+ rubber outsole, equipped with 3.7 mm lugs, ensures reliable grip on various terrains.
A potential drawback is the absence of a fully gusseted tongue, which could allow small debris to enter. Women who prioritize this feature may wish to explore alternative options. Overall, the Merrell Moab Speed 2 combines lightness with durability, suited for diverse hiking conditions.
Merrell Agility Peak 5
Pros
- Easily handles tough trails
- Performs well on both downhills and uphills
- Extremely durable upper with numerous TPU reinforcements
- Suitable for year-round use
- Loads of recycled, eco-friendly stuff
- Wonderful for heel strikers
- Excellent all-terrain shoe
Cons
- Grips worse than expected
- Actual drop deviates significantly from what's stated
- Feels flat underfoot
- Narrow toebox
Key Features
- Upper Material: The sneakers boast a durable textile and synthetic upper that offers breathability and support.
- Comfort: Equipped with a textile lining and a removable textile insole, these shoes ensure your feet stay fresh and comfortable throughout the day.
- Design: The round toe and lace closure provide a secure fit, while the padded collar adds extra comfort.
- Midsole: The FloatPro Foam midsole delivers a lightweight ride that maintains energy return over long distances.
- Traction: Featuring Vibram MegaGrip technology, the outsole provides excellent traction and durability on both wet and dry surfaces.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Synthetic
- Inner Material: Textile
The Merrell Agility Peak 5 is an ideal stability shoe for Spartan races, providing reliable grip and controlled movements through its Vibram outsole and rigid construction. This footwear offers the support and comfort essential for navigating obstacle courses effectively.
Designed for safety, the shoe's strong foothold allows for unrestricted movement. It demonstrates resistance to lateral shifts, maintaining a centered position inside the shoe, as evidenced by its high ratings of 5/5 for torsional rigidity and 4/5 for heel counter stiffness.
The grippy Vibram Megagrip outsole enhances outdoor performance with deep 4.5 mm rubber lugs that provide traction on slick surfaces. This feature enables users to climb walls and traverse muddy terrain with confidence.
Impact protection is offered by the thick 39.2 mm heel, while the moderate 25.8 mm forefoot height ensures adequate ground feel for agility. Testing revealed a high 125 SA rating in shock absorption, indicating effective joint protection during strenuous activities.
However, it is important to note that the Agility Peak 5 received a score of 3/5 for breathability, indicating limited ventilation, which may not be suitable for tropical weather conditions.
Merrell Nova 4
Pros
- Excellent trail shoe for beginners
- Ideal for heel strikers
- Noticeably lighter than Nova 3
- Strong breathability
- Comfortable, fully redesigned upper
- Versatile 4.0-mm lugs
- Works for hiking too
- Reasonable price
- Fully gusseted tongue
Cons
- Extremely low energy return
- High drop can feel awkward
- Weak heel padding
- Firm feel underfoot
Key Features
- Breathable engineered mesh and TPU upper for enhanced ventilation and durability.
- 100% recycled laces and webbing, reflecting Merrell's commitment to sustainability.
- 50% recycled removable EVA foam footbed provides cushioning while being eco-friendly.
- FloatPro Foam midsole designed for lightweight comfort that endures through long runs and hikes.
- Merrell Quantum Grip durable rubber outsole ensures traction and stability on all terrains.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported.
- Sole material: Rubber.
- Outer material: Leather.
- Inner material: Faux Leather.
The Nova 4 is a straightforward trainer designed for casual trail runners and beginners. It emphasizes comfort through its steep drop, flexible build, and lightweight construction, which we verified in our lab tests. This combination makes it a reliable choice for those looking to enjoy trail running without overthinking their footwear.
This model features a significant 12.1 mm drop, which is particularly suitable for heel-strikers. Additionally, the midsole is highly flexible, allowing for a smooth transition with each stride. Our bend test confirmed that it is 21.9% more malleable than the average shoe, contributing to its suitability for all-day wear.
The Nova 4's light weight of 9.6 oz (272g) enhances comfort, reducing fatigue compared to typical trail shoes, which average 10.2 oz (289g). Its agility makes it versatile enough for hiking during breaks between runs. Furthermore, the outsole features 4.0 mm lugs, providing adequate grip and support on easy to moderate terrains.
However, the Nova 4 may not meet the expectations of athletes seeking higher performance levels. Its lower energy return indicates that it is not suited for more intense running sessions. Thus, while it excels in comfort for casual use, those aiming for elevated performance might need to explore other options.
Merrell Moab 3
Pros
- Supremely comfy
- Zero break-in
- Boss-level support
- Solid grip on mixed terrain
- Stable platform
- Responsive cushioning
- Fits various foot shapes
- Cheaper than average
- Recycled materials
Cons
- Heavier than average
- Not quite sleek-looking
Key Features
- Waterproof membrane that seals out water while allowing moisture to escape.
- Upper made of pigskin leather and mesh for breathability and support.
- 100% recycled laces and webbing contribute to sustainability.
- Bellows tongue designed to keep out debris.
- Protective toe cap for added safety in rugged terrains.
- 100% recycled mesh lining for improved comfort.
- Kinetic Fit ADVANCED removable contoured insole with reinforced heel cushioning offers medium support.
- Molded nylon arch shank enhances stability.
- Lightweight EVA foam midsole provides additional comfort and stability.
- Vibram TC5+ rubber sole delivers superior traction.
- Block heel and rubber sole material ensures reliability and grip.
- Lace-up closure allows for a secure fit.
Specifications
- Origin: Made in the USA or Imported.
- Sole material: Rubber.
- Shaft height: Ankle.
- Shaft circumference: 4 inches.
The Merrell Moab 3 is an excellent choice for summer hiking, particularly suited for those seeking comfort and durability in challenging conditions. Its design features a workhorse appearance but delivers extraordinary comfort from the first wear.
This shoe excels in breathability, effectively keeping feet cool and sweat-free during warm hikes. The upper consists of tightly-woven mesh with ample ventilation pores, which also aids in drainage during damp conditions. Our lab test confirmed its breathability rating at 4/5, indicating efficient airflow through the material.
Comfort is a standout feature of the Moab 3, attributed to its 14.5 mm-thick padded tongue and additional padding around the heel, allowing immediate use without a break-in period. During testing, the shoe demonstrated significant flexibility, bending to 30° with a force measurement of 12.9N, indicating it is more flexible than many competitors.
However, hikers looking for a lightweight option for covering long distances may find this shoe less suitable. Weighing in at 16.2 oz (460g), the Merrell Moab 3 is 0.7 oz (20g) heavier than the average hiking shoe, which may impact performance for speed-focused hiking.
Merrell Speed Eco
Pros
- Balanced ground feel and impact protection
- Feels lively and responsive underfoot
- Firm and stable platform
- Notably lighter then average
- Highly durable upper mesh
- Affordable price point
- A ton of recycled materials
- Fits true to width
- Doesn't get any firmer in cold
Cons
- Lacks breathability
- Frail inner lining
- Outsole rubber wears easily
- Tongue is not gusseted as promised
Key Features
- 77% recycled Jacquard upper for enhanced sustainability
- Merrell Air Cushion in the heel absorbs shock and enhances stability
- 100% recycled laces and webbing contribute to a greener footprint
- Molded nylon arch shank provides added support on uneven terrain
- Bellows tongue effectively keeps out debris during hikes
Specifications
- Origin: Made in the USA or Imported
- Sole material: Rubber for superior traction
- Outer material: Leather adds durability and style
- Inner material: Recycled Mesh enhances breathability
The Merrell Speed Eco is a lightweight and flexible hiking shoe best suited for environmentally conscious outdoor enthusiasts. Priced at $110, it effectively balances affordability with performance, as confirmed by lab results indicating its capability for speed.
Constructed from recyclable materials, nearly every component of the Speed Eco, including the outsole, mesh upper, and laces, reflects its eco-friendly design. This commitment reinforces the product's name and purpose.
The midsole provides a notable energy return, recording an impressive 54.0%, which enhances agility during speed hikes. Its structure contributes to a comfortable experience, weighing only 11.6 oz (329g), which is 13.4% lighter than average.
Moreover, the midsole adapts well to natural foot flexion, demonstrating 22.4% greater flexibility than average in our bend test, making it suitable for various hiking conditions. However, its sustainable materials compromise breathability, as the upper tends to retain heat, making it less ideal for warm weather hiking.
Merrell Accentor 3
Pros
- Stellar support
- Amazingly comfortable
- Performs well in the cold
- Can gobble up miles
- Versatile grip for moderate terrain
- Alleviates foot pain
- Fits like a glove
- Roomy and durable toebox
- Very easy to put on
- Budget-friendly
- Sustainably made
Cons
- Lackluster breathability
- Could be lighter
- Unruly laces
Key Features
- Waterproof synthetic, leather, and mesh upper: Keeps your feet dry in wet conditions.
- Grippy rubber sole: Offers excellent traction on various terrains.
- Breathable mesh lining: Ensures airflow to keep your feet comfortable.
Specifications
- Origin: Made in the USA or Imported
- Sole material: Rubber
- Outer material: Rubber
- Inner material: Breathable Mesh
The Merrell Accentor 3 is ideally suited for hikers seeking comfort and stability on a budget. Our lab results confirm its supportive yet flexible midsole, complemented by a roomy toebox that accommodates wider feet. Priced at $100 compared to the average $142 for hiking shoes, it stands out as a notable option for an affordable hiking shoe.
The nylon shank in the midsole enhances stability, providing a reliable landing platform during treks. In our flexibility tests, the Accentor 3 exceeded expectations, requiring only 14.0N to flex to **30 degrees**, making it **14.8%** more flexible than average. This feature contributes to a relaxed experience while maintaining necessary support.
We verified the generous interior of the non-tapered toebox using a gel mold, measuring **74.6 mm**, which comfortably fits those with swollen or square-shaped feet, surpassing the **72.5 mm** average. Additionally, it offers significant vertical clearance at **32.3 mm**, enhancing overall comfort.
However, the Merrell Accentor 3 may not be ideal for summer hiking due to heat retention, as indicated by its low breathability score of **1/5** in our smoke test. This could lead to discomfort and potential blisters on warmer days. Overall, while it provides commendable features for various conditions, its breathability could be improved for hot weather use.