Legendary for a Reason
I have a high instep and suffer from plantar fasciitis if I don’t have proper arch support in my shoes. After trying every other highly rated and recommended hiking shoe, and returning them because they just didn’t work for me, I decided to circle back to Merrell. Years ago, I had a heavy, leather pair that served me well on a trip through Germany and held up over the cobblestone streets, etc. but I had tried and failed to find an equivalent — until the Moab 3. Right out of the box, I took them for a 3 mile test walk. Regular size 8 fit perfectly on my wide foot, with plenty of room in the toe box. I could adjust the laces for a comfortable fit over my high instep, but still cinch them at the ankle to lock my heels in with no slipping. Arch support was superb. The ... MoreI have a high instep and suffer from plantar fasciitis if I don’t have proper arch support in my shoes. After trying every other highly rated and recommended hiking shoe, and returning them because they just didn’t work for me, I decided to circle back to Merrell. Years ago, I had a heavy, leather pair that served me well on a trip through Germany and held up over the cobblestone streets, etc. but I had tried and failed to find an equivalent — until the Moab 3. Right out of the box, I took them for a 3 mile test walk. Regular size 8 fit perfectly on my wide foot, with plenty of room in the toe box. I could adjust the laces for a comfortable fit over my high instep, but still cinch them at the ankle to lock my heels in with no slipping. Arch support was superb. The Moab is one of a very few shoes where you can get both Gore-Tex waterproofing and a Vibram sole. It is a heavier shoe with a very stiff feel underfoot, so it took some getting used to. For me, after clocking a total of 12 miles in the shoes, the weight didn’t bother me anymore, but if you do urban hiking, you definitely feel like you’re “pounding” the pavement. The shoes really excel on softer trails where they provide sure footed confidence. I do wish the insole had a bit more cushioning in the forefoot because after about 3+ miles, my foot starts to tire in that area. I’ve toyed with the thought of switching out the insoles, but I don’t want to mess with the arch support. So glad that I decided to give the Moab 3 a try. This shoe is legendary for a reason.... Show more
V.K.
originally posted on merrell.com
Moab3 Gortex, Almost perfect, but...
This is my 2nd pair of Merrells. My other pair was the ankle high hiking version, but otherwise almost identical to the Moab3 Gortex I just bought. I go on hikes/walks daily with my dogs and so I put a lot of miles and over all types of terrain. So far I have hiked at about 80 miles in these along with other daily normal wear over about a month of having them. The shoes are very durable. The tread hold up very well (no visible sign of wear) and the tread/sole/base of these seem a bit stiffer than my other pair of Merrell hikers. I like that as it provides a bit more sure footedness. Not sure if they are any different, but they feel stiffer. I love the shoes, but the only thing I haven't particularly liked as much is the insoles, the inside cushioning of the shoe ... MoreThis is my 2nd pair of Merrells. My other pair was the ankle high hiking version, but otherwise almost identical to the Moab3 Gortex I just bought. I go on hikes/walks daily with my dogs and so I put a lot of miles and over all types of terrain. So far I have hiked at about 80 miles in these along with other daily normal wear over about a month of having them. The shoes are very durable. The tread hold up very well (no visible sign of wear) and the tread/sole/base of these seem a bit stiffer than my other pair of Merrell hikers. I like that as it provides a bit more sure footedness. Not sure if they are any different, but they feel stiffer. I love the shoes, but the only thing I haven't particularly liked as much is the insoles, the inside cushioning of the shoe seem almost non-existent. Not much cushion there at all and feels too hard inside. I'm going to get some aftermarket insoles and put in and after that, I think they will be the perfect hiker. Too bad they don't have better insoles in them from the start, as if they did, they'd get a five star from me. I've used them in the snow, mud, on gravel and chat and also do a lot of woods hiking. They keep your feet dry and they can take any abuse you throw at them without getting torn up. Upgrade the insoles and you'll have a perfect shoe!... Show more
Dominator
originally posted on merrell.com
Moab 3 strong shoe, not just cosmetic changes
I have owned several pairs of Moabs over the years, so I was excited to see them updated. As much as I love orange, and I really love orange, I miss the leather versions. I could better disguise them for work and travel. These shoes do feel differently than previous versions. I have hiked with them across different terrains from National Parks to local trails, as well worn them across more than a few urban landscapes. They feel more like a heavy duty sneaker or low profile hiking shoe than previous versions. The grip is excellent across pavement, rocks, snow, mud, etc. The "canvas" and mesh do hold the mud more than the leather shoes, so they need to be cleaned more frequently. The shoe is a hint tighter on my foot than the older versions, so they really need to be ... MoreI have owned several pairs of Moabs over the years, so I was excited to see them updated. As much as I love orange, and I really love orange, I miss the leather versions. I could better disguise them for work and travel. These shoes do feel differently than previous versions. I have hiked with them across different terrains from National Parks to local trails, as well worn them across more than a few urban landscapes. They feel more like a heavy duty sneaker or low profile hiking shoe than previous versions. The grip is excellent across pavement, rocks, snow, mud, etc. The "canvas" and mesh do hold the mud more than the leather shoes, so they need to be cleaned more frequently. The shoe is a hint tighter on my foot than the older versions, so they really need to be loosened on long flights. I find matching sock thickness is more important in this shoe. Thin compressions slide around and heavy wool can make the inside feel shorter. I'm interested to see if the shoe breaks in or retains the firmer quality. Lastly, the inside heal is different from previous versions around the Achilles. While that isn't an issue for me, I can see that worth investigating for some folks.... Show more
Jeff
originally posted on merrell.com
Not so great!
I previously had the Moab 2 and they lasted me at least 6 years. Best comfortable walking shoes ever for me! When it came time to replace them a couple of months ago, I bought the Moab 3's as the 2's were no longer available. Bad decision. They felt okay in the store but when I started to wear them regularly they were hugely uncomfortable. For some reason the tongue, no matter how loose I make it puts a painful pressure on the top of one foot and the soles of the shoes are very hard on the feet. Not comfortable at all compared to the Moab 2's. It's unfortunate that Morrell has made a change to this shoe, and not for the good in my opinion. My fault that I didn't try on other shoes as I just trusted that the new Moab's would be comparable to the 2's. I would not buy ... MoreI previously had the Moab 2 and they lasted me at least 6 years. Best comfortable walking shoes ever for me! When it came time to replace them a couple of months ago, I bought the Moab 3's as the 2's were no longer available. Bad decision. They felt okay in the store but when I started to wear them regularly they were hugely uncomfortable. For some reason the tongue, no matter how loose I make it puts a painful pressure on the top of one foot and the soles of the shoes are very hard on the feet. Not comfortable at all compared to the Moab 2's. It's unfortunate that Morrell has made a change to this shoe, and not for the good in my opinion. My fault that I didn't try on other shoes as I just trusted that the new Moab's would be comparable to the 2's. I would not buy again... Show more
GeoM
originally posted on cabelas.ca
Not what they used to be
I've been gearing up with this shoe for decades and I have noticed that over the past several years they have lost their once high level of quality.I purchased two pairs about 10 months ago, the waterproof moab and the Gortex moab.The first thing you will notice is that they do not have the comfort they used to have. The bottoms are so thin that you feel everything you walk on, whether gravel, roots, rocks, whatever. The first thing you should do is remove the insoles and throw them directly in the trash. Even with new Spenco inserts they still don't have enough meat to soften the feel.I'm a lifelong hiker and as mentioned, have used the Merrell products for ever.I think I have purchased my last pair. Quality has literally tanked over the past several years ... MoreI've been gearing up with this shoe for decades and I have noticed that over the past several years they have lost their once high level of quality.I purchased two pairs about 10 months ago, the waterproof moab and the Gortex moab.The first thing you will notice is that they do not have the comfort they used to have. The bottoms are so thin that you feel everything you walk on, whether gravel, roots, rocks, whatever. The first thing you should do is remove the insoles and throw them directly in the trash. Even with new Spenco inserts they still don't have enough meat to soften the feel.I'm a lifelong hiker and as mentioned, have used the Merrell products for ever.I think I have purchased my last pair. Quality has literally tanked over the past several years and I can't see spending the money on a product that they have decided to take shortcut after shortcut to reduce the cost of manufacturing in order to maintain profit. Why not at least provide reasonably decent inserts. The sides of the shoes blow out more frequently than in the past as well.It is typical of manufactures these days to slowly, piece by piece lower their quality, maintain price and too bad for the consumer.Time to move on.... Show more
Cagger
originally posted on REI
Pretty... durability TBD.
I just received my Moab 3 Gore-Tex a few days ago. Ordering was easy and my package was sent out/received quickly. I purchased 2 pairs in the same size and in the colors: Sedona Sage and Laurel. Sedona Sage is more of a gray in color. Laurel is as pictured, imo. Out of the box they feel true to size for the size 8.5 that I ordered. I'm a true 7.5 however in the Moab I've always sized up to 8.5 since purchasing the Merrell "Capra" style. For me... one size up fits best with my Smartwool Maximum Crew, Performance or Trail Sox. I cannot yet comment on how the Moab 3 Gore-Tex will perform. My Capras were going strong for 7 years and went on many outdoor adventures camping, hiking and daily use in the tropical climate I live in. These are pretty... but durability TBD. I ... MoreI just received my Moab 3 Gore-Tex a few days ago. Ordering was easy and my package was sent out/received quickly. I purchased 2 pairs in the same size and in the colors: Sedona Sage and Laurel. Sedona Sage is more of a gray in color. Laurel is as pictured, imo. Out of the box they feel true to size for the size 8.5 that I ordered. I'm a true 7.5 however in the Moab I've always sized up to 8.5 since purchasing the Merrell "Capra" style. For me... one size up fits best with my Smartwool Maximum Crew, Performance or Trail Sox. I cannot yet comment on how the Moab 3 Gore-Tex will perform. My Capras were going strong for 7 years and went on many outdoor adventures camping, hiking and daily use in the tropical climate I live in. These are pretty... but durability TBD. I have high hopes for the Moab 3 Gore-Tex!... Show more
HawaiianIslandSurferGirl
originally posted on merrell.com
The best hiking shoe out there!
After years, I finally wore out my old Moab hiking shoes! They had been to the Grand Canyon many times and tons of our rocky trails in Arizona. I just purchased another pair and they continue to amaze me on how reliable they are for hikes stretching over 17 hours a day! If you have serious hiking to do, don’t get the flimsy soles that other companies try to sell you because they are lighter. That is silly. You need the Moab that can go over the roughest terrain out there and will prevent you from paying for hiking shoes every 6 months, choose these instead. You will love them! I hope they continue to keep this shoe available to the hiking community!... Show more
Arizona hiker
originally posted on merrell.com
The shoe looks nice, but sizing is totally off
I bought a Moab 3 GTX not directly from Merrell, but from an online retailer that is an official representative of Merrell, so the shoes are authentic. The sizing is totally off however. I know my sizing in at least 4 other brands - it's US12.5, or to be more precise in metric units it's 30.5cm. The US12.5 Merrell was too small, length wise, so I returned my initial order and replaced them for a US13, or 31cm, expecting that to have a perfect fit. To my surprise there's absolutely no difference in the way my feet sit in the shoes. I measured the insoles and there's the .5cm difference alright, but toes still rub the front of the shoe and that is with very thin socks. While staying in place the shoes do feel really comfortable, great arch support, soft around the top ... MoreI bought a Moab 3 GTX not directly from Merrell, but from an online retailer that is an official representative of Merrell, so the shoes are authentic. The sizing is totally off however. I know my sizing in at least 4 other brands - it's US12.5, or to be more precise in metric units it's 30.5cm. The US12.5 Merrell was too small, length wise, so I returned my initial order and replaced them for a US13, or 31cm, expecting that to have a perfect fit. To my surprise there's absolutely no difference in the way my feet sit in the shoes. I measured the insoles and there's the .5cm difference alright, but toes still rub the front of the shoe and that is with very thin socks. While staying in place the shoes do feel really comfortable, great arch support, soft around the top of the ankle, overall quality is very good. However I know my feet well, my walking stride and cadence, and if I start moving in the shoes, in 15 minutes I'll have bloody ulcers on my toes and as diabetic, it's the last thing I want or need. Now I want to go even further up in sizing, but I wonder if 14 would be too big, which is a different can of worms, as both too small and too big shoes are really bad for you. My feet are not unusual, yes it's probably on the longer side, but they are not wide or narrow, they are normal. I have neutral pronation, with just a tad of slight supination. I'm a very active guy, that's not unusually tall or heavy (for where I live) and I wear at least 5-6 other brands actively and I have a lot of lifestyle sneakers, athletic sneakers that I practice different sports in, I have few pairs that are for hiking and trail running, I even wear boots from time to time, so it isn't a case of me fitting only in a single brand. This is my first Merrell and I'm completely bewildered by the sizing and fit of the shoe. I really like the Moab 3 GTX but I don't know what to do now. Should I try going to 14 or should I just look for another model or even a different brand altogether? My advice to anyone wanting to buy the shoes, if they fit you, go for it, as the quality seems great and they do feel comfortable, at least in the 5 minutes I spent in them while trying them, but if you can not find your perfect sizing, probably go for a different model.... Show more
Iliyan
originally posted on merrell.com
Very comfy
I was looking for a good hiking shoe for a while and after browsing online for quite a while I settled on these and boy am I glad I did. These fit comfortably right out of the box and are the perfect size. I like that they are snug and yet have room for your toes to breath. I've worn them out on hikes a few times already and they are wonderful. They held up well on the trail for hours. I absolutely love them and hope they last for a long time! My sister saw these and tried them on as well. She too fell in love and ordered herself a pair as well, though in half a size smaller as she has a slightly smaller foot then me. I definitely recommend these for anyone who's looking for a comfortable hiking shoe!... Show more
Angie
originally posted on merrell.com
WOULD NOT BUY ANYTHING ELSE
WOULD NOT BUY ANYTHING ELSE-these are our second pair of MOABs and we would not buy anyting else. Prior trip wsa six months in the Ruropean winter and we covered 2million 400 thousand steps in all weather conditions, terrain and pavement and cobbles. Then we have just returned from another 6 month journey in europe and UK and up north in very cold and wet conditions. Covered another 2million 250 thousand this time. Kept our feet dry and warm. They still look new other than some cracking at the flex joint/point whihc we find totally acceptable given what they have done.So, we did not hesitate buying a new pair recently while they were on sale. Just fantastic and couldnt recommend anything else and we will keep our old ones for local walks etc. The shoes proved their ... MoreWOULD NOT BUY ANYTHING ELSE-these are our second pair of MOABs and we would not buy anyting else. Prior trip wsa six months in the Ruropean winter and we covered 2million 400 thousand steps in all weather conditions, terrain and pavement and cobbles. Then we have just returned from another 6 month journey in europe and UK and up north in very cold and wet conditions. Covered another 2million 250 thousand this time. Kept our feet dry and warm. They still look new other than some cracking at the flex joint/point whihc we find totally acceptable given what they have done.So, we did not hesitate buying a new pair recently while they were on sale. Just fantastic and couldnt recommend anything else and we will keep our old ones for local walks etc. The shoes proved their value and owe us nothing. Just super... Show more
HAYDN
originally posted on merrellaustralia.com.au