A good hiking shoe, but with a short life-span
I'm on my third pair of these hiking shoes, which tells you something about their appeal, and also something about their relative lack of durability. I find these wear out within 12-16 months. The soles themselves are sturdy enough and hold up reasonably well for what is essentially a clunky running shoe with a Vibram sole. In my experience the first thing to wear out is the fabric lining of the shoe, particularly around the heel cup, followed some months later by the nylon uppers at the flex point.On my feet, the Moabs are very comfortable and lightweight compared to some other hiking/access shoes I have owned. They are also relatively inexpensive. However, when you consider the much longer life-span of welted leather boots which can be resoled numerous times, ... MoreI'm on my third pair of these hiking shoes, which tells you something about their appeal, and also something about their relative lack of durability. I find these wear out within 12-16 months. The soles themselves are sturdy enough and hold up reasonably well for what is essentially a clunky running shoe with a Vibram sole. In my experience the first thing to wear out is the fabric lining of the shoe, particularly around the heel cup, followed some months later by the nylon uppers at the flex point.On my feet, the Moabs are very comfortable and lightweight compared to some other hiking/access shoes I have owned. They are also relatively inexpensive. However, when you consider the much longer life-span of welted leather boots which can be resoled numerous times, it's best to remember the old adage: "You get what you pay for." My leather hiking boots are over 20 years old and have been resoled 3 times. They are the most comfortable boots I've ever owned. Well worth the money if you expect to be hiking on rough ground, over talus blocks or down scree slopes. Still, I must admit, the Moabs are nearly perfect for smooth, dry trails in the summertime.... Show more
Murray R.
originally posted on altitude-sports.com
Great hiking shoes!
We got these Merrell Moab 3 hiking shoes for our son to wear while he hikes trails. We had no idea what great shoes these really are! They are now his absolute favorite to wear! These are a pig suede leather and breathable mesh upper. They have a protective toe cap which is wonderful, and 100% recycled laces and webbing which is so great for the environment. They also have a removable footbed, and Merrell air cushion in the heel that absorbs shock and definitely adds stability. The outsole also provides grip, awesome traction, durability and flexibility. These fit great on my son's wide feet. He loved how comfortable these shoes were right away! Especially the arch support. He also loves how great they look. He's 14, so he loves how rugged and cool they look on him. ... MoreWe got these Merrell Moab 3 hiking shoes for our son to wear while he hikes trails. We had no idea what great shoes these really are! They are now his absolute favorite to wear! These are a pig suede leather and breathable mesh upper. They have a protective toe cap which is wonderful, and 100% recycled laces and webbing which is so great for the environment. They also have a removable footbed, and Merrell air cushion in the heel that absorbs shock and definitely adds stability. The outsole also provides grip, awesome traction, durability and flexibility. These fit great on my son's wide feet. He loved how comfortable these shoes were right away! Especially the arch support. He also loves how great they look. He's 14, so he loves how rugged and cool they look on him. I especially love how these are waterproof. He wears them in the rain all the time and they never get soaked. They always look good as new. I honestly cannot believe how well-made these hikers are. They are extremely durable too. I won't be needing to get him a new pair for quite a while. We highly recommend these Moab 3 shoes for their look, comfort, fit, durability, and their extremely high quality!! You will not be disappointed in these great hiking shoes!... Show more
NemesisRandy
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
My love of a lifetime!!! Better than a wife. 👍😎
WOW! I’m rapt to have come across these beauties - the brand Merrell on day one had me think for a few minutes in The Athletes Foot store in Chadstone Shopping Center, Victoria, and I walked around the store with a great staff member who assisted me with the great socks available while trying this brand out. The sheer comfort of this brand has made me buy these and 2 others for ‘new replacement spares’. The other fantastic features with these shoes is the slip proof grips on the walk side, as well as mostly, if not, totally waterproof if out in the rain with these on, and they dry again very quick. The comfort to your feet when wearing is you sometimes forget they’re even on you and can feel like slippers when sitting somewhere. My 1st pair gave me around 7 years of ... MoreWOW! I’m rapt to have come across these beauties - the brand Merrell on day one had me think for a few minutes in The Athletes Foot store in Chadstone Shopping Center, Victoria, and I walked around the store with a great staff member who assisted me with the great socks available while trying this brand out. The sheer comfort of this brand has made me buy these and 2 others for ‘new replacement spares’. The other fantastic features with these shoes is the slip proof grips on the walk side, as well as mostly, if not, totally waterproof if out in the rain with these on, and they dry again very quick. The comfort to your feet when wearing is you sometimes forget they’re even on you and can feel like slippers when sitting somewhere. My 1st pair gave me around 7 years of regular 3-5 hour use, and the 1st thing that usually wears out in them is the internal backing due to foot/leg rubbing, but you can often put something here for a ‘keep going’ comfort. 20/10, and I highly recommend these to all, and grab yourself a pair before they disappear for good.... Show more
CKR
originally posted on ewavedemo.com
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
Shockingly surprised in the best way
I've never fit Merrell shoes, the lasts were always a bit too narrow for my regular 10.5 D width feet even with thin or medium Smartwool. The new Moab 3 men's hiking shoe is a perfect fit for me! I always swap in black Superfeet, but the Moab 3's insole has just the right amount of arch support and cushion. Can't remember the last time I kept a hiker's factory supplied insole.Each 10.5 men's shoe weighs 465 grams each. No heel slippage, toebox spacious enough for swelling yet are not sloppy no matter the temperature or weather (some shoes constrict or contract when wet or humid, etc). And this may seem trivial, but the laces do not come untied nor need double-knotted. It's the little things...The Moab 3 is a true hiker. It's not an urban ... MoreI've never fit Merrell shoes, the lasts were always a bit too narrow for my regular 10.5 D width feet even with thin or medium Smartwool. The new Moab 3 men's hiking shoe is a perfect fit for me! I always swap in black Superfeet, but the Moab 3's insole has just the right amount of arch support and cushion. Can't remember the last time I kept a hiker's factory supplied insole.Each 10.5 men's shoe weighs 465 grams each. No heel slippage, toebox spacious enough for swelling yet are not sloppy no matter the temperature or weather (some shoes constrict or contract when wet or humid, etc). And this may seem trivial, but the laces do not come untied nor need double-knotted. It's the little things...The Moab 3 is a true hiker. It's not an urban exploring/travel/casual/mixed-use shoe. It has a very solid sole and lug pattern that I found needs a trail's everchanging undulations to bring the shoe to life. It's very stable side to side (no IT band pain from unsupportive shoes), does well on loose over hard and when surfaces are uneven such as dried mud. With such good footing on gravel, sand, dirt, I was worried it'd be a slippery accident on water. Not so! They would not be my choice as a do-it-all for airports, cement jungle, pavement pounding (after about 5 hours the shoes felt a little softer). Thankfully that's not what Merrell designed the Moab 3 for. They are a great-fitting lightweight hiker that does so many things so very well.... Show more
kreativecid
originally posted on REI
Solid and supportive, rugged low cut hiking shoe.
Merrell Men's Moab 3 Gore-Tex Low Hiker.Only had 2 weeks now and 1st impressions, solid feel and a little on heavier side for a shoe that I have ever had before. These fit, walk feel and perform pretty much like a low cut boot. The size fitment is fairly spot on and snug, so if you are insure, or an in between sizing, then suggest get one size up. I didnt know what to expect as I purchased solely online and were a replacement for my older Merrell walking jogger type shoes, which were a lot lighter. Now all these things mentioned are a positive and im fairly happy with my purchase, I just need to get used to the different feel and solid construction, and possibly keep these mainly for tracks and hiking rather than my daily walks around the burbs on the footpath. ... MoreMerrell Men's Moab 3 Gore-Tex Low Hiker.Only had 2 weeks now and 1st impressions, solid feel and a little on heavier side for a shoe that I have ever had before. These fit, walk feel and perform pretty much like a low cut boot. The size fitment is fairly spot on and snug, so if you are insure, or an in between sizing, then suggest get one size up. I didnt know what to expect as I purchased solely online and were a replacement for my older Merrell walking jogger type shoes, which were a lot lighter. Now all these things mentioned are a positive and im fairly happy with my purchase, I just need to get used to the different feel and solid construction, and possibly keep these mainly for tracks and hiking rather than my daily walks around the burbs on the footpath. But even with that type of daily walking, these seem to perform well. Its just that I prefer a lighter softer shoe for the even footpath environment.... Show more
LaurieP
originally posted on anacondastores.com
Subpar at best, frustrating at worst
While they certainly work as boots, the Merrell Moab 3's are wildly uncomfortable and not particularly well suited for the kind of hiking or backpacking that I do. The boots themselves have a very wide mouth and are very low cut. They practically invite any small rocks or pointed brush to get stuck inside them. Additionally, the wide mouth of the boots often leads your feet to slip around as you make any descent. The boots also provide little to no ankle support, which made them exceptionally uncomfortable. However, despite all these issues, the boots are still able to be hiked in. I was able to hike around 8 miles in them on one particular trip, and while they weren't particularly comfortable, I was still able to complete the trip at a relatively quick place. ... MoreWhile they certainly work as boots, the Merrell Moab 3's are wildly uncomfortable and not particularly well suited for the kind of hiking or backpacking that I do. The boots themselves have a very wide mouth and are very low cut. They practically invite any small rocks or pointed brush to get stuck inside them. Additionally, the wide mouth of the boots often leads your feet to slip around as you make any descent. The boots also provide little to no ankle support, which made them exceptionally uncomfortable. However, despite all these issues, the boots are still able to be hiked in. I was able to hike around 8 miles in them on one particular trip, and while they weren't particularly comfortable, I was still able to complete the trip at a relatively quick place. Another major benefit of the boots is their breathability. They're incredible lightweight and breathable, and while that doesn't outweigh the cons of the boots, it certainly makes them marginally better. Ultimately, I wouldn't recommend these particular Merrells, unless you really enjoy low-cut boots.... Show more
Rhys
originally posted on REI
The Moab 3 Waterproof
The Moab 3 Waterproof hiking shoes are some of the best shoes that I have purchased and used for an extended length of time. I have been using these shoes for about a half year with great results. Compared to the average hiker, I mainly use these shoes within an urban environment, similar to a daily sneaker, and their durability, comfort, and waterproofing have made it an enjoyable experience to use low-cut hiking shoes on a daily basis. Visually, the shoes are excellent compared to many hiking shoes and even sneakers and I have also had a few comments on their design. These shows are well-made and durable that are comfortable in a variety of outdoor and indoor environments that make them versatile and stylistic. Each time I use these shoes during the day, I know ... MoreThe Moab 3 Waterproof hiking shoes are some of the best shoes that I have purchased and used for an extended length of time. I have been using these shoes for about a half year with great results. Compared to the average hiker, I mainly use these shoes within an urban environment, similar to a daily sneaker, and their durability, comfort, and waterproofing have made it an enjoyable experience to use low-cut hiking shoes on a daily basis. Visually, the shoes are excellent compared to many hiking shoes and even sneakers and I have also had a few comments on their design. These shows are well-made and durable that are comfortable in a variety of outdoor and indoor environments that make them versatile and stylistic. Each time I use these shoes during the day, I know that I am going to enjoy using them wherever I go and can rely on their exterior quality with the interior comfort for hiking shoes that are comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. The padding is slightly softer, and full in form, compared to the average hiking shoe but my feet are comfortable while using them during the day, and feel therapeutic when I take them off after use. This is an excellent hiking shoe at a reasonable price that is sturdy, comfortable, and engaging to look at.... Show more
Alex
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