Merrell Moab 3

C CNN Underscored Michelle Rae Uy · reviewer · Aug 2026

The instant relief I felt the first time I put on the Merrell Moab 3 was almost beyond belief, and the waterproof version of these legendary hiking shoes delivered the same effect. The Moab line has long been a favorite among hikers and adventurers, often named among the best hiking shoes on the market, and, like the Vessi Weekend, these more than live up to expectations.

M Mountaineer Journey Mountaineer Journey · 7.2K subscribers · Jun 2025

Overall, the Marrammo 3 has a nice middle ground between not being overly plush, however, firm enough. Next, it has a nice sleek sock liner within the boot. What that does is it lines the inside of the boot, so it the leather outside of the boot doesn't press in on your foot. The toe box here is nice and wide.

C CleverHiker Miles Knotek · reviewer · Apr 2020

The Merrell Moab 3 is our favorite budget option, offering exceptional durability, comfort, and traction at one of the lowest prices on this list. The Saucony Peregrine 16 is another great high-value shoe. Its impressive lightweight performance, combined with its attainable price point, makes it a high-performance shoe that punches far above its price point.

M Mr. R. Tennant Mr. R. Tennant · 4.4K subscribers · Jun 2026

Man, I really like this teak and burlap color. I mean, it is such a cool color white the way it fades. Man, it is just a cool looking shoe. And not to mention that man, right out of the box, this is going to be a fantastic hiking shoe. You can feel like it's more of a I don't want to say a hard sole, but it's much more like a firm sole.

G GearLab Chris Maxcer · reviewer · Jun 2026

The Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof has been one of the most popular hiking boots for multiple seasons for three reasons: It's comfortable, stable, and very affordable. Sure, it's a bit heavy compared to premium hiking boots that cost more, but the fit is spot-on, with a mesh-and-leather upper that consistently conformed to multiple testers' feet.

R Raymondo Lee Raymondo Lee · 3.3K subscribers · Jun 2026

I'm not going to sell these, folks. I'm going to keep them cuz I love them that much. Um so, just to give you a bit of an insight about these, I bought them uh and the first walk I did was um in Derbyshire, and it was a I think it was a 7-mi hike. And what's fantastic about these Merrell Moab 3s is you do not have to wear them in.

H Huffpost Article

Although Merrell is up-to-date with its Moab 3, a ubiquitous, well-rounded hiking shoe known for its comfort and durability, the Moab 3 Gore-Tex adds even more durability for the sake of waterproofing. These hikers are low-cut, offer ample toe room for thick socks and look just as good on the trail as they do in the streets.

T The Hiking Chef The Hiking Chef · 1.7K subscribers · Nov 2025

The all black look is what sold me. Super clean, super versatile, and they're fully waterproof with a VIRAM sole that's known for awesome durability and grip. Part of the reason I decided to switch to these is because my last boots, the Lasportiva Raptor 2OS, finally tapped out. I probably got over 500 miles on them, and you can see how worn down they are. Almost no tread left.

T Thegreatoutdoorsmag Article

The Moab from Merrell has been one of their most popular hiking shoe over the years, with thousands upon thousands of hikers having relied on the various iterations of the shoe. This, the Moab 3, is the latest version, and it offers the same tried and tested design features and elements but with a new and improved look.

W Willy Willy · 1.5K subscribers · Jul 2026

So, long story short, the Moab 3 is a pretty darn good shoe. Don't overthink it.

H Huck Adventures Jason Nelson · reviewer · Jan 2026

Comfort is where the Moab 3 really earns its reputation. The exclusive Moab 3 footbed contours naturally to your foot, creating a stable, supportive platform that feels broken-in almost immediately. Paired with Merrell’s Air Cushion in the heel, impact is well-managed, even after hours on rocky terrain.

L Life Tested Life Tested · 480 subscribers · Dec 2025

So, um for starters, this shoe is the most comfortable hiking boot either of us have worn. My wife has commented routinely about that. We have previously bought other hiking boots that were a little bit on the you know a little bit easier on the wallet. Um but uh but but we're kind of we're Merryill fans now. Um incredibly comfortable uh when you put them on.

S Sectionhiker Article

The Merrell Moab 3 Mid Hiking Boot (non-waterproof) is a good choice for hikers seeking a breathable, comfortable mid-height boot. Its Vibram outsole delivers dependable traction across varied terrain, while internal features such as EVA cushioning and a nylon arch shank provide excellent foot support.

B Bushcraft Heroes Bushcraft Heroes · 363 subscribers · Sept 2025

When it comes to comfort, the Moab 3 Midwaterproof really shines. Merryill has a reputation for producing comfortable footwear and these boots are no exception. They feature the Kinetic Fit Advanced insole, which is designed to provide support and cushioning for your foot, giving you a custom-like fit.

T Treeline Review Ebony Roberts · reviewer · Nov 2025

The Moab 3 Waterproof is Merrell’s classic hiker, and its dependable protection, durable build, and comfortable fit have made it our pick for best affordable hiking shoe in our in-depth guides to the Best Women’s Hiking Shoes and the Best Men’s Hiking Shoes for many years.

S Salty Gringo Salty Gringo · 28 subscribers · Feb 2026

I knew I knew right away, these are the right shoe/boots. I knew it. Like, oh man, just right out the door. They they they're perfect for me. The toe box is wide enough. They have enough give. I mean, watch this. Watch. This. This is important in a hiking boot to me because you're not as likely to get snagged and like turn your ankle or anything like that.

i sized up to a 7.5 (normally 7) and they feel perfect! will be great with thicker socks as well. i can’t wait to use these in alaska! @merrell #merrell #merrellmoab3 #gorpcore #hikingszn #hikingshoes Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof hiking shoes review.

M MTN Outfitter Kem Cofreros · reviewer · Jan 2026

The Merrell Moab 3 hiking shoes continue to stand out as one of the most dependable options on the trail. With choices that include waterproof or non-waterproof, mid or low, and men’s and women’s fits, there’s a Moab 3 for nearly every type of hiker.

T Treeline Review Ebony Roberts · reviewer · Aug 2026

It’s earned its place as our top budget pick, and the latest iteration, the Moab 3, continues the Moab tradition of being an accommodating shoe that’s ready for adventure from the moment you put it on.

G GearLab Chris Maxcer · reviewer · Apr 2026

It's not the best boot in any single metric, but the sum of its parts makes it a versatile hiker that can take you up mountains and back down again. Our experienced hikers appreciate them more than we expected, and the easy fit characteristics make them a great budget buy that requires little to no break-in period.

M Mountaineer Journey Mountaineer Journey · 7.2K subscribers · Oct 2025

They are definitely the most popular and have sold millions of models. It's affordable, durable, and trusted by every casual hiker out there. But here's the thing, just because it's popular doesn't mean it's the best for your hikes. Then you have the Hoka Kaha 3, the new heavyweight in comfort and traction.

I tried a pair of Keen’s and hated them, though I think they might have been a half size too big. But I replaced them with these and I’ve never been more comfortable on the trail. For 20km+ hike I use leukotape on my blister problems spots, injinji liners, a wool sock on top. I now have very comfortable feet.

E Elveshelves Elveshelves · 2.7K subscribers · Oct 2025

So my my my first initial reaction to these boots when I saw them, I was like, damn, good looking boots. Um I don't know if the camera picks it up. It's gray, but almost a purpley gray, I guess, but like still gray. Um, I read some reviews. Some people were Oh, I just about knocked all that over. I'm sorry. Some people were crying about the waterproofness.

G GearLab Chris Maxcer · reviewer · Oct 2025

The Merrell Moab 3 is a great choice for anyone hiking in dry, arid climates. They aren't waterproof, so if you frequent mountain streams or dewy meadows, these could leave your feet wet and unhappy. Otherwise, we think these are a good choice for most hikers making their way down dry, hardpacked trails.

F Footwear Flix Footwear Flix · 1.6K subscribers · Aug 2025

One downside is the weight. The Moab 3 is a bit on the heavier side compared to other modern hiking shoes. It's sturdy, yes, but if you prefer a light and nimble feel, this might not be your ideal match. Another con is the break-in time. While comfortable, they might feel a bit stiff right out of the box and require a few outings to truly soften up.

T The Inertia Tested Article

That was really it, though, and otherwise, we found this a comfortable, durable, and waterproof boot that could stand toe-to-toe with the best of ’em. You’ll just have to decide if you’re a max-cushioning person or not.

S Short Reviews With Seth Short Reviews With Seth · 844 subscribers · Jan 2026

One of these shoes isn't really better than the other. If you're looking for a more traditional hiking boot or shoe, get the Moab 3. If you're looking for a newer take or something just lighter weight in general, the Moab Speed 2 is a good bet. Honestly, I don't know why they called the Moab Speed 2 the Moab at all because it doesn't even feel like the standard Moab whenever you wear it.

T Trail Goals Trail Goals · reviewer · Apr 2026

The only downside to Merrell is that their shoes are a bit heavy and, in my opinion, a bit ugly as well. Because of the heavier weight, I don’t use them on my thru-hikes, and instead, only on shorter ones.

V Vetted Picks Vetted Picks · 120 subscribers · May 2025

Um, yeah, overall, I mean, this is again just the one of the best shoes I believe. Um, and yeah, if it is waterproof, you'll see it does have a waterproof tag here.

M Mountaineerjourney.com Tyler · reviewer · Oct 2025

One area where I struggled slightly with the Merrell Moab 3 when compared to the Kaha 3 is wet trails. There was mild slipping as well as issues with grip on technical trails that were wet.

B But Still Good Article

For casual day hiking and trail walking, yes. Good value, not exceptional. You get comfort and versatility at a reasonable price. Just don’t expect them to survive heavy use long-term.

W www.hikingfeet.com Jory, hikingfeet.com · reviewer · Sept 2024

The Merrell Moab 3 Low is not as good of a hiking shoe as most Facebook users probably believe—and probably not quite as bad as many outdoor industry pros assume.

G Gearjunkie Article

What We Don’t: This boot isn’t right for technical terrain or fast, precise footwork. It feels bulkier and less agile than lightweight options.

S Switchback Travel John Ellings · reviewer · May 2026

What we don’t: A little heavy and not as nimble as many modern alternatives.

S Switchback Travel Maggie Slepian · reviewer · May 2026

What we like: A durable shoe for an affordable price.

W Women's Health Shannen Zitz · reviewer · Jun 2026

Bulkier than a hiking shoe or trail runner