Merrell Moab 3 Hiking Shoes Review

Stable yet nimble trail shoes. 

I’m fairly particular about my trail shoes, but who isn’t? The right fit is just as important as an adequate level of support and a tread pattern that stands up to the terrain. Still, it’s too easy to get attached to a brand and stop looking at what else might be available. So, when I had a chance to test Merrell’s Moab 3 Hiking Shoe I was eager to try it out.

I’m so glad I did! I admit it took me a couple of outings to get used to the Moab 3 Hiking Shoe because the fit was so different than what I was used to with my chunky, wide shoes and heavy hiking boots. The Merrell Moab 3 Hiking Shoe is slimmer and lower in volume than the shoes I usually wear, and it’s snugger and more contoured; it feels more like a running shoe. At the same time, it’s more stable than a running shoe, so it provides a very comfortable ride over all types of terrain. I don’t like flexible shoes because over time I end up with sore forefeet. The Merrell Moab 3 Hiking Shoe is stable enough that I don’t experience excessive flexing but not so rigid that I lose contact with what’s under my feet. The result is quite a nimble ride with plenty of support and stability. Sorta perfect. 

With so many shoes I’ve worn in the past I have gained stability by wearing a full-length orthotic. With the Merrell Moab 3 Hiking Shoe the stability is built into the ankle area and the sole under the heel. There is no wiggling or wobbling or pronation. It’s totally solid, yet I don’t feel like my feet are forced into positions. I’m not sure I’ve ever worn such a stable shoe with such a sleek profile. It feels miraculous. I also benefit from the midsole cushioning. It’s not fluffy or squishy, but it’s there and keeps me from feeling the consequences of impact with every step. Sweet. 

I fell on a muddy trail six years ago and broke my leg into pieces, so I’m still a bit paranoid when hiking or walking, especially in the rain, but I feel very confident when I wear the Merrell Moab 3 Hiking Shoe because I always feel sure-footed. 

The traction on wet pavement is stellar. The 5mm Vibram® TC5+ outsole has a serious tread pattern that provides excellent traction on dirt trails, gravel, wet grass, and more. There are also sluice lines in the sole that help direct water away. Everywhere I have been I’ve felt like I had great contact with the ground and the ability to change direction or terrain with ease. It’s really wonderful to feel like I have the freedom of a running shoe with the stability of a hiking boot in a 12-ounce shoe. Merrell categorizes the Merrell Moab 3 Hiking Shoe as “rugged,” and I would agree with that. It’s a hard-working shoe and ideal for challenging terrain (and travel) when I don’t feel like packing boots.

I like the monochromatic dark grey design of the shoe I reviewed that has a suede leather and mesh upper made with recycled materials (the laces are 100% recycled). Toe and heel caps add durability to the upper. I don’t tend to get hot feet when I walk or hike, so I was surprised to notice that Merrell Moab 3 Hiking Shoe breathed well. I often go for hikes and long urban walks in the rain, so I appreciate the waterproof design. I intentionally walked through and stomped through many deep puddles while testing, and I found that the upper provided excellent waterproof protection. However, a shoe is not going to be as waterproof as a boot. Sometimes when I step in deep puddles water can seep in over the edges of the shoe. 

I like the Merrell Moab 3 Hiking Shoe’s lacing system for its simplicity. The laces loop through small, flat fabric loops, so there is no plastic or metal to dig into the tops of my feet when I cinch the laces. 

I also tested a limited edition House of the Dragon Moab 3 shoe, which has all the same features as the waterproof version (except for the waterproofing), and it has become my favorite shoe because the bold red color and the elegant gold crest elevate it from ultra functional to ultra cool. My friends are a bit jealous. As it should be! I hope for more collaborations like this because why not have some fun with our gear.

Bottom Line

I absolutely love the Merrell Moab 3 Hiking Shoe. It fits well, it repels water, and the traction is excellent. I didn’t know I could get the support and stability I needed in such a nimble, lightweight shoe. I’m impressed with how safe and sure I feel when hiking in this shoe.

Details

Since I’m used to a looser fitting shoe, use a full-length orthotic, and the shoe has a slightly tapered toe box compared to my usual shoes, I found a better fit by going up 1/2 size. The Merrell Moab 3 comes in regular and wide (for both men’s and women’s sizes). Men’s shoe comes in sizes 7-16 in six colors: Beluga, Black Night, Bracken, Granite, Olive, and Walnut. Women’s shoe comes in sizes 5-12 in three colors: Altitude, Brindle, Granite.

$140 at Amazon