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I once heard Merrell’s Moab 3 Mid called “The Ultimate Dad Shoe”. Now that I’m a dad, I really do see the light as to why this is such a compliment.
It is pretty hard to find a hiking boot that can go anywhere, has great waterproofing, and is comfortable to wear for yard work and outdoor chores, but still has the grip necessary to log some miles on the trail. Add in the fact that the price comes in much lower than many other hiking boots of a similar caliber, and you have a piece of footwear that earns its place on the shoe rack… likely one near the back door or in the mud room.
Merrell Moab 3 Mid: First Impressions
The first thing I noticed pulling these on was that there was nothing to notice. No pinch, no stiff spots, no hot heel. They are comfortable right out of the box with no break-in period needed. I found them easy to tighten up and don’t feel overtight thanks to the thick cushioning, which is exactly what you want the first time you lace up and head straight out the door.
Bottom Line: A comfortable, waterproof do-it-all boot that punches well above its price. It’s equally at home on the trail or in the garden.
Weight: 495g / 1 lb 1.5 oz per boot (~990g / 2 lb 3 oz pair)
Waterproofing: Merrell waterproof membrane (proprietary — not GORE-TEX)
Upper: Pig suede leather + recycled breathable mesh
Outsole: Vibram TC5+ (5mm lugs)
Midsole: Super Rebound Compound + Merrell Air Cushion (heel)
Footbed: Contoured Moab 3 footbed
Heel-to-toe drop: 11.5mm
Price: ~$150 USD
Pros: Out-of-the-box comfort, grippy Vibram, hard-to-beat value
Cons: Slow to dry once soaked
Notable Features of the Merrell Moab 3 Mid
Vibram TC5+ Outsole. Excellent traction from a Vibram outsole that holds up well in the wet Coast Mountain climate. The TC5+ compound is formulated exclusively for Merrell, with 5mm lugs that bite on mixed ground.
Cushioned, No-Break-In Comfort. A Super Rebound Compound midsole with a Merrell Air Cushion in the heel is what gives these that spring underfoot. The boots are easy to tighten up and don’t feel overtight thanks to the thick cushioning.
Merrell Waterproof Membrane. A proprietary waterproof membrane seals out water and lets some moisture escape. Worth knowing this is Merrell’s own membrane, not GORE-TEX—a big reason the price stays friendly.
Recycled Materials. The laces, webbing, and mesh lining are all 100% recycled. Small stuff on paper, but it’s the kind of detail I like to see become standard on an entry-priced boot.
Trail-Ready Protection. A bellows tongue keeps debris out, a rubber toe and heel cap fends off rocks, and a molded nylon arch shank adds a bit of structure underfoot without stiffening the ride.
Drawbacks
Although the boots are waterproof, the material holds water for quite a while, so it will add weight to them if they get submerged. And if you’re out camping, they might not fully dry out, making them more prone to getting a bit gross out on the trail.
Best Uses for the Merrell Moab 3 Mid
It’s for people who value comfort and value, and don’t need any bells and whistles. The type who probably spends more time in the shoes gardening and mowing the lawn than actual hiking, but can still crush a few miles on the trail when time allows.
Skip If You…
…are a serious hiker who needs strong support (I suggest the Lowa Renegade Evo GTX if that’s the case), or you value lightweight and speed over value (for that I recommend the Zamberlan Exotrail GTX).
Final Thoughts
They don’t look that pretty, but they sure do the trick. For a do-all shoe/boot that is great on the trail or around the yard, the Moab 3 is a fantastic option that won’t break the bank. The little-to-no break-in period means you can enjoy them right away, and the extra padding is great for aging dads who could use a little extra spring in their step.
Looking for more great hiking boots that we’ve reviewed? Check out The Best Hiking Boots of This Decade.
