Merrell Men's Moab Adventure 3 Wp Hiking Shoe

Product Information

The shoes’ impressive comfort credentials were apparent from the moment we slipped them on, with the pig suede leather and breathable mesh upper striking a fine balance between pliability and rigidity. It is in fact true, based on our own measurements. The caliper shows 4.8 mm but there is also a slight deviation between the different lugs. Impressively well built for the price, including a premium suede and mesh upper and excellent cushioning that feel reminiscent of pricier designs.

Airy build with strategically placed open-weave mesh panels does a great job maximizing airflow on particularly hot days. A nylon arch shank within the outsole ensures the shoes remain rigid and stable, but there is more give at the flex point of the shoe (underneath the ball of your foot) than most walking boots, allowing your feet to bend naturally when taking on gradients. The Merrell Moab has got to be one of the most popular hiking shoes out there – Merrell claim over 25 million sales for this range of shoes – and this is for good reason too, we think. The Moab name covers a whole family of different shoes within Merrell’s range all derived from the same core design including mid-high boots, sandals and more sports-oriented runners. The Moab 3 is pretty much the standard hiking shoe version and what we’ll be assessing here. The same shoe is also offered with a Gore-Tex lining for a slight price premium. Compare to Similar Products All-day comfort is excellent: The Moab has plush padding throughout, provides great isolation from the trail, and offers a smooth ride with good flex at the forefoot. Durability is one area where the Merrell Moab has built its reputation. Many hikers will happily tell you their Moab’s have given them many long years of service and, when they do eventually wear out, they’ve been so impressed that the just replace them. Our experience is that the Moab 3 certainly feels well-made and will stand the test of time based on pounding many miles on the trail. The durable synthetic mesh, crisscrossed with suede panels that makes up the shoe’s upper section feels very well put together and the rubber bumpers at the toes and heel alongside the chunk sole and webbing lace eyelets all add to this sense of quality. WeightIt is not like walking on clouds but you are likely to be pleasantly surprised by the cushioning. Based on our durometer measurements, the Moab 3 turns out to be 6.5% softer than hiking shoes on average. Most say they wear their Merrell Moab 3s for walking, but others hail the versatile shoe for being suitable for active jobs and everyday wear.

The Merrell Moab 3 features what Merrell describe as a ‘molded nylon arch shank’ to provide support for the wearers foot arch. This is more than most manufacturers offer but can still be considered a fairly neutral option. If you prefer more pronounced arch support, then a better solution may be to switch the supplied in soles out for some with a more heavily shaped design. For some, this could make a big difference to the shoe’s comfort. Fit Many outdoor companies have begun incorporating more sustainable practices and materials into production over the past several years, and Merrell’s latest Moab 3 is a nice reflection of the ongoing push. Specifically, the latest shoe’s laces, webbing, and mesh lining are now all 100% recycled to help minimize waste. All told, it's a welcome upgrade that didn't impact the shoe's performance or price, which certainly adds to the all-around appeal. Disclaimer: The durometer measurement is repeated four times. We calculate the average number as our final verdict. The photo above shows one of the measurements. The initial fit felt almost sneaker-like, with the flexible materials immediately molding to our feet. So, there’s no need to waste any time breaking them in before you hit the trails. However, the upper still provides the midfoot support you would expect from the best walking shoes, making us confident we could take on longer treks without having to endure aching feet after a couple of kilometers. Our trips using the Merrell Moab 3 emphasized that it comes with a remarkable fit. We experienced no hotspots in any area of the shoe.

Verdict

We reserve the right to choose an alternative courier at dispatch in circumstances where your chosen courier is unlikely to achieve their expected delivery promise.