The very first thing I observed was the burden — or moderately, the shortage of it. After I tried on the Merrell Moab Pace 2 Mid GTX for the primary time and set out on certainly one of my favourite early-season loops within the Gunnison Valley, I stored ready for that acquainted heavy, clunky boot really feel to settle in. Fortunately, it by no means did.
As an alternative, it felt like I used to be sporting a burly path runner disguised as a mid-height mountain climbing boot. There was no awkward heel drag or stiff shuffle — simply clean, surprisingly springy motion with each step.
As somebody who’s worn all the things from traditional, stiff leather-based backpacking boots to featherweight path runners, I’ve usually discovered the center floor elusive. Path runners typically left me with sore arches and no rock safety, whereas conventional boots had been overkill for many of my mileage and left my legs feeling like I used to be dragging anchors.
The Pace 2 Mids promised to be the in-between I’ve been in search of: waterproof, grippy, and protecting, however nonetheless nimble sufficient to let me transfer shortly and comfortably. So I took them throughout a spread of traditional Colorado spring situations — melting snow, ankle-deep mud, sketchy creek crossings, and the occasional rocky outcropping — and got here again with a lot to say.
In brief: The Merrell Moab Pace 2 Mid GTX ($180) is a light-weight, all-day hiker with the trip of a path runner and the safety of a boot. It’s ideally suited for mountain day hikes, moist spring trails, and lightweight in a single day journeys, however not your finest guess for decent desert days or long-haul treks underneath a heavy pack.
Evaluate the Merrell Moab Pace 2 Mid GTX with the Greatest Mountain climbing Boots for Girls in 2025.
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Snug -
Tremendous waterproof -
Nice vitality return means much less fatigue -
Light-weight and glossy -
Glorious traction
Merrell Moab Pace 2 Mid GTX Assessment
Consolation & Match
Merrell claims a 30% enhance in foam underfoot in comparison with earlier fashions, and I might really feel the cushion straight away. The FloatPro foam midsole struck a pleasant stability — it was smooth sufficient to cushion lengthy descents with out ever feeling mushy or unstable. That mixture of softness and responsiveness made a noticeable impression on total consolation, particularly on back-to-back mountain climbing days.
I discovered the match true to dimension, with a safe midfoot wrap and a spacious toe field that permit my toes splay naturally with none undesirable sliding. The gusseted tongue and padded collar labored effectively to maintain path particles out, although when you’re bushwhacking or transferring by means of deep scree, gaiters are nonetheless your finest guess. I wasn’t in love with the place the ankle padding hit — it landed a bit excessive on my ankle bone — but it surely by no means chafed or precipitated any points over a number of hikes.
One element I appreciated was the padded tongue, which helped forestall lace fatigue throughout the highest of my foot, even once I cranked the laces tight for added assist. Talking of laces, Merrell provides you lengthy, sturdy laces that make it straightforward to double-knot.
Help
Ankle assist is reasonable. It’s wonderful for day hikes and lighter hundreds, however once I was carrying a heavier pack on free terrain, I did discover that I couldn’t fairly get the ankle cinched down as securely as I like.
The boot didn’t really feel sloppy, however for these tackling technical alpine routes or multiday treks with weight, you may choose one thing with a bit extra construction across the cuff.
Breathability and Waterproofing
The GORE-TEX waterproof membrane stored my toes dry throughout creek crossings and moist situations. I even stood in a small waterfall for a couple of minutes to see in the event that they remained waterproof; they did.
I’ve had different “waterproof” mountain climbing boots that didn’t even maintain as much as a rainstorm, so it is a function I’m very adamant about. If it says waterproof, it must be waterproof. My toes rely upon it!
Regardless of the waterproofing, the boots remained breathable. This stability prevented overheating throughout hotter hikes. However in all equity, the most well liked I hiked in them was round 75 levels with water crossings. I didn’t take a look at them within the warmth of summer time within the desert, and GORE-TEX boots are sometimes too sizzling for such conditions.
Traction and Stability
Geared up with Vibram TC5+ outsoles, the Moab Pace 2 Mid GTX supplied stable traction on free filth, moist rocks, and thru muddy trails. The 4mm lugs are aggressive sufficient to take care of grip all through my hikes; nevertheless, on extra technical terrain, I would like bigger lugs.
Whereas the boots carried out admirably on reasonable terrains, I observed a slight lack of stability on uneven or rocky paths. The FlexPlate know-how affords torsional rigidity, however on difficult terrains, the boots sometimes felt much less grounded. For that cause, they’re probably higher suited to extra well-traveled routes than actually rugged, off-camber terrain.
Sturdiness
The Merrell Moab Pace 2 Mid GTX strikes a considerate stability between trail-readiness and eco-conscious design. The nylon ripstop and TPU uppers are paired with heel and toe caps, providing a versatile but supportive construction that feels extra like a rugged path runner than a standard boot. I particularly appreciated the protecting artificial caps, which did a stable job of deflecting rocks and brush throughout off-trail scrambles.
After a number of weeks of testing, by means of snowmelt, rocky ridgelines, and muddy switchbacks, I began to see the primary indicators of damage. The lace loops started to fray barely, and the outsoles confirmed minor abrasions, notably at high-contact factors just like the forefoot and heel.
These points are widespread in most light-weight mountain climbing boots after repeated use. Nevertheless, it’s price noting that another customers have reported the lace loops sporting out prematurely, so longevity might differ relying on how exhausting you utilize them.
That stated, Merrell deserves credit score for integrating sustainability into the design the place it could. The boot has 100% recycled laces, webbing, and mesh linings. Becoming in eco-friendly designs with out sacrificing high quality generally is a tough stability, and I do recognize the steps they’re taking.
Room for Enchancment
The Moab Pace 2 Mid GTX performs effectively total, however there’s room for enchancment. The ankle assist is appropriate for day hikes and lighter hundreds, but it surely lacks the required construction for steeper terrain or heavier packs. I discovered myself wishing I might cinch the ankle tighter for a safer match.
Sturdiness might also be a priority. After just some weeks, I observed some fraying within the lace loops and minor put on on the outsole. Lastly, I’d wish to see a non-GTX model of the mid-boot for decent days or for mountain climbing within the desert. Merrell affords a non-GTX Moab Pace 2 in a shoe, however not within the high-top iteration.
Merrell Moab Pace 2 Mid GTX Assessment: Conclusion
The Merrell Moab Pace 2 Mid GTX reviewed right here impressed me with its stability of consolation, safety, and flexibility. It’s not straightforward to discover a mountain climbing boot that feels this nimble underfoot whereas nonetheless providing waterproof safety and sufficient construction for many backcountry trails.
After weeks of testing throughout melting snow, rocky climbs, and muddy spring situations, I stored reaching for them once I needed one thing mild, cushioned, and dependable.
They’re not good — on sizzling days, the GORE-TEX membrane runs heat, and I do have some long-term sturdiness issues. However for many day hikes, weekend adventures, and fast-paced overnights, the Moab Pace 2 Mid GTX delivers.
It received’t exchange my heavy-duty backpacking boot or my path runners, but it surely carves out a robust area of interest proper within the center. In the event you’re in search of a reliable, all-terrain mountain climbing boot that skips the break-in interval and retains your toes completely happy mile after mile, this one is price a severe look.
