Merrell Moab 3 Hiking Shoes Review

Searching for mountaineering footwear that don’t really feel like boots or price as a lot? That was the precise gear hole I used to be making an attempt to fill. I didn’t want full ankle assist or the stiffness of conventional mountaineering boots, however path runners weren’t chopping it both. They lacked construction, didn’t maintain as much as tough terrain, and lots of have been too dear for me.

I wished one thing in between: supportive however not stiff, breathable however rugged, comfy sufficient for lengthy days, with out blowing my gear funds. 

That’s the place the Merrell Girls’s Moab 3 Mountain climbing Footwear are available. They’re low-cut mountaineering footwear with the soul of a boot. With their long-standing status and dependable following, the Moab 3 delivers a promising center floor at an approachable worth. 

Briefly: The Merrell Moab 3 ($120-140) are prime funds mountaineering footwear that show you don’t must spend large to get dependable path efficiency. They’re reliable, well-constructed footwear for reasonable trails and lengthy days. Delicate cushioning, wonderful traction, and rugged construct make them an ideal possibility, although they aren’t the lightest or coolest-looking shoe on the shelf.

See how the Merrell Moab 3 stacks up in opposition to others in our information to the perfect mountaineering footwear for ladies.

Merrell Moab 3 Girls’s Mountain climbing Footwear Assessment

Consolation & Match

The Moab 3 delivers a structured, supportive really feel that stands other than extra versatile, trail-runner–type mountaineering footwear. The cushioning is agency and steady. It’s simply sufficient to soak up impression and hold ft comfy mile after mile, with out feeling squishy or overly plush. This isn’t the type of consolation that jumps out on day one, however the variety that builds belief over time.

I’ve customary measurement 8 ft, and these match me true to measurement. There’s loads of room within the toe field, a function I seen most when my ft swelled on a particularly scorching hike. Even with the room, my ft by no means slid round or felt sloppy. These needing much more room may also recognize that these footwear are available vast.

The generously padded tongue eliminates lace stress throughout the highest of the foot, so there is no such thing as a lace fatigue. That padding works in tandem with a roomy toe field and a steady midfoot wrap, providing a safe match that also permits for toe splay on descents or lengthy mileage days.

One notable quirk is that the arch assist felt too far again for my foot. It’s a minor element for me and positively a matter of private desire, however it’s one thing to pay attention to when you’re specific about arch placement.

Path Efficiency

The place the Moab 3 shines is underfoot. With strong, slip-free traction, the Vibram TC5+ outsole dealt with every little thing I threw at it, together with mud, rock, free gravel, and creek beds. The grip gave me confidence and stability on technical descents and uneven floor, which was precisely what I wished when fatigue began to set in.

The shoe rides someplace between a hiker and a path runner. It’s not overly stiff, however it’s not floppy, both. The Tremendous Rebound Compound midsole and Merrell’s Air Cushion within the heel work collectively to present the Moab 3 a balanced, grounded really feel. I wouldn’t name it agile, however it’s extremely regular.

That mentioned, this isn’t a light-weight shoe. It’s noticeably bulkier than some trendy hybrid hikers and fewer than excellent for fast-and-light missions. However it might be an ideal match when you worth assist over velocity and don’t thoughts a bit of additional weight for sturdiness.

Construct & Particulars

Regardless of the accessible worth, Merrell didn’t skimp on supplies. Pig suede leather-based and mesh create a sturdy higher constructed to face up to intense use. The inside mesh is recycled mesh. After a number of muddy hikes and some shock climate shifts, the supplies held up nicely and have been straightforward sufficient to wipe clear. 

The heel collar has a fleece-like lining, a bonus throughout cool-weather hikes. However throughout hotter outings, it turns into noticeably heat. The remainder of the higher breathes nicely, so this heel concern was extra of a localized scorching zone than a full-shoe air flow downside. General, the breathability was strong. 

I examined the non-waterproof model, although Merrell additionally affords a water-resistant possibility for under $20 extra. The non-waterproof shoe shed some water throughout creek crossings, however took some time to dry out.

In the event you count on to hike by streams or encounter moist climate, I’d advocate spending the additional $20 for the waterproof Moab 3 to remain drier and extra comfy on the path. 

The tongue deserves its personal shoutout. It’s plush, stays in place, and makes cinching down the spherical laces surprisingly comfy. Sadly, these spherical laces come untied far too simply, even when double-knotted. I ended up retying extra typically than I wished to. A flat or grippier lace can be a easy however impactful enchancment.

Room for Enchancment

As a lot as I appreciated the Moab 3’s total consolation and reliability, a number of drawbacks stood out. The shoe feels cumbersome, particularly when you’re used to lighter, extra minimal footwear. That further heft provides sturdiness however will not be excellent for these looking for a nimble really feel.

The built-in arch assist felt off for my foot form. It’s not a dealbreaker, however it’s the type of factor you’d need to take a look at earlier than committing to lengthy mileage.

And the spherical laces, whereas sturdy, have been simply irritating. Even double knots slipped free on a couple of hike. I swapped out the laces for some extras I had readily available, making it a way more fulfilling expertise. 

Conclusion

What you put on on the path ought to really feel like second nature, examined, trusted, and prepared for regardless of the day throws your approach. The Merrell Girls’s Moab 3 will be that for a lot of hikers: a reliable, no-nonsense path shoe with consolation, grip, and sturdiness that holds up over time.

It may not have the ultralight really feel of a path runner or the aggressive styling of some costlier fashions ( you, La Sportiva Spire GTX), however it affords consistency at a worth that’s onerous to beat. 

After extensively testing the Moab 3, it’s clear: this shoe prioritizes assist, stability, and reliability over velocity. In the event you’re carrying a pack or logging a number of days on the path, you’ll recognize the sturdier construct. The traction is strong, the cushioning is delicate but supportive, and the higher has confirmed rugged sufficient to face up to season after season of use.

The Moab 3 proves that budget-friendly doesn’t imply chopping corners. It simply means spending sensible.