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Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Review

This super comfortable hiking shoe is one of our favorite budget-friendly models
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Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Review (Robust and of great value, we admire the Moab 3 Waterproof boots.)
Robust and of great value, we admire the Moab 3 Waterproof boots.
Credit: Ryan Huetter
Price:  $150 List
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Manufacturer:   Merrell
By Ryan Huetter ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Oct 29, 2024
70
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#10 of 19
  • Comfort - 25% 8.0
  • Support - 25% 7.0
  • Traction - 15% 6.0
  • Water Resistance - 15% 7.0
  • Weight - 10% 6.5
  • Durability - 10% 6.0
Length Sizing
Runs Small
Runs Large
Width Sizing
Runs Narrow
Runs Wide

Our Verdict

The Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof is a very comfortable boot that we really enjoyed wearing. It is soft and supple, made of quality suede, and is easy to wear right out of the box. For the quality of the boot, it is a bargain, which is why it receives our coveted value award. It is a tad heavy when compared to other models, though we think the additional weight in the form of a supportive midsole and heavier materials is worth the slight trade-off. The Moab 3 would be a great choice for someone just getting into backpacking, as the price is right and the performance is solid. Compare it to top competitors in our review of the best hiking boots for men.
REASONS TO BUY
Very comfortable
Supportive
Minimal break-in time
REASONS TO AVOID
Average waterproofing
Lacks traction in mud
Editor's Note: This review was to include further testing and to add in more standardized water resistance tests on October 29, 2024.

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards Best Buy Award
Best Bang for the Buck
Top Pick Award
Best for Off-Trail Hiking
Top Pick Award
Best for Lightweight Hiking
  
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Star Rating
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Bottom Line This inexpensive boot is super comfortable and is a great all-around optionThis is a high-performance boot that eats up demanding off-trail terrain thanks to its above-average stability and tractionThis is one of the lightest hiking boots we have reviewed, and it impresses us not only for its weight but also for its overall performanceWaterproof and durable, with a very stable base, these are great hiking books ready for anything you can throw at themThis heavy leather hiking boot is a budget friendly and offers great atability
Rating Categories Merrell Moab 3 Mid... La Sportiva Ultra R... Salomon X Ultra Mid... Hoka Anacapa 2 Mid GTX Timberland Mt. Madd...
Comfort (25%)
8.0
7.0
8.0
7.0
4.0
Support (25%)
7.0
8.0
7.0
7.0
8.0
Traction (15%)
6.0
9.0
8.0
8.0
7.0
Water Resistance (15%)
7.0
7.0
7.0
8.0
8.0
Weight (10%)
6.5
8.0
8.9
7.0
7.0
Durability (10%)
6.0
7.0
5.0
8.0
8.0
Specs Merrell Moab 3 Mid... La Sportiva Ultra R... Salomon X Ultra Mid... Hoka Anacapa 2 Mid GTX Timberland Mt. Madd...
Measured Weight (per pair, size 11) 2.44 lbs 2.08 lbs 1.85 lbs 2.30 lbs 2.31 lbs
Upper Pigskin leather, mesh AirMesh, microfiber, TPU PU coated leather Waterproof nubuck leather Full-grain leather
Width Options Regular, wide Regular, wide Regular Regular Regular, wide
Waterproof Lining Waterproof membrane Gore-Tex extended comfort Gore-Tex Gore-Tex TimberDry
Midsole Super Rebound Compound Injection-molded MEMlex SensiFit EVA (30% sugarcane) EVA
Boot Type Midweight hiker/backpacking boot Lightweight hiker/day hiker Midweight hiker/backpacking boot Lightweight hiker/day hiker Midweight hiker/backpacking boot
Last Board/Shank Molded nylon Nylon molded flex TPU Molded shank Not specified TPU shank
Sole Vibram TC5+ FriXion XF 2.0 Contagrip Vibram Megagrip rubber Rubber

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Merrell Moab line has long been a favorite choice in this review, and they seem to get better with every new edition. The Moab 3 Mid Waterproof is a great boot for just about everyone. It is a perfect introductory boot for someone new to hiking but also can offer something for the seasoned adventurer with a great performance overall. While it doesn't have as good of traction in certain environments as other models in this review, we found it to be such an appealing boot that we still heartily recommend it with that small caveat.

Performance Comparison


merrell moab 3 mid waterproof - this is a great overall hiking shoe. it is inexpensive and very...
This is a great overall hiking shoe. It is inexpensive and very comfortable. We might just have to hold onto this pair!
Credit: Ryan Huetter

Comfort


The Moab 3 Mid Waterproof scores very well in the comfort metric. We love how easy it is to slip it on, the soft feel of the suede leather and mesh upper, and the simple-to-adjust lacing system for fine-tuning the fit. The Air Cushion adds comfort underfoot, while the nylon arch support protects the foot from feeling too much of the trail while walking over uneven ground. The molded rubber toe bumper wraps around the toe, giving extra protection and comfort from tripping over rocks and roots while walking on the trail.


We got this pair of boots in a regular width, although they are available in a wider version as well. We found the regular width to have a comfortable, medium-volume fit that was true to size and that was comfortable to wear with thin and thick socks alike. The mesh paneling that is found on the upper helps to allow the boot to breathe better than other models that use more impermeable materials, such as leather, although it does have a waterproof membrane. If you do most of your hiking where it is warm and dry, you might want to look at the non-waterproof version of the boot.

merrell moab 3 mid waterproof - the solidly built moab 3 waterproof boots give you a lot of boot for...
The solidly built Moab 3 Waterproof boots give you a lot of boot for not a lot of money.
Credit: Ryan Huetter

Support


The Moab 3 Mid is a mid-top boot, as the name would suggest, and the collar comes up to just below the ankle. This allows for some additional protection, though it still gives the ankle plenty of room for articulation. Lacing these boots up snugly feels tight and secure, and the soft inner fabric of the collar is comfortable against the ankle. We liked the Kinetic Fit footbed, which puts a firmer and more supportive arch under your foot for all-day comfort. This adds a lot of versatility to the boot, as it can be used as a day hiking boot for local walks just as easily as it can be taken overnight for a multi-day backpacking trip.


Merrell uses a combination of a molded nylon arch support and their unique Super Rebound Compound to create a stable and secure mid-foot structure that effectively bridges weight, protects the foot, and creates a solid hiking platform. We could spend all day wearing these boots, and even when standing on firm surfaces like granite or concrete for the whole day, we did not experience the same foot fatigue that we did while wearing less supportive boots.

While there are stiffer boots, the Moab 3 provides very decent support and stability for most activities.
Credit: Ryan Huetter

Traction


The Moab 3 uses a Vibram rubber compound called TC5+ to create the outsole. We found it to be durable and sticky when used primarily on even surfaces like smooth trails and rock slabs, as it is on the softer side (softer rubber will grip better but wear out faster). It offers good traction in both wet and dry trail conditions, although the lug pattern is not as flexible to changing conditions as with other models.


The lug pattern on these boots is shallow and spread out, giving them a leg up on the competition when it comes to smooth surfaces, but they clog easily with mud and do not provide good grip, nor are the lugs deep enough to effectively grab onto loose surfaces. For general-purpose hiking use, they will provide average traction, and we still recommend them, although if your travels are going to take you off the beaten path, we might suggest a boot with a more capable lugged pattern.

We found these boots to grip really well on hard packed trails as well as sticking to steeper slabs of dry rock.
Credit: Ryan Huetter

Water Resistance


The Moab 3 Mid uses a waterproof membrane to seal out water, which is necessary as the upper material used in these boots is a mixture of suede and mesh. We trekked through muddy meadows and streams and found the waterproofing to hold up well, although during prolonged submersion, the suede material started to sop up the water, and we began feeling wet inside the boot.


This boot is also offered (at a slightly higher price) with a Gore-Tex lining, which we have not tested. However, it might deliver slightly better breathability performance than the proprietary waterproof membrane supplied by Merrell.

merrell moab 3 mid waterproof - we found this boot's 4 inch flood height to be perfectly fine while...
We found this boot's 4 inch flood height to be perfectly fine while crossing most shallow streams.
Credit: Ryan Huetter

Weight


We weighed the Moab 3 Mid Waterproof on our own scale, and they came in at 2.44 pounds per pair in size 11 US.


This is an average weight for this category — they are not the lightest but are far from being the heaviest either. We feel the comfort and support offered by these boots is well worth a slight weight penalty.

merrell moab 3 mid waterproof - weighing the moab 3 mids on our own scale to verify weight.
Weighing the Moab 3 Mids on our own scale to verify weight.
Credit: Ryan Huetter

Durability


We tested the Moab 3 over many months, hiking around in the rugged Sierra Nevada mountains and even using them as work boots around the house. During our testing period, we did not experience any major issues we feel need to be reported. Over prolonged use we found it easy to begin to just slide our feet into these boots, which ends up breaking down the material around the ankle collar. Use the heel tab and this issue will not arise as quickly. Additionally, many seams attach the suede and mesh fabrics on the upper of the boot, and these will be the most likely point of wear as you continue to use and abuse these hiking boots.


Should You Buy the Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof?


The Moab 3 is a fantastic value. You get a lot of boot for a fair price. This boot is waterproof, very supportive, and above all, comfortable. The Moab is great for the veteran hiker or the novice backpacker alike, and we recommend it as a great budget buy.

merrell moab 3 mid waterproof - lots of seams, lots of mesh, and fabric lace eyelets are probably...
Lots of seams, lots of mesh, and fabric lace eyelets are probably the biggest areas of concern for long term wear.
Credit: Ryan Huetter

What Other Hiking Boots Should You Consider?


For more prowess in technical terrain, where excellent traction is required, the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX is one of our favorite boots. Those who seek an even taller ankle collar and want the most supportive boot while maintaining the best comfort possible should take a look at the Salomon Quest 4 Gore-Tex or our current favorite boot, the Hoka Kaha 2 GTX.

Ryan Huetter