Merrell Moab 3 Mid WP - Women's Review

If you're after a more traditional hiking boot design that provides well-cushioned support, solid Vibram traction, and a waterproof membrane to keep your feet dry during wet and muddy hikes, then look no further than the Moab 3 Mid WP. With a design that continues to improve, it's no wonder this affordable hiker continues to rank among the bestsellers. Although not our first choice when it comes to demanding hikes through rugged terrain with heavy loads, these hikers are perfect for your average day hike or short backpacking trip.

Comfort

The Moab 3 Mid design includes key features such as substantial padding surrounding the tongue and ankle, along with a fit that's true to size, leaving ample space for the toes to spread out inside the boot. The design includes a combination of leather and synthetic mesh that initially feels quite stiff and rigid around the foot; however, the boot softens after a short break-in period. No need to size up or down as the Moab 3 is true to size and even available in a wide option for those seeking even more space in the toe box. The design also includes Merrell's proprietary Air Cushion, a feature that aids in shock absorption and additional comfort underfoot.

While there is more cushioning in the footbed and heel, we couldn't help but notice the lack of padding around the Achilles, a pressure point that would intensify under the weight of a pack. We also noticed that the very padding that created comfort around the ankle and tongue was also responsible for increasing the heat of the shoe, that and the lack of breathability offered by the waterproof membrane. If you find yourself hiking in particularly hot and dry climates, we highly recommend purchasing the non-waterproof version of these boots. Although it's not as comfortable as other boots in our review, the Moab 3 Mid still provided enough comfort through the Air Cushion and substantial padding to keep our testers comfortable on day hikes through moderate terrain.

Support

They do a decent job of supporting the ankle and a surprisingly good job supporting the arch. The ankle shaft is on the lower end of the boot designs that we've tested, measuring only 4.9 inches. While we love the additional comfort and flexion this provides, it sacrifices some support and stability for the ankle. In addition to the arch support, our testers also love the Air Cushion heel and contoured insoles that reinforce the heel and prevent fatigue, especially during longer days.

While the high heel and molded nylon shanks combine with an EVA midsole to cushion and support the feet, the boot feels like a flat, uneven platform, rather than a rockered and springy base that propels you forward. This improves once the boot is properly broken in, but it definitely took some getting used to during testing. And as previously mentioned, the additional flexion in the lower shaft is great for comfort; however, the ankle support is limited, especially when carrying a heavy pack. For shorter backpacking trips with lighter loads, or day hikes on the well-beaten path, the Moab 3 Mid is a solid choice, especially for those on a budget.

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Traction

The Moab 3 Mid includes Vibram TC5+ outsoles that perform well on most terrain types. Our testers took these boots through snowfields, through river crossings, on top of downed trees, and over slippery boulders without any issue. The outsole even improved with more use as the footbed increased in flexion. The effective 5mm lug pattern gripped well in sand, loose dirt, and provided solid performance so long as the lugs didn't fill with debris.

Perhaps the only point of failure in these well-performing outsoles was when the sole was wet after moving though snow or a river crossing. And while these boots are perfect for day hikes or moderate backpacking trips, we highly recommend that you stick to well-maintained trails for best performance.

Water Resistance

The Moab 3 Mid WP features a combination of mesh and leather in the upper that exceeded our expectations when it came to waterproof performance. While we question the overall longevity of the mesh and leather upper, at least during our testing in the field, the water from streams and puddles effectively beaded away from the upper, leaving our feet dry on the inside. That said, while testing these boots in dry climates, our feet did get sweaty due to the lack of breathability within the design.

Although the waterproof membrane performed well during our field tests, the lower flood level on the ankle shaft was noticeable in our controlled bucket tests. After testing several other options before the Moab 3 Mid WP, our testers quickly noticed the wet interior of the boot that was the only one to submerge below the ankle shaft, which measures only 4 inches. As a point of comparison, the other boot designs that we test are often over 5 or 6 inches. Although we don't recommend the Moab for extremely wet and muddy terrain, they should perform just fine if you're moving through inclement weather. If you're after a more breathable option, they also sell the same boot without a waterproof membrane.

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Durability

While the Moab 3 Mid WP leather and mesh upper doesn't inspire the most confidence in longevity, the boot held up better than expected during our extensive testing period. And for a more affordable option, the stitching, overlays, and Vibram outsole held together nicely, even as we tested them in uneven and rocky terrain. Since these

While we didn't experience any issues beyond cosmetic scratches during testing, we couldn't help but be disappointed in the simple lacing system that attaches via tiny pieces of webbing. Typically, we like to see reinforced eyelets constructed from more durable materials like metal or thick leather attaching our laces to the boot, even if just at the ankle, where the laces experience the most amount of torque. All things considered, the Moab 3 Mid WP is a more affordable design that is durable enough for well-maintained trails and pathways.

Weight

The Moab 3 Mid is among the heaviest hiking boots that we tested for this review. Known for their more classic look complete with extra padding and a wide base, these boots weigh in around 1.88 pounds for a US Women's size 8, therefore we do not recommend them for women who are counting every ounce of their gear before they hit the trail.

If weight and bulk aren't major considerations for you, you may enjoy the additional padding, support through the midsole, as well as the waterproof performance that make the Moab 3 Mid a great choice for those on a budget.

Should You Buy the Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof?

The Moab 3 Mid outperforms its more modest price tag thanks to a well-cushioned and supportive design that's perfect for those hitting the trail for the day or during shorter backpacking trips. While we wish these boots provided more confidence in overall quality, durability, and waterproof performance, our testers believe they will perform best on well-maintained trails. Overall, the Moab 3 Mid is a great choice for those who are on a tight budget, and its available in a both a wide fit and a non-waterproof construction for those who need any extra room in the toe box and want to increase the breathability of the construction.

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