REASONS TO BUY
Super lightweight
Relatively inexpensive
Comfortable out of the box
Vibram traction
REASONS TO AVOID
Design lacks durability you'd expect from the price
Limited ankle support
Merrell Moab Speed 2 Mid GTX - Women's Review
These ultralight hiking boots feel more like your favorite sneaker, providing comfort out of the box, great traction, and waterproof performance, however, they are limited in ankle support and durability
Lightweight footwear can be a game changer for those seeking to log miles fast and light, although the trade off is typically durability and trail protection.
Credit: Trish Matheny
By Trish Matheny ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ April 9, 2026
RELATED: The Best Hiking Boots for Women
Our Verdict
The Merrell Moab Speed 2 Mid GTX is a lightweight and more affordable modern design that feels more like a sneaker than a rigid hiking boot. It excels in lightweight performance although sacrifices a bit of support and durability within the super flexible upper and ankle cuff that only features a single metal hook. It's not overly padded and the midsole will put some spring in your step while the Vibram traction performs well in most terrain. The boot is true to size and able to accommodate both wide and narrow feet, although those with truly narrow feet may find it difficult to fully tighten the laces. The boot passed our waterproof tests with flying colors, although the thin mesh upper didn't really keep our feet warm in colder temperatures. For those seeking a lightweight boot to hike trails in good condition, the Speed is worth checking out.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Merrell Moab Speed 2 Mid GTX - Women's | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best Overall Hiking Boots |  Best Bang for Your Buck | Best Hiking Boot Under $100 | ||
| Price | $180 List Check Price at Backcountry | $219 List Check Price at REI | $175 List Check Price at REI | $100 List Check Price at Backcountry | $60 List Check Price at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | These ultralight hiking boots feel more like your favorite sneaker, providing comfort out of the box, great traction, and waterproof performance, however, they are limited in ankle support and durability | This water-resistant hiking boot is perfect for those seeking all-day comfort, stability, and excellent traction in a lightweight package that performs well in a variety of terrain types | These provide a traditional, time-tested option for those seeking enough comfort, support, and waterproofing to get them through day hikes or short backpacking trips on well-maintained trails | This boot provides comfort, stability, and waterproof performance, thanks to a flexible and breathable mesh upper along with a functional, supportive ankle cuff | Unfortunately you get what you pay for with this affordable hiker, the sole is stiff and lacks flexion while the ankle cuff is overly padded, preventing the cuff from offering any support or stability due to the dysfunctional single hook design |
| Rating Categories | Merrell Moab Speed 2... | La Sportiva Ultra Ra... | Merrell Moab 3 Mid WP | Columbia Crestwood Mid | NORTIV 8 Waterproof |
| Comfort (30%) | |||||
| Support (25%) | |||||
| Traction (20%) | |||||
| Water Resistance (10%) | |||||
| Durability (10%) | |||||
| Weight (5%) | |||||
| Specifications | Merrell Moab Speed 2... | La Sportiva Ultra Ra... | Merrell Moab 3 Mid WP | Columbia Crestwood Mid | NORTIV 8 Waterproof |
| Measured Weight (per pair) | 1.44 lbs (size 8.5) | 1.56 lbs (size EU 40) | 1.88 lbs (size 8) | 1.80 lbs (size 8.5) | 2.02 lbs (size 8.5) |
| Width Options | Regular | Regular | Regular, wide | Regular, wide | Regular, wide |
| Waterproof Lining | Gore-Tex | GORE-TEX Extended Comfort | Waterproof membrane | Omni-Tech | Yes, not specified |
| Upper | Nylon ripstop, TPU | High-tenacity ripstop mesh (85% recycled polyester/15% polyester) | Pigskin leather, mesh | Leather, mesh and webbing | Suede |
| Midsole | FloatPro foam | Dual-density CM-EVA | Super Rebound Compound | TechLite | Shock Absorbent MD |
| Heel Height | 1.3" | 1.5" | 2.0" | 1.5" | 2.0" |
| Shaft Height | 5.25" | 6.25" | 4.9" | 5.0" | 5.5" |
| Sole | Vibram TC5+ | FriXion XF 2.0 | Vibram TC5+ | Omni-Grip | Rubber |
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Merrell Moab Speed 2 Mid GTX is a modern design that prioritizes lightweight performance. Credit: Trish Matheny
Likes
The Merrell Moab Speed 2 Mid GTX favors a modern and lightweight hiking boot design that essentially combines a running shoe with an ankle cuff for better support on the trails. The Speed is among the lightest boots that we tested while providing a decent amount of comfort direct from the box for a variety of foot shapes. This boot is perfect for those who don't need a ton of support and aren't planning on carrying heavy loads.
The FloatPro foam midsole puts a little spring in your step while the Nylon ripstop and TPU upper remain flexible, offering comfort immediately without an extended break in period. We found these boots to run true to size and suitable for wide or narrow feet, however, if your feet are truly narrow like our lead testers, she found it difficult to fully tighten the laces to surround and support her foot.
The Vibram TC5+ outsoles included in the design combine with a flexible upper to maximize grip on popular trails and the deep lug pattern offers great performance unless filled with mud.
We can't really complain about the Vibram traction that performed well so long as the lugs didn't fill with mud. Credit: Trish Matheny
Dislikes
The Merrell Moab Speed 2 Mid GTX is among the more affordable hiking boots that we tested and features a very lightweight design that makes us question it's longevity. Although it features a ripstop nylon upper, we were concerned that it wouldn't hold up in rugged terrain like boulder fields and talus, therefore we recommend wearing these boots on well-maintained trail systems.
Our lead tester noted, “this feels more like a sneaker than a hiking boot,” when commenting on the support of the ankle cuff that features a ton of flexion in addition to a single metal hook on the cuff that felt ineffective, especially when carrying a heavy pack.
The Merrell Moab Speed 2 Mid GTX is an affordable option for those seeking lightweight performance on well-maintained trails. Credit: Trish Matheny
Should You Buy the Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid Gore-Tex?
The Merrell Moab Speed 2 Mid GTX isn't the most durable nor supportive option in the lineup. That said, it's quite affordable and perhaps worth considering if you're simply after a lightweight and comfortable boot for outings on popular, well-maintained trails in good condition.
What Other Women's Hiking Boots Should You Consider?
Our testers highly recommend more supportive and lightweight options like the On Cloudrock Mid Waterproof that provides better support, durability, and traction in addition to great waterproof performance during soggy hikes. Speaking of wet conditions, we also love the La Sportiva TX Hike Mid Leather GTX thanks to its waterproof and breathable upper that combines with a comfortable and supportive design that's perfect for day hikes or short backpacking trips.
—Trish Matheny
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