At 2lb 1oz, they’re lighter than traditional hiking boots but heavier than many modern walking shoes, and the chunky sole may take some adjusting to if you’re used to shoes with a slimmer profile like the On Cloud . But we found this robust design was well-suited to longer distances or more heavy-duty treks.

Disclaimer: The durometer measurement is repeated four times. We calculate the average number as our final verdict. The photo above shows one of the measurements. All-day comfort is excellent: The Moab has plush padding throughout, provides great isolation from the trail, and offers a smooth ride with good flex at the forefoot. Many outdoor companies have begun incorporating more sustainable practices and materials into production over the past several years, and Merrell’s latest Moab 3 is a nice reflection of the ongoing push. Specifically, the latest shoe’s laces, webbing, and mesh lining are now all 100% recycled to help minimize waste. All told, it's a welcome upgrade that didn't impact the shoe's performance or price, which certainly adds to the all-around appeal. Most people agreed the shoes fit true to size and provide an incredibly comfortable walking experience across a wide variety of distances and terrains, without the need to break them in. The Moab 3s feature a Vibram TC5+ outsole, Merrell Air Cushion technology in the heel and removable Kinetic Fit Advanced insoles with a reinforced heel. Combined, these provided a sturdy yet supportive platform for our feet, and we could really feel the spring of the additional cushioning with each step.

Should You Buy the Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof?

A nylon arch shank within the outsole ensures the shoes remain rigid and stable, but there is more give at the flex point of the shoe (underneath the ball of your foot) than most walking boots, allowing your feet to bend naturally when taking on gradients.

Our trips using the Merrell Moab 3 emphasized that it comes with a remarkable fit. We experienced no hotspots in any area of the shoe. The initial fit felt almost sneaker-like, with the flexible materials immediately molding to our feet. So, there’s no need to waste any time breaking them in before you hit the trails. However, the upper still provides the midfoot support you would expect from the best walking shoes, making us confident we could take on longer treks without having to endure aching feet after a couple of kilometers. It is in fact true, based on our own measurements. The caliper shows 4.8 mm but there is also a slight deviation between the different lugs.The Merrell Moab 3 would once have been described as having a modern look. They are certainly not traditional-looking hiking shoes, but the fact is the industry moves on at a tremendous pace and the Merrell Moab – even in its third major revision – does not look so cutting edge anymore. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The design is quite understated and a lot of the fans of these shoes like them for precisely this reason! The shoe is offered in three colorways at present – all fairly neutral – and the different model variants within the Moab family of shoes add further color options too. Durability Durability is one area where the Merrell Moab has built its reputation. Many hikers will happily tell you their Moab’s have given them many long years of service and, when they do eventually wear out, they’ve been so impressed that the just replace them. Our experience is that the Moab 3 certainly feels well-made and will stand the test of time based on pounding many miles on the trail. The durable synthetic mesh, crisscrossed with suede panels that makes up the shoe’s upper section feels very well put together and the rubber bumpers at the toes and heel alongside the chunk sole and webbing lace eyelets all add to this sense of quality. Weight The fit should make most hikers happy: The lacing system is reliable and secure, and the heel and toe box are roomy enough to be comfortable without feeling sloppy. The shoes’ impressive comfort credentials were apparent from the moment we slipped them on, with the pig suede leather and breathable mesh upper striking a fine balance between pliability and rigidity. The Merrell Moab 3 shoes use a combination of synthetic materials and sue. Note that the suede is sourced from pigs, and this may have implications for people of certain faiths. Aside from the suede reinforcing sections on the upper, the shoes are largely synthetic and make heavy use of vented mesh material. The shoe’s tongue is also gusseted to help prevent debris from getting into the shoe – that’s particularly useful in dry conditions – and the shoes also feature a waterproof and breathable membrane: the version we’ve assessed uses Merrell’s own membrane, but a Gore-Tex version is available at extra cost. To give the shoes some good environmental credentials, Merrell also state that the webbing, laces and breathable mesh lining are all also made from 100% recycled materials, which is great to see. Appearance