7 Best Merrell Hiking Boots in 2023
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Why trust us
Merrell and hiking boots go hand in hand, like peanut butter and jelly. A pair or two of this perfect combination we know you’re desperate to own. To that end, we’ve purchased Merrell trail boots and tested them to personally see the best of what this brand has to offer. We also have separated the ones that are life-changing from the mediocre, ending up with our top picks in different categories.
Whether for daily hikes, pack adventures that last days, or escapades where you sprint more than walk, we have something quite compelling for you here. And if you’re wondering if Merrell hiking boots can also be affordable, you’re in for a treat!
Best Merrell hiking boots for speed hiking
Merrell MQM Flex 2 Mid GTX
80
Good!
What makes it the best?
If dazzling your co-adventurers with quick and agile movements is what you have been dreaming of, the MQM Flex 2 Mid GTX must be on your radar. Yes, a strong dose of athleticism is yours in this hiker, all while giving you shielded comfort through the changing weather. As long as you keep to the manicured parts of the trail, this gear from Merrell can be the only boot that you will ever need.
Pros
- Featherweight
- Instant comfort
- Incredible plushness
- Watertight
- Super-grippy outsole
- Supportive
Cons
- Below-average protection
- Weak rubber bumper
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$70
Zappos
Running Warehouse
REI
Best Merrell hiking boots for urban hiking
Merrell Nova 2 Mid Waterproof
77
Good!
What makes it the best?
One thing is quite clear about the Nova 2 Mid Waterproof—it's so darn effective both on and off the trail. Trail-goers flock to its stickiness, yes, but its plushness is equally unbelievable. Dubbed a "do everything boot" by a seasoned hiker, this waterproof gem from Merrell will take you from city streets to your go-to trail minus the premature arch aches.
Pros
- Fantastic multi-surface grip
- Great runner-like comfort
- Zero break-in
- Versatile performance
- Lighter than most boots
- Warm in the cold
- Gives springy strides
- Remarkable moisture protection
Cons
- Questionable upper durability
- Doesn't stay waterproof for long
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$90
Zappos
Running Warehouse
REI
Best budget Merrell hiking boots
Merrell Alverstone Mid Waterproof
81
Good!
What makes it the best?
The Merrell Alverstone Mid Waterproof rugged build and effective waterproofing also scored plus points from consumers. Its narrow fit, however, left some dissatisfied. So, although buyers can expect enough benefits from this boot, its width is not for everyone.
Pros
- Comfortable hiking shoe
- Lightweight
- Excellent ankle support
- Waterproof
- Durable
- Zero break-in period
Cons
- Narrow fit
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$82
Shoe Mall
Free shipping
$84
REI
Free shipping
$85
Campmor
Free shipping
$95
Eastern Mountain Sports
$120
Moosejaw
Free shipping
$145
Best Merrell hiking boots overall
Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof
83
Good!
What makes it the best?
In the Moab 3 Mid Waterproof from Merrell, there's a greater sense of solid maneuverability, whether on moderately rocky trails or muddy footpaths. While a full-fledged day hiking boot, this immensely comfy offering is highly mobile, surprising many trail-goers as it also provides a ton of support (particularly around the ankle). We just wish it's as fantastic at giving surefootedness as it is at staving off moisture.
Pros
- Remarkably supportive
- Fantastic grip level
- Pillow-like plushness
- Zero break-in
- Run-able flexibility
- Lightweight
- Warm in wintry conditions
- Above-average stability
Cons
- Questionable waterproofing
- Subpar breathability
- Its lugs get caked with mud easily
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Free shipping
$54
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$130
Designer Shoe Warehouse
Free shipping
$145
Backcountry
Free shipping
$150
REI
Free shipping
$150
Shoebacca
Free shipping & returns
$150
Best Merrell hiking boots for summer
Merrell Moab 3 Mid
86
Great!
What makes it the best?
A mid-top kick laden with superlatives—this is a befitting description for the Moab 3 Mid. Seriously, this 3rd-gen Moab boot from Merrell has got to be the fluffiest summer kick, ready to impress you with its no-wobble construction as you pull off one surefooted step after another. And the best part is, this long-lasting boot has a list price that's a hit among the masses.
Pros
- Incredibly supportive
- Cloud-like plushness
- Minimal break-in
- Superb grip
- Heavy-duty
- Flushes out stuffiness
- Prevents odor buildup
- Easy on and off
- Uberly low-priced
Cons
- A tad heavy (women's version)
- Squishy toe zone
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$69
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$89
Backcountry
Free shipping
$130
REI
Free shipping
$130
Shoebacca
Free shipping & returns
$130
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$130
Best lightweight Merrell hiking boots
Merrell Moab Speed Mid GTX
76
Decent!
What makes it the best?
The pitch meeting for the Moab Speed Mid GTX may have been one that focused on addressing 2 hiking concerns: restriction and hit-or-miss control. Now it can be assumed that the meeting was a success since it resulted in a shoe that is solidly reassuring (and comfy) without the unwanted bulk. While owning one can be a gamble durability-wise, the shoe in question is barely a disappointment in virtually everything else.
Pros
- Instant comfort
- Extremely light
- Unrelenting collar
- Mighty ankle support
- Grippy outsole
- Propelling boot
- Watertight
Cons
- Frail outsole
- Unruly laces
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$80
Moosejaw
Free shipping
$119
REI
Free shipping
$125
Shoebacca
Free shipping & returns
$155
Sun and Ski
Free shipping
$170
Best Merrell hiking boots for backpacking
Merrell Rogue Hiker Mid GTX
79
Good!
What makes it the best?
At face value, the Rogue Hiker Mid GTX from Merrell can be mistaken for a fancy sneakerboot, but underneath its lovely design, the boot is anything but skin-deep. Case in point: Reviewers are mesmerized by its cloud-like plushness, and the way it claws into shifting terrain is pure magic. And while it's empowering on pack adventures, wearing it is never an encumbering experience.
Pros
- Fantastic multi-terrain grip
- Exceptionally comfy
- Superb water protection
- Spacious at the toes
- Very light for a backpacking boot
- True to size
- Eye-catching aesthetics
Cons
- Subpar ankle support
- Not for exceedingly bumpy terrain
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$229
Backcountry
Free shipping
$230
REI
Free shipping
$230
Shoe Mall
Free shipping
$230
Moosejaw
Free shipping
$230
Comparison of the 7 best Merrell hiking boots
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How we test hiking boots
Here at RunRepeat, we are committed to delivering multi-faceted and unbiased reviews on the best Merrell hiking boots on the market. To realize this goal, we live by the following:
- We purchase Merrell kicks using our own funds, allowing us to remain objective throughout our testing and review process.
- As professional gear testers, we use every pair in various settings (terrain + weather conditions) to gauge where a given Merrell boot shines the brightest.
- We utilize all our tools in measuring, weighing, and rating the aspects of the shoes. We also reach a point where we slice the shoes in half to expose all their parts. One aspect we evaluate is the grip, which we analyze by finding the lug depth and the outsole's hardness, using our caliper and durometer, respectively. Shoes with deeper lugs and lower measurements of outsole hardness are usually grippier and more appropriate for technical trails.
