7 Best Merrell Hiking Shoes in 2023
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Why trust us
Are you in search of a well-rounded hiker? Maybe something that can keep your feet well-ventilated? Or how about a hiking shoe that excels in the water? Whatever your fancy, there is a top pick waiting for you here.
We’ve thoroughly tested over 50 pairs of Merrell hiking shoes to help you pick the right one. Featured below are those that came on top in different categories and their runners-up.
How we test hiking shoes
Coming up with the best Merrell hiking shoes is no easy feat. That said, we at RunRepeat take such a challenge seriously. Here’s how we do it:
- We purchase Merrell hikers using our own funds. This way, we can focus on delivering professional and objective reviews each time.
- We put every Merrell pair to the test by hiking in them for weeks on a variety of terrain types. We also use each one rigorously in the setting it is mainly built for.
- Reviews from a multitude of gear experts and regular users we include in the mix to make our reviews as comprehensive as possible.
As a result, every Merrell pair gets a CoreScore, which we use to determine the cream of the crop from this particular brand.
Best Merrell hiking shoes overall
Merrell Moab 3
88
Superb!
What makes it the best?
They say "third time's a charm," and for the Moab 3 from Merrell, that is quite the case. Indeed, this third-gen Moab hiker will push you to go further with extraordinary grip, all while charming your feet with plushness all over. Glorious in almost every way, the Moab 3 is also the one to beat when it comes to affordability and value for money.
Pros
- Supremely comfy
- Zero break-in
- Boss-level support
- Solid grip
- Stable platform
- Fantastic cushioning
- Fits various foot shapes
- Cheaper than average
- Recycled materials
Cons
- Heavier than average
- Not quite sleek-looking
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
More colors
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$58
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$84
Designer Shoe Warehouse
Free shipping
$110
Backcountry
Free shipping
$110
REI
Free shipping
$110
Shoebacca
Free shipping & returns
$110
Best Merrell waterproof hiking shoes
Merrell Moab 2 GTX
87
Great!
What makes it the best?
The Merrell Moab 2 GTX is a well-built hiking shoe. With heaps of comfort and a solid waterproofing system, the Moab 2 GTX might be your best choice for your go-to day hiking shoe.
Pros
- Incredibly comfortable
- Waterproofing that actually works!
- Durable upper
- Perfect for short one-day hikes
- Soft, plush feel
- Protects from sharp rocks underfoot
- Flexible
Cons
- Poor heel lockdown
- Average grip
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$75
Campmor
Free shipping
$150
Zappos
Running Warehouse
Best Merrell hiking shoes for speed hiking
Merrell Moab Speed
81
Good!
What makes it the best?
If there is one word that can describe the Moab Speed outside the bounds of “fast” and the like, “liberating” should be it. Dubbed by Merrell as their tackle-any-trail shoe, this agile hiker will draw out the creative adventurer bubbling inside you. Yes, the Moab Speed is poised to live up to its moniker, especially once you get it on nice and secure.
Pros
- True to size
- Nice fit
- Amazing arch support
- Quick-drying
- Well-cushioned
- Quick break-in time
- Very comfortable
- Grippy
- Versatile
- Feels light
Cons
- Heel lock is sub-par
- Not for wide feet
- Sole wears quickly
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$60
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$93
REI
Free shipping
$100
Backcountry
Free shipping
$130
Shoebacca
Free shipping & returns
$130
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$130
Best breathable Merrell hiking shoes
Merrell Yokota 2
83
Great!
What makes it the best?
According to those who have used it, the Yokota 2 is a lightweight shoe that offers a generous amount of comfort and traction. Its airy upper is also a hit to those looking to hike in warm weather. On the other hand, the footgear’s lack of cushioning may be a cause of concern for some.
Pros
- True to size
- Superb comfort
- No break-in period needed
- Durable
- Grippy
- Affordable
- Supportive
- Very breathable
Cons
- Not for wide feet
- Plain-looking design
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$55
Zappos
Running Warehouse
REI
Best Merrell hiking shoes for water hiking
Merrell Waterpro Maipo 2
82
Good!
What makes it the best?
The Merrell Waterpro Maipo 2 is appreciated for its unwavering adhesion over various ground surfaces. It also provides out-of-the-box comfort, allowing owners to enjoy its comfy confines and versatile design from the get-go. Also, all of these features are packed without weighing a ton.
Pros
- Excellent traction on both wet and dry surfaces
- Excellent versatility
- Zero break-in period
- Lightweight
- Quick dry
- Flexible
- True-to-width fit
- Breathable
Cons
- Runs big
- Not debris-resistant
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$74
Zappos
Running Warehouse
REI
Best value
Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator
88
Superb!
What makes it the best?
The Moab 2 Ventilator offers support and versatility in a reasonably priced package. This Merrell footgear also receives great acclaim and applause for having excellent longevity and a grippy outsole. However, its list of commendable features reveals a couple of setbacks, mainly because of its heel slippage. Its lack of cushioning, restrictive fit, and unimpressive breathability disappointed hikers.
Pros
- Grippy outsole
- Versatile (backcountry and city walks)
- Easy to break in
- Affordable
- Provides arch support
- Durable
- Lightweight
Cons
- Heel slippage
- Not breathable
- Lacks cushioning
- Narrow
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
More colors
Sun and Ski
Free shipping
$51
Moosejaw
Free shipping
$55
Stadium Goods
$55
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$57
Campmor
Free shipping
$100
Eastern Mountain Sports
$110
Most popular Merrell hiking shoes
Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof
83
Great!
What makes it the most popular?
They say we can't have too much of a good thing, but with the Moab 3 Waterproof from Merrell, we ought to make an exception. The epitome of stoutness, this day hiker swings the odds in your favor, no matter how dire or damp the situation gets. And it's not hard to fall in love with it, considering that it's among the most affordable waterproof kicks out there.
Pros
- Exceptional support
- Max-level comfort
- No break-in period
- Quite grippy
- Durable
- Incredibly watertight
- True to size
- Exceedingly well-crafted
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- A bit too roomy
- Laces untie easily
- Somewhat warm
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$72
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$135
Backcountry
Free shipping
$135
REI
Free shipping
$135
Sun and Ski
Free shipping
$135
Shoe Mall
Free shipping
$135
Comparison of the 7 best Merrell hiking shoes
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