Verdict from 2 experts and +100 user reviews
11 reasons to buy
- According to a number of consumers, the Merrell Moab FST 2 runs true to size.
- Numerous reviewers rated this hiker quite highly in the comfort category.
- Several wearers found their Merrell Moab FST 2 hiking shoes surprisingly lightweight.
- Its outstanding arch support delighted many owners.
- This footgear impressed a couple of users with its almost non-existent break-in period.
- An expert was greatly stoked by the shoe’s attractive design.
- The Moab FST 2 earned the respect of a customer for having a well-constructed default footbed.
- This product is reasonably priced.
- The Moab FST 2 (men’s and women’s) is available in multiple colorways.
- Its versatility was praised by a couple of online shoppers. They commented that this shoe could be worn to work.
- Most users were satisfied with its overall performance. The ratings it received were often four to five stars.
2 reasons not to buy
- A tester wished that the shoe had more give around its flex points.
- A wearer was frustrated with the tongue of the shoe. She noted that it was not wide enough near the opening which gave her a hard time tucking it in.
Bottom line
Mainstays of the trail had better prepare to have their expectations exceeded by the Merrell Moab FST 2. From its sizing-consistent fit to its immense lightness, the footwear has excellence written all over it. And this is with no mention of the gear’s exceptional level of comfort and fantastically supportive arch zone yet. Having said all that, outdoorsy folks quite particular with flexibility might be slightly disappointed with this shoe. Nonetheless, the Moab FST 2 is an amazing Merrell product, one that is vastly capable of emboldening day hikers out in the great outdoors.
Tip: see the best hiking shoes.
Good to know
- The Moab FST 2 improves upon its predecessor—the Moab FST—by possessing some changes to its overall design. Instead of TPU (or thermoplastic polyurethane), this new version now has nubuck leather as part of its upper.
- This gear meant for day hiking has also received an update to its lace holes. This time, only the top pair of eyelets are standard; the rest are lace loops made of fabric.
- Exiting from this edition is the Fit.Eco insole. This Merrell product now comes with the heel-locking Kinetic Fit Base footbed.
- The second version of the Moab FST from Merrell preserves the athletic style of its predecessor. The midsole unit is made lighter.
The Moab FST 2 is a low-cut, fairly true-to-size Merrell hiker for men and women. It is designed chiefly for individuals with standard-width feet. Its sizing options are a combination of whole and half sizes. Its lacing system provides a standard approach to achieving a personalized and secure fit.
With its Vibram Megagrip outsole having a lug depth of 5 mm, the Moab FST 2 has the ample amount of traction for both dry and wet trails. This unit is made of a compound that’s grippy and long-wearing. Its sides are treaded which grants adventurers a bit more security during lateral traversals.
The lugs of these Merrell Moab FST 2 hiking shoes are adequately spaced to shed dirt and debris. As a result, they are resistant to slips.
The outsole also serves as the shoe’s protective shield as it extends upward on both ends. The rear portion contains a special pattern that’s meant for downhill maneuvers.
The Vibram logo is found in two areas of this component. One is found underneath, around the midfoot section. Another is located on the lateral side, in the heel part (which slightly encroaches the midsole unit).
Offering stability and ground protection on the trail is the footwear’s light yet solidly built midsole. Situated at the rearfoot area is Merrell’s Air Cushion which protects the heel from stress upon ground contact.
Within its arch zone is a molded nylon shank for added medial support. Merrell engineers chose this material so that the unit can provide ample flex necessary for hiking and enough stiffness to keep the arch from being overworked. It will not weigh down the foot because this material is lightweight.
For extra underfoot comfort, on the other hand, the shoe comes with the flexible Kinetic Fit Base insole. This flexible component is shaped according to the natural form of the foot. It has a heel lock which provides steadiness on uneven grounds while the arch zone is aggressively contoured for support. It comes with a mesh liner for added breathability. Finally, it is organically treated to control odor.
The FST 2’s upper is a combination of mesh and nubuck leather. The former is responsible for breathability while the latter adds durability and structure to the footgear.
It is imbued with M Select Fresh—another Merrell creation—to leave the foot smelling fresh for hours. This technology is applied to the lining and materials of the shoe. When sweat and moisture are present, microbes are triggered to produce odor. M Select Fresh agents halt these elements by breaking them down.
The midfoot section of FST 2 upper has overlays shaped like a ribcage. This construction supports the shape of the mesh material.
This gear is also crafted with a bellows tongue to prevent dust and debris from entering the interior. Its liner is made of breathable mesh.
The shoe’s classic lacing system mixes things up by having fabric lace loops making up the majority of its eyelets. The shoe’s heel and tongue pull tabs make on and off a swift affair. Lastly, the Merrell name can be seen beside the topmost eyelet, and its brand logo is found on the pull strap of the tongue.
- FST stands for Fit + Superior Traction.
- Moab stands for Mother of all Boots.
- The default insole of this product, the Kinetic Fit Base, is made of recycled EVA. In case replacement is needed, this unit can be bought. This removable component is sold in whole sizes and can be trimmed to fit footwear in half sizes.
- This silhouette comes in mid.
- The Moab FST 2 also has waterproof versions. Merrell uses two types of liners in their FST 2 offerings: Gore-Tex and the M Select Dry. GTX products are priced higher than the M Select Dry ones. The low-top ones have a ten-dollar difference, while the mid-top boots have a twenty-dollar difference.
- The Megagrip compound used in this product is Vibram’s answer to the demands of a variety of outdoor activities including enduro-mountain biking, backpacking, trekking, canyoneering and skateboarding. It comes in dense and soft formulas. The outsole company markets their creation as the most suitable high-performance rubber compound for extreme activities.
- This product belongs to the Moab line, Merrell’s long-standing collection of outdoor footwear. According to the outdoor gear company, these products (shoes and boots for casual settings and hiking) are inspired by the innate beauty and rugged trails of the national parks that surround Moab, Utah. Merrell designers integrate features and configurations that aim to deliver comfort, durability and support. This collection includes regular and wide widths in low-top and mid-top variants.
- Merrell does not sell replacement laces for the Moab FST 2 hiking shoes.
Merrell Moab FST 2 Care and Maintenance
- Clean the shoe using a soft brush, warm water and mild soap. Rinse thoroughly afterward.
- Remove the laces of the Merrell Moab FST 2 hiking shoes. Take out the footbed as well. Dry all components under room temperature. Merrell strongly advises not to use heat (e.g., direct sunlight and hair blower) when drying the shoe to avoid damage.
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