Our verdict

If free-spirited hikes are what you are after, then the Moab Speed GTX has to be on your wish list. Indeed, with its ridiculously bouncy underfoot platform and barely-there weight, this shoe had us leaping when others found it hard to pull off a measly half-meter stride. It took us several tries to make its heel obey (through proper lacing techniques), but past that, we found this hiker a dream!

Pros

  • Well-cushioned for long hikes
  • Plush on day one
  • Watertight upper
  • Sticky outsole grip
  • Featherweight
  • Stabilizing
  • Incredibly supportive

Cons

  • Unflattering heel fit
  • Frail outsole

Audience verdict

N/A
Not enough reviews yet

Cushioning

Shock absorption

New

The Merrell Moab Speed GTX offers consistent comfort and impact protection throughout the hike thanks to its excellent shock absorption.

Recording the latter at 116 SA, we found that this shoe is even better cushioned for long hiking endeavors than the average hiking shoe.

Merrell Moab Speed GTX Shock absorption heel
Test results
Moab Speed GTX 116 SA
Average 105 SA
Compared to 24 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
85 SA
Shock absorption
133 SA

Energy return

New

Despite the word 'Speed' in its name, this Merrell shoe doesn't feel particularly lively underfoot.

It showed a moderate energy return of 45% in our test, striking a balance between responsiveness and stability. It doesn't feel dead or mushy but it's not the most agile shoe either.

Test results
Moab Speed GTX 45.0%
Average 50.6%
Compared to 24 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
42.0%
Energy return
66.0%

Size and fit

Size

Merrell Moab Speed GTX is slightly small (19 votes).

Owners of this shoe, how does this shoe fit?

1 size small ½ size small True to size ½ size large 1 size large
Compared to 34 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
½ size small
Slightly small
True to size
Slightly large
½ size large

Width / Fit

The Merrell Moab Speed GTX has a fairly snug fit, even for a medium-sized foot like ours.

To see where it stands compared to other hiking shoes, we created a mold of its interiors by pouring a special liquid and waiting until it solidified.

The widest part of the mold showed a very moderate measurement of 90.0 mm which puts the Moab Speed GTX into the narrow category. Thus, it can't be recommended to hikers with wider feet or those who prefer the extra wiggle room for foot swelling or thicker socks. The Moab Speed 2 would be a better fitting option at 94.1 mm.

Merrell Moab Speed GTX Width / Fit
New test (recommended)
Old test
Test results
Moab Speed GTX 90.0 mm
Average 94.1 mm
Compared to 27 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
90.0 mm
Width / Fit
99.9 mm

Toebox width

Even though its toebox shape looks rounded, we found it to be no wider than average. At 72.0 mm, it is on par with the category average and falls into the medium width bunch.

Merrell Moab Speed GTX Toebox width
New test (recommended)
Old test
Test results
Moab Speed GTX 72.0 mm
Average 72.5 mm
Compared to 27 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
67.3 mm
Toebox width
80.5 mm

Toebox height

With a below-average caliper measurement of 24.9 mm, the shoe's toebox height is not very generous either. A few millimeters lower than average, it might feel restricting for people with toe and toenail issues.

Merrell Moab Speed GTX Toebox height
Test results
Moab Speed GTX 24.9 mm
Average 28.0 mm
Compared to 27 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
24.2 mm
Toebox height
35.4 mm

A superb jack-of-all-trades with Gore-Tex

merrell-moab-speed-gtx-hands.JPG

Having Gore-Tex in a hiking shoe is great, but it often—if not always—compromises breathability. For instance, other GTX shoes like the Hoka Anacapa Low GTX or the Merrell Moab 3 GTX got 1/5 in our airflow test—the lowest score.

However, when we used the smoke-pumping machine on this shoe, we were really surprised by the airflow. While it doesn't offer out-of-this-world ventilation, a score of 3/5 is better than expected for a waterproof shoe.

The shoe's approach to breathability is very clever. The upper rocks a highly breathable mesh in the tongue and utilizes it as a chimney. We realized that this is the only way to counter the lack of airflow in the toe box of any Gore-Tex shoe.

But the star of the show is the weight. We are floored by the shoe’s undeniable lightness.

The Moab Speed GTX is 34% lighter than the Moab 3 and 17% lighter than the Adidas Terrex AX4. That's huge!

The Moab Speed GTX's impermeable confines

We also find this shoe quite the impermeable hiker. The waterproofing keeps feet dry through puddles, damp grass, or the occasional stream crossing.

After testing the waters—no pun intended—we examined our socks, and they were as dry as the desert.

The Gore-Tex membrane did a sterling job of keeping our feet dry despite plenty of sloshing about in streams.

During our water test, the Gore-Tex membrane in the Moab Speed GTX performed exceptionally well.

Rock-solid stability and an unbelievable drop

The Moab Speed GTX bolsters stability by having a mildly fanned-out heel zone. Coupled with the cushiness of its midsole, this Merrell piece can keep your footing as level as possible on moderately rocky surfaces.

Merrell Moab Speed GTX platform front

The landing platform is impressively wide for being such a lightweight shoe. It measures 109.6 mm in the forefoot and 87.9 mm in the heel, both of which are around the average width of all hiking shoes.

merrell-moab-speed-gtx-platform-back.JPG

We discovered that a durable rock plate is incorporated within the midsole, which serves as a rigid and safeguarding shield while delivering added support.

The remaining section of the midsole showcases Merrell's FloatPro Foam, ensuring lightweight cushioning for a delightful running experience. Merrell says that the shoe has a 31/21-mm stack height for a 10-mm heel-to-toe drop.

merrell-moab-speed-gtx-stack-forefoot.JPG

We found a remarkable deviation from the official specifications. Our caliper revealed a forefoot measurement of 37.7 mm and a heel measurement of 22.1 mm, resulting in an ultra-steep heel-to-toe drop of... 15.6 mm!!!

merrell-moab-speed-gtx-stack-rear.JPG

Balanced support and flexibility

Assessing the stiffness of its various components, we found a lot of rigidity in this Merrell shoe. Our batch of tests delivered these results:

  • Heel stiffness: 4/5, being 5 the stiffest
  • Torsional flexibility: 4/5, being 5 the stiffest

These imply that the shoe holds the foot quite securely in place and don't allow it to bucke even when the trail gets tricky and obstacle-laden.

And yet, the Moab Speed GTX manages to balance its stiffness with decent comfort by allowing moderate flexibility in the forefoot. Using a shoe flexing tester, we measured that it requires a standard amount of force (19.0N) to bend to a 30-degree angle.

In this way, it feels a lot like most other hiking shoes in our catalog.

Merrell Moab Speed GTX Stiffness Flexibility

Talon-like grip

The Moab Speed GTX provided us with great traction in a variety of conditions, including muddy slopes and rocky ascents.

merrell-moab-speed-gtx-outsole-thickness.JPG

The outsole, crafted by Vibram, consists of a 1.9 mm rubber base layer, complemented by 4.0 mm thick lugs that deliver ample traction and versatility.

merrell-moab-speed-gtx-lugs.JPG

Regarding hardness, the outsole consists of a rubber that is softer than the average, measuring 84.0 HA according to our durometer. This provides a cool balance between grip and durability.

merrell-moab-speed-gtx-durometer-outsole.JPG
Disclaimer: We calculate an average of 4 measurements and disregard any outliers. This image portrays just one of those.

Fresh-from-the-box comfort

Mighty comfy from the off is the Merrell Moab Speed GTX, and we can 100% testify. The upper of the shoe is made from a durable combination of synthetic mesh and TPU, ensuring breathability and durability.

It features a comfortably padded collar and tongue, enhancing the overall fit and feel.

merrell-moab-speed-gtx-tongue.JPG

When measuring the semi-gusseted tongue, we found it to be 11.4 mm thick, which is quite impressive for a lightweight hiking shoe. To put it into perspective, it is 44% thicker than the tongue of the Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX.

merrell-moab-speed-gtx-gusset.JPG

Another crucial factor in terms of comfort is the FloatPro insole. Although it measures 5.7 mm in thickness which is pretty average, it incorporates EVA foam that ensures a plush and comfortable experience.

merrell-moab-speed-gtx-insole.JPG

Lastly, we need to mention the delightful addition of a super-handy pull tab, making the task of slipping your feet into the shoe a breeze. Nice touch, Merrell!

merrell-moab-speed-gtx-pulltab.JPG

Firm and fierce

Despite its minimal weight, we found this footgear impressively supportive overall.

The Moab Speed GTX is also quite protective as it comes with a highly shock-absorbent toe guard, which is an extension of the shoe’s Vibram outsole. 

merrell-moab-speed-gtx-onfeet.JPG

Questionable outsole construction

However, we realized that the Moab Speed GTX's outsole detaches from the midsole way too soon.

merrell-moab-speed-gtx-outsole.JPG

For a greener Earth

This Merrell kick is engineered with 100% recycled laces and mesh liners. The shoe’s footbed also comes with a 50% recycled top sheet, while its grippy outsole from Vibram is made with 30% recycled rubber.

merrell-moab-speed-gtx-walking.JPG

The Moab Speed GTX's proud siblings

Don the Moab 3 instead if your adventures happen mostly in dry months. For extra ankle support on top of everything the featured hiker can do, we recommend the Moab Speed Mid GTX.

merrell-moab-speed-gtx-goretex2.JPG