Our verdict
- Top pick in best waterproof hiking shoes
- Top pick in best Gore-Tex hiking shoes
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
Comparison
The most similar hiking shoes compared
+ + Add a shoe | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audience score | 83 Good! | 80 Good! | 81 Good! | 85 Great! | |
| Price | $125 | $190 | $160 | $160 | |
| Trail terrain | ModerateTechnical | LightModerate | Technical | Technical | |
| Weight lab Weight brand | 11.4 oz / 323g 11.4 oz / 323g | 12 oz / 339g | 13.3 oz / 378g 13.3 oz / 378g | 14.4 oz / 408g 15 oz / 425g | |
| Lightweight | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | |
| Breathability | Moderate | Warm | Warm | Moderate | |
| Use | Day HikingSpeed HikingSnowBeginners | Day HikingSpeed HikingLight HikingUrban hiking | BackpackingDay HikingSpeed HikingSnow | Day HikingSnow | |
| Orthotic friendly | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Drop lab | 15.6 mm | 10.2 mm | 10.9 mm | 15.9 mm | |
| Size | Slightly small | True to size | True to size | True to size | |
| Midsole softness | Soft | Firm | Firm | Balanced | |
| Difference in midsole softness in cold | Big | Normal | Big | Normal | |
| Torsional rigidity | Stiff | Stiff | Stiff | Stiff | |
| Heel counter stiffness | Moderate | Moderate | Stiff | Moderate | |
| Stiffness | Flexible | Moderate | Flexible | Stiff | |
| Difference in stiffness in cold | Big | Normal | Big | Big | |
| Outsole hardness | Average | Hard | Hard | Average | |
| Waterproofing | Waterproof | Waterproof | Waterproof | Waterproof | |
| Material | Mesh | - | - | - | |
| Season | Winter | Winter | Winter | Winter | |
| Toebox durability | - | Decent | - | Bad | |
| Heel padding durability | - | Bad | - | Decent | |
| Outsole durability | - | Good | - | Good | |
| Width / fit | Narrow | Medium | Medium | Medium | |
| Toebox width | Medium | Medium | Medium | Narrow | |
| Lug depth | 4.0 mm | 2.3 mm | 4.5 mm | 4.4 mm | |
| Heel stack lab | 37.7 mm | 39.4 mm | 30.9 mm | 36.6 mm | |
| Forefoot | 22.1 mm | 29.2 mm | 20.0 mm | 20.7 mm | |
| Widths available | Normal | Normal | NormalWide | Normal | |
| Technology | Gore-TexVibram | - | Gore-TexOrtholite | Gore-Tex | |
| Heel tab | Finger loop | Finger loop | Finger loop | Finger loop | |
| Removable insole | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Ranking | #20 Bottom 39% | #28 Bottom 15% | #25 Bottom 24% | #14 Top 43% | |
| Popularity | #19 Bottom 42% | #20 Bottom 39% | #3 Top 10% | #12 Top 37% |
Cushioning
Shock absorption
NewThe 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.
| Moab Speed GTX | 116 SA |
| Average | 105 SA |
Energy return
NewDespite 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.
| Moab Speed GTX | 45.0% |
| Average | 50.6% |
Size and fit
Size
Merrell Moab Speed GTX fits slightly small (19 votes).
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.
| Moab Speed GTX | 90.0 mm |
| Average | 94.1 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.
| Moab Speed GTX | 72.0 mm |
| Average | 72.5 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.
| Moab Speed GTX | 24.9 mm |
| Average | 28.0 mm |
Traction / Grip
Traction test on rocks
NewFeaturing the Vibram EcoStep rubber for its outsole, the Moab Speed GTX earns bonus points for sustainability but loses some in the traction department.
Testing the shoe's gripping capacity on wet concrete, we recorded a below-average friction score of 0.24. It doesn't mean that this Merrell shoe is a slipping hazard but we expected a tackier grip from a waterproof shoe!
It's not as surefooted on slithery rocks as the Vibram TC5+ on the Moab Speed 2.
| Moab Speed GTX | 0.24 |
| Average | 0.28 |
Who should buy the Merrell Moab Speed GTX
The Moab Speed GTX is a great option for hikes where quick reflexes are required. If you are drawn to this speedy gem, then you must be:
- Someone who likes to run (sometimes). It has a springy midsole and it's lightweight, after all.
- The kind of trail-goer who bumps your toes on twisty roots and low-level boulders more often than not.
- In need of hikers that provide extra heel stability.
- A strong supporter of eco-friendly hiking shoes.
Who should NOT buy
If you are prone to the dreaded heel lift, we suggest skipping the featured shoe and turning to the Merrell Moab 3 or Salomon X Ultra 4 instead. We also recommend opting for the tanky KEEN Targhee III Waterproof if you doubt the Moab Speed GTX's sole durability.
A superb jack-of-all-trades with Gore-Tex
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.
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.
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.
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!!!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Questionable outsole construction
However, we realized that the Moab Speed GTX's outsole detaches from the midsole way too soon.
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.
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.
