Merrell Moab Speed GTX review
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all hiking shoes.
Verdict from 5 experts & 100+ users
Pros
- Plush on day one
- Watertight
- Sticky
- Featherweight
- Stabilizing
- Incredibly supportive
- Propelling
Cons
- Unflattering heel fit
- Frail outsole



100% say it's true to size.
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Rankings
- Our 1st pick in best Merrell hiking shoes
- Our 1st pick in best Merrell hiking shoes for women
- Top 26% in hiking shoes
- Top 26% in Merrell hiking shoes
- Top 4% most popular hiking shoes
Comparison to similar hiking shoes
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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 a flexible outsole, 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 it
If you are prone to the dreaded heel lift, skip the featured shoe and turn to the Salomon OUTline GTX instead. Opt for the tanky KEEN Targhee II if you doubt the Moab Speed GTX's sole durability.
Fresh-from-the-box comfort
Mighty comfy from the off is the Merrell Moab Speed GTX, and critics highly agree.
The Moab Speed GTX's impermeable confines
Seasoned bloggers find this shoe quite the impermeable hiker. One of them even said that it is reliable enough for occasional (shallow) stream-crossing.
Lighter than most
Highly experienced testers are floored by the shoe’s undeniable lightness. Per piece, it is about 60 g lighter than the average hiking shoe weight of 350 g.
Firm and fierce
Despite its minimal weight, this footgear is impressively supportive overall, professional reviewers say. 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: A case of heel lift
An expert is none too pleased with the Moab Speed GTX's rearfoot. She said it struggled to keep her heels in place.
Talon-like grip
According to gear pundits, the Moab Speed GTX provides “great traction in a variety of conditions,” including muddy slopes and rocky ascents.
Say no to tired feet
Excellent rebound is what you can expect from this remarkable hiker from Merrell.
Questionable outsole construction
The Moab Speed GTX's outsole detaches from the midsole way too soon, according to a few trail-goers.
Balance preserver
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.
For a greener Earth
This Merrell kick is engineered with 100% recycled laces and mesh liner. 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 non-waterproof Moab Speed instead if your adventures happen mostly in dry months. For extra ankle support on top of everything the featured hiker can do, opt for the Moab Speed Mid GTX.