7 Best Merrell Hiking Shoes in 2023

Paul Ronto
Paul Ronto on
7 Best Merrell Hiking Shoes in 2023
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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
Full review of Merrell Moab 3

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Black Night (J03587)
Walnut (J03589)
Walnut/Moss (J03628)
Kangaroo/Coyote (J13554)
Granite V2 (J03588)
Avocado (J03703)
J036769 Bracken (J03676)
Black (J03702)
More colors

Best Merrell waterproof hiking shoes

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
Full review of Merrell Moab 2 GTX

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Brown (J06041)
Brown (J06035)
Beluga (J06039)
Black (J06037)
Black (J03548)
Boulder (J03333)
Grey (J50006)
Blue (J12135)

Best Merrell hiking shoes for speed hiking

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
Full review of Merrell Moab Speed

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Brown (J06708)
Black/White (J06709)
Black (J13539)
Brindle (J06677)
Black/Asphalt (J06703)
Olive (J50034)
Falcon (J06771)
Black (J13540)

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
Full review of Merrell Yokota 2

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Beige (J31281)
Bracken (J31275)
Castlerock (J31277)
Boulder/Chili (J50004)
Butternut/Arctic (J03509)

Best Merrell hiking shoes for water hiking

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
Full review of Merrell Waterpro Maipo 2

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Black (J48611)

Best value

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
Full review of Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Walnut (J06011)
BLACK (J06017)
Taupe (J06020)
Granite V2 (J03420)
Beluga (J06015)
Beige (J03334)
Brown (J59823)
Granite/Gecko (J03484)
More colors

Comparison of the 7 best Merrell hiking shoes

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Best
CoreScore
Users rating
Experts
Best price
Ranking
Popularity
# of colorways

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Author
Paul Ronto
Paul Ronto

Over the past 20 years, Paul has climbed, hiked, and run all over the world. He has summited peaks throughout the Americas, trekked through Africa, and tested his endurance in 24-hour trail races as well as 6 marathons. On average, he runs 30-50 miles a week in the foothills of Northern Colorado. His research is regularly cited in The New York Times, Washington Post, National Geographic, etc. On top of this, Paul is leading the running shoe lab where he cuts shoes apart and analyzes every detail of the shoes that you might buy.