Our verdict
They say we can't have too much of a good thing, but with the Moab 3 Waterproof from Merrell, we ought to make an exception. The epitome of stoutness, this day hiker swings the odds in your favor, no matter how dire or damp the situation gets. And it's not hard to fall in love with it, considering that it's among the most affordable waterproof kicks out there.
Pros
- Exceptional support
- Max-level comfort
- No break-in period
- Quite grippy
- Durable
- Incredibly watertight
- True to size
- Exceedingly well-crafted
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- A bit too roomy
- Laces untie easily
- Somewhat warm
Who should buy the Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof
The third-gen Moab Waterproof is a familiar yet still formidable trail kick from Merrell. Purchase it if:
- You've been a true-blue fan of the Moab series, which consists of truly hard-wearing shoes.
- Pushing your hiking game to the limit is how you roll.
- You believe that luxurious comfiness needs not to be earned.
Who should NOT buy it
With no issues with its regular width and shoestrings, the Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX is a great alternative to the Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof. Also, if extra breathability is what you're after in hiking shoes, check out the Arc'teryx Aerios FL Mid GTX.
Titanic traction in every pair
Tons of stickiness is what the Moab 3 Waterproof has, and many trail-goers agree. Indeed, the shoe in question is the receiver of noteworthy traction-related comments, from "superb grip" to "amazing on the slick rocks" to "gave me confidence on any slippery incline."
Get massive support in the Moab 3 Waterproof
Numerous hikers find a mighty supportive shoe in the Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof. The highlights in their reviews are as follows:
- "Tons of support throughout the arch."
- "My feet never gave out underneath me."
- "Great support for hiking."
Quite compelling remarks, no? That said, we've fished out the boldest claim yet, and it reads, "the arch support is probably the best in the industry."
Astonishingly comfy right away
With comments like "super comfortable right out of the box" and "feels good from the start," it can be surmised that the Moab 3 Waterproof pampers the feet minus the customary break-in period. An experienced adventurer also describes this shoe as a "pillow for your feet."
Wanted: Thicker socks
It's been reported that this day hiking shoe is laterally too spacious. It's "much too wide," says a trail-goer. He then added that his regular Moab 3s felt like an E-width shoe, a.k.a. Wide.
Not the clingiest of laces
Another misfire about the Moab 3 Waterproof lies in its shoestrings. A female hiker says that the featured shoe's laces "don't stay tied."
The Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof knows no wear and tear
A decent number of reviewers find the Moab 3 Waterproof remarkably tough. "These shoes last a reasonable amount of time," says one of them.
Boss-like in bad weather
Many are impressed with the waterproofness of this true-to-size Merrell kick. One adventurer felt totally triumphant after finishing his hike with his friends with completely dry feet. He said that his friends "weren't so lucky" because they ended up getting soaked.
But it might not be ideal in warm conditions
As is true in most waterproof shoes, including GTX-engineered ones, the third-generation Moab Waterproof can get somewhat stuffy in warm conditions. It's "a bit too warm for my feet," says an experienced hiker.
The pristine craftsmanship of the Moab 3 Waterproof
This budget-friendly waterproof hiking shoe is praised by many for its super-fine overall build. Remarks such as "awesome quality" and "very well made!" prove this.
