Merrell Moab 3

Just by taking a look at them, the Merrell Moab 3 remind you of a more traditional footwear, they even have many similarities with a mountain boot, both for its design and, above all, for its structure and shape. But nothing could be further from the truth, the truth is that this model is much more comfortable and dynamic than any current boot and any walking shoe of the past years.

The midsole of this hiking shoe is called Merrell Air Cushion and the truth is that they hit the mark. The shoe is cushioned and much more comfortable than it seems at first. That feeling of softness is very important when walking for a long time. The transitions are very fluid and smooth thanks to the Super Rebound Compound technology, which means that every time you place your heel on the ground , the impacts are absorbed in a much less aggressive way.

Another aspect to highlight is Merrell's commitment to design a model, one more, that protects the foot against external elements such as stones, rocks or roots. The toe reinforcements and an upper halfway between breathable and robust make the foot feel safe and at the same time, ventilated. We are not talking about the typical shoe that at the slightest touch makes your toes or instep protest as a result of bumps or chafing.

Last but not least, the Vibram TC5+ outsole offers great security on any type of terrain. Despite not being a compound as "chewy" as a trail running shoe, it is sufficiently adherent so that the foot does not slip when we step on rocky areas, even if they are wet. The same happens in muddy areas, the sole provides the necessary grip to support the foot firmly and without fear of our buttocks landing on the ground.

Features of the MERRELL MOAB 3

Hiker profile of the Merrell Moab 3

It's clear. Although it is grateful to walk with these Moab 3 on all types of terrain, I would focus on a use on technical terrain rather than on trails or compact trails. By this I mean that their structure is made to be exposed to blunt external elements and surfaces that test our stability.

I am talking about hikers who are used to do trekking where there is a positive slope present, as happens in the ascent of the mountains. Its grip will allow us to climb and descend with total guarantee. Whether it is mid-mountain with the presence of stone or roots, or a more technical mountain with the existence of rock or loose stone, the Moab 3 will perform very efficiently.

What we liked most about the Merrell Moab 3

Without a doubt, what I liked the most is that feeling of foot protection combined with the feeling of comfort and freedom inside the shoe. In other words, you feel like you can walk on any type of terrain without the foot suffering too much. This means that as the hours go by, you continue to maintain the feeling of comfort with every step, even if you have been walking on unstable surfaces or have been going up and down continuously.

The sole is another of the pleasant aspects of this model. It offers a versatile grip, as it performs well both on wet terrain and every time you step on a rock or stone. Even if that rock is wet, like when you cross a stream, the Vibram outsole sticks very well wherever you step.

MERRELL MOAB 3 Best Prices

Opportunities for improvement in the Merrell Moab 3

Due to its robustness and its strong materials, I have missed a bit of breathability on those days when temperatures are high. Maybe it's because of the physiognomy of my foot, but I have felt that on days when the sun is hot the foot tends to sweat and accumulate more heat than on cooler days. This could be solved by using thinner socks on these days.

Another thing I would improve, but this would perhaps mean breaking the essence of the shoe, is to use more attractive designs and colors, so that trekking enthusiasts will find the Moab much more appealing.

With what other models can we compare the Merrell Moab 3?

Salomon X Ultra 4

Adidas Terrex AX4 Primegreen Hiking

Columbia Trailstorm

La Sportiva Ultra Raptor

Scarpa Mojito

Merrell Moab 3 Conclusions

The Merrell Moab 3 are made to walk for many kilometers without losing the feeling of comfort. An ideal model for those routes of ascents and descents, where the presence of steep slopes and demanding descents put us to test both us and the shoe. Of course, grip will be assured.

Whatever the terrain and the external elements, we can walk with the peace of mind that our feet and our physical integrity will be safe. This shoe is much more than it seems.

RUNNEA tester's rating

• Lightweight: 7
• Responsiveness: 7
• Cushioning: 8
• Stability: 8
• Flexibility: 8
• Grip: 9