 This Product
Merrell Moab 3 WP - Women's | |||||
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| Awards |  Best for Versatile Performance | Best for Speed |  Best Bang for the Buck | Best Hiking Shoe Below $100 | |
| Price | $55.83 at REI Compare at 4 sellers | $149.95 at Backcountry Compare at 3 sellers | $149 List $149.00 at Amazon | $109.95 at Backcountry Compare at 4 sellers | $52.50 at Amazon Compare at 2 sellers |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | An affordable shoe that offers a consistent performance across all metrics from comfort to waterproof performance | A comfortable, high-performing hiking shoe that's versatile enough to tackle everything from well-maintained trails to technical and steep terrain | High performance without the added weight, this shoe is built for pushing the pace in mountainous terrain | This affordable hiking shoe offers great support for those with high arches | The lightweight design and sneaker-like feel provide ample comfort under foot |
| Rating Categories | Merrell Moab 3 WP -... | Salomon X Ultra 4 G... | The North Face VECT... | Merrell Moab 3 - Wo... | Columbia Crestwood... |
| Comfort (25%) | |||||
| Support (20%) | |||||
| Traction (15%) | |||||
| Water Resistance (15%) | |||||
| Weight (15%) | |||||
| Durability (10%) | |||||
| Specs | Merrell Moab 3 WP -... | Salomon X Ultra 4 G... | The North Face VECT... | Merrell Moab 3 - Wo... | Columbia Crestwood... |
| Measured Weight (per pair, size 8.5) | 1.78 lbs | 1.54 lbs | 1.34 lbs | 1.70 lbs | 1.50 lbs |
| Upper | Leather, mesh | Synthetic textile | Performance mesh | Pigskin leather, mesh | Leather, mesh, and webbing |
| Lining | Recycled mesh/waterproof, breathable membrane | Gore-Tex | Futurelight waterproof membrane | Recycled mesh | Omni-Tech |
| Midsole | EVA | EVA | Single-density EVA | Super rebound compound | Techlite |
| Outsole | Vibram TC5+ rubber | Rubber Contagrip | Surface Control rubber | Vibram TC5 | Omni-Grip |
| Width Options | Regular | Regular | Regular | Regular, wide | Regular, wide |
A tried and true low-rise hiker that delivers adequate results across all metrics, Merrell's Moab 3 Waterproof is a great choice for those seeking a more traditional and rigid design. Though one of the heaviest shoes we tested, it offers reliable waterproof protection (as long as the mesh upper isn't compromised) and also features great Vibram traction within a well-padded and sturdy design. This shoe is perfect for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors without breaking the bank.
The Moab 3 features a roomy toe box that favors a wide foot and offers plenty of space for toes to splay out naturally, removing the potential for pinching or pressure points. The good news for narrower-footed folks (and everyone else in between) is that the standard shoe is not so wide your foot will be swimming in it. And a combination of easily adjustable laces plus a plethora of padding from base to tongue and heel ensures both foot and ankle are locked into place. Meanwhile, the footbed narrows into a well-structured, air-cushioned heel cup at the backend to support a relaxed, comfortable gait. For those with especially wide feet, the Moab also comes in a wide version.
The watertight, leather upper on the Moab 3 remains both durable and somewhat flexible, ensuring solid support and protection that will mold to your foot over time. Though the leather and mesh upper combined with significant padding add protection and structure for the feet, we also experienced some discomfort due to the lack of breathability. Recent updates to the Moab 3 include a more supportive factory insole and a softer, well-cushioned EVA midsole, but we still found the design to be bulky, stiff, and less responsive when compared to other options in this review that have more flexion in the forefoot for increased comfort on the trail.
A supportive shoe integrates several features into its design: arch support, lateral support, structural supports for the ankle and heel, and a lacing system that allows you to customize the fit to your individual foot. The Moab 3 features a sturdy structure from base to ankle collar, including a molded nylon shank that substantially supports the arch and keeps the shoe from feeling too squishy underfoot.
Like its predecessor, the Moab 3 WP is also among the most torsionally rigid shoes in our test collection (i.e., limited flexing when twisted like a sponge). This translates to excellent lateral stability to protect your feet and ankles when moving over uneven terrain, though it reduces the overall responsiveness that is often achieved with a more flexible upper. The front of the shoe offers a reasonable degree of flexibility that we found to increase throughout our break-in period. We also noted that the high midfoot rigidity provided a stable base of support that makes this shoe a consideration for increased mileage on the trails. Just keep in mind that the rigid and somewhat bulky base may limit range of motion and cause discomfort and fatigue in the feet due to heel strikes.
We evaluate each shoe based on its performance heading up (and down) steep loose trails, assessing how well it sticks when tackling slick, sometimes wet, rocky terrain. The thick, deeply patterned Vibram TC5+ outsole on the Moab 3 provides a highly excellent grip and average shock absorption. A unique tread pattern combining circles, swooshes, and hatch patterns was a surprisingly powerful match for loose scree and dry steep dirt trails.
Though the Moab 3 has always received high marks in this category, we found the outsole to be stiffer than other shoes tested for this review. While it is softer than previous iterations of the Moab, the Vibram outsole still remains rigid and stiff, preventing responsiveness in technical terrain and causing the heel to absorb most of the shock. The lack of shock absorption throughout the sole of the shoe only intensified with the weight of a heavy pack. We also found the sole to lose a bit of performance when cold (a commonality between various types of rubber that lose some traction during colder temperatures). Those complaints aside, the Moab 3 provides solid traction when moving over loose sand, decomposing granite, and even slippery and polished slabs on popular hiking trails — we just wish there was a little more flexibility built into the design.
In addition to any stream or puddle crossings we encountered on the trail, each shoe was subjected to a 5-minute bucket test (submerged in 3 inches of water) to evaluate for water resistance and assess any weak points. The Moab 3 passed with flying colors. Just like other waterproof shoes in the test group, it appears the only weak point on the Moab is at the ankle opening, 3.5 inches above the sole of the shoe. If your plans involve a great deal of winter hiking or water crossings, a taller boot may be your best bet. Otherwise, this is an excellent option.
You can also pick up this same model without that waterproof membrane if you live in a hot climate. Or if you want to upgrade your waterproofing to slightly less breathable but longer-lasting Gore-tex, this option exists as well.
The Moab 3 weighs 1.78 pounds per pair for a US women's size 8.5, making these shoes some of the absolute heaviest that we tested. That said, after a little break in time, those few extra ounces were less noticeable, particularly given all the extra support features built into the shoe.
Unless fast and light is your jam, and you are specifically trying to shave weight, or steep technical terrain requiring extreme flexibility underfoot is on your calendar, we think the nominal increase in weight is a non-issue.
Though this design features a double-stitched leather and water-resistant upper, rigid outsoles, along with abrasion-resistant heel and toe caps, we have some concerns regarding the overall longevity potential of this shoe. We wish the toe cap continued further around the front to protect the mesh near the big and pinky toe from snagging on sharp rocks while navigating technical and rocky terrain.
Furthermore, the lacing system is only reinforced with mesh, except for the final eyelet, which we can imagine could wear out over the life of the shoe. We also noticed that the thick micro-fleece ankle liner has the propensity to catch on passing vegetation and pills over time (less of a concern if you're not moving through sharp brush). Additionally, we wonder if the waterproof membrane will have the same longevity as a Gore-Tex liner. We saw no failings in practice, but this is something we'd watch out for over time (and will keep an eye on to report back if we find anything of concern.) Of course, a Gore-Tex model is also available at a slightly higher cost.
Although it is a bit bulkier than many athletically inspired hiking shoes, the Moab 3 WP offers reliable performance in terms of comfort, support, and waterproof protection at an affordable price. Though the additional features increase the overall weight of the design, this remains a tried and true option for everything from day hikes to overnight trips in the backcountry.
Although not many other shoes offer the performance of the Moab 3 WP for the same affordable price, we do feel like there are better hiking shoe options if you're willing to take on more of an investment. The Salomon X Ultra 4 Gore-Tex offers a far superior, lighter weight, and versatile design for a slightly higher price tag. If you're looking for a shoe that can do it all, check out the La Sportiva Spire GTX, which is a great option for those seeking high quality and performance for everything from day hikes to extended backpacking trips. If you're after a lighter-weight design that maximizes comfort, check out the Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX. And finally, if you have a wide foot and are looking for a similar design with improved support and durability, check out the Keen Targhee III Low.
