We performed extensive lab analyses and took all our Merrell shoes on test hikes to find out which was the most breathable. The winner was hands down the Merrell Moab 3 which comes in top place for its superbly breathable upper, grippy outsole, and stability, making it an excellent choice for long day hikes in summer!

Even though we repeatedly dunked the Merrell Hydro to watercourses and ponds, and we subjected it not only to hikes but daily affairs, the comfort it delivered remained unvarying. Completely clear of hotspots! Toe bumper technology is a critical component of a shoe’s durability. The fronts of our shoes go through intense wear and tear on the trail. As a result, separating between the upper and midsole or outsole is a common failure point. Toe caps help prevent this, like those on the Merrel Moab 3. Breathable and waterproof options from Merrel No, Gore-tex is not the only waterproof fabric used in Merrel hiking shoes. Merrell uses their proprietary M-Select Dry technology in some hiking shoes. However, Gore-tex does tend to be the most popular material. For example, the Merrell Moab 2 GTX utilizes a Gore-tex membrane on the interior of the shoe. For one, Merrell hiking boots are heavier than their shoe-like counterparts. The extra weight of hiking boots comes from their bulky design. Surprisingly, in some cases, the extra material doesn’t make a better shoe. Average weight

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Delivery timescales are esimates in working days; Public Holidays, Saturday's and Sunday's are NOT classed as working days. The clearly visible large openings of the Hydro Moc speak for themselves in terms of ventilation. We confirmed that draining and drying this hiking shoe is ridiculously hassle-free, as the water and air efficiently enter and exit. Merrell has been making high-quality performance gear since 1981. What started as a business primarily focused on designing and manufacturing hiking boots has developed into one of the industry’s most trusted brand names, especially regarding hiking shoes.

The cushioned midsole kept a spring in our step while out hiking. In the lab, we applied a durometer and found the midsole measures 36 HA. 9% firmer than average, it kept our feet protected from sharp objects, while still giving that cushioned feel which kept us going all day. The tongue of the Alverstone is anchored on both sides, which not only improves the fit and comfort, but it also helps to keep debris out. The shoes provide good arch support, but as I mentioned before, the insole is removable and replaceable. This is also paired with another M Select technology- the Dry Membrane. This is Merrell’s very own waterproofing technology. It works well but because this is a low-rise shoe, I still wouldn’t recommend crossing a river or splashing around in them. Water can still easily enter the shoe through the top. The Merrell All Out Blaze Sieve is the best Merrell hiking shoe for water hiking. The shoe is lightweight and has impressive traction underfoot, even when wet or underwater. We also like the All Out Blaze Sieve for water hiking because of the protective toe cap. Your toes will feel protected even if you can’t see through the water. Which Merrell hiking shoe is the best for my budget?The durability of Merrel’s hiking shoes is related to material choice, the technology used, duration of use, terrain type, and how the shoes are stored.

We feel light and agile in this shoe. Weighing in at 12.1 oz (343g), the Merrell Moab Speed GTX shaves off 1.8 oz (52g) from the average for waterproof hiking shoes. Despite its impermeable Gore-Tex membrane, it is by no means a clunky shoe, and our legs still had energy to spare by the end of a hard day. It is a common trend to believe that support, specifically ankle support, comes from the high-top cuff of hiking boots. Consequently, it’s common to believe that Merrell hiking shoes do not provide adequate stability because they have low-cut cuffs around the ankle. However, this is simply not true. Low-cut Merrell hiking shoes still offer stability We squeezed the padded heel counter in the lab and awarded it a 4/5 for stiffness. 5 being the stiffest, we found this stiff heel works well at keeping our feet from moving around in the shoe - bye-bye blisters! High cuffs provide stability, but only when the cuffs are noticeably stiff. If the cuff is soft and flexible, it may not provide any extra stability. Considering you will be spending hours on end exploring different terrains in these hiking shoes, comfort is one of the most important factors. They are lightweight for hiking shoes, weighing only 1 pound and 11 ounces or 765 grams. At first, they might feel a little stiff, but after the break-in period, which is minimal, they become more flexible.As hiking shoe designs and technology improve, more avid hikers are transitioning away from hiking boots. This is true for fans of Merrell footwear, also. Instead, they are hitting the trails with Merrell hiking shoes. And for good reasons. Frequently asked questions Is Gore-Tex the only type of waterproof material in Merrell hiking shoes? The Merrel MQM Flex 2 GTX is the best Merrell hiking shoe for speed hiking. The MQM Flex 2 GTX is super lightweight, has excellent traction, and is incredibly comfortable on the trail. Which Merrell hiking shoe is best for water hiking? Taking a look at a different brand, the X Ultra 3 GTX from Salomon is a great looking shoe that you can wear to the peaks, the gym, and the store. They are the lightest option in this article, weighing only 1 pound and 7 ounces or 760 grams. You can’t talk about Merrell and not talk about the Moab. The “mother of all boots” is their flagship shoe. Today, we are specifically comparing the Alverstone to the Moab 2. This hiking shoe has many similar features- including M Select Dry for waterproofness, 5mm lugs, Merrell heel air cushion, and is made from suede and mesh.

Shanks are embedded into Merrell's flagship Moab shoes as well as many other models. Merrell hiking shoes vs. boots This is a shoe that wants to run, and we found ourselves bounding along the trail! We twisted the shoe in the lab, awarding it a 4/5 for torsional rigidity, putting it among the more rigid shoes. Our force gauge confirmed these findings, registering a whopping 54N for flexibility - a big change from the average of 36.4N. Evidently rigid, it has excellent rebound, and we felt it was a cross between a trail running and a hiking shoe.There is no doubt that the Merrell Moab 3 is a highly breathable shoe. Our microscope images showed large ventilation holes in the tightly woven fabric, and when we performed our traditional smoke test, it scored an impressive 4/5 for breathability. 5 is the most breathable, and the average for hiking shoes is 2.3, so the Moab 3 definitely classes as breathable! Some hiking boots can also be more expensive than hiking shoes. Purchasing Merrell hiking shoes is a great way to get all the traction and support you love about hiking boots for a more economical price. Delivery timescales are based on working days; Public Holidays, Saturday's and Sunday's are NOT classed as working days. On the contrary, Merrell hiking shoes provide stability through the cushioning and stiffness of the midsole. Many hiking shoes provide excellent stability despite not having high-top cuffs. The comfort someone receives from a shoe will depend on how that shoe interacts with the specific characteristics of their feet.