I’m one of those guys who wears the same shoe, 99% of the time. Here in Denver, nobody looks at you twice when show up to a restaurant, social event, or even a casual office in sneakers or hiking shoes. So for me, the trick is to find one shoe that can do almost everything, every day, so I can save my dress shoes for special occasions and my heavy-duty hiking shoes for serious ventures into the mountains. And, when I find a shoe that I can wear out every day, without it wearing out, then I’m a happy guy. Merrell says that its Moab 3 is designed for hiking, but I’ve found that it’s also a comfortable shoe for walking around town and traveling.
As someone who gets frustrated spending good money on a shoe that quickly wears out, I’ve been gravitating towards Merrell shoes for a few years now. My previous shoe was a Moab Speed 2, which is their more lightweight model that they give a trail rating of “Moderate.” After spending over a year wearing that shoe nearly every day, it refused to fall apart after countless walks around town, traveling around the world, and adventures in the Colorado mountains.
But, when my new Moab 3 shoes arrived, it became clear that these shoes were meant for even more adventure than their predecessors.
Merrell Moab 3
Specifications
- Style: Low-top, lace up.
- Color options: 11 different options in Medium Width including Dark Moss (shown here). Wide Width has 7 options (Nnot including Dark Moss).
- Upper material: Pig suede leather and breathable mesh upper.
- Sole: Vibram TC5+.
- Closure: 100% recycled laces and webbing.
- Sizes: Men’s Medium Width 7-15.
- Price: $145.
Pros
- Comfortable for everyday use.
- Thick Vibram treads offer great grip and long wear.
- Double stitching for durability.
- 11 different color options in the medium width.
- Numerous variations available including women's, lightweight, waterproof, GORE-TEX, and mid-height.
Cons
- Not waterproof.
- Fleece-like lining can get hot during high temperatures.
- Rugged image might not be what you want for wearing around town.
The Design
The Merrell Moab 3 Men’s is part of a best-selling line of Moab hiking shoes, designed for light hiking to moderate conditions. There are versions for men and women, as well as lightweight styles, waterproof options, GORE-TEX lined, and mid-rise shoes. I tested standard low-rise, medium width men’s version in size 11.5. I think they run a little small, as I normally wear a size 11.
The first thing that jumped out at me was the shoe’s hearty sole with deep tread. This tread depth was far more than my old Moab 2 Light shoes that I had been using. Like driving too long on an old tire, I had simply run out of tread depth on my previous shoes, and had started to lose grip on loose surfaces. But, this extra-deep tread promises to outlast its lightweight cousin while offering better grip when hiking in the dirt. Combine that with its legendary Vibram sole, and I have no doubt these shoes are built for the long-haul.
The uppers were also sturdy, with a mix of mesh and pig skin, with double stitching on most, but not all seams. The inner lining is a fleece-like fuzzy material. While it’s comfortable, it may not wear quite as long as the rest of the shoe. Also, a fleece lining might not be what you want to have for a scorching summer hike, but it adds warmth and comfort during the other three seasons.
The Experience
The shoes slipped on nicely, and the fleece lining feels luxurious. Yes, they are slightly heavier than the lighter version, but it’s not something I noticed much. The soles feel solid, but not clunky, with plenty of flex for outdoor hikes, long walks with the dog, or just a really big airport terminal. I chose the Dark Moss color to blend in with jeans or shorts, not to get noticed, so it didn’t come as a shock that nobody approached me to compliment my new shoes (guys rarely do that kind of thing anyways).
Merrell Moab 3
The wide toe box is comfortable, while the laces are easily adjustable for the right amount of mid-sole support. As someone with a mild case of planar fasciitis, I’m sensitive to quality insoles and good arch support, and I found these shoes to be better than average. Heel support is strong, but I’m still able to slip the shoes on and off without relacing them. When hiking, I definitely take the time to tighten the laces for maximum support and stability.
Bottom Line
The Merrell Moab 3 is the latest in a long line of durable hiking shoes that come in a wide range of styles, sizes, and colors to fit just about any intended use. They’re a great alternative to wearing plain old sneakers around town, and they’re ready for rugged work when you go hiking. You’ll pay more for these than you would for a basic pair of athletic shoes, but considering the mileage you’ll get from them, it’s well worth the cost.
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