Merrell Moab

Merrell Moab at Behind The Pines Amsterdam

The Moab is the shoe Merrell is built on, and it has earned that position by being the answer to a very common question: one pair for hiking, travel and long days walking, comfortable immediately, without looking like technical equipment.

This page collects the whole Moab family we stock, across low and mid heights, ventilated and GORE-TEX versions.

Why the Moab works

The thing people notice first is that there is no break-in. Most hiking footwear asks for a few weeks before it stops fighting your foot. The Moab is comfortable from the first wear, which is why it gets recommended to people buying their first proper walking shoe and why it keeps getting rebought by people who already know.

Underneath, the outsole is Vibram, and that is the part that matters most in wet conditions. Grip is what stops a hiking shoe becoming a liability on a wet Dutch dyke or a greasy Alpine path, and it is the specification worth caring about more than the weight.

The fit runs reasonably wide through the toe box, which suits broader feet better than most of the category.

Low or mid

The low is the more versatile buy. Lighter, easier to wear as a normal shoe, and enough support for day walking and travel.

The mid adds ankle coverage, which helps under a heavier pack and on uneven ground. It also keeps more out on wet, overgrown paths. If you carry weight or walk on rough terrain, take the mid.

Ventilated or GORE-TEX

This is the decision that actually matters, and there is no universally right answer.

The GORE-TEX version keeps water out and is the correct choice for Dutch autumn and winter, or any walking where wet ground is a given. It breathes less, and in summer heat you will feel it.

The ventilated version dries fast and stays comfortable in warm weather, but soaks through in sustained rain. If most of your walking is dry and warm, it is the better shoe.

See the wider category in hiking shoes and waterproof shoes.

Moab Speed

The faster, lighter interpretation. Lower to the ground, more aggressive lugs, closer to a trail running shoe. Better for moving quickly, less supportive under a heavy pack.

How to choose

Work backwards from the walking you actually do rather than the walking you plan to do. Day hikes, travel and city-to-path use point at the low in whichever waterproofing suits your climate. Multi-day walking with a pack points at the mid. Fast, light movement points at the Speed.

On sizing: the Moab generally fits true, with a wider toe box than most. If you wear thick hiking socks, consider a half size up. Our comparison of the best all-round outdoor shoes for city and nature puts the Moab next to the alternatives, and lightweight hiking shoes for travel covers the packing question.

What to expect in the range

• Moab low: the versatile default, ventilated and GORE-TEX.
• Moab mid: ankle support for packs and rough ground.
• Moab Speed: the lighter, faster interpretation.
• Men's and women's fits: across the range.

Why buy your Moab here

We sell a lot of Merrell and we walk in it. That means we can tell you whether the GORE-TEX version is worth it for how you will actually use them, whether the mid is overkill for day walking, and how the fit compares to what you are wearing now. Getting the fit right is what saves you money, not the discount.

Browse the full Merrell collection, the wider hiking range, or the Merrell sale.

Frequently asked questions

Does the Moab need breaking in?

No. It is comfortable from the first wear, and that is a large part of why it sells as well as it does.

Should I get the GORE-TEX version?

Yes if you walk through wet Dutch autumns and winters. No if you mostly walk in warm, dry conditions, where the ventilated version is more comfortable.

Low or mid?

Low for day walking, travel and mixed use. Mid if you carry a pack or walk on rough, uneven ground.

Does the Moab fit true to size?

Generally yes, with a wider toe box than most hiking shoes. With thick socks, consider a half size up.

Can I wear it every day?

Plenty of people do. The low in a neutral colour reads as a normal shoe and handles Dutch weather far better than a sneaker.

Shop Merrell Moab at Behind The Pines Amsterdam

Browse the Moab range below, or read our footwear guide if you are still deciding between shoe types. If you are near the shop, come and try both heights on.