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Three Things To Know:
£150 (at time of writing) with added GORE-TEX waterproofing for all-weather walks
Stylish enough to wear off-trail blends into city life as easily as countryside hikes
Vegan-friendly and made with recycled materials but durability may be a trade-off
Our rating:
Comfort, Fit and Stability
Materials, Quality and Durability
Flexibility and Weight
Grip and Traction
Merrell’s Moab ('Mother of All Boots') range is its flagship and best-selling line, and the Moab Speed 2 GORE-TEX is the latest hiking release from the American brand.
Stylish and lightweight, these shoes are designed for moderate hikes, with decent traction and a GORE-TEX waterproof membrane.
It’s certainly not the most important factor to consider when buying a walking shoe, but when I first unboxed my Merrell Women’s Moab Speed 2 GORE-TEX walking shoes the initial thing that struck me was just how stylish they look. Designed for moderate hikes with considerable technology, these walking shoes wouldn’t look out of place at a brunch spot or the in the office (the webpage for these particular shoes is awash with images of stylish women sipping coffee in Parisian-style cafes, wearing trench coats and crop tops).
So, are they all style over substance? I took them out on sunny walks in Exmoor National Park to see how they held up as hiking shoes, and they’ve followed me around Bristol's city to various engagements.
Comfort, Fit and Stability
These shoes came up a tiny bit wide and loose on my size 5 average width feet, which I didn’t expect from the look of them, but I think this could be rectified with a thicker sock. Despite this, they were comfortable straight out of the box on my four-hour walk over some rough terrain, with up- and downhill sections.
The shoes weigh just 290g per shoe, with FloatPro Foam midsoles that really are comfortable, and the lightweight FlexPlate technology provides torsional rigidity, lateral stability and forefoot flexibility, so despite the wider fit, the Moab’s still felt supportive and stable. There’s ample cushioning in the heel which makes it feel like you’re walking on air, even over rocky terrain and the ankle does feel supported.
Materials, Quality and Durability
Like I said, these shoes do look good, however, I have some reservations about the durability of the materials and manufacturing. I applaud the use of recycled materials including the 100% recycled breathable mesh lining, and mesh foot bed cover, I think extended or regular use of the Merrell Moab 2’s might lead to premature wear.
The Vibram outsole while grippy, might wear faster on abrasive terrain, and the lightweight upper mesh, while breathable and flexible, could be prone looks like it could tear or wear around the toe box and sides in more rugged off-road terrain. Similarly, after a few walks in the Merrells, the foam midsole has a couple of creases in it, suggesting this area isn’t long lasting too.
My pair of Moab’s are black with white detailing on the sole, but they also come in nine other colours including seven lighter colours, which will definitely look a bit scruffy after a couple of uses on rural trails.
Flexibility and Weight
The shoes weigh just 290g per shoe, with FloatPro Foam midsoles that really are comfortable, and the lightweight FlexPlate technology provides torsional rigidity, lateral stability and forefoot flexibility and, despite the wider fit, the Moab’s still felt supportive and stable. There’s ample cushioning in the heel, even over rocky terrain and the ankle does feel supported.
The light weight of the shoes also makes them flexible and without compromising stability.
Grip and Traction
The 4mm Vibram traction lugs offer good grip on both gravely and slippery surfaces such as wet or algae covered rocks when crossing streams. The lug pattern is is designed means it sheds any debris that might otherwise get caught in the sole.
The grip and traction is highly dependable for exactly what the Moab 2 were designed for: moderate hikes. However, those wanting a slightly more challenging and hilly walk, perhaps with some scrambling or rocky descents, might want a stiffer shoe with greater grip and traction.
For city walking I will say that the grip wasn't what I was expecting in rainy weather, and they were slippy in wet conditions when walking over smooth city surfaces.
Waterproofing and Weather Resistance
The GORE-TEX waterproofing allows sweat to escape without compromising the waterproofing. Puddles, shallow streams or light snow or heavy rain are all achievable in these shoes, and features such as the gusseted tongue and protective toe cap and raised sidewalls all help keep your feet dry in various wet conditions, including a rainy walk to work.
Sustainability
According to Merrell, its Moab Speed 2 GORE-TEX are "vegan friendly", with 100% recycled laces and webbing, 100% recycled breathable mesh lining, 100%recycled mesh footbed cover, and 50% recycled removeable EVA foam footbed.
Value for Money
While £150 isn't a small fee, the useful added GORE-TEX only adds an extra £25 on to the price of the Moab Speed 2. Potential issues with durability might take off some value, however you could argue that's added back on by the versatility of the shoes' style, taking you from hiking trail to brunch.
Should You Buy It?
These may not be the walking shoes for hikers or walkers wanting to try more challenging walks, or those looking for a durable pair of hardworking walking shoes that are versatile across tough terrains, but they are a useful and capable addition to a walking shoe collection. Just not the only ones to have on your shelf.
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- Find more in our guide to the best walking shoes.
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