Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Review

The Merrell Moab is the most popular hiking shoe in the world with over 25 million shoes sold since it was first introduced 15 years ago. Merrell’s original Moab reached legendary status, and the current “2” carries on the tradition. For any hiking occasion, the Moab 2 hiking shoes are some of the best around. The line includes a Moab 2 boot in both non-waterproof Ventilator and Waterproof models.You also can upgrade to a premium Gore-Tex waterproof membrane mid. In this review, I will show you the Merrell Moab Mid Waterproof.

One of the top sellers in the popular Moab line is the Moab 2 Mid Waterproof (WP), a midweight hiker/backpacking boot that utilizes Merrell’s proprietary M Select DRY waterproof lining. Which completely seals out the shoe and does not allow any water to penetrate it. But it does allow moisture to escape the shoe, and it features decent ventilation.The upper consists of suede leather and synthetic mesh.The sole features a blended EVA midsole, a molded nylon arch shank, and a Vibram TC5+ outsole.The Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof hiking boots are great options for the average hiker. They provide a reasonable amount of support and flexibility over casual hiking trails, and can even manage some rough terrain.Experience out-of-the-box comfort in this waterproof hiker.

Unfortunately, these boots struggle with heavy-duty backpacking trips, lacking the proper support for your feet when carrying a heavy pack load.That said, if you’re looking for footwear that’s comfortable on moderate hiking trails, able to keep your feet dry, and affordable, then this is an ideal choice to go with.

Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Pros and Cons

Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Review

The latest “3” was released in late spring 2022 and builds on its predecessor with a new more supportive insole, a softer more cushioned midsole, and a best-in-class Vibram outsole.The newest generation is the most environmentally friendly Moab ever, utilizing recycled materials in construction. The Moab 3 Mid WP features a waterproof membrane to keep your feet dry.

 For the Moab 3 Mid, Merrell uses a new insole that promises greater support as well as a more cushioned midsole. Like the 2, this boot has arch support and a shank. Of course, the soles should combine to protect against rocks and sharp terrain too.There’s also a new Vibram outsole on the bottom. The Vibram TC5+ outsole is made from a technical compound geared toward grip, traction, and durability over a range of terrain. It’s also flexible, according to the brand, keeping it in line with the boots’ multisport ethos.There’s also a Super Rebound Compound in the heel for more cushion and stability by reducing torque so footsteps roll forward in a smoother motion.Hiking-minded touches include the protective toe cap and the molded nylon arch shank. The Moab 3 also has a bellows tongue to help keep out debris.The Moab 3 is available in ankle-showing regular models or in mid heights as well as wide sizes.

The Moab 3 Mid Waterproof is a great boot for just about everyone. It is a perfect introductory boot for someone new to hiking but also can offer something for the seasoned adventurer with a great performance overall.

Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Pros and Cons

Merrell Alverstone Mid Waterproof Review

The Alverstone shoes are another popular option.The Merrell Alverstone Mid Waterproof rugged build and effective waterproofing also scored plus points from consumers.It is a waterproof hiking boot for rugged trails.

These shoes are designed with a breathable mesh and suede upper that helps minimize dirt and debris. Full protection and all day comfort is delivered by a waterproof, breathable M Select DRY membrane hidden beneath a suede leather and mesh upper. They are equipped with M Select GRIP outsoles, with 5mm deep lugs. The outsole is very flexible and provides you with plenty of grip and traction even on wet terrain.Inside the shoes, you will get a Kinetic Fit insole by Merrell, which promises plenty of heel and arch support. But it is removable, which is perfect for all of you who need more support than usual, because of flat feet or high arches.There’s also the compression-molded EVA midsole and the nylon shank for superb stability. And the round toe cap will protect your feet from any obstructions on the path, while the bellows tongue keeps any debris out of the shoe.

A comfortable feel and lightweight design are two of the benefits that buyers will gain from the Merrell Alverstone Mid Waterproof. It is a solid option if you:

• Prefer a hiking boot that offers to waterproof

• Prefer a hiking boot that renders optimal cushioning and support

• Prefer a hiking boot that secure footing on challenging terrain

Merrell Alverstone Mid Waterproof Pros and Cons

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Merrell Moab 2 vs. Moab 3 vs. Alverstone: Comparison Side by Side

1.Construction and Material

• Insole

Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof - Merrell crafted Moab 2 insoles with Kinetic Fit™ ADVANCED design. This design allows you to remove the contoured footbed with reinforced heel cushioning while providing medium support. Foot padding, zonal arches, heel relief, ergonomic form, total arch coverage, improved heel stabilization, smell management, and a sustainable design with recycled EVA are all Kinetic Fit™ ADVANCED insoles.

Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof -  Moab 3 builds on its predecessor with a new more supportive insole that promises greater support as well as a more cushioned midsole.The newest generation is the most environmentally friendly Moab ever, utilizing recycled materials in construction.

Merrell Alverstone Mid Waterproof  - Merrell designed the Alverstone insole for flexibility and comfort rather than durability. Merrell Alverstone boots have a Kinetic Fit™ BASE with a removable contoured insole for flexible support- offering adaptable, intuitive assistance for coordinated, safe activity. Additional features of Merrell Alverstone insoles include recycled EVA, odor suppression, and a mesh lining.

• Outsole

Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof - The Merrell Moab 2 waterproof hiking boots are made with a Vibram TC5+ outsole, which has a 5mm lug depth grip. This means that the boot’s grip is meant to provide traction and stability on all surfaces regardless of the weather.While it proved sufficient in mud and dirt, the grippiness fell just a little short when traversing rocks.

Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof - With a new and improved Vibram TC5+ outsole, the Moab 3 Mid provides ample traction to give you confidence when moving over various terrain.It is durable and sticky when used primarily on even surfaces like smooth trails and rock slabs. It offers good traction in both wet and dry trail conditions, although the lug pattern is not as flexible to changing conditions as with other models.The lug pattern on these boots is shallow and spread out, giving them a leg up on the competition when it comes to smooth surfaces, but they clog easily with mud and then do not provide good grip, nor are the lugs deep enough to effectively grab onto loose surfaces. If your travels are going to take you off the beaten path, I might suggest a boot with a more capable lugged pattern.

Merrell Alverstone Mid Waterproof  - Merrell Alverstone boot’s outsoles are different from Moab 2 and 3 outsoles. M Select GRIP of Merrell Alverstone boots is a unique feature of this style.This memorable outsole design tunes each outsole with durable traction with grips available when necessary- be it rough territory or regular pavement.Five-millimeter lugs (mostly oval-shaped) provide grip on wet and dry surfaces.There are several grooves on both ends of the sole for improved ascent and descent control.

2.Durability

Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof - Moab 2 has a lightweight design, and for that particular design, it has pretty well durability.The durability of the Moab 2 Mid WPs has both strengths and weaknesses. The toe cap is tall enough to do a bang-up job of protecting the rest of the boot from, well, bang-ups, and the exterior of the boot, as well as the outsole, seemed to hold up well to an extended period on the trail. However, the mesh lining inside the boot, included to improve breathability, could wear out or even tear after repeated use. Also, the fabric lace eyelets could be better reinforced like the leather eyelets on competing boots.It’s an excellent choice for all beginner hikers as they won’t encounter any severe damage to the shoes early on.

Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof - From a durability standpoint, the extensive use of mesh is a concern for those who log a lot of trail miles, and it’s a common weak point for tears over time, especially if you need to jam your feet into cracks between rocks or do a fair amount of scrambling.The traditional lacing system is also quite simple, with fabric and mesh components rather than steel and leather.

Merrell Alverstone Mid Waterproof  - The hiking boot’s rugged toe cap amplifies durability while granting protection from accidental knocks. Its closure system consists of several eyelets for fit management while a bellows tongue prevents debris from getting in. Also, a pull tab is located at the back of the collar to facilitate an easy on and off.

3.Comfort

Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof - The Moab 2 is a comfortable hiking shoe on easy to moderate trails. Even carrying some weight, you may enjoye walking in these shoes. This model requires no break-in period and is soft. The roomy toe box is great for descents, too.Moab 2 has insoles with odor control and a shock-absorbing design to make the wearer comfortable during extended hours.The M Select Fit.Eco+ blended-EVA gives the Merrell Moab 2 Mid waterproof its flexible design and ability to support the heels and arches of your feet.The lacing system consists of thick laces that feed through four eyelets of webbing with a fifth set of plastic eyelets at the top of the shoe. You will love the soft padding of the tongue, which allowed you to secure the laces tight without cutting into the bridge of our feet. 

Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof - Out-of-the-box comfort is a real strong suit of the Merrell Moab 3 Mid. The updated Moab 3 Mid features more cushion in the footbed and heel as well as what they refer to as Merrell Air Cushion, a feature that absorbs shock when encountering debris on the trail. The Merrell Air Cushion adds comfort underfoot, while the nylon arch support protects the foot from feeling too much of the trail while walking over uneven ground. The molded rubber toe bumper wraps around the toe, giving extra protection and comfort from tripping over rocks and roots while walking on the trail.The notable comfort and extra cushion in the new design exceed the expectations of the modest price tag and those with a wider foot will appreciate the extra room in the toe box, which increased both comfort and breathability.However, the design lacks extra padding around the Achilles, a sensitive spot prone to rubbing over the course of a long hike.Thanks to extra padding around the tongue and ankle, I also found the design to be rather stiff and require some extra trail time to break in and release tension. 

Merrell Alverstone Mid Waterproof  - This hiking boot from Merrell features a compression-molded EVA midsole and the brand’s patented Air Cushion in the heel area. These two components provide sufficient cushioning, stability, and energy return. A molded nylon arch shank grants rigidity to this footgear.Merrell Alverstone has M Select FRESH antimicrobial agents to reduce shoe odor. The bellows tongue keeps debris out, whereas the mesh lining ensures ventilation.M Select DRY impermeable membrane seals out water and lets moisture escape. Merrell Alverstone also saves the toes from bunions, cuts, and fractures. Merrell Alverstone Mid Waterproof is built with a protective rubber toe cap that protects the wearer under challenging trails.

4.Support

Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof - The mid-cut height of the Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof provides ankle support. When carrying a reasonable pack load on a moderate trail, the Merrell air cushion and nylon arch shank give a significant amount of support to the heel, while also relieving any tension from the bottom of the foot.The shock absorber is made to support more than the hiker weighs.

Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof - Merrell uses a combination of a molded nylon arch support and their unique Super Rebound Compound to create a stable and secure mid-foot structure that effectively bridges weight, protects the foot, and creates a solid hiking platform.Still, features like the Air Cushion heel and removable contoured insoles help to reinforce the heel and provid us with medium support.These boots are a great choice for increased lateral movement over uneven terrain, but this same motion can also limit support when carrying heavy loads on your back. I like the included Kinetic Fit footbed, which puts a firmer and more supportive arch under your foot for all-day comfort. This adds a lot of versatility to the boot, as it can be used as a day hiking boot for local walks just as easily as it can be taken overnight for a multi-day backpacking trip.

Merrell Alverstone Mid Waterproof  - The Alverstone Mid Waterproof uses a Merrell Kinetic Fit Base removable insole for flexible arch support. It also delivers additional underfoot comfort. Imbued with M Select Fresh, the shoe can counter odor-causing microbes.

5.Water Resistance

Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof - Merrell has elected to save customers a bit of money by using a proprietary waterproofing material rather than relying upon Gore-Tex. That would be their M Select DRY waterproof breathable membrane. The M Select Dry, although cost-saving, simply doesn’t quite stack up to Gore-Tex when it comes to balancing water resistance and breathability. In addition, the low ankle height on the Moab 2 Mid means that it’s more likely for water to splash up over the top of the boot.

Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof - Moab’s thick upper material and waterproof layer offer sufficient protection for creek crossings (up to about the bottom of your ankle in depth), light snow travel, and occasional rain. The upper does have a durable water repellent (DWR) coating for shedding water, but I found that the large portions of mesh were pretty quick to absorb moisture during creek crossing and in wet grass. And when the upper material did get soaked—especially the leather—it took a long time to dry, even when exposed to a fair amount of sun on the trail. Like many entry-level hiking boots, the Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof uses in-house waterproofing rather than the ubiquitous Gore-Tex liner found in most mid-range and high-end models.The good news is than this boot is also offered (at a slightly higher price) with a Gore-Tex lining. However, it might deliver slightly better breathability performance than the proprietary waterproof membrane supplied by Merrell.

Merrell Alverstone Mid Waterproof  - The Merrell Alverstone Mid Waterproof’s suede leather upper contains mesh panels, making it breathable and resistant to wear. An M Select Dry membrane is integrated into this component to provide sufficient protection from wet conditions.

6.Fit and Sizing

Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof - Sizes range from 7-15 US, and both regular- and wide-fit options are available. As a mid-height hiking boot, the Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof provides a great fit. 

Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof - The boot has an excellent fit that’s true to size.In addition, there’s sufficient room in the toe box, and the boot never felt sloppy or uncomfortable. It’s the kind of fit that works well with a wide variety of foot shapes, which has been a key to the Moab’s success over the years. And for those with particularly high-volume feet, Merrell also offers the design in dedicated wide sizes. 

Merrell Alverstone Mid Waterproof  - The boot has a arrow fit.And they run half a size small.

Comparison Table

Final Verdict

Merrell Alvertstone and Moab boots have design aspects suitable for hikers according to their expertise level. Moab is ideal for advanced outdoor activists, while Merrell Alverstone serves as the perfect hiking boots for beginners. Both shoes include an ergonomic footbed with an installed heel counter and arch stability. Hence, you can buy any of them according to your hiking experience.

On the other hand,if we discuss a winner between Moab 2 and Moab 3, the winner may vary from person to person. You might have to sacrifice the performance a bit if I compare it to the Moab 3. But Moab 2 does its job for casual hiking trips.If you’re on a tight budget but refuse to go without waterproofing, the Merrell Moab 2 Mid WP may just be a very viable option.

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