SQUIRREL_13202804
Merrell has been around since 1981 producing popular high performance footwear, and has been owned by shoe industry aficionados Wolverine World Wide since 1997. While the Merrell Moab Speed 2 Mid Gore-Tex walking boots might be lacking in versatility, there's a lot to love about the Gore-Tex upper and Vibram outsole.
Comfort and Fit
Merrell’s Moab collection is one of the most famous in hiking, with key changes in the second iteration of the Moab Speed 2 Mid Gore-Tex including a 30% increase in midsole foam and a Vibram outsole.
Out of the box, I wished I’d gone up half a size and opted for Merrell’s wide alternatives due to the slightly constrained length and toe-box space, but I do have wide feet. (Sizing actually starts at a UK 6.5 for men and not the regular UK6). Personally, I would’ve opted for the more exciting ‘Asphalt’ colourway, but the ‘Black’ option here isn’t offensive and the exposed areas of the outsole don’t reveal stains as much as the Asphalt’s white areas.
The 30% increase in Merrell’s underfoot FloatPro Foam compared to the first Moab Speed aids long-distance hiking comfort somewhat. This takes the stack height to a fairly lofty 34mm, but stability hasn’t been an issue on rocky terrain and I’ve yet to roll my ankles in these on a variety of surfaces, which is something I’m prone to doing.
I’ve cursed it now…. There’s a reasonable level of internal padding, but recent boots on review from the likes of Columbia (the Konos TRS Outdry Mid Hiking Shoe), for example, edge these for all-day comfort, also due to the firmer midsole and inclusion of a full-length rock plate here in the Merrell (more below). The internal areas of these mid-height boots have stayed free from debris during testing thanks to the tongue and collar hugging the ankle area.
Waterproofing and Weather Resistance
Waterproofing is taken care of by a Gore-Tex membrane located in the upper. This has proven reliable in autumn and winter walks in sodden and squelchy conditions, with the membrane showing no signs of losing its waterproofing after a lengthy test period. Breathability is offered by a series of mesh areas around the upper. Again, ventilation hasn’t been a problem during winter and autumn walks but, although the initial signs are promising, I’ve yet to test these on midsummer hikes.
Durability and Build Quality
The construction of the Moab Speed 2 includes a nylon ripstop and TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) upper, but there’s also a leather version for a tenner more. The internal build quality feels of high quality, with a welcome lack of seams, while the midsole offers durability due to the full-length rock plate.
A very small number of users on Merrell’s website have reported issues with the sole and upper separating, and I do have (currently unproven) long-term concerns about the sole and upper transition areas on the inside of the foot. There’s a reinforced heel area and a hardened toe cover that’s tougher than most hiking boot/trainer combos, but boots such as the Keen Targhee IV offer more considerable toe protection.
Weight and Flexibility
The overall weight of (400g, men’s UK7) is very impressive for what’s a fairly rugged shoe that comes complete with a full-length rock plate and some considerable 4mm-deep outsole lugs.
Compared to the Decathlon Quechua Hiking Boots and Columbia Konos TRS Outdry Mid Hiking Shoe shoes, for example, these instantly feel firmer underfoot, although the midsole softens a touch after repeated wear.
You may well have noticed the addition of Speed to the title, with Merrell pitching these at swifter walkers and faster hiking, aided by that lightweight. The cost of that weight comes with the lack of a genuine reinforced toe area and only moderate internal padding.
Grip and Traction
That outsole comes courtesy of Vibram’s TC5+ rubber, with the new design’s 4mm-deep lugs delivering secure and confidence-boosting traction on a range of wet, dry, snowy and slippery surfaces. Mud doesn’t cling to the lugs either, while they’re yet to show any wear. For more mountain hikers, however, the Merrell Rogue Hikers might well be a more suitable option due to the more aggressive lugs, while hardcore mountaineers should look elsewhere.
Value for Money
£160 is a major outlay, but one that’s about par for the course for a pair of serious mid-height hiking boots from a major brand. Merrell offers a 12-month guarantee. Helping the lightweight Moab Speed 2s is how versatile these are across distances, types of terrain and a range of weather conditions. I hope my durability worries don’t come to fruition. They’re just a little too firm for everyday trainer wear.
Sustainability
The Moab Speed 2 are vegan-friendly and have plenty of recycled material in the mix. Eco credentials include 100% recycled laces, webbing, mesh lining and mesh footbed cover, and a 50% recycled footbed.
Suitable For...
The light, reasonably rugged and waterproof Moab Speed 2s should suit both recreational hiker and adventurers but serious mountaineers will be best looking for added toe protection and more aggressive traction for the most demanding terrain.
Should You Buy It?
Remember to size up and there’s much to please here thanks to the Gore-Tex upper and Vibram outsole.
SQUIRREL_13202804
