At its widest part (around the metatarsal joints), the Moab 3 is 96 mm wide. This is 2.9 mm narrower than the average and 3.9 mm narrower than the popular Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX. However, what makes the Moab 3 feel so roomy is that its forefoot doesn't get much narrower around the toes. It is 79.5 mm wide around the toes, which is actually 5.6 mm wider than the average! In addition to having toothy treads, we realized that the rubber compound on the Moab 3 is relatively firm. We are also pleasantly surprised that it can accommodate broad feet without giving the regular-footed testers among us a sloppy in-shoe feeling. Many outdoor companies have begun incorporating more sustainable practices and materials into production over the past several years, and Merrell’s latest Moab 3 is a nice reflection of the ongoing push. Specifically, the latest shoe’s laces, webbing, and mesh lining are now all 100% recycled to help minimize waste. All told, it's a welcome upgrade that didn't impact the shoe's performance or price, which certainly adds to the all-around appeal.

Impressively well built for the price, including a premium suede and mesh upper and excellent cushioning that feel reminiscent of pricier designs. It is in fact true, based on our own measurements. The caliper shows 4.8 mm but there is also a slight deviation between the different lugs. Most say they wear their Merrell Moab 3s for walking, but others hail the versatile shoe for being suitable for active jobs and everyday wear.

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Disclaimer: The durometer measurement is repeated four times. We calculate the average number as our final verdict. The photo above shows one of the measurements. The Merrell Moab 3 would once have been described as having a modern look. They are certainly not traditional-looking hiking shoes, but the fact is the industry moves on at a tremendous pace and the Merrell Moab – even in its third major revision – does not look so cutting edge anymore. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The design is quite understated and a lot of the fans of these shoes like them for precisely this reason! The shoe is offered in three colorways at present – all fairly neutral – and the different model variants within the Moab family of shoes add further color options too. Durability The Merrell Moab has got to be one of the most popular hiking shoes out there – Merrell claim over 25 million sales for this range of shoes – and this is for good reason too, we think. The Moab name covers a whole family of different shoes within Merrell’s range all derived from the same core design including mid-high boots, sandals and more sports-oriented runners. The Moab 3 is pretty much the standard hiking shoe version and what we’ll be assessing here. The same shoe is also offered with a Gore-Tex lining for a slight price premium. Compare to Similar Products The initial fit felt almost sneaker-like, with the flexible materials immediately molding to our feet. So, there’s no need to waste any time breaking them in before you hit the trails. However, the upper still provides the midfoot support you would expect from the best walking shoes, making us confident we could take on longer treks without having to endure aching feet after a couple of kilometers. Their traditional design is likely to split opinion. Those who are used to slimmer sneakers may find them too chunky for everyday wear, however hiking boot fans will appreciate they are slimmer than your average walking shoe. Overall, we liked the look and found it fitted in well with our walking ensemble.

When it comes to support, the Moab 3s are the best walking shoes we tested. Maybe it’s a result of Merrell’s 41-year history in manufacturing hiking boots, but the shoes were unrivaled when it came to providing comfort and protection, particularly over longer distances. All-day comfort is excellent: The Moab has plush padding throughout, provides great isolation from the trail, and offers a smooth ride with good flex at the forefoot.

We reserve the right to choose an alternative courier at dispatch in circumstances where your chosen courier is unlikely to achieve their expected delivery promise. The fit should make most hikers happy: The lacing system is reliable and secure, and the heel and toe box are roomy enough to be comfortable without feeling sloppy. The Moab 3s feature a Vibram TC5+ outsole, Merrell Air Cushion technology in the heel and removable Kinetic Fit Advanced insoles with a reinforced heel. Combined, these provided a sturdy yet supportive platform for our feet, and we could really feel the spring of the additional cushioning with each step. We tested these boots in a medium width, which fit just perfectly, although Merrell makes them in a wide version as well so that you can get the best fit possible. The mesh panels that are part of the upper allow for enhanced breathability (although this waterproof model is not nearly as breathable as its non-waterproof counterpart). If you hike exclusively in dry climates, you might ditch the waterproof lining and opt for the unlined version. Support A nylon arch shank within the outsole ensures the shoes remain rigid and stable, but there is more give at the flex point of the shoe (underneath the ball of your foot) than most walking boots, allowing your feet to bend naturally when taking on gradients.

Airy build with strategically placed open-weave mesh panels does a great job maximizing airflow on particularly hot days. At 2lb 1oz, they’re lighter than traditional hiking boots but heavier than many modern walking shoes, and the chunky sole may take some adjusting to if you’re used to shoes with a slimmer profile like the On Cloud . But we found this robust design was well-suited to longer distances or more heavy-duty treks. The Merrell Moab 3 features what Merrell describe as a ‘molded nylon arch shank’ to provide support for the wearers foot arch. This is more than most manufacturers offer but can still be considered a fairly neutral option. If you prefer more pronounced arch support, then a better solution may be to switch the supplied in soles out for some with a more heavily shaped design. For some, this could make a big difference to the shoe’s comfort. Fit It is not like walking on clouds but you are likely to be pleasantly surprised by the cushioning. Based on our durometer measurements, the Moab 3 turns out to be 6.5% softer than hiking shoes on average. Most people agreed the shoes fit true to size and provide an incredibly comfortable walking experience across a wide variety of distances and terrains, without the need to break them in.The shoes’ impressive comfort credentials were apparent from the moment we slipped them on, with the pig suede leather and breathable mesh upper striking a fine balance between pliability and rigidity. Our trips using the Merrell Moab 3 emphasized that it comes with a remarkable fit. We experienced no hotspots in any area of the shoe.