Men’s Merrell Moab 3 Mid WP Review

Bottom Line

The Merrell Moab 3 Mid WP has been on our Best Backpacking Boots for Men guide for years as one of the best values on the market. If you’re on a budget but don’t want to sacrifice comfort or traction, these boots are the sweet spot for most feet. Senior Gear Analyst Ian Krammer has racked up over 200 miles in his Moab 3s from deep, sandy slot canyons in Utah to rocky 14,000 ft peaks in Colorado. They’re a good choice for mellow day hikes and short backpacking trips where comfort is key. The cushioned, supportive soles, breathable uppers, and supportive midfoot makes them perfect for a wide range of terrain and daily use. The waterproof liner works well to block seepage from creek crossings and puddles while adding a bit of warmth on cold days. Plus, their Vibram outsoles ensure solid grip and stability on everything from flat trails to rocky scrambles, making the Moab 3s a solid match for most trails.

However, the Merrell Moab 3 Mid WPs have a few drawbacks. Due to the luggy outsole and leather uppers, they’re a bit bulky – which can be a downside for longer hikes and steep trails, where lighter and more flexible footwear might work better. Although the waterproofing holds up well against puddles and moderate rain, it eventually falters under prolonged exposure, so we don’t recommend these boots for really wet hikes. Their durability is not as robust as full-leather boots, with wear and tear showing in the lining and outsoles after 300 miles. Still, we think the Moab 3s expertly balance performance and affordability, making them a great fit for most hikers from the backyard to the backcountry.

Comfort

If you’re looking for out of the box comfort, these are the boots for you. The Merrell Moab 3s earned top scores thanks to their flexibility, cushy design, and comfort – you can hit the trails as soon as you put them on with almost no break-in period required. The leather and mesh uppers, thick tongue, and soft interiors offer a cushioned feel that’s both comfortable but super protective. Their midsoles are flexible but supportive, and the wide toe box means you can stretch out your toes, a design that works for most foot shapes and sizes.

This wide design extends through the midfoot. However, don’t let that turn you off: the lacing system cinches down well. Whether we were shuffling through tight, sandy slot canyons or off-camber trails in the high Rockies, these boots never felt sloppy. With a single hook eyelet at the top and fabric eyelets on the rest of the boot, the Moab 3s remain snug and stable. Round, durable nylon shoelaces are fast drying, easy to adjust and distribute pressure evenly across the foot.

The Moab 3s mid-height ankle is just right: high enough for stability and added comfort but without restricting your natural gait. Their thick tongue and cushioned heels prevent hot spots during long days, and the grippy Vibram outsoles are reliable on most surfaces. For a balance of support and cushioning, the Moab 3s are one of our top picks. 

However, these boots have a few drawbacks. The downside of such comfort is that they are a bit bulky and heavy compared to boots with lighter, synthetic materials. We love this design for support and comfort, but the weight is noticeable on longer hikes with lots of elevation gain where your legs will fatigue faster. Our testing finds that the insoles are thin, which can lead to discomfort for anyone needing additional arch support – though supportive aftermarket insoles can fix this issue. Additionally, their wider fit may not suit hikers with especially narrow feet. Still, these are small issues – when it comes to comfort, the Moab 3s are at the top of our list.

Ankle Support

If you’re looking for moderate ankle support, the Merrell Moab 3 Mid WPs deliver exactly that. Like the name implies, these are mid-rise boots with a fairly soft ankle cuff, so they provide a little bit of extra protection on trail. The combination of mesh and leather on the outside, a cushy foam interior, and a soft nylon lining hugs the ankle without feeling restrictive. If flexibility is more important than aggressive support to you, these boots are a good choice.

Merrell includes long laces on the Moab 3s, which is great for different lacing techniques to fine-tune the fit to your needs. The midsoles balance cushion and flexibility well, and a burly, wide tread pattern gives these boots a stable, locked-in feel that’s perfect for root-filled trails and mild scrambles. We’ve used these boots on moderate, established routes to summit ten peaks over 14,000’, with the last section of each hike crossing rocks and boulders. The Moab 3s offered reliable flexibility and stability on different angles and sharp edges.

However, the ankle support might not be a perfect fit depending on your needs. We find the uppers are enormously comfortable, but if you prefer more rigid support, these will miss the mark – especially when carrying more than 30 pounds or taking on technical routes where stability is key. On the flipside, if you hike mostly flat trails with packed dirt, these boots may feel like overkill, and you might want to consider something even more flexible. Lastly, on longer treks during warm weather, the extra ankle padding and waterproof liner can feel uncomfortably warm in hot weather. Although these are minor limitations , the Moab 3s are a great choice for hikers who prioritize stability and ankle protection.

Weight

At 2 pounds, 4 ounces, the Moab 3 Mid WPs balance durability and weight well. They’re certainly not ultralight – these boots are on the bottom half of the boots we’ve tested, landing on the heavy side – but their flexibility makes them feel lighter than they actually are.

The combination of leather, mesh, and a waterproof liner add meaningful heft and bulk. The burly foam and rubber midsole also contributes to their weight. Although, if you’re not doing especially long days, this weight is a fair trade-off for comfort and protection. 

However, the extra heft is noticeable on longer treks with significant elevation gain. For hikes over 15 miles or multi-day backpacking trips, you may find yourself wishing for a lighter, more streamlined and flexible option to conserve energy. Gear Analyst Ian Krammer knocked out a 25-mile loop on established trails in the foothills near Boulder, Colorado in the Moab 3s. He found their weight was the biggest downside on easier trails where agility and speed matter over support. Ultimately, they’re better suited for hikers who want comfort more than saving a few ounces. 

Traction

If you want reliable traction on moderate terrain, the Merrell Moab 3 WP does a solid job. The Vibram outsoles, paired with a chunky lug pattern, excel on everything from mellow scrambles to packed trails. We’ve tested these things in sandy slot canyons in Utah, packed dirt trails in the high Alpine of southern Colorado, and scrambles in the Wind River Range in Utah, where they felt dependable and grippy in each scenario.

Our favorite thing about this boot’s tread is the luggy brake zone at the heel and toes – lugs and deep ridges add enhanced braking power at the back of the boot to avoid slipping on moderate ascents and descents. The flexible midsoles absorb shock and help distribute pressure evenly, so you’ll feel stable on uneven ground.

On the flip side, the lug depth and close lug design means these boots aren’t as effective at shedding debris like mud, gravel, and sand. Our testing shows the lugs tend to collect small stones and muck, which can reduce traction and make them less effective over time. And while they do well on moderate angles, we don’t recommend these for steep trails and muddy or wet terrain, where they can feel slippery and less reliable compared to boots with different lug patterns and alternative rubber composites.

Weather Resistance

When it comes to brief rain storms, occasional creek crossings, and routes with some wet underbrush and puddles, you can count on the Merrell Moab 3 WPs to keep your feet dry. Their waterproof membrane – a proprietary design from Merrell – works together with naturally water-repellent pig leather uppers to help block moisture during wet conditions. These boots kept our feet dry during mucky late spring and early fall trips to southern Colorado, where they performed on sections of muddy trail and 3 shallow stream crossings.

The liner and partially-mesh exterior still allows heat and vapor to escape, so you’ll stay comfy in temperatures up to 75°F. We found this was true during warm late spring and early fall trips to the northern Utah desert, where they helped moderate foot temperature easily during sunny, 80-degree days in the open desert and kept us warm when moving through cooler slot canyons.

The gusseted tongue adds another layer of protection, blocking out debris and splashes. Senior Gear Analyst Ian Krammer has used these for over a dozen hikes on packed, snowy trails, where they create a solid barrier against light flurries and wet slush.

However, the Moab 3s’ weatherproofing has limits. When hiking in 5+ hours of rain in the Colorado foothills with soaking wet trails, lots of water crossings, and constant snow exposure, the liner was overwhelmed and began to seep. If water finds its way in, these boots can take a while to dry, which will leave you with soggy feet for the rest of your hike. The mesh components are breathable, but they aren’t as protective against heavy rain versus full-leather boots. Even though we like these boots for packed winter trails, we do not recommend them for deep snow or off-trail adventures in winter, where a higher, warmer, and more water-resistant boot is a better choice. But if your next adventure overlaps with a little wet weather, these boots should do the trick.

Durability

The Merrell Moab 3 WPs offer decent durability for most adventures. We’ve consistently taken these boots up to the 300 mile mark before they begin to show significant wear and tear. They’re functional beyond this point – though the materials will continue to decline. Their combination of pig leather and mesh paneling strikes a good balance between durability and flexibility, and they handle typical trail challenges like brambles, roots, and rocks well. The reinforced heel and sturdy toe cap means these boots can take a beating from rocky routes while protecting the most vulnerable parts of your feet.

Chunky Vibram outsoles are the most durable part of the Moab 3s, providing not only great traction but good wear resistance, meaning they can handle hundreds of miles of hiking without losing grip. Keep in mind leather boots require seasonal maintenance to keep them in tip-top shape. It’s fairly simple and fast to wash and condition the boots and extend their lifespan – check out our guide to How To Clean Hiking Boots and Shoes for more. 

However, these boots don’t last forever. The leather-mesh construction is durable, but doesn’t match the long-term resilience of full-leather boots in harsh conditions. Over time, the waterproof membrane tends to degrade. In particular, heavy use in wet and muddy environments can lead to faster breakdown of the uppers.

We also don’t recommend these boots for especially technical terrain- like boulder fields and sharp, rocky ridgelines. We’ve put them through the wringer on loose, chossy gullies and serious Class 3 scrambles on sharp granite above 12,000’ in the Rockies, where their durability came up short. The mesh sections and stitching fray in technical environments, especially around high-stress areas like forefoot crease and around the ankle. The Vibram soles are tough, but the traction gradually diminishes with long miles on rocky terrain, rounding out the lugs for a less effective grip on slick surfaces. That said, the Moab 3s still have good durability, and they’ll last for hundreds of miles and multiple seasons of use with just a bit of care and attention.

Should You Buy the Merrell Moab 3 Mid WP?

If you’re looking for affordable, reliable hiking boots that can handle a mix of trails and conditions, the Merrell Moab 3 Mid WP is a fantastic option. These boots are for hikers who want top-tier comfort and value right out of the box. With their supportive midsole, roomy toe box, and flexible yet protective uppers, the Moab 3s excel on day hikes, moderate backpacking trips, and muddy terrain. Their breathable design also keeps feet cool, which is great for those hiking in warmer climates. That said, the waterproof membrane, mesh, and leather design will keep your feet dry in rainy weather and shallow stream crossings, making them ideal for casual hikers and weekend adventures with unpredictable weather. 

However, if you’re planning multi-day treks in seriously rugged, wet environments or need boots that can handle heavy mileage without wearing out, these may not be your best bet. The durability of the waterproof lining and mesh panels falls a bit short compared to heavier, full-leather boots. Plus, their bulkiness could become a drawback for hardcore backpackers or those tackling steep, technical terrain. These boots have a thin insole that may require you to add your own – though none of these issues are deal breakers. When it comes to a comfortable and dynamic pair of hiking boots for an excellent price, the Moab 3 WPs are one of our top picks, and we think you’ll love them, too.

What Other hiking boots Should You Consider?

For more options, please see our full guide to men’s hiking boots.

Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX Review: Much like the Merrell Moab 3s, we love these boots for their solid weather resistance and excellent traction on varied terrain. However, they’re nearly half a pound lighter, with superior ankle support and a more durable construction that’s ideal for demanding conditions. These boots are best for hikers carrying heavy loads on technical trails, where extra rigidity and protection make a world of difference.

KEEN Targhee 4 WP Review: The Targhee 4 WPs are a stellar alternative to the Moab 3s. With solid waterproofing and universal comfort, these KEENS edge out the Merrells with slightly better ankle support, improved traction, and a lighter build – although they aren’t as comfortable as the Moabs. If you need extra ankle stability and love a roomy toe box, especially on wet, uneven trails, we highly recommend trying on both to see which works best.

Columbia Newton Ridge Plus 2 WP Review: Like the Moab 3s, the Newton Ridge Plus 2s are lightweight and flexible – but these boots are even more budget-friendly. They aren’t quite as flexible, water resistant, or durable, but these are a great choice for beginners or casual hikers looking to hit the trail from spring until fall without breaking the bank.