These are normally my go-to hiking shoes. I must be on my fourth or fifth pair of Moab’s. But this pair, that I’ve had for less than a month, have been a disappointment. The front rubber toe guard has already separated from the top black portion of the shoe. This happened to the right shoe no more than a week after getting the shoes. Now, the left shoe is showing signs of the same. I still wear them everyday on my morning hikes and they still keep my feet dry while crossing the streams, but really, is this MERREL at it’s best?

I have a high instep and suffer from plantar fasciitis if I don’t have proper arch support in my shoes. After trying every other highly rated and recommended hiking shoe, and returning them because they just didn’t work for me, I decided to circle back to Merrell. Years ago, I had a heavy, leather pair that served me well on a trip through Germany and held up over the cobblestone streets, etc. but I had tried and failed to find an equivalent — until the Moab 3. Right out of the box, I took them for a 3 mile test walk. Regular size 8 fit perfectly on my wide foot, with plenty of room in the toe box. I could adjust the laces for a comfortable fit over my high instep, but still cinch them at the ankle to lock my heels in with no slipping. Arch support was superb. The ... MoreI have a high instep and suffer from plantar fasciitis if I don’t have proper arch support in my shoes. After trying every other highly rated and recommended hiking shoe, and returning them because they just didn’t work for me, I decided to circle back to Merrell. Years ago, I had a heavy, leather pair that served me well on a trip through Germany and held up over the cobblestone streets, etc. but I had tried and failed to find an equivalent — until the Moab 3. Right out of the box, I took them for a 3 mile test walk. Regular size 8 fit perfectly on my wide foot, with plenty of room in the toe box. I could adjust the laces for a comfortable fit over my high instep, but still cinch them at the ankle to lock my heels in with no slipping. Arch support was superb. The Moab is one of a very few shoes where you can get both Gore-Tex waterproofing and a Vibram sole. It is a heavier shoe with a very stiff feel underfoot, so it took some getting used to. For me, after clocking a total of 12 miles in the shoes, the weight didn’t bother me anymore, but if you do urban hiking, you definitely feel like you’re “pounding” the pavement. The shoes really excel on softer trails where they provide sure footed confidence. I do wish the insole had a bit more cushioning in the forefoot because after about 3+ miles, my foot starts to tire in that area. I’ve toyed with the thought of switching out the insoles, but I don’t want to mess with the arch support. So glad that I decided to give the Moab 3 a try. This shoe is legendary for a reason.

This replaces a 45-degree Merrell boot that went bald on me. (15 years of biking and hiking)Great fit, neat sole, and smooth surround on the foot. Well except for the last shoelace eyelet that does not tuck under the tung. I looked at the old boots and they also had eyelet holes, not a metal hook but the tung was wide enough to prevent the pressure of the shoelace on the foot bones.At 68 years old I appreciate the light weight Goretex of This Moab3. I am going to break them in and keep my eye out for pressure points. I have high hopes these will serve me well on my Machu Picchu bucketlist trip next year!