Merrell Moab 3 Mid Review: A Waterproof Hiking Boot Worthy of Its Name

Fit and Comfort

From the moment I slipped on the Moab 3, I noticed several welcome improvements. The arch support was noticeably better, offering a more ergonomic fit that helped reduce foot fatigue on long treks. The mid-height collar was low enough to give my ankles breathing room without losing the protection I want (and expect) on uneven terrain.

The shoe also has a padded tongue and collar that prevents the boot from digging into sensitive areas around my ankle and foot, a problem I’ve occasionally had with other boots. And the combination of leather and breathable mesh uppers is a huge win too. It feels durable and rugged enough to handle rough surfaces but also ventilates well to keep my feet cool.

I put the Moab 3 through the test on multiple hikes over a two week period—12 miles around Turquoise Lake in Leadville, 6.4 miles on the Spruce Creek Trail with rocky scree slopes and uneven paths, and a tough day trek 16 miles through the forest and rocky ridges near Glenwood Canyon, Colorado. The Moab 3 handled these with ease, offering a broken-in comfort right out of the box, unlike the Pulse’s initial stiffness. The toe box felt roomy but not sloppy, providing enough space to reduce pressure points and hot spots. This made a difference especially when scrambling over roots and loose debris, where I wanted my toes protected but also able to flex naturally.

Waterproofing and Weather Resistance

One area where the Moab 3 truly shines is its waterproofing. Merrell’s proprietary M Select DRY membrane is designed to seal out water while allowing your feet to breathe, an important feature for anyone hiking through varying conditions. To test this, I took the boots on a hot afternoon hike along a creek with my dog. I ended up stepping into shallow water to help cool him off, and although the uppers got wet, my feet stayed dry and comfortable. This was a pleasant surprise because many boots let water in quickly once the uppers are submerged.This can be attributed to a combination of the membrane and leather accents on the uppers along with a gusted tongue which further protects against water entering in from the sides of the shoe.

What’s more impressive is how well the boots regulate internal climate. On the same hike, temperatures swung from chilly, damp mornings to warm, sunny afternoons. Despite these fluctuations, the boots managed moisture and heat effectively, preventing that clammy, sweaty feeling I often dread on long hikes. This balance of waterproofing and breathability is hard to achieve in most shoes and something Merrell clearly nailed here.

Traction and Performance

The Vibram Megagrip outsole with its aggressive 5mm lugs and unique looking heel brake pattern gave me a ton of confidence on slippery, loose, and rocky terrain. I recall several moments in the past when I hesitated on wet rocks or gravel with the Pulse, but with the Moab 3, the grip was consistently strong, letting me move more confidently and safely.

Underfoot, the EVA midsole cushions each step and absorbs shocks from rocks and roots, reducing the pounding on feet and joints. What makes this setup even better is the nylon arch shank built into the midsole. This hidden support stabilizes your arch and prevents excessive foot fatigue on uneven trails. It is an essential feature I’ve come to expect in high-quality hiking footwear, and the Moab 3 delivers.

Durability

After dozens of miles across rough terrain and changing weather, the boots still look and feel solid. The leather and mesh uppers show no visible wear or tears, and the reinforced stitching is holding strong.

I’m especially impressed by the boots’ ability to balance breathability and durability. High-elevation summer hikes can be brutal on gear, and boots that don’t ventilate well often leave my feet overheated and miserable. The Moab 3’s materials and construction provides enough airflow to keep things comfortable without sacrificing the toughness needed for creek crossings or muddy patches.

Weight and Ease of Maintenance

For how durable and supportive these boots are, they’re surprisingly lightweight. The men’s version weighs just over 2lb per pair (US size 11), while the women’s version tips the scale at about 1lb 11oz (US size 8). The waterproof version adds a couple of ounces but remains light enough that you won’t feel weighed down on long hikes. However if you are team ultralight and use trail running shoes for hiking, then these weigh more than the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX (1lb 8oz) or the Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR 2 (1lb 14oz).

Cleaning the Moab 3 is also pretty straightforward. Usually just a wipe-down with a damp cloth is enough to remove dirt and mud. This low-maintenance aspect is welcome when you’re on multi-day trips and don’t have the luxury of intensive boot care. The sole has maintained excellent traction even after repeated hikes, and I don’t foresee needing to replace these anytime soon.

Compared to my older Merrell hiking shoes which leaned heavily into utilitarian, muted tones like dark brown, black, and olive—the Moab 3 offers a more refined and contemporary palette. While still grounded in earthy, trail-appropriate shades like Bungee Cord and Granite, the ten updated colorways have a more modern finish with subtle contrasts and tones. This makes them easy to pair with modern hiking gear whether you're on the trail or grabbing a post-hike coffee.

Moab 3 Final Thoughts: My New Go-To Hiking Boot?

After years relying on the Pulse, the Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof feels like a natural evolution for my hiking needs. It blends the best features of the Pulse I rely on like comfort, protection, and support, with meaningful upgrades in breathability, waterproofing, and traction.

I found the Moab 3 well suited for long day hikes and even short overnights, especially on uneven paths and while crossing small streams. For these reasons I would recommend the Moab 3 to others looking for a waterproof mid-length hiking shoe for front country adventures with rocky terrain.

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