Sole Searching: Moving Through Nature with the Merrell Moab Speed 2

This article is the latest in an ongoing series of deep dives into past, present, and future icons called Sole Searching, made in partnership with Vibram. Earlier features outline the founding history of Bedrock Sandals, how Arc'teryx is creating a new category with the Vertex Alpine, and more.

With more than 40 years experience in the hiking world, Merrell continues to gain popularity from crunchy mountain towns to city centers with functional footwear with a unique style of its own. In this article we’ll dive deep into the design process of the new Moab Speed 2 hikers, a Gore-Tex crossover style that delivers the same support, grip, and comfort as the flagship Moab but built with a more streamlined package that trades weight for additional style more suitable for in-town wear than its stouter predecessors.

Following the brand’s launch in 1981, Merrell made its first significant mark in 1982 with the arrival of its iconic Moab shoe and boot–an acronym for “Mother Of All Boots.” The Moab footwear collection continues as a significant brand driver, joined today by several offshoot models, including the Moab Speed 2, which was recently updated to lead the brand’s “athletic hike” segment.

While ideating around the future of the Moab shoe concept, Merrell Senior Design Director Ian Cobb recalls conversations that shaped the design’s heading, “If we were to think 5-10 years in the future, where would the Moab be? It would be lighter weight; it would be cushioned. We should make it like a Moab, but for speed!”

Viewed side by side, the Moab Speed 2’s DNA link to its Moab 3 brother becomes readily apparent, even without the inside beta from the teams that created them. With the Moab Speed 2, you’ll find punchier colorway options not seen in other core hiking models–but don’t let that trick you into assuming they’re anything less than capable—they both feature proprietary Vibram outsoles to deliver traction on a range of adventurous terrain.

Proven through its global community of testers, Merrell gathered feedback data as early models ensured comfort, support, and traction through regular daily use and even more sustained use of multi-day backpacking treks. A tried and true backpacking boot will offer most users a better experience. Still, Merrell’s penchant for a roomier fit will reward more foot shapes overall compared to the nuanced fits that come with trail shoes from brands with less forgiving trends: too narrow, too stiff, etc.

Despite the model’s placement within Merrell’s Moab product family, learnings that elevated the Moab Speed 2 to a higher plain from its initial Speed model (released in 2021) came from footwear developed through its Merrell Test Lab (MTL) and trail running models like the Agility Peak and MTL Long Sky 2, as well as the more substantial MTL Rogue backpacking boot.

With each of these all-terrain shoes, Merrell found success in providing the necessary grip and support for its quicker and slower-paced users taking to trails, rock, and roots. And, while directly addressing requests from consumers and ambassadors for increased grip, Merrell designers extracted outsole lug shapes, siping patterns, and the harmonious arrangement of it all to answer the call for increased traction.

For the Moab Speed 2 and several other models in their range, Merrell chose Vibram TC5+ compound, exclusive to Merrell. Discussing the merits of this rubber compound, Vibram Strategic Account Executive Lawrence Anastasi shares that the “TC5+ delivers perhaps the ideal balance of grip, traction, and durability for footwear that is used for such diverse activities ranging from technical hiking to daily life in urban environments.”

Whereas the hero Vibram Megagrip compound delivers on its namesake promise to prioritize grip on rock and wet environments, TC5+ excels at providing above-average performance on all other attributes: grip on varied surfaces beyond rock, weight, and durability. This foundation has helped propel the Moab family to the top of the hiking shoe category, delivering a reliable foundation for hikers, trekkers, travelers, and more.

With grip and traction addressed adequately, it was time to turn up the comfort. From the initial Speed to Speed 2, Merrell increased the stacked height of the FloatPro Foam midsole by 30% with a negligible increase in overall weight. But, one can’t simply have cush without comfort: adding a new full-length TPU flexplate introduces a welcome dose of rigidity and arch support with a subtle rebound characteristic that puts a spring in the user’s step.

While rocking big, chunky mountain shoes and boots is very much our vibe, it’s understandable that trail clompers don’t necessarily mesh with everyone’s daily style. With the Moab Speed 2, you can expect to find fully trail-worthy performance in a lightweight package that transitions smoothly into a sporty daily fit.

SHOP MOAB SPEED 2 FROM MERRELL