You’ve seen them. Honestly, if you’ve spent more than five minutes at a trailhead in the last decade, you’ve probably seen a dozen pairs of the Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof. They are the beige-and-grey "dad shoes" of the hiking world, but there is a reason they haven’t disappeared despite a million flashier, lighter competitors hitting the market. People call them the "Mother of All Boots" (MOAB), and while that sounds like marketing fluff, the longevity of this specific model suggests Merrell actually stumbled onto something bordering on a design miracle.
Buying hiking boots is usually a nightmare of blisters and "breaking them in" periods that feel like medieval torture. The Moab 2 skips that. It’s weirdly comfortable right out of the box.
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But is it actually the best boot for you? Not necessarily. We need to talk about what this boot does well, where it fails miserably, and why the "waterproof" label might be lying to you just a little bit.
The Reality of the Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Out-of-the-Box Comfort
Most high-end boots from brands like Meindl or Zamberlan require a "break-in" period. You wear them around the house, then on short walks, then eventually—after your heels have developed callouses like a mountain goat—you take them on a real hike. The Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof rejects this entire philosophy. It uses a combination of performance suede leather and mesh that feels soft immediately. The M Select FIT.ECO+ blended EVA contoured footbed (a mouthful, I know) has zonal arch and heel support that just works for the average foot shape.
It’s a wide boot. If you have narrow, dainty feet, you might feel like you’re sliding around in a cavern. But for the rest of us whose feet swell after five miles in the heat, that extra volume is a godsend. Merrell used an air cushion in the heel to soak up the impact. It’s not bouncy like a Nike running shoe, but it definitely takes the "sting" out of a rocky descent.
You’ve got a bellows tongue. It’s a simple feature, basically just a piece of material connecting the tongue to the sides of the boot, but it keeps the pebbles and sand out. Simple. Effective. Honestly, more boots should prioritize this over fancy tech.
Let's Talk About the "Waterproof" Problem
Here is where we need to get real. The Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof uses an M Select DRY membrane. It’s Merrell’s proprietary tech designed to let moisture out while keeping water from getting in. In a light drizzle or a quick hop across a shallow creek, it’s fantastic. Your socks stay dry. Life is good.
However, "waterproof" is a bit of a sliding scale in the gear world.
If you are trekking through wet tall grass for three hours, or if you submerge the boot past the ankle, you are going to get wet. The mesh panels that make this boot so breathable are also its Achilles' heel. While the membrane is tucked behind the mesh, that outer fabric gets saturated. Once the outer layer is soaked (we call this "wetting out"), the breathability drops to zero. Your feet start sweating. Now your socks are wet anyway, not from the rain, but from your own perspiration.
If you’re doing heavy winter hiking or swamp trekking, this isn't the boot. You'd be better off with a full leather boot or something with a Gore-Tex liner, though even Gore-Tex has its limits. The Moab 2 is a "Goldilocks" boot—best for moderate conditions where you might hit a puddle or two.
Traction and the Vibram TC5+ Outsole
Merrell didn't skimp on the rubber. They used a Vibram TC5+ outsole with 5mm lugs.
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Lugs are those deep "teeth" on the bottom of the boot. Five millimeters is deep enough to bite into loose dirt and mud, but not so deep that you feel like you're walking on stilts when you hit a paved section of the trail. The rubber compound is a bit softer than what you'll find on a dedicated mountaineering boot. This is a trade-off.
- The Pro: Softer rubber sticks to wet rocks and slabs much better. It "smears" across the surface.
- The Con: It wears down faster. If you use these as your daily sidewalk walkers, you’ll find the tread disappearing within a year or two.
I’ve talked to hikers who have put 500 miles on a single pair. By the end, the lugs are usually nubbins, but the upper usually stays intact. That’s the hallmark of the Moab 2—the soul might die, but the body keeps going.
Weight vs. Support: The Mid-Cut Debate
The "Mid" in Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof refers to the height of the ankle. It’s not a high-top boot that’s going to lock your ankle in place like a cast. It’s more of a "suggestion" of support.
For many hikers, this is the sweet spot. It offers more protection against "trail bite" (rocks hitting your ankle bone) than a low-cut trail runner, but it’s far more nimble than a heavy-duty backpacking boot. It weighs roughly 2 lbs 4 oz (about 1kg) for a pair. That’s heavy compared to a modern Altra trail runner, but light compared to an old-school leather stomper.
If you are carrying a 40-pound pack over jagged terrain, you might want more lateral stiffness. The Moab 2 has a nylon grade shank, which provides some structure under the arch, but the upper is still mostly fabric and soft suede. It flexes. For day hikes with a light pack? It’s perfect. For a thru-hike of the PCT? Many people do it, but your feet will feel the fatigue of the flexible sole by mile twenty.
Why People Love to Hate This Boot
Gear snobs exist. In the hiking community, there’s a segment of people who think if you aren't wearing $300 ultra-lightweight trekking shoes or $500 handmade Italian boots, you aren't "serious."
The Moab 2 is the victim of its own success. Because it’s affordable and sold at major retailers like REI and Amazon, it’s seen as the "entry-level" choice. But price doesn't always correlate with performance. Just because it’s accessible doesn't mean it’s bad. The main legitimate complaint is the weight-to-durability ratio. There are lighter boots now. There are more durable boots now. But finding a boot that hits both while staying under $150? That’s the trick Merrell pulled off.
Breaking Down the Technical Specs (The Non-Boring Version)
The upper is synthetic leather and mesh. Synthetic leather is actually great because it doesn't stretch and warp as much as natural cowhide when it gets wet.
The toe cap is rubber. This is a life-saver. If you've ever stubbed your toe on a hidden root at mile ten, you know that a reinforced toe cap is the difference between a "yelp" and a broken toenail. Merrell’s toe cap is beefy. It covers the front and wraps slightly around the sides.
Inside, you’ve got a breathable mesh lining. Again, "breathable" is a relative term when a waterproof membrane is involved, but it’s better than a solid plastic bag. The Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof also features an EVA foam midsole. EVA is the industry standard—it’s light and provides decent cushioning, though it does eventually "pack out" and lose its springiness over time.
Common Misconceptions About the Moab 2
People often think "Waterproof" means "Submersible." It doesn't.
People think "Vibram" means "Indestructible." It doesn't.
People think "Mid" means "No Sprained Ankles." It doesn't.
A boot is just a tool. If you use a hammer to turn a screw, you’re going to have a bad time. The Moab 2 is a "light-to-moderate" hiking tool. It excels on maintained trails, forest paths, and desert terrain. It struggles in deep mud, technical scree slopes, and extreme cold.
Practical Advice for New Owners
If you just bought a pair, or are about to, do these three things to make them last:
- Replace the insoles immediately if you have high arches. The stock insoles are okay, but they are thin. Adding a pair of Superfeet or Oboz insoles can turn this into a much more supportive boot for long-distance hauls.
- Clean them. Dirt is the enemy of waterproof membranes. The tiny grains of sand act like sandpaper, grinding away at the membrane from the outside. When you get home from a muddy hike, hose them off. Don't put them in the dryer—the heat will kill the adhesives holding the sole on.
- Check your socks. A waterproof boot is only as good as the sock inside it. Use Merino wool (like Darn Tough or Smartwool). Synthetic or cotton socks will trap sweat against your skin, making the boot feel "leaky" even when it's bone dry.
The Final Verdict on the Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof
It isn't the sexiest boot. It isn't the lightest. It isn't the most waterproof.
But it is the most reliable "middle of the road" option available today. It’s the boot you buy when you don't want to think about your feet. You put them on, you tie the laces, and you go for a walk. For 90% of hikers, that’s exactly what’s needed.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Size Up: Hiking feet swell. Go half a size larger than your street shoes. If your toes touch the front of the boot while you’re standing on a decline, you need a larger size or a different lacing technique.
- Test the "Heel Lock": When trying them on, use the "Heel Lock" or "Racer's Loop" lacing method to see if you can stop your foot from sliding forward. This prevents the dreaded "hiker's toe."
- Verify the Version: Merrell recently released the Moab 3. You can often find the Moab 2 at a significant discount right now. The differences are minimal—mostly a slightly more recycled material profile and a slightly different lace design. Save the money and grab the Moab 2 if it's on sale.