Our verdict
Pros
- True to size
- Nice fit
- Amazing arch support
- Quick-drying
- Well-cushioned
- Top 25% most popular hiking shoes
- Very comfortable
- Grippy
- Versatile
- Feels light
Cons
- Amazing arch support
- Top 25% most popular hiking shoes
- Sole wears quickly
Audience verdict
- to the rigours of the Ozark Mountains
Comparison
The most similar hiking shoes compared
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These aren’t heavy-duty
The Moab Speed is for you if you want a versatile hiking shoe that you can use for daily wear and day hikes. This comfortable shoe offers also impressive arch support and cushioning.
Amazing arch support
The Merrell Moab Speed offers lightweight protection hiking shoes if you:
- It offers step-in comfort. The Merrell Moab Speed offers lightweight protection is the way to go then
- It offers step-in comfort The lacing could use some work.
The Moab Speed is versatile
The Moab (Mother of All Boots) line of shoes is Merrell’s best-selling and longest-running model of shoe and they recently added a couple of updated looks to the catalogue. The Moab Speed is an excellent slimmed-down, speed hiker of sorts.
is the way to go then
These aren’t heavy-duty backpacking boots or casual around-town shoes, but they do a good job of blurring the lines between those two categories. I’ve worn them to work, on day hikes, and out to dinner, without much hesitation.
These aren’t heavy-duty
They didn’t really take any breaking in, and offer quite a bit of underfoot cushion. That being said, the arch support felt “misplaced” at first; almost as if it was too far forward on my foot. I gave it a few days, and the feeling seemed to dissipate. I haven’t noticed it since. Your results may vary.
Top 25% most popular hiking shoes
Merrell has done a great job in recent years at stepping up its eco-friendly options and the Moab Speed is no exception. They offer a recycled Vibram sole exclusive to the Moabs, and if you know anything about Vibram, you understand that grip is never in question.
It offers step-in comfort
One gripe is that I’ve noticed some premature wear starting to show, and I don’t know if that’s because of the recycled content or simply because they are a less expensive shoe offering.
Supportive and comfy for daily wear and day hikes alike
The Moab Speed lacing is very traditional, but I found myself having to adjust it often to relieve pressure off the top of my foot. I also found that I needed to use heel lock lacing to really get a solid heel fit. This still didn’t quite keep my heels in place, but this is a common problem I have with hiking shoes, so you may not experience the same issue.
The The lacing could use some work offers lightweight protection
The Moab Speed use a “float” midsole and cuts weight and adds some welcomed cushion, so these won’t make you feel weighed down on your next day hike and if they fit your feet well, they should be an excellent option for light-duty trail use and daily wear.
