The legendary comfort standard, now with upgraded waterproofing. For years, hikers have trusted the Merrell Moab for its ready-to-wear feel, and the new merrell moab 3 mid gtx hiking boots carry that legacy forward. They feel broken-in from the first step, which is a rare treat. No more blisters or awkward break-in hikes required, you can just hit the trail.
But the real story here is the improved GORE-TEX membrane. It’s not just about keeping water out; it’s about reliable, all-day protection so you can focus on the views, not your feet. Whether you’re crossing a stream or caught in a sudden downpour, these boots have you covered. Let’s see if they truly live up to the hype on rugged terrain.
Product Comparison Table: 10 Best Merrell Moab 3 Mid Gtx Hiking Boots
| Image | Why We Like This Product | Editor’s Rating | |
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Merrell Men’s Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot Olive…
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9.9 |
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Merrell Men’s Moab 3 Mid GTX® Beluga 1 10.5…
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9.7 |
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Merrell Moab 3 Mid GTX® Walnut 9 M
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9.5 |
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Merrell Moab 3 Mid GTX® Walnut 10 M
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9.4 |
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Merrell Men’s Moab 3 Mid Hiking Boot, Granite, 10…
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9.2 |
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Merrell Men’s Moab 3 Mid GtxHiking Shoe, Beluga, 12
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9.0 |
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MOAB ADVENTURE 3 MID WATERPROOF
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8.8 |
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Merrell Moab 3 Mid GTX® Walnut 8 W
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8.7 |
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Merrell Men’s Moab Speed 2 Mid GTX® Asphalt 1…
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8.5 |
Read Review |
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Merrell Men’s MOAB ADVENTURE 3 MID WATERPROOF Hiking Boot,…
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8.3 |
Read Review |
Quick Review For Top 10 Merrell Moab 3 Mid Gtx Hiking Boots
Merrell Men's Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot Olive 9.5 W
The Merrell Men’s Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot is built to be a reliable partner on the trail, designed to handle the miles while keeping you comfortable and secure. It’s a boot that focuses on practical performance, so you can focus on the path ahead.
Starting from the ground up, the Vibram TC5+ outsole is a key feature. It provides exceptional grip on a wide variety of surfaces, from loose gravel to slick rock.
You can trust your footing with each step, which is crucial for maintaining confidence when the terrain gets tricky. The sole is durable too, made to last through many seasons of adventure.
Keeping your feet dry is a non-negotiable for a good hike, and the waterproof membrane here seals out moisture effectively. Whether you’re crossing a shallow stream or walking through wet grass, this boot is designed to keep the elements out.
This means you can tackle trails in damp conditions without worrying about soggy, uncomfortable feet by the end of the day.
The mid-height cut offers a nice balance of support and freedom. It wraps around your ankle to provide stability on uneven ground, helping to prevent rolls and twists, but it doesn’t feel overly restrictive or stiff.
Merrell Men's Moab 3 Mid GTX® Beluga 1 10.5 Wide
The Merrell Men’s Moab 3 Mid GTX® Beluga is a hiking boot built to handle wet conditions and rough terrain while keeping your feet comfortable and supported. It’s a serious update to a classic model, focusing on waterproofing, underfoot stability, and all-day wear. Starting from the top, the boot uses a combination of pig suede leather and breathable mesh for the upper. This gives you a durable, protective feel where you need it, while the mesh panels help manage heat and allow for some airflow.
The key feature here is the integrated GORE-TEX waterproof membrane. This liner is what provides exceptional waterproof performance, sealing out moisture from puddles, streams, and wet grass. Importantly, it’s also designed to be breathable, which helps reduce that clammy feeling by allowing perspiration vapor to escape, so your feet stay drier from the inside out as well. Underfoot, the Moab 3 Mid is all about comfort and control. It features a Kinetic Fit ADVANCED removable insole.
This contoured footbed offers medium support and has reinforced cushioning in the heel for a secure, comfortable fit. You can take it out to use your own orthotics if needed, or to let the boot dry out faster. Below that, the midsole is made from Merrell’s Super Rebound Compound. This material is designed for durable shock absorption, cushioning each step.
Merrell Moab 3 Mid GTX® Walnut 9 M
The Merrell Moab 3 Mid GTX in Walnut is a hiking boot built for serious trail days where the weather and terrain are unpredictable. It’s core purpose is to provide reliable waterproof protection, exceptional stability, and long-lasting comfort on rugged paths, so you can focus on the hike itself. Your feet stay dry and comfortable thanks to the integrated GORE-TEX membrane.
This liner is a workhorse, blocking out water from streams and mud while still allowing heat and vapor to escape, preventing that clammy feeling. The upper combines durable pig suede with strategic panels of breathable mesh. This mix offers great abrasion resistance against rocks and brush, while the mesh panels promote airflow to help manage temperature. A debris-resistant bellows tongue is attatched to the sides, which helps keep out small stones, dirt, and trail grit.
Protective rubber caps at the heel and toe add another layer of defense against accidental bumps and scrapes. Inside, a recycled mesh lining feels soft against your foot and further enhances breathability. The contoured footbed provides immediate comfort and arch support, with reinforced cushioning under your heel for a secure feel. The midsole is where Merrell’s cushioning technology really shines.
Merrell Moab 3 Mid GTX® Walnut 10 M
The Merrell Moab 3 Mid GTX in Walnut is a hiking boot designed for reliability and all-weather performance. It builds on a classic outdoor design with modern updates that focus on protection, comfort, and a reduced environmental footprint. If you need a dependable boot for varied trails and unpredictable conditions, this model offers a comprehensive set of features. Starting from the ground up, the Vibram TC5+ outsole provides exceptional traction on rugged terrain.
Its 5mm lugs are agressive enough to grip loose dirt and rock without feeling overly bulky. The midsole uses a Super Rebound Compound, which aims to offer a smooth transition with each step while being durable over the long term. For shock absorption, the Merrell Air Cushion in the heel helps soften impacts, which is a welcome feature on long descents. The 11.5mm drop is fairly standard, promoting a natural forward motion as you hike.
The GORE-TEX membrane is the core of this boots weather protection. It’s designed to be fully waterproof while still allowing moisture from your feet to escape, keeping you dry from both external and internal sources. The upper combines pig suede leather with breathable mesh panels, creating a balance of suport and ventilation. A bellows tongue is integrated to help keep out debris like small stones and trail dust.
Merrell Men's Moab 3 Mid Hiking Boot, Granite, 10 Wide
The Merrell Men’s Moab 3 Mid Hiking Boot is built for the trails you love, combining trusted durability with thoughtful updates for all-day comfort. This mid-cut boot in Granite offers a familiar silhouette thats been refined with materials designed for performance and a reduced environmental footprint. You’ll find the upper combines durable pigskin leather with breathable mesh panels, creating a balance of suport and ventilation.
Details like the 100% recycled laces and webbing reflect a commitment to sustainability. Practical features include a protective rubber toe cap to guard against stubs and a bellows tongue that’s attatched to the sides to help keep out trail debris like small rocks and dirt. Inside, the 100% recycled mesh lining helps manage moisture. The comfort system here is comprehensive.
It starts with the Kinetic Fit ADVANCED removable insole, which is contoured to cradle your foot and provides medium arch support with reinforced cushioning under the heel. Under that, a molded nylon arch shank offers added support on uneven terrain. The lightweight EVA foam midsole is the primary cushioning layer, desgined to provide stability and soften impacts with every step.
Merrell Men's Moab 3 Mid GtxHiking Shoe, Beluga, 12
The Merrell Men’s Moab 3 Mid GTX hiking shoe is built for the trails you love, designed to keep you comfortable and moving foward mile after mile. It’s a classic for good reason, combining trusted protection with thoughtful updates for your next adventure.
Starting from the ground up, the Vibram TC5+ rubber sole provides reliable traction on a variety of surfaces, from loose gravel to slick rock. It gives you the confidence to place your feet securely.
Paired with that is a protective rubber toe cap, which shields your toes from unexpected bumps against roots and stones. Your feet stay safer from those unforseen trail obstacles.
Perhaps the most crucial feature is the integrated GORE-TEX waterproof membrane. This isn’t just a coating; it’s a bootie that keeps water from seeping in while still allowing perspiration vapor to escape.
That means your feet stay dry from external puddles and streams, and they also benefit from exceptional breathability to help reduce internal moisture and overheating on longer hikes.
The upper construction uses a durable blend of pigskin leather and mesh. The leather offers structure and abrasion resistance at key stress points, while the mesh panels enhance airflow to keep things cool.
MOAB ADVENTURE 3 MID WATERPROOF
The MOAB ADVENTURE 3 MID WATERPROOF is built for the kind of day where the trail throws everything at you. It’s a hiking shoe designed to provide reliable support and protection, so you can focus on the path ahead instead of your feet. The foundation is a durable full-grain leather upper, which is treated with a waterproof membrane. This key feature actively works to seal out external moisture from puddles or rain, while still allowing internal heat and vapor to escape.
This means your feet stay drier from both the outside elements and from your own activity, which is a crucial balance for comfort on longer treks.
Support is a central theme for the Moab Adventure 3. Inside, a molded nylon arch shank provides structure underfoot, helping to stabilize your foot and reduce fatigue over uneven terrain. The heel incorporates shock-absorbing Air Cushioning, which helps to soften the impact of each step.
This not only adds a layer of comfort but also contributes to the overall stability of the shoe, making those descents and rocky sections feel more manageable. The fit is further personalized by the inclusion of a removable PU footbed. You can use the provided insole for its cushioning, or easily take it out if you prefer to use your own custom orthotics for a perfect, tailored fit.
When your pulling these on, your looking at a boot ready for varied conditions.
Merrell Moab 3 Mid GTX® Walnut 8 W
The Merrell Moab 3 Mid GTX hiking boot is a long-standing favorite for good reason. It’s built to be a reliable, go-anywhere partner that focuses on comfort and protection from the trailhead to the summit. This version combines a leather and textile upper for a blend of durability and flexibility, helping the boot conform to your foot over time without feeling overly stiff or heavy right out of the box.
One of the core features here is the integrated GORE-TEX membrane.
This technology is key for keeping your feet dry when you encounter morning dew, muddy patches, or shallow stream crossings. It doesn’t just block water from getting in; it also allows perspiration to escape, so your feet stay more comfortable and less clammy during long, strenuous hikes. The mesh lining inside further aids in this breathability, promoting air circulation around your foot.
The ‘Mid’ height of the boot is a significant design choice.
It provides crucial ankle support on uneven terrain, helping to stabilize your foot and reduce the risk of rolls or twists when you’re navigating rocky paths or carrying a loaded pack. The lace-up closure system lets you dial in the exact fit you need, from a snug hold around your ankle to a comfortable tension over your instep, ensuring your foot feels secure without any pinching.
Underfoot, you’ll find a Vibram® TC5+ outsole.
Merrell Men's Moab Speed 2 Mid GTX® Asphalt 1 11 Medium
The Merrell Men’s Moab Speed 2 Mid GTX Asphalt is a hiking shoe designed for the active mover who needs reliable performance from the trailhead to the town. It builds on the legendary Moab comfort but injects a serious dose of speed and agility, making it ideal for fast-paced hikes, approach routes, or everyday adventures where weather is a factor.
Starting from the ground up, the Vibram TC5+ outsole is a key feature.
This isn’t a standard Vibram lug; it’s formulated exclusively for Merrell to offer exceptional traction. Whether your on rocky paths, wet surfaces, or uneven terrain, the grip is confident and durable. It’s built for outdoor multi-sport activities, giving you one less thing to worry about when your focus needs to be on the path ahead. Above that, the FloatPro Foam midsole delivers lightweight comfort that lasts throughout your day.
It cushions your stride without feeling bulky or sluggish, which is essential when you’re covering distance.
The shoe’s structure is where the “Speed” part really comes into play. Merrell’s Lightweight FlexPlate technology is integrated into the midsole. This thin, flexible plate provides crucial torsional rigidity for stability on uneven ground and lateral support when moving across slopes, while still allowing for natural forefoot flexibility.
Merrell Men's MOAB ADVENTURE 3 MID WATERPROOF Hiking Boot, Black, 11
The Merrell Men’s MOAB ADVENTURE 3 MID WATERPROOF Hiking Boot is built for the trails you encounter, offering a reliable blend of comfort, protection, and durability right out of the box. This boot focuses on giving you a trusted platform for your feet, so you can focus on the path ahead instead of your gear.
Starting from the top, the upper is crafted from full grain leather. This material provides excellent durability and abrasion resistance against rocks, roots, and brush.
It molds to your foot over time for a personalized fit, and it’s paired with a waterproof membrane that seals out moisture from rain, puddles, and wet terrain. Your feet stay dry from external elements, which is a key part of staying comfortable on longer hikes or in unpredictable weather. The textile lining adds to the overall comfort, helping manage moisture and heat from the inside.
The closure system is a traditional lace-up design, allowing for a precise and secure fit.
You can adjust the tightness in different zones of your foot, ensuring your heel is locked in place and there’s no unwanted slippage that can lead to blisters. The mid-cut height offers good ankle support without being to restrictive, giving you stability on uneven ground and a bit of protection from debris.
Where this boot really connects you to the trail is its sole. It features the Vibram TC5+ outsole, a partnership known for exceptional traction and longevity.
Merrell Moab 3 Mid Gtx Hiking Boots Buying Guide
The Merrell Moab 3 Mid GTX is a perennial favorite for good reason. It’s the reliable workhorse of the trail, offering a fantastic balance of comfort, protection, and value. If you’re looking for a boot that can handle most conditions without breaking the bank, this is a top contender. Let’s look at the key factors to consider.
Waterproofing & Breathability
That “GTX” stands for GORE-TEX, a trusted waterproof membrane. It keeps your feet dry when you cross streams or get caught in a sudden downpour. But what good is a dry foot if it’s a sweaty one? The good news is the lining is also breathable, allowing heat and moisture to escape. It’s a balanced system for year-round comfort, though in extreme summer heat, a non-waterproof version might feel cooler.
Ankle Support and Height
The “Mid” cut is its most popular feature for a reason. It provides crucial ankle support on uneven terrain, helping to prevent rolls and twists. It’s a confidence booster when you’re carrying a pack or navigating rocky decents. For mostly flat trails, a low-cut shoe offers more freedom, but for varied or challenging terrain, this mid-height is a smart choice that many hikers prefer.
Traction and Outsole
Merrell’s Vibram TC5+ outsole is a star here. The lugs are deep and multi-directional, giving you a confident grip on dirt, mud, and loose rock. You’ll notice the difference on slippery surfaces or steep inclines. It’s the kind of traction that makes you feel secure, letting you focus on the scenery instead of your footing.
Comfort and Break-In
This is where the Moab truly shines. The air cushion in the heel absorbs shock, and the contoured insole provides arch support right out of the box. Many people report needing little to no break-in time, which is rare for a hiking boot. If you want comfort from the first step to the last on a long day hike, this boot delivers consistantly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Merrell Moab 3 Mid Gtx Hiking Boots
What makes these boots waterproof?
The ‘GTX’ stands for Gore-Tex. This is a membrane liner inside the boot. It keeps water out while letting your feet breath. So your feet stay dry from puddles and light rain.
Are they good for wide feet?
Yes, they come in standard and wide widths. The Moab line is known for its roomy toe box. This gives your toes space to splay naturally on the trail. Many people find the fit very comfortable right away.
Do they need breaking in?
Not really. One of the big perks is the minimal break-in period. They use a soft, cushioned heel and flexible materials. You should be able to wear them on a long hike pretty much out of the box without much fuss.
What kind of terrain are they best for?
They’re perfect for day hikes and established trails. The Vibram outsole gives great grip on dirt, rock, and gravel. They’re supportive for moderate loads. For serious backpacking or off-trail scrambling, you might want a stiffer boot.
How is the arch support?
The support is good for most people. They have a contoured footbed with decent arch structure. If you have very high arches or need orthotics, the footbed is removable. You can easily swap in your own insoles.
Can I wear them in warm weather?
You can, but they are a mid-height boot. The Gore-Tex liner adds a bit of warmth. For very hot summer hikes, a low-cut, non-waterproof shoe might feel cooler. But for three-season use, they breath pretty well.
How do I clean and care for them?
Use a soft brush and mild soap on the outer materials. Let them air dry away from direct heat. It’s a good idea to reapply a waterproofing treatment for the leather and fabric once or twice a year, depending on how much you use them.
Are they true to size?
Most people find they fit true to size. It’s best to try them on with the socks you plan to hike in. Remember to leave a little room at the front so your toes don’t hit the end on downhill sections. Your heel should feel snug without slipping.
Key Takeaways
The definitive upgrade of a trail legend awaits. It’s for anyone who wants a boot that just works, right out of teh box. You get trusted waterproofing, solid support, and that famous comfort from day one. It’s the kind of reliable gear that lets you focus on the trail ahead, not on your feet.
If your old boots are letting you down, or you’re looking for your first serious pair, this model deserves your attention. For dependable performance on most trails, the merrell moab 3 mid gtx hiking boots are a standout choice. They build on everything that made the original so popular, making them a smart pick for your next adventure. Just lace them up and go.