Merrell Moab Speed Low Alternative Closure Waterproof Hiking Shoe Review
The Merrell Moab Speed Low Alternative Closure Waterproof Hiking Shoe is a remarkable blend of hiking durability and sneaker comfort that caters perfectly to adventurous kids. With its striking green color and unisex design, this shoe offers not only style but also the functionality needed for outdoor exploration.
Its lightweight waterproof construction ensures that your child's feet stay dry, making muddy trails and unexpected puddles less of a concern. The innovative FLOATPRO FOAM™ footbed provides enhanced cushioning and energy return, allowing for comfortable all-day wear whether on rugged terrains or casual walks.
Features
- Seam sealed waterproof construction to keep feet dry
- Alternative closure for easy on/off
- Non-marking outsole with extra grip for superior traction
- FLOATPRO FOAM footbed for enhanced cushion and energy return
- 100% recycled poly sock construction
Pros
- Excellent waterproof capabilities
- Lightweight and comfortable for extended wear
- Secure fit due to alternative closure system
- Superior grip for various terrains
- Eco-friendly materials used in construction
Cons
- Sizing may run small, requiring careful measurement before purchase
- Price point might be higher compared to other alternatives
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Product | Waterproof | Closure Type | Footbed Technology | Outsole Grip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Merrell Moab Speed Low | Yes | Alternative | FLOATPRO FOAM™ | High |
| Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX | Yes | Lace-Up | Ortholite® | Medium |
| KEEN Targhee III Waterproof | Yes | Lace-Up | Metatomical Footbed | High |
Detailed Review
When evaluating the Merrell Moab Speed Low Alternative Closure Waterproof Hiking Shoe, it stands out in several categories:
- Comfort: The FLOATPRO FOAM™ footbed delivers exceptional cushioning, allowing children to stay on their feet longer without discomfort. This makes it ideal for both short hikes and full days outdoors.
- Durability: Constructed with high-quality rubber materials, these shoes are built to withstand the rigors of outdoor activities, ensuring longevity even with regular use.
- Traction: The non-marking outsole grips well on various surfaces, providing the necessary stability that young adventurers need as they tackle different terrains.
- Fit and Ease of Use: The alternative closure system simplifies putting on and taking off the shoes, which is particularly beneficial for kids who may struggle with traditional laces.
- Environmental Consideration: Its 100% recycled poly sock construction showcases Merrell's commitment to sustainability, making it a conscientious choice for eco-aware consumers.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 9/10 | Exceptional cushioning with long-lasting comfort |
| Durability | 8/10 | Robust materials designed for outdoor endurance |
| Traction | 9/10 | Reliable grip for varied outdoor conditions |
| Ease of Use | 10/10 | Effortless on/off, perfect for kids |
| Eco-Friendliness | 8/10 | Sustainable materials incorporated into design |
User Reviews
Pros:1. Tripled the distance our 4.5 yr old could hike from 1.5 miles to 5 miles. The rugged sole is supportive and mutes the feel of rocks/uneven ground, and also helps stop slipping on steep descents.2. Comfortable + no break-in period. Our kiddo seemed to have essentially no break-in period. He surprised us by going over 3 miles on our first hike out that was meant to just be an easy stroll to break them in. No blisters or other signs of discomfort.3. Reasonably waterproof. Our kiddo can run around in a rainy playground or hike on wet/muddy trails without wet feet.4. Durable. No issues and lasted a full 5 mo over dozens and dozens of miles during a busy summer hiking season until outgrown.Cons:1. Not fully waterproof. The time we got caught in a downpour for over an hour halfway through a bike ride on the pacific coast - yes, our kiddo's feet did get wet - and so did the adults' in salomon and brooks gore-tex shoes. These are not fully-waterproof multi-hundred-dollar professional equipment. And they won't be the same as a pair of rainboots for jumping in puddles. It's not so much a 'con' as a reality - don't buy them if you really need rainboots for the playground or a hard-core boot for a long trek.2. The bottoms seem to have a coating on them that 'peels' - many think this is the sole breaking down but we've seen it on 2 pair now and we're 90% sure it's a coating - we picked/peeled it off once it started peeling after the first week of wearing them, and then didn't see any further peeling. It's annoying, but didn't impact the long-term durability of the shoes.
I’m loving this shoe. I’m an adult female but buy big kid shoes because they have a wider toe box…and this shoe even came in a wide option. Love the Velcro closing as I’m 79 years old and now find it difficult to tie any shoe. It’s not completely waterproof all the way to the top but I find it works well in wet grass just not puddles. It’s sturdy without being excessively stiff.
My daughter uses these shoes daily on ice and snow. They work great and are true to size.
Really great shoes, my 4 yo hiked a moderate 5-mile trail at Mt Rainier in these and didn’t complain once about his feet/shoes. He plays soccer in these, they’re his favorite shoes. Good traction, (EDIT: reasonably) waterproof, great for running, this will be our third pair and I’m planning to buy a few more sizes once they go on sale. They’re a little heavy but it doesn’t seem to be an issue.
I purchased these waterproof sneakers for my daughter because when it rains she was coming home from school with wet socks and shoes soaked. These sneakers are an easy fix for that. They are good quality and my daughter enjoys wearing them. I went up 1/2 size so they would last longer and they fit fine. They are easy enough to get on and off by herself she is in kindergarten. The shoe isn’t as flexible or light weight as a normal Skecher sneaker though. My daughter doesn’t seem to mind. When I pick them up they feel a little clunky. Parents/care takers- do you guys remember the clunky old school Skechers sneakers that were popular in the 90s/early 2000s? The ones with the thicker sole? Yeah these remind me of those lol! But not necessary a bad thing.. ijs. I like that they are easy clean though apparently you can machine wash them if I’m not mistaken. Overall I’d recommend them if you can get them on sale like we did. If not on sale I would’ve purchased Skechers version of a waterproof kids sneaker instead. All that being said my daughter likes them just fine so that’s what really matters. The maroon/pink/purpleish color is nice in person. As far as sizing goes I feel they run pretty true to size. If in between sizes I would size up! Not that they necessarily run narrow BUT, If your kids foot is quite wide I would also go up 1/2 size just for more room. As far as looks go the sneaker looks pretty sharp in person. The maroon/pink scheme easily matches my girls clothes. They don’t have hiking where I live but I imagine these would do well for outdoorsy activities such as that. The tread on the bottom of the shoe is well done. The Velcro on the shoe holds tight so when running the shoe stays on the foot securely. Bonus the sole is a bit thicker than a normal sneaker so my daughter likes it makes her a bit taller lol. They look durable and if I have any issues with quality or durability I’ll come back and change my review. They have been fine so far.
Sturdy, high quality shoes. Merrell makes the best shoes for kids. Highly recommend these.
Do not waste your money. My daughter where’s them to school. Hasn’t even seen mud on the trail. Stitching is coming undone all over the place. I’m returning. I stopped buying merell a long time ago . I can see product quality is still in the gutter. Horrible purchase
2nd pair in almost 4 years for my 11 year old and that is saying something! These are great shoes and hold up so well. I get close to two years before needed to replace which far exceeds most all other brands for my kids at this age. Fit and quality are great. They are heaver shoes but that is to be excepted as they are built to last!