Merrell Men's Moab 3 Prime Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot Review
The Merrell Men's Moab 3 Prime Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot stands tall as a top contender in the hiking boot market. Renowned for its impressive comfort straight out of the box, this boot has become a staple for hikers worldwide. With over 50 million satisfied customers, it’s clear that this boot is designed to accommodate various terrains and conditions.
This latest version comes with a full grain leather upper, enhancing its durability and giving it a stylish edge. Capable of tackling wet and dry environments alike, the Moab 3 Prime ensures your feet remain dry while still allowing moisture to escape, making it perfect for long hikes.
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Features
- Waterproof membrane seals out water and allows moisture to escape
- Full grain leather upper for enhanced durability
- 100% recycled laces and webbing
- Bellows tongue to keep debris out
- Protective toe cap
- 100% recycled mesh lining for breathability
- Kinetic Fit ADVANCED removable contoured insole with reinforced heel cushioning for medium support
- Molded nylon arch shank for added stability
- Merrell Air Cushion in the heel absorbs shock and enhances stability
- Lightweight EVA foam midsole for optimal comfort
- Vibram TC5+ rubber sole for maximum traction
Pros
- Excellent out-of-the-box comfort
- Durable construction suitable for rough terrains
- Waterproof design keeps feet dry
- Lightweight feel despite robust build
- Environmentally friendly materials used
Cons
- Break-in period may be required for some users
- Higher price point compared to entry-level hiking boots
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | Merrell Moab 3 Prime | Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX | Columbia Bugaboot Plus IV Omni-Heat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waterproof Membrane | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Upper Material | Full Grain Leather | Synthetic | Textile and Synthetic |
| Weight | Lightweight | Medium | Heavy |
| Support Level | Medium | High | Medium |
| Outsole Material | Vibram Rubber | Contagrip | Rubber |
Detailed Review
When you slide into the Merrell Men's Moab 3 Prime Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot, you immediately sense the thoughtful engineering behind its design. The full grain leather upper not only provides a rugged aesthetic but also ensures longevity against wear and tear. For those who frequently hike in unpredictable weather, the waterproof membrane is a game changer, keeping moisture at bay while allowing sweat to escape.
The bellows tongue is another impressive feature, which works tirelessly to prevent dirt and debris from sneaking into the boot during your excursions. And, if comfort is your priority, you’ll appreciate the Kinetic Fit ADVANCED insole, which offers excellent support tailored to your foot's contours.
However, it's worth noting that while many users enjoy immediate comfort, others might find the need for a brief break-in period before hitting the trails extensively. Additionally, the price may be a consideration for budget-conscious hikers when compared to more basic options on the market.
In conclusion, the Moab 3 Prime excels in delivering a blend of comfort, durability, and performance, making it a worthy investment for any serious hiker.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 9/10 | Exceptional comfort right out of the box, with supportive insoles. |
| Durability | 9/10 | Constructed with high-quality materials ensuring long-lasting use. |
| Waterproofing | 10/10 | Highly effective waterproof membrane that performs under wet conditions. |
| Traction | 8/10 | Reliable grip on various terrains thanks to Vibram outsole. |
| Value for Money | 7/10 | A bit pricier than alternatives but justifies the cost with quality features. |
User Reviews
Boots are great. Very comfortably and great fit. I'm an 8 1/2 and I ordered an 8 1/2 and they fit just right. I have 3 pairs of Merrell Chameleon 8, and they do breathe a little better than these but these are waterproof so I expect a bit more "heat". On thing that I noticed is only 1 eye hook where I'm use to two but so far no issues. I do recommend!
I have peripheral neuropathy. These shoes provide good support, making it easier to walk and maintain my balance in irregular terrain. They are waterproof, as advertised, as I confirmed during the recent downpours. Not, however suitable for wading in deep water. This is my second pair of Merrell outdoor shoes. The first pair are still good for walking/hiking, but I wanted the increased support for rough terrain and dry comfort.
I walk seven hours a day for my job, and these boots never bother my feet. They are waterproof, to the point that I have been able to test them. Good value!
I've worn Timberland boots for many years, and I went looking for something that might have better grip in bad traction situations, and longer tread life. I hike frequently, and I eat boots. I regularly encounter wet rocks, and wet metal steps, and while I'm barely still young enough to survive a fall without shattering my hip, not slipping and falling has become increasingly important to me.In the plus column, I put these Merrell Moab 3 Prime Mid Waterproof hiking boots on new out of the box, and went hiking immediately. I had to loosen the laces, and break them in a little, but it wasn't bad. After a couple of days, I could just tie them normally and go. They were immediately comfortable enough, and quickly became truly comfortable. They performed well on wet rocks, on wet metal. Even more impressive, I took my two Great Danes to several stores with polished concrete floors on a rainy day, and with both of my girls tugging on me, the Merrells maintained their grip. Very impressive! They have also performed adequately with respect to water permeability. These aren't waders, but if the water isn't too deep, your socks won't get soaked.In the minus column, the square heel. I surveyed Merrell's entire line of boots, and the square heel just seems to be a Merrell thing. That's really unfortunate. When I was a kid growing up, my dad showed me his Vietnam era combat boots, and how they had square heels. Square heels caused soldiers to trip over everything in the jungle, so the US Army redesigned future combat boots to have a slanted heel. Timberland boots all have a slanted heel. Most Ariat boots have a slanted heel. But Merrell seems to be stuck in 1965 on heel design. While walking familiar sections of the Appalachian Trail, I found myself tripping over every rock, every tree root, and every fallen branch, because of the stupid square heels.Now that I have seen how square heels are a Merrell signature thing, I no longer think I have any hope of convincing the designers to fix this flaw. I guess I'm going to take an angle grinder to my boots, and try to fix it myself. Apart from the square heel, they really are excellent boots.Four stars. Would have been five if they hadn't been of a 1965 design. It is what it is. In spite of the heels, I will probably buy these again. Standing up to the pulling power of two Great Danes with wet boots on a polished concrete floor really impressed me. These things have pretty good grip! It's unfortunate that they also have more than their fair share of trip.
I bought these but they didn't meet the defined 90 degree heel of my work. Liked them so much I returned them for the low top version for when not working. Very light and comfortable for both shoes.
This is my 3rd pair. When I saw them for $99 I figured I better get them, they will no longer be making them as always seems to happen. They are simply the best fitting boot for my foot I have ever had. If I am backpacking, I get size 14 and if using for work, I get size 13. My first pair still has the original laces and they show no sign of breaking. The bottoms on those is almost gone.
Merrell hiking shoes are very comfortable, and I thought I would try these out as an every-day work boot due to the design of the arch support. So far, these are working out amazingly well. I gave up on Timberland and some other brands because their quality was lacking, and the customer support was poor. The arch support design alone on these is much better for comfort with many activities. These are not, at least for me, excessively tight on the sides, so for those with wider feet, you may not need to seek out extra wide. It would be nice to see these in a few other color options, but if the production specs don't change, I'll be using this style for many years to come. This review will be updated as needed.
I have been a loyal Merrell customer for over a decade. I put these on right out of the box and they felt awesome. Historically, Merrell hold up pretty well and I'm looking forward to actually hiking in these boots.