Merrell Men's Moab 3 Tactical 8" Zip Waterproof Military Boot Review
The Merrell Men's Moab 3 Tactical 8" Zip Waterproof Military Boot in Dark Coyote is designed to provide the same exceptional comfort as the original Moab hiking boot but tailored specifically for long days on duty. With a combination of waterproof leather and breathable mesh, this boot ensures your feet stay dry while also allowing for ventilation during strenuous tasks.
The incorporation of the COMFORTBASE™ footbed and midsole guarantees all-day comfort, making these boots suitable for extended wear whether you're on a mission or enjoying outdoor activities. Constructed for performance in the toughest conditions, this tactical boot merges functionality with comfort seamlessly.
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Features
- Waterproof coated leather and mesh upper
- Waterproof medial zipper for easy on and off
- Protective and abrasion-resistant rubber toe cap
- Super Rebound Compound midsole for durable shock absorption
- Vibram TC5+ outsole for exceptional traction
Pros
- Outstanding comfort for all-day wear
- Effective waterproofing keeps feet dry
- Durable construction suitable for harsh environments
- Excellent traction for diverse terrains
- Quick access with the medial zipper
Cons
- Limited color options available
- Break-in period may be required for optimal comfort
- Heavier than some alternative tactical boots
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Boot Model | Weight | Waterproof Rating | Traction Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merrell Men's Moab 3 Tactical | Heavy | High | Vibram TC5+ |
| Salomon Forces XA Pro 3D | Moderate | Medium | Contagrip |
| Under Armour Stellar Tac | Light | Medium | Rubber |
Detailed Review
When it comes to tactical boots, the Merrell Men's Moab 3 Tactical 8" Zip Waterproof Military Boot stands out in various aspects. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
Comfort: The COMFORTBASE™ technology integrated into the footbed provides an excellent cushioning experience, allowing you to remain on your feet longer without discomfort. Users have noted that even after extensive use, the boot retains its supportive qualities.
Waterproofing: Thanks to its waterproof leather and mesh construction, this boot excels in keeping moisture out. Whether you’re traversing wet terrain or facing inclement weather, you can trust your feet will stay dry.
Durability: Built for rugged use, the protective rubber toe cap and robust materials ensure that these boots can withstand the rigors of outdoor activities and challenging job environments. They are designed to endure wear and tear, which means they can be a reliable choice for years to come.
Traction: The Vibram TC5+ outsole offers superior grip on multiple surfaces, making it a great option for those who require stability whether hiking or performing tactical operations. This feature is essential for maintaining footing in unpredictable conditions.
Ease of Use: The waterproof medial zipper allows for quick access, making it convenient when you need to put on or take off your boots swiftly. This is a practical feature appreciated by many users.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 9/10 | Exceptional comfort for long durations, though some break-in might be necessary. |
| Waterproofing | 10/10 | Outstanding waterproof capabilities, keeping feet dry in wet conditions. |
| Durability | 9/10 | Built to last with quality materials designed for tough environments. |
| Traction | 9/10 | Reliable grip on various terrains, enhancing overall safety and performance. |
| Ease of Use | 8/10 | Medial zipper adds convenience, although it may take time to adjust to the fit. |
User Reviews
Bought for husband, a construction manager. He likes the ankle support without a very heavy boot. The zipper is a big plus for removing them. He said they are secure on wet surfaces and they breathe. Surprisingly, his feet don’t get wet with the mesh like areas for breath ability. They will hold mud in the sole, but he’s never had any work-boot that doesn’t hold dried mud in the bottom of the soles. That’s my battle…why I like the zipper, easier for him to get those boots off before entering
Perfect fit, true to size on my 10-1/2. Comfortable, zip works well for easy on/off. Highly recommend.
Bought a pair in October. Great. Comfy. Didn’t wear them everyday but really nice. Until today when one of the eyelets broke off rendering these unwearable. And of course I can’t return them. I’m not pulling my laces with any force, just tying my shoes. Apparently that was too much for these shoes. Merrel should do better.
I have owned several different pair of Merrells. From my wife and children’s winter boots to my work/duty boots. I have personally owned several pair of the MOAB 2 Tactical and different MOAB variants. The MOAB 3 is comfortable and so far I love the color. The Vibram soles and traction feel great. First “hike” with these boots down to the creek and back with my kids and my feet are soaked. Specifically my toes. These boots leak horribly around the toes and around where the sole is glued to the boot. My new boots are now soaked inside. My feet were wet for hours. Not impressed and certainly disappointed. This was only in a few inches of water or less.
Firstly, I bought a used pair, they arrived in perfect order except for one missing eyelet which I received a refund for. Besides that, they seemed to be never worn.In my few weeks of use I noticed a few quality control issues. The leatherwork around the zippers is uneven (pictures 3 &4), which does not effect functionality but could be emblematic of further qc issues. The glue adhesion on the sole of the right boot has also come loose, but that is an easy fix. For the price I would generally not expect these problems.Fit and comfort are great, I work 8-12 hours a day, mostly standing and walking and these have been great. The waterproofing is adequate as of yet, holding up to light Oregon rain. I wear them commuting on my motorcycle, which I can attest is a good measure of durability. The zipper is clean and does not stick, the laces are adequate.Overall they are comfortable, but the few issues in the early weeks of my ownership was unexpected. I've owned merrils in the past, and they have a good reputation for a reason.
This is my second pair. They are the most durable comfortable duty boots I’ve ever worn.
I'm a big fan of the FDE, Coyote Brown, and Tan military boot. I had the most comfortable pair back in the day but they no longer make it. So my search continued and I found these Merrells. Waterproof, easy to lace, great grippy soles, and a fast action side zipper for quick on/off. So far rugged and durable from what I've used it for. Will continue to wear them and will update if they somehow unexpectedly fail.Reason it fell 1 star short for me is that the inner sole wasn't as soft or comfortable as other boots I've worn. But still a great boot overall.
If your on your feet working this is what you need for daily life 👍