Best Hiking Shoes? | Merrell Moab Vent 2 Review

In this video, I review my Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator hiking shoes. I've owned them for 7 months and in total, I've hiked about 500-700 kilometers with them. This video is quicker compared to my other reviews because I don't talk about all the features and specifications of these shoes, which you can find in the product description anyway. Here, I talk only about my personal experience of using these shoes. Full review: hikemuch.com/merrell-moab-2-v...
▼ GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO (affiliate links)
Merrell Moab 2 Vent hiking shoes ➜ (Amazon: amzn.to/2OcRYqa)
Salomon Speedcross trail runners ➜ (Amazon: amzn.to/3r7BheC)
▼ TABLE OF CONTENTS
00:00 - Beginning
00:44 - Current condition
02:40 - What I like about them
05:02 - What I dislike
06:26 - Final verdict
▼ MY FULL GEAR LIST (affiliate links)
Silverlight socks ➜ (Silverlight: ) (15% discount code: hikemuch15)
Osprey Talon 44 backpack (new model) ➜ (Amazon: amzn.to/3pZUZHK)
Black Diamond Distance FLZ trekking poles ➜ (Amazon: amzn.to/3xkFazq)
Water filter ➜ (Amazon: amzn.to/3riXlDf)
Cicerone guidebook ➜ 54(www.cicerone.co.uk/the-gr11-t...)
Set of 3 dry sacks ➜ (Amazon: amzn.to/3bTlwBB)
Tent ➜ (Rei.com: www.rei.com/product/168564/re...)
Camping pillow ➜ (Amazon: amzn.to/2MzzUWT)
Decathlon Microfiber towel ➜ (Decathlon: www.decathlon.com/products/ul...)
Sleeping pad ➜ (Rei.com: www.rei.com/product/157892/re...)
Cooking pot ➜ (Amazon: amzn.to/2NRcywv)
Spork ➜ (Amazon: amzn.to/3b2moVk)
Silicone camping cup ➜ (Amazon: amzn.to/37YIOoq)
Cooking stove ➜ (Amazon: amzn.to/37W4SzS)
Power bank ➜ (Amazon: amzn.to/3gmqRER)
Headlamp ➜ (Amazon: amzn.to/37X41iH)
Camera ➜ (Amazon: amzn.to/3r8OALH)
Lense ➜ (Amazon: amzn.to/301mCWh)
ND filter ➜ (Amazon: amzn.to/3q5GrX1)
Camera mounted microphone ➜ (Amazon: amzn.to/3r7Yyge)
GoPro Hero 7 ➜ (Amazon: amzn.to/3dXVpvO)
Peak designs capture clip ➜ (Amazon: amzn.to/3dVRQq7)
Fanny pack for my camera gear ➜ (Amazon: amzn.to/37UJfA4)
Sunglasses ➜ (vallon.store/collections/shop...)
Sea to Summit trowel ➜ (Amazon: amzn.to/3iHAMGB)
Gear Air repair kit ➜ (Amazon: amzn.to/3pXnnfq)
Swiss Army Knife ➜ (Amazon: amzn.to/2MAHrVr)
Decathlon Down Jacket Trek 100 ➜ (Decathlon: www.decathlon.com/products/me...)
Marmot PreCip rain jacket ➜ (Amazon: amzn.to/3gqiBE3)
North Face beanie ➜ (Amazon: amzn.to/3zqR7pd)
Decathlon Evadict Mt2 ➜ (Decathlon: www.decathlon.com/products/me...)
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▼ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE
In some of our videos and articles, we sometimes use affiliate links. If you purchase something after clicking our affiliate links, we might get a small commission from the total purchase, at no additional cost for you. We participate in the Amazon Associates affiliate program and other affiliate programs.

[@johncotter2008]

I wear these shoes every day while walking through NYC to work, and they are by far the most comfortable shoes I've ever experienced.

[@Jonh707]

I have absolutely abused these hiking shoes and they haven't let me down! so comfortable straight out of box, highly recommend !

I've have the same pair of Moabs for 8 years now, they still have a ton of life in them. And they don't even stink! I have no complaints what so ever! Love them!

[@ToddBVick]

I recently used the Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator hiking shoes on the most difficult 6 (really 8) mile trail at Caprocks Canyon, in Texas (the upper north prong trail). They were flawless, remained comfortable and helped me during the tougher scrambles (600 feet of pretty steep scrambling). I highly recommend them.

[@SarahMickelsen]

Thank you for this in-depth review! I appreciate that you made a point to cover all the advantages and disadvantages to this shoe, many of which I would have overlooked. Thank you for your honesty!

[@timsnodgrass4637]

Just picked up a pair. Your after use review reassures me that I made a good choice.

[@scottphilips8514]

Had these as my casual/walking shoes for 3 years , the rubber toe cap is starting to get brittle and crack , and I have almost worn through the bottom where the ball of my foot is, but 3 years of constant use is Damn good value to me! Very comfortable

[@Mimi127]

Great indepth and chill review!

[@kayasper6081]

Allright, I am convinced now, will buy them one of these days. Thanks for your review!

[@LX7music]

they are 28% off right now on go outdoors website

[@123benny4]

I just bought some of those and I'm happy. Comfortable right out of the box. I feel a bounce when I walk around so I don't think they're all that heavy, but I will have to see how they are on a long walk. As for laces, I usually double knot my laces on my hiking shoes. That way they don't come undone.

[@MiceDnP]

One of the best and straight to the point reviews i've seen, i'lll buy a pair to check them out too then. BTW, i'm hearing some Baltic accent vibes here haha - glad to see another happy backpacker, greetings from Latvia!

[@OscarHikes]

Sveicieni Tev arī!

[@foskco87]

I think despite these being popular and well known they are still a relatively underrated shoe. They often get considered as kind of an entry level shoe compared to alot of these more expensive, cutting edge futuristic brands but I have had 3 pairs of Moabs and I would still put them up there against any other good shoe. Best thing about them without a doubt is the comfort. These shoes come ready to go out of the box. First time you slip them on it literally feels pleasant on your feet, like comfy sox or something. Zero break in needed. I have worn these on countless hikes and I dont think Ive ever had a blister, no joke. They have a great mixture of stiffness/flex and cushion. They also have really great traction. The only downsides to the Moabs I would say is that they have average durability and they do feel a bit heavy.

[@davidluque8456]

You are so clear, congratulations for the video

[@papajeff5486]

I want a shoe that will be light, dry quickly, protect my feet and last for years. I wore a light Danner 6-8 inch, Gortex, synthetic fabric mixed with leather boot for eight years, way back in the early 1980s. They were heavier than today’s trail hikers; but, I loved them. The thing about heavy boots didn’t occur to me. They were just great. They didn’t stay water proof for long, ehh. My hiking was in the Smokies, crossing creeks, deep wet snow, up and down rock climbs, Cades Cove, Rich Mountain, Mt. Le Conte (several times, the long and short hikes), Ice Water Springs, Charlie’s Bunion, Clingman’s Dome, etc.. Kentucky

[@samulikeskitalo2280]

Hi. I bought those shoes today. I'm looking forward a mountain tour next week to try them out. Thanks. -Samu.

[@randomessentialproductions1994]

Great review

[@thefearofaflatplanet]

Great review. What trail runners do you recommend?

[@HikingWithShawn]

I’ve used this brand before. I think it is usually a go to brand for hiking. I’ve found that their hiking shoes are usually less grippy tho than others. Great review!

[@OscarHikes]

Interesting that you say that, cause I noticed that mine are also a bit less grippy than my trail runners. That said, they're still incredibly grippy. The only places where my trail runners perform a bit better is on flat rocks covered with a bit of gravel.

I agree on the grippieness of them. I wear 510 Freerider shoes for MTBing, and they have insane grip on rocks and stuff, I would love Moabs with a 510 Stealth outer-sole! But for hiking single loamy single track trails for hours on end, they are great.

[@bugoutbasics1070]

Have them in my cart. Thank you.

[@WalkingofftheCrazy]

I have the waterproof mid heights. Love them. Will be doing the AT in February 2022 and strongly considering using the mids with no waterproofing. Thx

[@FullSOSOutsourcing]

I've had a pair of Continuums for 7 years. Best shoe I ever had. The soles are worn but the shoe is intact. I'm still wearing them today.

[@DLowfu]

I had a pair of Moab 2 mid ventilators that lasted me for many seasons of hiking through some fairly narly trails on the AT (I live near Mt. Washington so I've hiked all the AT Mountians in NE with these boots). I eventually had to replace the laces that came with the boots with Paracord, but I had no problems at all for years until the sole's started to separate from the boot. These have been the most comfortable boots that never gave me really bad blisters, and I think that they are second only to the custom hiking boots I had made for me. Overall, I loved these boots so much I still use them.

[@zonto22]

What custom boots did you have made, and from where? Fellow White Mountains hiker here.

[@steveMN777]

Just bought Moab 3. Great hiking shoe!!

[@euglev3548]

I am using my 4th pair . Brilliant !!

[@euglev3548]

As for stink or fungal infections , I use anti fungal foot powder . Makes foot dry and I never had issues with smell and fungal .

[@djdadbod]

I’ve been using my Brooks Cascadia trail runners and wanted to move into something a little more substantial, these look like a really good option, thanks

[@Mrbluesplayer43]

I love the original Merrel Moab Vent (mark I), which are by far the most comfortably shoe I've ever had. I should know as I wear nothing else, these are my daily go-to shoe and I have worn out several pairs. Nothing has come close for comfort and the vent means no sweaty hot feat. But oh, the mark II's were such a disappointment and the slipper-like comfort of the originals completely gone. The innersoles are so much thinner, especially around the toe region and you can feel the sole structure below and the while shoe is just not a comfortable. IMHO Merrel made a huge leap backwards with the Moab 2. It looks like the new Moab 3 more resembles the originals, I hope so. Luckily for me I stocked up on the originals, and the Moab 2 went back in the box.

[@moorejl57]

I have been using these shoes for a long time and I also find the inner padding starts to shred, especially at the back by the Achilles tendon. This may be due to me using them for too long. They do dry pretty quickly even if you cross a stream. They provide good protection on rocky ground vs. a lighter trail runner. I use elastic laces (lock laces) and rarely have to adjust the laces.

[@OscarHikes]

Ohh, mines are still brand-new at the back part, near achilles tendon. Only tearing in the inner walls, just in front of my ankles. That's a good idea swapping out the laces. My trail runners have similar locking laces and they're much better.

[@Rockett93]

December 2022. I figured they are phasing out the ventilators. I could have got an awesome deal. If you want something similar, you have to go to the mohab 3. I think it's designed a little bit better? Ventilator was a nice lightweight non-waterproof for the summertime, The whole ventilator line is gone from Merrill most of it anyway, other stores carry them, but they won't be able to restock

[@khalidhati2384]

Thnak you for the video from Morocco

[@illlogick7151]

Just picked up a size 11 for $57 bucks on Amazon .. thanks for the review

[@darkhoursofday6250]

I just got MOAB Vent 2s today and after a single hike I'm blown away. Much better than my old shoes and it made the trail feel like a totally different place. The only downside is that I like the way they look but now I'll be getting them all dirty and dusty from SoCal trails out in Death Valley.

[@user-sl3zv8cq9k]

does the shoe lace untie by itself?

[@darkhoursofday6250]

@@user-sl3zv8cq9k Hasn't yet. Admittedly I use a double knot since I was a kid because I hate laces coming untied. The laces seem solid though.

[@oddjob7821]

Did you have to go a size up?

[@Enpassantful]

You need a thick sole on hiking shoes, to cushion your feet on uneven ground and rough terrain. This also protects the bones in your feet and legs which means you don’t tire as quickly as you would with shoes that have thinner soles.

[@paulmease9156]

I have a pair of moab 2 vents which developed a nick in the rubber toe cap and developed into a large rip so that I am not able to use after 9 months. The second pair which is the gore tex model have now got a nick in after 6 months of fairly light walking.

[@user-gm1el2ej8d]

i'm hesitating between this shoe and the salomon x raise 2 non gtx (77 & 82 dollars respectively) for off trail hiking on rocky terrain, which one should i get?

[@memeguyTM]

I ordered these. I wanted to have a good hiking shoe so I can take my dog on hikes every weekend.

[@wilsmuts]

i've had a pair of moab vent 2 with gortex for 2 years now. i only use them for day hikes or the odd overnight hike here in NZ. after my last weekend away i noticed a big chunk of rubber on the sole has torn out, as well as smaller bits missing from the sole. not sure if it's a batch issue or common with these shoes. overall i still love them for comfort/support.

[@OscarHikes]

Could be, mine are also missing a few smaller chunks. But I think it hasn't affeteced their useability so far.

[@Rusonekox9]

Great shoes I use these for work. But I prefer waterproof since I walk in snow packs 7+ hours every day during winter time.

[@KrzysPalacz]

hey! do you know the difference about Moab 2 vent vs Moab 3 vent? :) they look the same

[@learneconomics2021]

Is it normal if they feel a little uncomfortable on the toe box? I just bought them and my toes are hitting against the front and feel quite uncomfortable. I went true to size, I do feel I would have had too much room if I had taken half size down.

[@Old_Sailor85]

Been wearing Moabs since version 1. Great light-duty hikers and walking shoes. I wear my old pairs as house shoes, they are that comfortable. They are not for carrying a 70-pound pack. They are great for what they are. Their new shoe laces suck. They come untied all the time. Easy enough to change and not a deal breaker.

[@CarzorStelatis]

5:50 I think it was Sir Edmund Hillary (he was referring to pounds but same difference)

[@sherwinuba6383]

I have my 1st pair of moab2 and its great very comfortable..shoes...

[@pmhum]

Thank you for sharing

[@davidamaya5817]

Good review I own and hike with these as my main shoe. I'm trying to get a lighter hiking shoe due to a meniscus injury. Any suggestions?

[@bluefirephoenix347]

Maybe the Danner 2650? They're light, attractive and use a Vibram Megagrip outsole for great traction.

[@clownfish7776]

I hear ya. I've been contemplating going barefoot for the ultra lightness.

[@farhanbaig404]

Hey Hike Much. Question. These come in wide versions too. Are those meant to be for people who are flat footed?

[@marcillioficino4663]

Good question.

[@GruntProof]

Mine are from 2009 and I still wear them

[@oddjob7821]

Just got some in a 8.5 they are probably going to have to go back. I'm normally a 8 in a shoe but these feel smaller than that. Don't know what's going on. Why is the toe box so small? I have a pair of Karrimor in 8.5 and these have plenty of space for the toes so I don't know what's going on. I've checked and they are definitely a 8.5. I can only assume if you purchase these shoes you need to go a full size up.

[@gfxman14]

Nice review, I have had a pair for a few years now. Not a fan, might just be my feet but they start hurting after a few miles. The inner sole feels off to me as the area that hurts is the Arch area to the start of the heel. I also, feel they are heavy and have to knot the laces or they come undone every 10 minutes. I use them as an expensive pair of mowing shoes now.

[@WalkingofftheCrazy]

Sounds like u may need an orthotic? Possible plantars fasciitis?

[@Sparaco487]

I have a pair that is now 3 years old that did that,right foot arch support felt way off where it should be,i definitely say its a problem with that pair because i can wear my other hiking shoes,runnings shoes,wirk boots and chippewa super loggers no issue.first pair of moabs no complaints,2nd pair the ventilator i think they are i wont buy again,3rd pair merrell not moabs really good.might buy another set of moabs but not those ventilators with the yellow parts on the tread

[@sladester2]

For your average beginner hiker do you recommend hiking shoes or trail runners?

[@OscarHikes]

I think it doesn't really matter that much. Both are pretty good. I personally prefer trail runners because they're a bit lighter and feel more like a running shoe.

[@zBMatt]

Trail Runners. A beginner isn't going to be doing the harsh things the MOAB is designed to protect against, so you can save on all of that weight.

[@Joosseepph13]

I like these to trail run, would you recommend trail running in these?

[@OscarHikes]

Not really. They're too bulky IMO and not enough thread. I trail run in Solomon Speed Cross 4, which are perfect for trail running.

[@Joosseepph13]

Thanks bro! I have one more question.. I live in So Cal and I typically trail run on easy/medium trails but many times I'll tackle tougher, more aggressive trails with more obstacles, more rocks etc. and I'm having trouble deciding on buying the Salomon Ultra Glide or the Salomon Speed Cross* 4/5 Any advice? Or other suggestions lol Thanks again for your info

[@JL-nk1pc]

which colour are these?

[@TheAtl0001]

👍 Great review. BTW it's Mo Ab, not moob. I like them, but personally, I just wished the sole had a little more cushioning in the front part. I do feel everything through it. Innersole? But then I probably have to buy a size up next time. I love the breathability, I HATE sweaty GTX (like in my North Face Hedgehog GTX). I like them but next pair of shoes I might be looking for a Breathable/Ventilated pair of Solomon Hiking shoes.

[@Anybloke]

I have a pair of the Moab boots with the Vibram sole and the one thing which lets them down big time is the grip in wet conditions. Basically it is non-existent. Try walking on wet stone or mud and you''ll go arse over tit. They'd be much better off with Dr Martens' soles which have superb wet grip.

[@OscarHikes]

I completely agree with that one. Forgot to talk about that in the video but yeah - on wet surfaces or on smooth rocks the traction is pretty bad. It's very good in other conditions though. I think it's so bad in wet conditions because the outsole is made from very stiff rubber.

[@discipleaj]

That seems like an insane design flaw (like a literal oxymoron) considering they're GTX meaning Merrell are stating they can be used in wet conditions... It pretty much makes then useless to the UK and Northern European market given that our climate here in the UK is cold/damp/wet for around 8-9 months of the year and we're known for having lots of rain during summer too. 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@cpouk8285]

Nice video, I am travelling to Bangladesh in summer, Tem is 34/36, very hot. What shoes do you suggest to buy? Thanks in advance

[@OscarHikes]

Never been to Bangladesh, but that shounds like an amazing trip! Probably, go with hiking boots or hiking shoes that are very breathable, and get a pair of merino wool socks. Merino wool is very breathable and stays odor-free. Boots are better for ankle support and in areas with a lot of grass/branches but they'll be less breathable. Honestly, a pair of Merrell Moabs should be good for that - either the shoes, which I review in this video, or the Mid 2 vent boots.

[@cpouk8285]

@@OscarHikes Thanks for your quick reply and amazing advice, much appreciated. Stay safe mate

[@moderntimes4814]

Best shoe ever

[@kayakcobber524]

I skipped to these as i did long-distance walking projects and Leather shoes take to long to feel comfortable. They sit good from the start. As i used many pairs along the way, they last about 2300+ km for me. The profile can sometimes be to minimal and easy slippery can occur. Anyway my pick for sure. Mine stink but who cares!!!

[@paulb9769]

I have read in many amazon reviews that the shoe has a new arch/heel support that is causing foot and back pain. Have you heard of this?

[@marcillioficino4663]

Yea, I read that in the Amazon reviews too. I'm not sure I want to buy them now.

[@zoebautista8868]

What color are yours? i want them now

[@mroctober3657]

Pecan

[@KCML036]

what color is ur merrell moab 2 vent?

[@OscarHikes]

I'm not 100% sure, but it's either pecan or walnut. The fabric looks like Pecan, but the yellow/orange elements like on the walnut.

[@ferhatkaracali8026]

Which color is this one exactly ?

[@mroctober3657]

Pecan

[@dalejuhl8591]

They don't smell .... They don't have noses - har har har Great review and info -thank you

[@TheMidnightModder]

Getting your feet wet in the wild is inevitable. Whether it's sweat, dew, puddles, or rivers, your feet are going to get wet. So I'd rather have a shoe that is breathable and can dry than try to prevent the inevitable and then remain wet for hours.

[@robertmanore9797]

I never go in thinking wet feet. Can't stand it! Danners wool and foot powder if it's hot and I pretty much avoid wet feet all the time.

[@ndog4773]

Not true. In winter you are going to have serious problems in cold environments if you allow your feet to get wet.

[@oddjob7821]

How on earth does anybody walk long distances in these shoes? I tried a 8.5 UK too small toes were cramped. Tried a 9 UK. The size was right but the shoes were torture. I only purchased them because I had heard a lot of good reviews, but it just goes to show how personal a shoe is. I have no doubt they are good for many people but in my case that give me lateral foot pain, and feel like uncomfortable foot torture devices.

[@VS-q]

Have you bought Moab 3 by any chance? I was wearing original Moab Vent for almost 10 years and they are amazing. Unfortunately Merrell changed their shape so I had the same experience as you, Moab 3 just doesnt fit! My regular size is too small, 05 size up is too big! I'd be willing to pay extra but just bring back to the market the original Moabs!!

[@leetnessgaming9751]

It’s a easy fix but why in the fk do they make the shoe laces so long?

[@cheliospanama9786]

For the algorithm 🤓🥳💪👏🤙🤔😎

[@frenkihunter7523]

In general, only full-leather shoes are suitable for terrain where there are wet, stones, thorns, etc. No plastic material, fabric, has a chance to last what leather shoes do. And as for "shoe height", the minimum is mid-ankle boots. My opinion, of course, subjective, but acquired over decades in challenging terrain. And I don't really mean the most difficult terrain. "Normal" only, forest, mountains, rock scree, mud, tall wet grass, low thorns, shallow watercourses,... Anything else, like "low" shoes that are often slipped on, made of material such as plastic, cloth, is lying to people, a fraud. There is no factory brand that can make a durable low, plastic and fabric boot that can compete with full leather boots and at least MIDs in the field. By the way, at home, in the garden, in the park for small children, you can easily wear those low "super" shoes made of fabric and plastic, they belong there and you will be safe and comfortable in them. I don't mention the brand names, it has absolutely no effect on what I have mentioned. The quality of the shoe is constantly decreasing.

[@109baz]

Why start a review with a big slurp of coffee ???

[@OscarHikes]

To annoy people

[@patrickpirelli7897]

Just bought some and now I've worn them out side for a little walk I don't like them as they feel squidgy and I get a lot of heal slip, but it is only day one so mabe I shouldn't judg just yet

[@user-sl3zv8cq9k]

shoe lace came loose all the time, bad

[@juharon]

Video starts: 0:05

[@memeguyTM]

Haha lol 🤣😂😆

[@Hc4697]

Thanks king

[@lon602]

Merrell shoes come unglued in less than a year. Made in China.

[@gazza1858]

Not very good for wide feet 🦶

[@travispfeifer1979]

Lol friction. You mean traction

[@jackyong815]

Love it, love it, love it!!! In this year the 100th anniversary of Chinese Communist Party #CCP, thrilled to know that Merrell is now owned by Anta of China #MadeInChina2025 #BeltAndRoad #BeijingOlympics2022 🇨🇳

[@IJN_Guy]

?

[@MassiveCarbonFootprint]

why waste time showing yourself taking a drink?

[@nairolf5177]

One of the most interresting comment ever seen...