Merrel Moab 3 Review: Budget Shoe or Better?

In this video, I review the Merrell Moab 3 low hiking shoe, comparing it to other great hiking shoes and providing performance data from testing and time spent on the trail.
Check out my blog post on the Merrell Moab 3: dustyhikers.com/merrell-moab-...
Support my channel and purchase your pair of Merrell Moab 3 here: amzn.to/3yPTy5L
Dusty Hikers is a channel dedicated to those who enjoy the outdoors and hiking.

[@leonpatrick5606]

It took me a couple of days to get the shoe molded. And MAN, they work well. Awesome review

[@racdude01]

Hey Dusty love your videos, really the only guy out here actually testing shoes and giving usable information rather than just reading specs or giving a review of one shoe without giving any context or comparison to any other shoe. I would really like to see an in depth head to head of the Moab 3 vs the Moab speed. I seen a comment where u said u like the speed more but is that just because you prefer trail runner sneaker style shoes over chunky “decapitated boot” style shoes or is there other factors

[@joemartin7332]

Agree with your review. I have worn it for years. Thanks😊

[@Well_Earned_Siesta]

This is one of the only hiking shoes that comes in standard wide widths, so that automatically makes it 1st place for me. Plus, I'm a casual day-hiker, so these are perfect for me.

[@Dusty_Hikers]

Perfect match. I really like them.

[@Schenkendorf]

You get what you pay for but here you get much more! I prefer Merrell for more than 10 years, not because of the price, it’s the extreme long durability and best comfort!

[@tommyh.8391]

You get what you pat for, but you often pay too much. Shoes are priced like cars and Apple products. They’ve trained us to buy what we want, not what is best for us. Think about it.

[@stanislavkamas7379]

I did buy a pair today. Great value, I already love the walks in my head... tried them in a quick walk with a dog in the fields behind house. Perfect. For me important is the Goretex, leather, Basic hiking shoe... all what I need, looking good.

[@timbit2006]

The best part about these boots is the wide version is a genuine 4E, no nonsense. I've searched for a long time now for actual 4E width boots in my size, I'm glad I found some boots I don't have to stretch for once. I'm a 9.5 and it's genuinely 4 1/4" like it should be. The toe box also isn't shaped for some weird elf person either.

[@Dusty_Hikers]

This is the fundamental problem with shoe manufacturers is they build them for folks under the middle of the bell curve for foot shapes. Elves are definitely on the upper tail of the distribution curve 🧝‍♀️. While dwarves are at the bottom. 🧌

[@thoughtsofanobody]

Hi! This is great. Could you do a video comparing this shoe to another “budget” shoe? I appreciate that you mentioned that the other shoes were much more expensive but the only pair from your lineup I could afford was this one. Thanks!!

[@armandsant1143]

I bought the Moab 3 edge megagrip so im hoping they perform great this hot summer coming so thank you for reviewing the Moab 3

[@Dusty_Hikers]

They merit the fame they have and they are so inexpensive compared to other hiking shoes. Let me know how they work for you. Megagrip is the best compound for grip I have tested. Super sticky!

[@dsonyay]

Merrill Moabs were commonly worn while deployed overseas when I was in the military. The specwar crowd loved them. Sometimes Saloman too (don’t remember the model).

[@ChrisBeiting]

I just picked up a pair of Moab 3's from Woot for $35. Even if I get a year out of them, I'm pleased.

[@snowcrash512]

These are some of the only hiking shoes I can wear because of the width, I have a wider midfoot that most shoes tend to pinch in on the outside edge. I wonder if any of the other shoes you have tested have a similar width?

[@aviratica6370]

I have a slightly wide foot but, a standard wide is too wide and my moab 3's fit perfectly. I replaced the insole with my custom orthotics. I really love mine.

[@Dusty_Hikers]

Thank you for this information. I agree 100% with your assessment based on my experience with these shoes.

[@radioclash8175]

I just bought these 11 wide in that same color for my everyday wearing shoes-they were $110 at Shoe Station-they’re very comfortable

[@Dusty_Hikers]

Thank you for the feedback.

[@deciduousdiscipline9592]

Great review - thanks

[@jwdickieson]

A 100+ dollar shoe is considered a budget shoe....

[@yeetmemes3928]

Why spend 300+ on a hiking shoe if it's gonna get torn up lol 100+ isn't budget 😅

[@margar1983]

These days it is #bidenomics

[@conner_isbetter9963]

Yes

[@DragonsinGenesisPodcast]

Take a $40 hiking shoe on the trails and it’ll blow out before you break them in.

[@MeMe-in8tj]

Yeah let's get the sexual predator back in office ​@@margar1983

[@alexg4946]

Bought the Gore-Tex version for 135 euros in Europe. Very nice Toe-cap indeed. The problem was EU43 size is a bit small (toes lightly touching front when hiking downhill) and EU44 a bit too long (some heel movement and lack of stability even with super tight laces) for my foot. Also, the arch support was not as pronounced as I would like. The geomentry of the insole was a little too flat and it felt unfamiliar compared to most other shoes that I have worn. Grip and protection seem excellent to me. After a few weeks, the mesh underlay showed signs of wear (some strands coming off etc.) Compared to my Moab speed, I would say the moab 3 (I really wanted to like it because I like the way it looks) is mediocre, wheras the moab 3 speed is exceptional. I ended up using the moab speed in most situations and everyday life. Great comfort grip etc. Slightly less durable than the moab 3 but worth it.

[@Dusty_Hikers]

I advised my sister to get the Moab Speed for a weekend hike. She loves them.

[@CptAngelADVlogs]

Why does your arch need support? Is it broken? It's a muscle... work it. Get some barefoot shoes.

[@gasser2348]

I have bought about 5 pairs & I have worn the miles out of them. I love the fit, comfort & long term wear-ability. I have never worn out the Vibram soles . . . I have worn out the insided, sadly. Then had to replace them. Excellent value & long lasting.

[@williampaul8556]

I have very bad feet. And I have tried so many shoes and boots and at this point after years of boots and shoes- Merrel is the most comfortable for a long time. They work great for me.

[@tonyc2570]

I just bought my third pair in a row of the Moab 3 and have hiked 16 days straight on the John Muir and tons and tons of other hiking and have yet to get one blister. I do wear sock liners under my socks FYI. But I figure why change it up when I’ve had success with these shoes.

[@Dusty_Hikers]

Thanks!

[@tonyc2570]

@@Dusty_Hikers Thank you as I do appreciate your reviews

[@souperdave2009]

Great review from a fellow shoe/boot snob.. thx

[@davecros4887]

I have a pair of these. They are very comfortable and give me good traction on all types of terrain. I’ve put many hundreds of miles on mine. They have worn well, still look great but the last time I hiked they got a bit wet and the soles detached from the upper near the toe. I have them in a vice with shoe goo at the moment. I’ll see how that does.

[@brianbutler364]

Shoe goo and clamped in a vice about 2 weeks ago. Actually held well. These are my second pair and I already have another pair ready to break in, in the house. : )

[@johnowow]

update?

[@DjisasXIII]

I bought these, after trying 20+ pairs from all the brands I could get my feet on, they are the ones that fit, and they fit well. Just been using them on the city with hardly any dirt but I bought them for hiking, I'm trying to destroy my merrel All out Blaze 2 first. So far I like them and I'm considering keeping these for more casual wear and the get the Moab 3 mid get for actual hiking...

[@coolstar2398]

I’ve got the fully black version of this show. I think it looks so good. I’m the type of person who believes that full on hiking shoes are overkill for almost any application. I’ve used thongs or crocks on most hikes I have done with a few times that I have used normal sneakers. So I have gotten these to use for everything from going to the cinemas to around the house and camping/ 4wding and hiking.

[@Dusty_Hikers]

I want to do a video where I hike in a suit and dress shoes. My Ecco dress shoes are extremely comfortable and I could do some serious miles on trail in these. For most hikes comfort beats everything else.

[@user-sb5xv5qk4i]

Love your videos! They've helped me decide what I need and don't need, so thank you! I just bought these in the mid-height. My size in the measuring device reads 11. Should I be in a size 11.5 or size 12? In-store, I felt like the size 11.5 might be slightly too small (not quite a thumb width between the toe and tip of the shoe). After taking a size 12 out on a short hike, I feel like they might be slightly too large.

[@Dusty_Hikers]

Mine were correct for my usual size.

[@SpacemanXC]

My whole life I just wear cheep walking shoes when I hike. This is my first hiking shoe. Just got them today. If it's a budget shoe then i guess it can only go up from here. Can't wait to wear them out and get something better.

[@Dusty_Hikers]

Thank you for sharing.

[@mikepodric5703]

Vibram soles are super durable so it is going to take a bit to wear them out. I buy MOABs because they fit wide, they seem wider then the Keens for me. I couldn't easily "go up" because they are just fit so well and over all they are a great hiker and outdoor shoe for my local terrain. The reviewer has narrower feet, it definitely makes a difference.

[@SpacemanXC]

@@mikepodric5703 I have super wide feet too. I actually really liked the keens i tried, but they were out of my price range. So far i'm very pleased with my moabs. I can do 5 miles, on pretty steep stuff, with no hot spots. And they look like a normal shoe, as opposed to the keens, so i don't mind wearing them around town either.

[@billbertagnoli4226]

I've worn merrills for ever. I think the reason is the actual Fit as opposed to the durability and quality of materials. If the Shoe fits wear it.

[@idigbebop]

Just bought a pair for $67 on Ama. Prices are all over the place based on color and size, but deals are there for those who search. I wear a size 12.5 in the Moab3. They are like wearing an aircraft carrier in my size, they are chunky and rugged, better for rocky or tree stump like rough trails. You’ll know the trails these are made for when you are on one- because you’re glad you wore them. I never wear these on smoother ground, awful comfort for a brisk pace. My better choices lately are in the Saucony brand, they offer size 12.5’s in almost any model and their trail runners are super bargains, and lightweight for us big-footers. A major issue for larger sizes is the upscale bulk. Some models just don’t upscale well in large size. I always look for lightweight and maneuverability, less bulk, over most features. The variety of inserts made these days can make anything acceptable comfort. Thanks for the great videos, really like your test methodology and the choices you test. Looks like you made it to Italy. Cheers.

[@Dusty_Hikers]

Same here. The Merrell Moab 3 work but there are more refined hiking shoes. Again, they are super cheap but not really budget hiking shoes. They will work for lots of people.

[@Awakendabeast13]

Jesus there $160 right now I’ll hold on could be inflation tho😢

[@prony5145]

I have been wanting to buy these shoes for the fact that it's one of the best in the world in terms of price to performance ratio. But sadly in my country these shoes cost $300(Amazon India) for the base variant which is actually suppose to be only $100! So therefore I'll not be able to afford them for good!

[@theroadtodamascus7710]

What would you recommend for cold climate city walking with ocassional snow walking on basic ski trip.?

[@Dusty_Hikers]

Nice water resistant shoe or boot over the ankle with an exterior that tends not to absorb water.

[@jacoe33333]

Hi. I can't find a comparison bteween the moab 2 and 3 on the sole. is the 3 sole improved? I go through the sole in 4 months on the moab 2. I have gone through probably 10 pairs of shoes in the last 4 years. I work with them and still my nr 1 choice. I just wish the sole would last. It also like to rip in front at the black ribber like piece. Has that been changed. Tell us differences to the Moab 2 please.

[@tsixclerk]

I'm on second pair of the mid high version. I did go with the waterproof version for second pair. Use for hiking with pups on light to kind of moderate trails and my everyday winter and bad weather shoe. Very comfortable. Match them up with darn tough socks and my feet don't even know they had been on a hike. I know they won't be good for an all day heavy hike up a mountain but I don't need that capability so why pay the extra money for it.

[@jimwocha4949]

Depends on fit. I bought the Moab speed in sizes UK 10.5 and 11. 10.5 was too small and 11 my foot was moving at the heel. Just a bad fit I guess. Have bought the Moab 3 instead. I prefer the look of the Moab speed but they don't seem to fit my somewhat wide feet.

[@Chicken42069p]

they're great all rough tough shoes, perhaps not the best for serious hiking, but then you'd spend more. Excellent for the money.

[@kylelindberg7771]

Do you think you can cover the Altama Maritime Assault boot, specifically the low cut version?

[@Dusty_Hikers]

Maybe in the future. I need to purchase and test more hiking footwear.

[@lweleven3423]

Very cheap lot more in the UK the Moab 2 is now under 100 as I assume it’s discontinued, unsure what the difference it

[@stephenshw2262]

Why its the go to shoe for deployment

[@ebrahimsage8924]

I bouth a merirell it got Vibram on the side the first one i bought many years ago never gave trouble but then I bought a new pair not long the plastic on the side all cracked utter rubbish for such an expensive shoe. I dont think the first one had black plastic on the side it was rubber as it lasted for many years

[@brandond9490]

Sound for this video is only on left channel in headphones

[@scottroy6195]

Thanks for review. Sounds like the perfect shoe for someone who just wants better than a Walmart sneaker and does short walks.

[@Dusty_Hikers]

Totally agree

[@ejenkins77]

Great review. Thank you.

[@Dusty_Hikers]

Thanks for watching!

[@DL-yc4pm]

Do you recommend the waterproof or non waterproof version? I'm going with the mid boot for a longs peak climb and will wear them working around my property, shore fishing and exploring forrests. I'm an outdoors man, not really an avid hiker... my feet generally sweat a lot.

[@jlzab6914]

Je possède les moab 3 gtx, pour la randonnée en haute montagne, pour moi deux défauts principaux : une chaleur importante ressentie au dessus de 20 °C extérieur, et une semelle intérieure avec un amorti insuffisant surtout au niveau du talon ( mais cela peut être résolu par un échange avec une semelle plus confortable).

[@davecross2127]

Moab 3 Edge Wide Width; just tried to leave a review for these on the Merrell site, in response to an email they sent asking for a review. Funny, I bought another different pair of boots I just reviewed BEFORE I bought my Moabs, but they did not allow me to post my Moab review due to expiration (hmmm)...only purchased in Feb, but they allowed me to post for the other boot. Fact is, the Moabs are DANGEROUS!!! Not only because the terrible laces do not tighten due to the lace material and come undone constantly, but the Vibram (?) sole HAS NO GRIP under damp conditions. I bought my Moabs specifically for a trip to the UK and "Vibram sole", and held on for my life while walking the ramparts around Conway Castle when others in sneakers had no issues. Worst boot I've ever purchased, and now have no confidence in both Merrell and this crappy dumb-down Vibram sole. Sorry Merrell, I was a 40 year fan...no more.

[@guillermovilla9517]

The review and your comment help me decide. The review had red flags for me, it’s wide and the laces and you helped me take it out of my cart. Thx!!

[@vivianlopez5202]

Acabo de comprar hoy un par de esos de segunda mano, en aproximadamente US $50, los compré para mí trabajo como supervisora vial, así que tengo que caminar mucho sobre tierra, lodo, asfalto y concreto, deseenme suerte 😅😅😅.

[@ThrowawayAccount-gi2uq]

Como te han parecido 😃, los acabe de comprar nuevos en Amazon a $60

[@Fart2Toots]

Amazon as of now has them for $45 1/5/23

[@matiasbenavidesdigitalvisu9511]

Recently in some official sellers are 50% off, anywho knows why? Low quality units?

[@jlzab6914]

Je possède ces chaussures pour la randonnée en montagne. Ce sont des. Chaussures pour moi confortables, résistantes et assez étanches ( dans la limite de ce que proposer une taille basse) très bonne accroche de la semelle. Par contre je les trouve chaudes au dessus d'une température extérieure de 20 °C et la semelle intérieure manque de confort à la longue, principalement au niveau du talon, mais on peut régler ce problème par un échange de semelle

[@sukant08]

Which video were you talking about ?

[@Dusty_Hikers]

Probably best hiking shoes of 2023.

[@coldhardfacts1874]

My right ear is lonely

[@user-ru2cq8ti5z]

I want to know were is your most of merrell’s shoes made in，because someone tell me in Internet that these shoes has different quality if these made in different countries’s factory

[@user-ru2cq8ti5z]

In CN’Internet，many people said that moab3 have problem because the shoe’s head was bonding gap

[@lon602]

The tag on my Moab’s says China.

[@racdude01]

@@lon602some are china and I believe some are Vietnam and apparently the ones made in Vietnam are better quality

[@Fycstion]

How do these shoes compare to the Merrell Chameleon 8 Stretch?

[@Dusty_Hikers]

I have not tested the Chameleon 8 Stretch. Maybe some else has that could comment.

[@terrizierke8528]

I'm a nurse...12 hour shifts...looking for something good and supportive as well as comfortable and performs well. Any suggestions from anyone as to what to get?

[@markwalker8374]

Don't get these then, mine make my feet tired after a couple of hours use. The reviews of the New Balance Fresh Foam X1080 or the Hokka Clifton 8 which according to Hes Kicks YT channel is favoured by nurses

[@liamx6636]

Merrell are junk. Avoid at all costs. You and your feet deserve better.

[@spike123cl]

Personally, I definitely do not like the new soul. Last year they got rid of the ventilator. I buy three pairs a year, their new soul that might be able to do everything. You can burn it out within four months! The new 20023, models yes I still buy them. Very disappointed in the new Vibram soul, It doesn't have that extra piece of rubber on the back heel and you see more flat-footed in the new 2023 souls. My opinion but compared them with all my other burned out murals. I buy 3 a year

[@chrismichael1161]

The Moab is like the Chevy of shoes. It’ll get you there, but it ain’t sexy.

[@Dusty_Hikers]

True. That is a great summary.

[@oscarguiraogarcia3471]

I have slim fet , how about ?

[@Dusty_Hikers]

I think they will work but you may need some additions insoles or thicker socks.

[@isaamhanif]

Would you recommend this or the Merell speed that you tested before? I would like to use the shoes for day hiking mostly

[@Dusty_Hikers]

I think the Merrell Moab Speed is a better shoe than the Merrell Moab 3.

[@isaamhanif]

@@Dusty_Hikers Thank you, I really appreciate the reply. Best of luck with the channel - the content is great

[@MorrisPracticed]

do these have a wide toe box? tired of my reeboks cramming my toes together

[@Dusty_Hikers]

Yes. They have a generous toe box. I had to tighten them significantly.

[@kguen2022]

I can't help but wonder if your review would be accurate for women's shoes as well.

[@williamwonser3525]

$ 150.00 is budget ?

[@racdude01]

When a lot of hiking shoes are $200+ and anything under $100 is cheap junk yes $150 is quality on a budget 🙄

[@scotthartley5386]

The Moab 1 is the best. They keep getting worse every revision since the first one.

[@Romany1111]

Dude, it's "Vee-Brum". Outside much?

[@Dusty_Hikers]

331 million Americans were just proved wrong. The US says VAI-brum.

[@Romany1111]

You are a follower then. @@Dusty_Hikers

[@LynxEng]

Like £110 is a cheap shoe? I've only worn walking stuff at half the price and £100 is not cheap

[@reviewithme9913]

They are $50 on Amazon

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

No sound out of the right speaker. ???

[@Dusty_Hikers]

Sorry. I have fixed that for videos after this one.

[@carlosromero1509]

$60 buck at Costco right now

[@LucaPerina]

Can they replace normal snikers for everyday life? I usually walk a lot during the days

[@Dusty_Hikers]

Yes. Absolutely.

[@LucaPerina]

@@Dusty_Hikers Thanks!

[@slavasss2189]

How its compared with moab2?

[@Dusty_Hikers]

I never wore the Moab 2 but someone commented here that the Moab 3 is not as comfy as the Moab 2.

[@droy333]

Bit of contradictory information which for me invalidates your testing. The shoes don't fit you so they will not perform as designed. I don't think it's possible for a single person to review all shoes. I definitely couldn't, I just spent an hour trying on various brands, various models from those brands. Your feet will really tell you if they fit. If you are needing to sinch them down so much you're warping the shoe, they really aren't going to work for you. Thanks for the video though, they're definitely not cheap in Australia RRP $AUD280! They're damn ugly shoes but if they're wide enough to fit they'll do me just fine.

[@Dusty_Hikers]

Thank you for your feedback. I need to make it clearer in the video that all my testing is relative to me. The information I provide is useful for anyone wanting to learn more about the shoes and how they compare to other brands. The results are not produced in a laboratory according to a specific standardized test. It’s me, with the shoes, running them through their paces.

[@0SilentLeopard0]

You can buy all Merrel shoes for 30% off if you're a member at Anaconda. I just copped a pair for $195, down from $280. They have an online store too, the best price I've seen so far for these shoes.

[@jeanjacquesrousseau1955]

@@0SilentLeopard0 Just bought the shoe for 90 Euro on amazon 41% easter sale. Seems to be a good deal for me. But I also walk around 300+ km a month so I hope they won't break down after 2 months haha.

[@goboy45]

Those shoes hurt me

[@Dusty_Hikers]

In what way? Let us know. 🙏

[@bobhoman9410]

$139.00 April 27 , 2024

[@Patriotic327]

Longtime Merrill Moab 2 users. I THINK THE MOAB 3 is NOT as comfy as the Moab 2.

[@Patriotic327]

The insole was fairly stiff on my newest pair. Design is suppose to be better on slick surfaces. For the record any Merrill sucks on ice. Moab 3 has less leather you notice on upper rear. Have not thrown out my pair of “2s”. Still might have some use if I can find a comfy I some.

[@ristyp]

Sorry but the audio quality makes this unlistenable, it's way blown out. Check your levels

[@OrdinaryMan_]

On what are you listening to it? No problem here. Just turn it down?

[@everythingALGERIA]

good can YOU give me one used 45 OR 44.5 29 CM ),,.free to ALGERIA :) CANT BUY IT

[@Dusty_Hikers]

Let’s talk about that. If I can ship mine I could send them to you. Mine are US men’s 12.

[@everythingALGERIA]

@@Dusty_Hikers Thanks a lot its big for me 12 mean 30 cm the Length and my feet 29 If you get one day one my size remember me..

[@brightsmile8369]

صحة خو .. واش راك !؟ سافا انشالله .. حوس على الsize المقاس ديالك بالماريكاني U.S size 11 مثلا .. ١١ ولا عشرة ولا ١٢ الخ وعاودلي وانشالله تتدبر

[@everythingALGERIA]

@@brightsmile8369 اهلا شكرا اخي جامي كنت نتوقع نلقى جزايري يتبع هنا .. شيء مليح 11 size كيما حوست وشفت في الانترنت بارك الله فيك

[@liamx6636]

Merrell has the worst customer service on the planet. Ill never give them another cent of my money. Overpriced overseas made JUNK.

[@JH-ne7mr]

I've gone deaf!? Oh wait...

[@stjohntownsend3019]

Awful grip in even in the damp This guy must be taking money from Merrell

[@lon602]

Bingo! And my Moab’s fell apart in a year.

[@racdude01]

Dude he is literally wearing and testing the shoes and giving us the results. Which says a lot more than your baseless opinion

[@racdude01]

@@lon602most shoes I buy only last a year but I wear them daily, how many miles did u actually put on the shoes in that year? That’s far more useful information than just saying they lasted a year

[@dickmoney2946]

When you put one shoe on one foot and another brand shoe on the other foot seems like a useless comparison. One leg is dominant. You’re running up and down the hill following the same line. Switching(reversing)shoes and doing the process again in a more fatigued state. How can you distinguish honesty? In other words it’s not the mother of all 🥾.

[@Dusty_Hikers]

I explored using testing labs but have not found a price that makes sense. In general, my testing is comparative so the results are not universal but relative between the shoes being tested. Of course all of this is filtered through my perceptions. I would say that my reviews are light years beyond the KZbin channels that show stock footage and read the shoe specs. I actually wear the shoes.

[@ebrahimsage8924]

I bouth a merirell it got Vibram on the side the first one i bought many years ago never gave trouble but then I bought a new pair not long the plastic on the side all cracked utter rubbish for such an expensive shoe. I dont think the first one had black plastic on the side it was rubber as it lasted for many years

[@ebrahimsage8924]

I bouth a merirell it got Vibram on the side the first one i bought many years ago never gave trouble but then I bought a new pair not long the plastic on the side all cracked utter rubbish for such an expensive shoe. I dont think the first one had black plastic on the side it was rubber as it lasted for many years