The Shoe That Broke the Hiking Footwear Industry

The Merrell Moab line of shoes is the highest selling hiking shoe of all time. What does MOAB stand for? Why are these shoes so popular? Are they any good? I cover those topics and share my experience with these iconic hiking shoes.
Support my channel and get your Merrell Moab here: amzn.to/3DI72Tk

[@richardgill9484]

Back in the early 90s Merrell products arrived in the UK and I had quite a bit of contact with the footwear Guru, Gary Richter; then Merrell’s Minister Of Culture. At the time there were no Vibram soles on any of their hiking shoes, instead they used their own branded ones. The problem with these soles was they retained a coating of the mould-release compound which made the sole almost useless in wet conditions, thus earning them the unfortunate name of “Perrells”. One afternoon I received a call from Gary who was very concerned about the drop in sales here in the UK. I suggested it was due to the sole units and that UK customers only had faith in Vibram and Skywalk soles, with a preference for Vibram. I doubt I was the only one to tell him this, but without the switch to Vibram I can’t imagine these shoes would have attained the sales and status they have.

[@CrackingCritic]

On deployment heaps of Australian SAS were wearing the MOAB boots and I went, well if these guys are wearing them in a literal life and death situation they must be good. So I bought a pair of MOAB 2 and I have never looked back, the absolute best hiking shoe I have ever worn and I’ve taken them every where; Casual, around town, gardening/landscaping, backpacking, trails, up mountains, down valleys, through water and they are still going, still comfortable. No blisters, no sore feet, works well with my narrow feet and the support is unparalleled. I don’t need to look for another shoe because there isn’t a boot that can do any better to what my feet get from these.

[@owlsonik37]

I have those, and it's the only shoe I can hike 10 miles without my feet hurting

[@os2958]

The last few Merrells that my family purchased came apart prematurely

[@dooleyfussle8634]

Me too, my first Merrell, too. They were casual pull-ons with extra ice traction soles.

[@Freight_Train]

Yes they are that good. I climbed the mountain route on Mt. Whitney with those and have been wearing them ever since. Great grip and durable.

[@Pali65]

In 1991 I bought Merrell leather mountaineering sandals (with metal protector around heels) and believe or not, with some minor repairs they are still going strong.

[@PureNRG2]

Love my mid Moab hiker’s. 1000 miles on my first pair and on to my second. Durable, comfortable and very reasonably priced.

[@magicalframe9441]

I used my moab 2 mid for about a year while serving with a conservation corps in colorado. I absolutely beat the crap out of them, in four season weather. Anything from chainsawing in the snow to spraying herbicide on cliffsides in the middle of summer. They performed beautifully in all these conditions. They are still my favorite boots.

[@beetooex]

You were chainsawing without PPE?

[@richardrussell1025]

On my 2nd pair of Moabs. I have done 3 backpack trips in these in the Grand Canyon. I didnt have any issues with my feet and my feet actually feel good coming out of the Canyon every time.

[@ahunt0182]

I have Merrell Moab first generation since 2008, just the next year of their production. They are still alive. Good fit with medium and heavy socks for me. The width of their last allows to wear different kind of socks. Have many other pairs of hiking and hunting boots, so wearing them all and properly care you can keep them in line for a very long time. Decents boots for outdoor activity almost all time and season.

[@Dusty_Hikers]

Awesome!

[@susanKWithAnE]

And before the Moabs everyone was told that boots were the only options for hiking. While I can’t hike as I once did, sadly I was a boot hiker unless the last couple years of hiking. I wish I had known! They would have saved me many blisters and sore feet. Oh well, I still enjoy walking in them 🙂

[@dougblalock5175]

If you have plantar fasciitis as I do, this shoe is fantastic. Got me back in the woods! Traction is great for me, I will stick with the Moab.

[@RomeoEdward]

yes we all have Merrell Moab's, I do and like and wear them often. I have been trying another similar hiking shoe and think I like them more. Try Keen Targee's, I like the big toe box that lets my toes spread out. The Moab vents I like for warm weather hiking.

[@leonpatrick5606]

I brought a pair of them a month ago and have clocked 250km in them. I love them and am buying another pair as soon as I can.

[@guillaumepoulin3522]

Yeah, they are leagues above anything else. I wore only the waterproof version for years and on multiple hikes before I had to buy another pair of shoes. Now, I just walk in the store, buy one more and that's it. I'm on my third pair and still as happy

[@mrvwbug4423]

I wouldn't use hiking shoes for mountain biking, I don't know why people keep suggesting this. They won't grip a flat pedal like a proper MTB shoe or even a skate shoe, but the pedal will still shred the sole (and your shins). A proper flat pedal MTB shoe has a flat sole with very grippy rubber, basically the same type of rubber as climbing or approach shoes but also very stiff support for a solid pedaling platform, skate shoes are also commonly used as they have the flat, sticky sole just without the pedal support.

[@johnyoung1298]

I love the MOABs, I have the waterproof versions in low and high top. I also have their other designs with the same long wearing sole that are lighter. But the most important reason I am a loyal customer is because they have wide widths available in all their designs!!

[@huskytrails3654]

It's essentially the RAV4 of the hiking shoes. It's a shoe that is not necessarily the best in each category (like you said, there are others with better traction or comfort). But it is a solid and proven shoe with the right features. You get a lot of shoe for a reasonable price.

[@MRPOSTMAN757]

I wonder what the 4Runner or Tacoma is . I want that one

[@charlesbond4413]

I’ve worn out 3 pair and my oldest pair now is my lawn mowing pair. I have two pair for casual walking and hiking. But the real winner is I can wear them all day and my feet do not hurt. So I’ve had 7 pair, 2 defunct, 2 work and 3 casual and hiking. When I wear them, I’m good for an hour or 12 hours of walking. Their size 10 and the last is perfect for my foot. Oh, I I wore them in Moab!

[@Cajundaddydave]

I really like both the Merrell shoes and the boots. As a hiker of a "certain age" I have put a LOT of miles on my feet and in some cases done damage by using the wrong shoe for the conditions. These protect the soles of my feet from injury, they feel good all day, I appreciate the Vibram grip and they hang in there with a long trek or many months of hiking in all conditions where my old trail runners just fell apart. A win.

[@KinuGrove]

For the price the Merrell makes great shoes. My top pick for quality is Oboz.

[@robertculver3296]

Huge Merrell Moab fan - it is the only hiking shoe /boot I can take out of the box and go for a 10km hike with no worries, on my 3rd pair now with a couple of reserves in the cupboard 👍 often use Smartwool socks for complete comfort 😁

[@georgepurcell406]

Four weeks, 105 miles, Jiri to Gokyo. Perfect boots.

[@martyi398]

I’ve had a pair of these hiking shoes for the last 6 years (foot doctor recommended them) and they are still in good condition, I wear them everyday 9 months of the year (not in the summer unless hiking) My stepson has been through several pairs during the same time period, although he is overweight which makes a big difference in shoe wear!

[@BenRobinson1974]

My first pair of Merrells I just recently got are the Vapor Glove 6 and I'm pretty happy with them actually.

[@eduarditogonzales4485]

The best I ever had...I found mine to be too warm but comfort wise exceptional.

[@jesseduncan9612]

Great hiking boots, wore the Merrell from the mid 90's until I switched to Solomon around 2016. I still recommend Merrell to people who are just getting into hiking as the price point is good and the shoes look good with jeans and chinos. And I know a lot of people who don't hike but bought them to look outdoorsy.

[@BBQDad463]

Thank you for this video. I have owned several pairs of Merrells over the years. They have never let me down.

[@hypothalapotamus5293]

I purchased a pair of Merrells 7 years ago. The shoe laces are starting to get frayed, but it is still pretty good.

[@linjicakonikon7666]

They've obviously let you down because you've had MANY of them. Good shoes, boots last. My Danner boots from 1973 lasted 40 years.

[@mrvwbug4423]

Had a pair about a decade ago, they were fine for day hiking on smooth~ish trails, grip wasn't great when scrambling and they weren't that protective on rocky trail. For me personally the Keen Targhees have been a better fit, more protective, a bit more grip, just as comfortable. I also tried a pair of Oboz hiking shoes, they had incredible grip and good support, but were pretty uncomfortable on anything more than a short hike, they were also quite heavy.

[@sqd8r]

I have a ton of hiking shoes and boots and I have to admit when I got the Merrells they were the most comfy right out of the box. Also, they do not pick up rocks and deposit them into the shoe like my Altras do.

[@SmoothbassmanStudios]

Yeah. I now have 5 pairs of Merrell shoes over 10 years of wearing them. I recently moved to the Moab Mid height to give me more support there. The Merrell store always is running a by one get two half off sale.

[@Mt3b702]

What do you recommend, merely Moab 2 or 3 ?

[@ZergBert1]

For me, thing that makes them really great is that a) they fit me and b) I've been able to buy the same shoe year after year after year. Before I found the Merrill Moab, I would find a shoe that I liked but when I went back several months later, that model was no longer available, replaced by something completely different leaving me to have to find another shoe that fits.

[@chrisfournier6144]

Merrell footwear fits my feet. They wear well and I’ve been wearing them since the ‘80s.

[@RitaFMachado]

I own a pair of Moab mid GTX since 2012, I wear them all the time, all the time and since day one is like having a fluffy cloud beneath my feet. I rarely use anything else because I feel my feet are well protected. Only about one year ago did the black part at the front started deteriorating (on one shoe) and I want to buy a new pair, even the laces are still pristine. Best thing I ever bought.

[@mediumrick7667]

I bought my first pair of Moab Boots years back because they offered a non-gortex model at a time when many other boots only came with goretex liners. Goretex boots are just too hot for summer hiking for me. Comfort and fit is relative because everyone's foot is different. These fit my foot well.

[@MrScott3060]

I must add that their customer service is second to none. I called on a Saturday and actually got a person within a couple minutes.

[@aussieas3073]

I have the merrel ventilator I think there basically the same and I love em

[@Dusty_Hikers]

Thank you for sharing.

[@Jasper118]

Never heard of these shoes. I always like Merrell but Altra is my new favorite.

[@Smoothjaswi]

I wish they'd trim down the weight some. After wearing some Brooks running shoes, its almost impossible to wear the moabs without the weight being a constant awareness. Also, Merrell needs to do something about their laces... I can't be the only one that has a problem keeping them tied - they're too slippery somehow.

[@DjisasXIII]

I have pretty complicated feet apparently, and just discovered pretty recently while looking for a hiking boot. So I went into amazon ordered some 10 pairs, from keen, to adidas to salewa and nothing felt good. Went into shops and tried more adidas, more salewas, timberlands, anything i could get my feet on and nothing fit. Loosing hope, ordered more keen's thargee 3 and they felt good, except my heel just would not stay in place, and rumors tell, they tend to self destruct quickly, but on the last batch of boots there came the moab 3 I ordered just to fill the box and was planing to just return them, until I put them on, and instantly they felt dreamy and fit perfectly. The moab 3 low are now my everyday shoe while looking to still buy that hiking boot, it will probably end up being a moab 3 gtx for winter...

[@Dusty_Hikers]

Awesome! I hiked in mine today and they felt great.

[@jimthompson717]

It has a good price point. It has wide distribution. But they are not robust enough for extensive scrambling in rock gardens.

[@Liq38]

have 2 pair of Moab 2 Ventilator mids...great boots. My first pair have to be 6 years old with many hundreds if not thousands of miles on them. My latest pair were the last of the MOAB 2s bought on Black Friday last year for $50. That pair has a few hundred miles imcluding a 50 mile Badlands and Custer hike over 3 days.

[@RampartPh]

i've had two pairs of them. my 2nd pair is now primarily relegated for the monsoon season. it's not moab though. its adhesive holding the sole to the uppers has now gone sideways but i just brought it the neighborhood cobbler and had them stitched and they're as good as new.

[@johnmoser1162]

Of these 25M sold, possibly a few thousands use it for hiking. I use it for everyday use ... very comfy.

[@tomterrell1761]

On my second pair (Moab 2s now Moab 3), and my first pair lasted 4 years or daily wear. Love me some Moabs!

[@awabooks9886]

Wear them all day truck driving: Always comfy, decent protection, great ventilation 👍

[@d.r.martin6301]

Back in 2011 I sustained a turf toe injury and needed something to walk in with a stiff enough sole to keep my big toe from bending. That was my first Moabs. I got my second pair five years ago and they're still going strong. They're durable and comfortable--with no funky lumps on the inner sole that irritate my feet. Why mess with success?

[@the_undecidead]

I've been wearing my Moab rovers for more than 6 years now. they are durable and comfortable. However, the glue they used got weak after 2 years - I had the boots stitched up and it's been indestructible ever since.

[@billj5645]

I've owned some of them and I liked them. They fit well and felt good, and gave good traction. I didn't think they lasted as long as they should have, and I didn't think the pricing was all that good. There are other brands that I like as well and a brand that I think is better in every way, what I'm wearing now.

[@xerxespamplemousse6622]

I switch between the Merrell MOAB 2 and the Danner Mountain 600. The MOAB 2 has a wider toebox and doesn't rub on my little toes but its sole is a bit harder. The Danner has a more comfortable sole, but has a bit narrower toebox. Six of one, half a dozen of the other.

[@franzoidle7002]

I have both Low and Mid Moab 1 & 2’s, just bought some 3’s, all non-waterproof. They have been the only wide hiking shoe that is comfortable right out of the box and on to the trail. The 1’s have now been regulated to being my gardening and choring shoes, it’s gonna take several more years of lawn cutting to finally kill them(at which time they will live out their lives up in my Shoetree). The Low-2’s are black, and discreet enough to pass as “not a hiking shoe” in a dark restaurant when traveling. The Mid-3’s kids will be my Outback hiking shoe on my coming up trip to Queensland. Now if they only made them snakeproof….🥾🐍

[@BBQDad463]

BTW, I still have two pars of Merrell Switchback GTX boots. They continue to rock and roll. Still waterproof. Still providing great ankle support.

[@jamesschneider3828]

I like Merrils but love my Obos.

[@alangauld6079]

I use the mid-height Moab 3 and love its light weight. It’s easily the second best shoe/boot for non-winter use that I’ve used(and the best, the original Brasher boot from 1982) is no longer made… But my UK boots don’t have that vibram sole and I really wish they did. The mixed sole I have is proving too soft and is wearing out quickly.

[@ezequiel573]

can you make a video about the adidas free hiker 2 gore tex?

[@Gator198l]

Comfortable out of the box. Good price, although like everything else, it's going up. For hiking rougher terrain, prefer to add a stiff sole insert.

[@nanniecath528]

Great video. A correction for you - There's 26 million pairs of feet in Australia, not 50 million :)

[@bobfromdenison]

I have Merrill slip ons. Love them!

[@DragonsinGenesisPodcast]

I have a pair of Moabs from 2008 that’s still going. I’ve re-soled them a few times.

[@electriccottage8342]

what color is it?

[@kyledumangas6970]

I have been using my only pair for 3-4 years from casual, to airsoft, to school, hiking, cycling, motorcycling, running, through mud, dirt, rain or shine. They Iook old now but it has never been touched by a shoe repair until this day. Perfect for everyday use.

[@Airik1111bibles]

I've had a pair of Yakota 2's for a few years . I've literally washed them so many times and waterproofed them twice. The reason I love Merrell is the way they cup my heel. Yes the toe pad is flat that's just the way they are BUT once my feet got used to them I cannot wear other shoes. My Yakotas are USED bigtime and the padding has totally collapsed yet I wear them still . So I just now bought the Crosslander series which has the same foot design platform. The croaslander has more sued and less mesh which is the thing I disliked the most with the yakota 2s design. I don't care for the look of the Moabs but I might buy a pair next time around .

[@maricpredrag6055]

Hi, can you post some video about how someone become long distance hiker, what kind of exersice one should do....or things like this.

[@neel3297]

Love my Moab mid FST breathable and very grippy on the rocky mountain terrain trekking in India

[@mikeb3536]

Do they still make the Moab Ventilators? I wore those for years. A few years ago I switched to a similar shoe under the brand Oboz, because they fit my foot shape a little better.

[@WalkingEng]

I’ve had multiple pairs over the last 10 years. They work great everywhere and for most hikes, though I went with Altra Lone Peaks for the Camino De Santiago, due to Moab’s giving me blisters on the longer training days. I don’t do the Gore Tex or waterproof, both miss the mark.

[@stevelink3]

Great review, and I concur with your assessment of the Moab (2). I've had the 2's for a few years, and as you stated, they perform adequately. My current favorite shoe is the Oboz Bridger Low B-Dry hiking shoe. Super robust and supportive, with a rugged outsole, solid midsole and nubuck uppers with good foot protection all around. Any experience with that brand? Thanks, and enjoy a great 2024!

[@aarontracy5160]

100 percent my experience as well. Oboz Bridger mids were my selection after wearing pair of Merrells over 10 years. Sadly those Oboz Bridgers were stolen. I replaced with the Oboz Bridger Low. Oboz seems to provide an even better fit than Merrell.

[@danezu791]

watch all your videous, great reviews and production, can you please tell me what are in your opinion the best hiking shoes for day to day use? I want to be able to go to work so breatheability is important. Thank you. EDITED: I forgot to mention, I work indoor at normal room temperature 🙂

[@mattie3595]

Always have 3 pair MOAB’s on the go: Nice pair Ok pair for hiking, dog walking Junk pair for yard work, grass cutting, car washing. Cycle continues…..

[@alexg4946]

I have the moab 3 and overall I like it. Do any of you find that their arch is a bit flat inside? It seems to me all merrels are like this

[@Dusty_Hikers]

Yes, the arch support is subtle.

[@zeck8541]

Also because it’s one of the only models available that isn’t waterproof for people who actually understand how bad waterproof boots can be in many situations.

[@weetzybat]

Why is it bad

[@zeck8541]

@@weetzybat because you spend far more time needing your sweaty feet to simply breathe than you do keeping them dry from the OUTSIDE. Gore-tex and other membranes do not breathe at a sufficient rate to actually keep your feet dry from the INSIDE and they actually contribute to your foot being hotter.

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

@@zeck8541 - Yeah, I have the waterproof mid version of this shoes and can confirm, my feet get extremely hot in them, which I chalked up to the Goretex. I only use them in rainy/wet weather now.

[@thomasmusso1147]

👍 Amen to that.

[@thomasmusso1147]

​@@zeck8541 Correct. The same goes for 'Gortex / Equivalent' Jackets and such. When active .. really active, one has a choice .. get wet from outside or inside.

[@tecmissle9256]

Hiked a lot. I bought these to go to my local forest and town and biking (cannot beat the price) I feel them a bit when i step hard . a bit thin but they overdeliver. I do rucking 20 kg weight vest. after 3 weeks a bought a pair for my mum

[@15halerobert]

Because it’s the most comfortable shoe or boot I’ve ever worn. I like so much I’ve bought 3 pair. 1 have nearly worn out and other 2 cause I failed to pick a color so I bought both in waterproof ( which remains to be proved )

[@allenlarson-nf8or]

every day i only wear merrells!!!!!!

[@michroz]

And I wear crocks.

[@andy530i]

They have been my daily shoe for the past 10 years, I wouldn't have any other, though the gortex version is not as good as it could be i.e. they leaked & were returned under warranty.

[@95lovi]

Good marketing, mouth to mouth marketing, dominance in the scene, means it’s obviously present at every corner.

[@darkshaman7087]

Myself wears Salomon Element boots and they are great

[@bani_niba]

For me, they are very comfortable due to their wide toebox. That's a feature you forgot to comment on. One negative is that they are heavy.

[@angelvargasvlogs]

Thanks for the video, how they behave on cobbled roads?

[@Dusty_Hikers]

They should do very well.

[@DOCWHOK9]

On smooth rocks, forget the Moab2 thats for sure!

[@alanmurphy8489]

On my 4th pair of Moabs, very comfy, great grip but the uppers crack and come apart at the part between toe box and the main shoe !

[@alantmac]

I have one, not my main trail shoe, I use it for everything else, as a Canadian, not a bad snow shoe.

[@lloydbligh5601]

How many countries are they made in I know 3? I find them the most all around comfortable footwear I’ve been wearing them for years.

[@OutdoorswomansOpinion]

I have heard customers have a wide variety of uses for the Moabs for sure at the Merrell outlet where I work. Everything from hiking, to a scientist who said he wore them to stand in the lab all day, to a guy that pumps gas and wears them at work all day (they pump your gas for you in NJ lol I live in PA but near the border)

[@photog1529]

Funny. I was born and raised in NJ, and I have no idea why they don't allow anyone to pump their own gas. Nothing I like better that handing my credit card to an attendant so he can take my info, along with the card's security code.

[@OutdoorswomansOpinion]

@@photog1529I agree and would much rather pump it myself. Like I said I live in PA so have only got gas in NJ a handful of times in my life but I’d rather pump it and handle my own card

[@johnrussell5715]

They're pretty good!

[@davidsmith-ws4bz]

Good all round shoe, they work, very good mountain biking. Colors could be improved.

[@ericpogi5654]

I'm not a hiker but I wear Moab 2 waterproof everywhere.

[@Dusty_Hikers]

I knew it!

[@alimogh]

It would have been nice if you mentioned which four shoes you compared

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

Or put a link in the description of the video. I block in-video links on my browser.

[@johnsilva9139]

Right. I was waiting for him to mention the other brands which he thought were all better but cost more ( how much more? ).

[@boathemian7694]

Never heard of them lol. Been hiking, climbing and backpacking for over fifty years.

[@rwingnutt]

Moab 2 is far superior to the 3. The 3 is too cushy for precise walking/hiking. It’s too squishy and the foot sloshes around in the boot, regardless of how tight the laces are. The 3’s are better for casual use.

[@JRoss707]

I actually like the arch support of the 3 better than the 2. I just picked up the Merrell Moab 3 mid for my upcoming JMT hike. I’m kind of an in between size, between 10 wide and 9.5 wide I tried the 10 W for a long time, I felt that my foot might’ve been getting smaller as I got more into hiking so I went down to the 9.5 in the Merrell 2 shoe Last summer. I ended up losing part of my big toenail as the toebox was just a bit too short. So now I am back to the 10W mid instead of the shoe, mainly because of the downed bridge on the JMT and there might be some scrambling and bushwhacking involved. I do notice a little bit of the wiggling and roominess that you’re talking about, and find myself having to tighten them a little tighter than I normally would, but it all in all, I’m really liking the 3, the new evc soft foam is kind of taking over the hiking shoe industry, it is what you find in the Lone Peak Altras and other shoes that have taken a huge chunk of market share from Moab over the last few years so one can hardly blame them for the switch over.

[@logtothebase2]

If you find a pair of shoes that you like and fit well, buy a second pair, I am on about my 7th Pair, my main reasons I came back to them is, they dont overheat my foot and I can also leave them tied off with an overhand knot at each side lace hole and just slip them on, they still fit my snugly on my foot and are stable for casual loafing, They have a slightly wider last that suits my foot size. The design feels a bit dated TBH, but it's the cool thermals, fit and useability that keeps me going back. I tried some other shoes between, but nothing that works nearly as well for me, and now I am scarred of wasting money. I have the Goretex boot version for wet conditions and colder situations, frankly they are not absolutely waterproof but they are a bit warmer, certainly for mild Brit winters and easy terrain.

[@davesanders9203]

ONLY BOOT for MY FEET!! Best footwear I've ever worn! ONLY BOOT that comes in 13W!

[@BicycleTouringExplorer]

I wear them in Moab mid Gore Tex

[@robertherrmann4823]

After constant use, I find they wear out after only a few years. I now keep three pairs in rotation.

[@KeaKeith]

I'm embarrassed to say I currently have seven pairs of Merrells. I've been wearing them for the better part of 25 years. Favorite shoes. Hiking or otherwise.

[@CampTlangram]

I like wearing hiking shoes daily in different activities.

[@Dusty_Hikers]

Thank you for sharing.

[@oxylepy2]

As a fat guy who works on his feet all day every day, they quickly became my favorite shoe. I need to buy a new pair every 2-3 years depending on what happens with them (eg lost some time when someone tossed a quart of paint at my feet)

[@thodan467]

they set the Standard for Lowa, Hanwag, Meindl , Aku, Asolo ....

[@DA-pj3or]

I live in the pnw and have worn moab's since they first came out. I wear them as a daily and can say that i have never had any of them fall apart. Usually i wear the doles down before anything else. They are very comfortable. I haven't tried the moab3 yet but will be buying a new set soon.

[@Dusty_Hikers]

I grew up in SW Washington. Thanks for the testimonial.

[@DA-pj3or]

@Dusty_Hikers I was just down in skomokawa on the Columbia River. Love it down there. I'm up near Mount rainier

[@outbackwack368]

Merrell's don't feet my feet. At all. I am now an Altra fanboy. Like a glove. Yup, they wear out faster, but I don't care. Comfort is EVERYTHING.

[@billsmith5109]

Decent trail shoes. Advantage of being an around town shoes is your feet are alway tuned up for them. Not the best off trail in timbered country, or on wet, heavy, steep, slippery, beargrass slopes. There is still a place for real boots. So three or four pairs of Moabs per decade, one pair of real boots for a couple decades, half-soled or full re-soled as needed. Obenaufs.