Are Merrell walking boots any good?

What Merrell does well

Merrell's reputation rests on comfort from the first wear. Its walking boots tend to have soft, cushioned midsoles and a roomy fit, particularly in the forefoot, so many walkers find them comfortable straight from the box with little or no break-in.

The brand offers Wide versions of popular models, which helps walkers who find many European boots narrow. The Moab Speed 2 Mid GTX Wide listing, for example, describes a roomy fit. Merrell also makes a wide range of women's models; the women's Moab 3 Mid GTX listing names a waterproof leather upper, Gore-Tex membrane and EVA insole.

These qualities suit lowland walks, coast paths, travel and easy to moderate hill days.

Merrell also covers a wide spread of styles under one roof, from low walking shoes such as the Moab 2 GTX to mid boots like the Moab 3 Mid and the lighter Moab Speed and Speed Strike models. That makes it easy to find a shoe and a boot with a similar fit if you want one of each for different seasons.

Are Merrell boots waterproof?

Merrell sells both waterproof and non-waterproof versions of many models. Look for GTX (Gore-Tex) or Waterproof in the name; these have a membrane. Non-waterproof versions, sometimes called Ventilator, breathe better in warm weather but let water in.

As with any membrane boot, waterproofing stops at the cuff, and the outer needs reproofing to keep breathing well. See how Gore-Tex walking boots work.

Merrell against Meindl, Lowa and Salomon

Meindl and Lowa leather boots are generally stiffer and more durable, with more protection on rocky ground and under heavy packs, but they are heavier and need more breaking in. Read Merrell vs Salomon walking boots and Meindl vs Lowa walking boots for more.

Where Merrell is less suited

Soft cushioning and flexible soles feel great on paths but can feel less stable on steep, rocky ground and with a heavy rucksack. Merrell boots typically use light materials and glued construction and are not usually resoled, so expect to replace them when the sole or midsole wears out.

For winter mountain walking with crampons, you need stiffer rated boots; check any maker's crampon guidance before use. Read walking boot ratings explained.

If you walk often on rough British hills, a leather boot from our leather walking boots guide may last longer and protect better.

Who should buy Merrell

Merrell is a sensible choice for walkers who prioritise comfort, have wide feet, walk mostly on paths and lowland routes or want a boot that feels good from the first day. For wide feet in particular, Merrell's Wide models are worth trying alongside the options in our walking boots for wide feet guide.

Women looking for a cushioned waterproof boot will find Merrell's women's Moab models alongside other brands in our waterproof walking boots for women guide.

See boots for wide feet →

Sizing and care

Merrell is an American brand and often bases sizing on US sizes, so check you are choosing the UK size on amazon.co.uk and use Merrell's chart. Our walking boot size chart explains conversions.

Clean off mud after walks, dry slowly and reproof the outer regularly. Synthetic and suede uppers respond well to spray-on fabric and leather proofers; see how to reproof walking boots.

Frequently asked questions

Are Merrell walking boots good for hill walking? For easier hill paths, yes. For rough mountain ground and heavy packs, stiffer boots are usually better.

Are Merrell hiking boots waterproof? Models with GTX or Waterproof in the name have a membrane. Others do not.

Which is the best Merrell walking boot? It depends on your feet and walking. The Moab range is the best known; the Wide versions suit broader feet.

Do Merrell boots last? They are built light, so they usually wear sooner than heavy leather boots. Care extends their life.