Product · Merrell
Merrell Moab 2 GTX: leather and mesh, Gore-Tex
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The Moab 2 GTX is a leather and mesh hiking shoe with a Gore-Tex lining. Amazon lists EVA foam insole cushioning, a minimal cushioning level, a rubber sole and a lightweight special feature, with fit recorded as true. In our hill path walking shoe guide, it is the breathable, light option for walkers who want an easy-wearing shoe for paths and gentle hills.
- Upper
- Leather and mesh
- Membrane
- Gore-Tex
- Outsole
- Rubber
- Cushioning (listed)
- EVA foam, minimal
In its favour
- Leather and mesh upper with a Gore-Tex lining are listed, a balance of breathability and protection.
- Listed as lightweight with an EVA foam insole.
- The listing describes the fit as true to size.
Good to know
- Cushioning is listed as minimal in one field, so long days on hard ground may feel firm.
- The outsole compound is not named in the listing.
Our take
Listing details
The season is all, the item weight is 1.19 kg, without saying per shoe or per pair, and the height map reads ankle high. The platform height field says 17.5 cm, which likely refers to the shoe height.
The outsole compound is not named.
Leather and mesh in practice
A leather and mesh upper balances durability and breathability. The leather adds protection, the mesh lets heat escape, and the Gore-Tex lining keeps water out.
Rinse off mud, dry naturally, and reproof the outer when water stops beading. Treat the leather panels with a light conditioner now and then to stop them drying out, and rinse grit out of the mesh, since trapped sand can wear the fabric from the inside.
Moab 2 GTX against the Cyrus 2 and Ultra Raptor II
The Scarpa Cyrus 2 GTX is a nubuck shoe with moderate cushioning. It is more durable. Choose the Moab 2 for breathability.
La Sportiva's Ultra Raptor II GTX is a mesh trail shoe. It is more trail-focused. The Moab 2 suits general hiking.
Who should choose differently
Walkers who need more cushioning may want a shoe with a higher cushioning level. Those with wide feet should look at the Hanwag Torsby Low SF Extra GTX.
The listing's ankle-high entry and the 17.5 cm platform figure suggest some confusion between the shoe and the mid version, so check the product photos to make sure you are getting the low cut you want.
For walkers who mostly stick to country paths, canal towpaths and gentle hills, a leather and mesh shoe with Gore-Tex is often all that is needed. The minimal cushioning listed may feel firm on long stretches of tarmac, so consider an aftermarket insole if you walk a lot on hard surfaces.
Verdict
The Moab 2 GTX suits walkers who want a breathable leather and mesh Gore-Tex shoe for paths and gentle hills. For a more durable nubuck shoe, choose the Scarpa Cyrus 2 GTX, and for a trail-focused mesh shoe, the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II GTX is the alternative.
Compared with alternatives in: Best walking shoes for hill paths
Amazon listing title: Merrell Men's Moab 2 GtxHiking Shoe