I tested my pair of Merrell Moab Speed 2 hiking shoes in the spring of this year, and I still reach for them every time my route takes me off-road. I tested a lot of walking shoes in 2024, but this pair stood out from the pack and I gave it one of the top spots in my best walking shoes guide.
The Moab Speed 2 cost $140, but the price has dropped to under $105 for both men's and women's shoes at the REI outlet store. These are water-resistant shoes and are great for the sort of uneven terrain you find on trail walks. It was extremely muddy underfoot when I first took these shoes out, and the deeply-lugged Vibram outsole kept me upright on many rambles through slick muddy fields.
Why is this pair worth your hard-earned dollars? It has built-in protection over the toe and heel to protect you from bumps and brambles on the trail. The upper provides a fairly rigid cradle for your foot, which is desirable in a hiking shoe as it can help prevent your foot from rolling on uneven terrain. It's also quite light for a hiking shoe.
The outsole has three well-designed sections, with deep lugs on the heel and forefoot for traction while going up and down hills. Between these two sections, there is a Lightweight FlexPlate, which gives rigidity under the arch of the foot.
When I tested these, I particularly liked the heel tab, which made it easy to get the shoes on, and the textured design of the laces, which meant that once they had been tied, they wouldn't slip undone again while walking. They're water-resistant—able to handle a rain shower or some damp grass — but don't go putting your foot in a stream if you value dry feet.
If you'd prefer a fully waterproof shoe, there is a Gore-Tex version of the Moab Speed 2. Here's where you can buy that more expensive shoe.
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