Merrell Moab Speed 2 GORE-TEX for men: price and key details

The Merrell Moab Speed 2 GORE-TEX for men is a waterproof hiking shoe designed for easy to moderately demanding routes. Its construction combines a Vibram outsole with 4 mm lugs, a cushioned midsole and a structure intended to provide stability on uneven paths.

Merrell lists a reference price of €170 in Spain and a stated weight of 365 grams per shoe. Although it incorporates features inspired by trail running, it is primarily designed for walking: anyone planning to run regularly should weigh its construction and weight against those of a dedicated trail shoe.

A hiking shoe with a sporty profile

The Moab family has its roots in hiking, and this version uses a low-cut silhouette, laces and an upper that looks sportier than a traditional boot. It is designed to make brisk walking easier while retaining features such as reinforced toes and heels and protection from water.

That design makes sense for day hikes and forest tracks that lead onto stony trails. It can also serve as a single pair for trips involving long walks and straightforward countryside outings. The low collar leaves the ankle freer than a high boot, but offers less coverage against scrapes and water entering from above.

Waterproof membrane: when it earns its place

The GORE-TEX membrane is designed to block outside water while allowing some of the vapour produced by the foot to escape. It is particularly useful in rain, wet grass or splashes on damp paths. The gusseted tongue, attached to the sides of the upper, also helps limit the amount of dirt that gets inside.

The trade-off is heat: a shoe with a membrane generally ventilates less than an equivalent one without it. On dry routes under the sun in Valencia, that difference may matter more than rain protection. In addition, water can enter through the ankle opening when crossing a deep stream or running down from clothing.

Choosing between this shoe and the non-membrane version therefore depends on more than the occasional chance of rain. For someone who often heads out in cold weather or through wet vegetation, the protection has a clear purpose; for someone whose outings are mostly on dry summer trails, a more ventilated construction may be a better fit.

Vibram outsole and 4 mm lugs

The outsole uses Vibram TC5+ rubber, formulated for Merrell, with a tread designed to aid traction and shed accumulated dirt. The 4 mm lugs point to mixed use: compact paths, gravel, mountain trails and occasional muddy sections.

The lug depth does not make this a specialist deep-mud shoe. On a route alternating between firm tracks and loose dirt, the tread makes more sense than a highly aggressive one; on thick clay and steep slopes, a dedicated shoe may have a more suitable configuration. Wet rock and ice require particular care: no outsole guarantees grip on every surface.

On routes that include paved approaches, the shoe can be used to walk to the trailhead. However, its tread and reinforcements are designed for the hills, so anyone covering most of their distance on pavement may prefer footwear made for that purpose.

Cushioning, stack height and stability

The midsole uses FloatPro foam. Merrell states that there is 30% more foam underfoot, although that figure alone does not quantify how much comfort changes for an individual or allow a direct cushioning comparison with other models.

The stated stack height is 34 mm at the heel and 24 mm at the forefoot, giving a 10 mm drop. Drop is the difference between those heights: it describes the shoe’s geometry, not a correction to the wearer’s gait. The amount of material underfoot also places the sole of the foot farther from the ground than a low-stack construction would.

The FlexPlate component adds resistance to twisting and lateral stability while retaining flexibility at the forefoot. Its purpose is to provide structure on uneven footing; it is not a carbon plate designed to propel a racing stride. The heel counter completes a construction focused on support.

Weight and the connection to trail running

The stated 365 grams are for one shoe, not the pair. The figure helps place the model in context, although actual weight can vary with size. The membrane, outsole and reinforcements form part of a construction that prioritises protection for walking over race-day lightness.

A runner might use it for a day of fast hiking or a route mixing walking and jogging. For frequent running sessions, however, its weight, flexibility and fit are worth comparing with a dedicated trail shoe. The choice changes depending on whether most of the time is spent walking or maintaining a running pace for several kilometres.

The shoe is not a substitute for the equipment needed in alpine terrain or on hard snow. On very technical ground, exposed sections or trips with a heavy load, footwear should match the demands of the route and the rest of the equipment, rather than being chosen solely for its mountain outsole.

Fit, sizing and the wide version

Merrell also sells a 2E-width version in some markets. This is a feature of a specific variant and should not be assumed for every colour or retailer. Anyone needing more room across the foot should distinguish between a wider shoe and a longer size: they do not necessarily solve the same problem.

To choose a size, it helps to measure both feet and check Merrell’s official size chart, then try the shoes with the socks intended for the trail. When walking and simulating a descent, the toes need room in front and the heel should not slip excessively. Personal insoles can also change the available volume.

When buying online, the exchange policy matters as much as the size selected: it establishes whether the fit can be checked at home and what return conditions apply. A waterproof shoe that is too narrow does not gain space simply because it has a membrane or a thicker midsole.

Materials and construction details

The upper combines ripstop nylon and TPU. The former uses a weave designed to limit the spread of small tears; the latter adds structural reinforcement. Synthetic toe and heel sections provide additional protection against abrasion and everyday contact with stones or branches.

A padded collar surrounds the ankle, while loops on the tongue and heel make the shoe easier to put on. The removable insole can be taken out to air the interior. Cleansport NXT treatment is intended to control odours, but does not replace cleaning and drying after a wet outing.

According to Merrell, the laces and webbing, mesh lining and insole cover use 100% recycled material in those components. That is a specific claim about certain parts, not the composition of the entire shoe or its overall environmental impact.

Price and differences between versions

The €170 reference price in Spain provides a starting point, but the final amount can change by retailer, colour and size. When comparing listings, check that the shoe is the low-cut GORE-TEX version: a model without a membrane or with a higher collar serves different needs.

The range also includes a women’s version. It shares the waterproof hiking design, but sizing and fit should be checked separately; weight or size conversions should not be transferred from one product to another. Width and colour availability can also differ between versions.

Looking after the shoes after a wet hike

Service life cannot be expressed as a reliable number of kilometres for every use. Rock, mud, pavement and frequency of use wear footwear differently. Pay attention to the condition of the lugs, flex points and reinforcements, as well as any obvious change in support.

After a muddy outing, removing dirt and leaving the pair to dry in a ventilated place helps preserve it. It is best to avoid intense heat sources, such as a radiator, and follow Merrell’s care instructions for the materials and membrane.

Este artículo contiene enlaces de afiliado: si compras a través de ellos, se genera una pequeña comisión sin coste adicional para ti. Más información.