BOTTOM LINE: These boots fit the bill to replace an aging pair of waterproof hikers from New Balance. These Merrell Moab boots fit pretty good right out of the box and were just what I was looking for: stylish, waterproof, with breathable mesh side panels for cooler feet. Let's just hope they hold up for a few years' worth of use out on the trails.

THOUGHTS: I'd had a pair of New Balance hiking boots forever. They finally started to fall apart and I knew it was time for replacements, but I just couldn't find anything from NB that I liked, style-wise. I stick with them primarily because I have short, WIDE feet and it's a pain to find footwear that fits me PROPERLY, right out of the box. Nothing from NB was mesh/breathable, so I was forced to shop for a different brand. That's intimidating after so many years as a loyal New Balance wearer. A friend raved about his Oboz, and my wife has a pair that she really likes, so I bought their Sawtooth boots. They were standard (M) width but I had heard that they have a wider than normal toebox, so I crossed my fingers. They pinched right out of the box and even after trying to stretch them with a pair of shoe stretchers I knew they'd never feel truly comfortable, so I sent them back. After some further searching I settled on these Moabs from Merrell. As soon as I put them on I knew they were the ones. They have a nice fit, are surprisingly light - always a good thing with footwear you're gonna be stuck wearing, possibly for hours even days at a time, ofttimes in the middle of nowhere without the option to change into something else. The inserts are really nice. The padding feels really thick, with extra at the heels. It almost feels like there's a rolled up ankle sock in the heel area of the insets, they're THAT thick. Really feels good after along day on my feet. They are much less swollen / fatigued. My only real gripe is that I wish the laces were longer, and those wavy laces I've had in some footwear are nice and seem to come loose far less often, but that's a fairly minor quibble. If these Moab boots hold up for more than a couple of years I'll consider them a good purchase. If they hold up longer... well, I will definitely buy Merrell again if they do! If I have problems or any failures I will come back and amend my review - and list any issues. Here's to hoping!

I just love these hiking boots. Very light in weight, super tough in quality. I do 10 hour hikes through the mountains - taking me 6 miles deep into the wilderness (12 miles round trip). They are water resistant - very comfortable to wear. Love the color and they can take a beating - through some of the toughest terrain. After about 10 hours, my ankles will get tired BUT these boots keep your ankles secure from fatigue. I will always purchase Merrell from now on, as these are my first ones - to which there is no other to compare to.

These shoes are perfect, I will buy another pair like this in the future.

Short story: I love them. Light weight. They feel great right out of box. Great traction. Toe box excellent size to allow swelling of feet on long hikes.

Long Story: read the reviews and ratings about these boots. Since there were hundreds of great reviews and ratings I bought these with high expectations.

My background I adventure, backpack, and I am a 14er peak bagger. I expect much from my boots. I bought these boots 4 days before a backpacking trip to grab another peak in the Eastern Sierra's. Out of the box they felt comfortable with the perfect amount of cushion. Immediately felt that the toe box had ample room for feet swelling, without being overkill, on good hikes. I wore them all day the next four days before the big hike. I noticed they felt very light weight for their size. The boots had great flex feeling like they were broken in already.

When it came time for my trip I brought extra moleskin anticipating blister galore but none were needed! Had a 40lb pack headed out to some high country lakes. The hike out i didn't even give them attention because I had no pain, no hot spots/ blisters, and did not feel heavy boots when stepping. We spent a few days hiking and exploring the immediate area. Stepped in a creek with water that covered the toe box. Removed my foot from the water just as quickly as I stepped in knowing they are not water proof. Somehow no water got in. Last day we climbed up to Mount Langley and hiked out back to the car. Langley has an abundance of scree along steep routes with some boulders you can scramble over. I had excellent traction allowing for great forward progress and very minimal sliding. Scrambled across rocks with confidence. After the summit we headed back to camp and packed up the rest of our gear and hiked back to the car. Our crew is competitive so we hike quick and hard. I Fully expected these boots to start to cause issues now that I have a full pack on and spent the morning peak grabbing. Continued performance was what I was met with. So impressed I committed to writing a review as soon as we got back to cell coverage.

I know, the header sound like someone who just got there first pair of hikers. But no, I personally have or have had most every offering out there in heavy trail boots to UL trail runners. To the point, there's a lot to be said about NON GTX hikers. Yes there is a place for GTX boots and shoes. But not nearly as many applications where your not better served with full on breathable foot wear. Quick wet & quick dry. This in place of hiking all day with your foot in a zip lock bag (GTX) full of water made from your own sweat. Now that you understand my logic. Why this boot or shoe? Simply put. It is very well designed. Made with quality materials. And well proven on trail, and the shoe per dollar invested is not a negative either. I will add that. I am not saying this is a great mood for the money. I hate it when people do that it leaves you wondering where it really fall in the spectrum of best to worst. This is a great boot at any price. I have Limmer"˜s that cost over $1000 that I love. But I do not consider them any better of a boot for what they're designed to do. Hope this is helpful, REP