Between my weekend hiking adventures and daily dog walks, I was getting frustrated with shoes that promised the world but left my feet soaking wet after the first puddle. Sarah here, and after hearing multiple women in my hiking group rave about the Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Waterproof, I was genuinely surprised these budget-friendly hikers could compete with premium options. That’s why I spent 8 weeks putting them through every real-world scenario I could think of – from misty morning trail runs to unexpected downpours during European cobblestone adventures.
Technical Specifications
- 💰 Price: $85-120 ()
- ⚖️ Weight: 1 lb 13 oz (women’s size 8)
- 🧪 Midsole material: Air Cushion heel pod
- 👟 Upper material: Pigskin leather and mesh
- 🦶 Sole: Vibram TC5+ rubber outsole
- 🌧️ Waterproofing: M Select DRY membrane
- 🥾 Category: Low-cut waterproof hiking shoes
- 🎯 Best for: Day hiking, travel, wet weather walking
- ⏱️ Testing period: 8 weeks, 45+ hiking miles, daily wear
Design, Build Quality & Real-World Performance
Let me be honest – when I first pulled these out of the box, I wasn’t expecting much. At around $100, they’re positioned in that tricky middle ground between budget trail shoes and premium hiking boots. But from the moment I slipped them on, I could feel why so many women swear by the Moab line.
The pigskin leather and mesh upper immediately felt substantial yet breathable. Unlike some hiking shoes that feel like wearing cardboard boxes, the Moab 2 has this lived-in comfort right from day one. The leather portions provide structure around the heel and toe cap, while strategically placed mesh panels keep airflow moving during those sweaty summer hikes.
Waterproof Performance That Actually Works
The M Select DRY membrane is where these shoes really surprised me. During my 7-day European adventure, I encountered everything from Irish mist to sudden downpours in Scotland. Walking across those notoriously uneven cobblestones in Edinburgh while it was drizzling, my feet stayed completely dry. Even more impressive was the day I accidentally stepped into a deeper puddle than expected during a trail run – the waterproofing held up beautifully.
However, I need to be real with you ladies. After about 6 months of regular use, some reviewers report the waterproofing beginning to diminish, especially around high-wear areas. This isn’t unique to Merrell, but it’s worth noting if you’re planning on using these as your primary wet-weather shoes for years.
Comfort and Support Analysis
The Air Cushion heel technology provides exactly what it promises – noticeable impact absorption during those longer descent sections. At 5’4″ and 150 lbs, I found the cushioning perfect for my typical 3-6 mile day hikes. The arch support hits that sweet spot where it’s supportive enough for most feet without being overly aggressive.
One thing that consistently impressed me was the toe box width. As someone who’s struggled with narrow hiking shoes in the past, the Moab 2 gives your toes room to breathe and spread naturally, even when wearing thicker hiking socks. This became especially important during my Iceland trip when I was wearing these for 8+ hours daily.
Performance in Various Trail Conditions
Rocky and Technical Terrain
The Vibram TC5+ outsole proved its worth during my Utah national parks adventure. Scrambling up those loose rock sections in Arches and navigating the technical portions of Angel’s Landing, I felt confident in the grip. The lugs are deep enough to bite into loose dirt and gravel, but not so aggressive that they feel clunky on regular trails.
Wet Weather and Creek Crossings
Here’s where these shoes really shine. During a particularly challenging hike in the Pacific Northwest, I encountered multiple creek crossings and consistently wet conditions. The waterproofing held up through shallow water crossings, and the traction remained reliable on wet rocks – though I’d still exercise caution on moss-covered surfaces.
Urban Adventure and Travel Performance
One of my favorite discoveries was how well these transition from trail to town. During my European trip, I wore them for everything from morning hikes to evening strolls through historic city centers. They look outdoorsy enough to feel appropriate on trails but refined enough that I didn’t feel self-conscious wearing them to dinner.
Does Merrell Deliver on Their Promises?
Let’s fact-check Merrell’s marketing claims against my real-world experience:
“Out-of-the-Box Comfort” – ✅ Verified
This is absolutely true. I wore these on a 3-mile hike the day after they arrived with zero break-in period needed. My hiking buddy was shocked when I told her they were brand new.
“Waterproof Membrane Seals Out Water” – ✅ Mostly Verified
For the first 4-6 months of regular use, the waterproofing is excellent. However, heavy daily use in wet conditions may reduce effectiveness over time, which is typical for this price point.
“Vibram Traction” – ✅ Verified
The grip is genuinely impressive across various surfaces. I felt confident on everything from loose gravel to wet pavement during my travels.
“Durable Construction” – ⚠️ Mixed Results
This is where things get complicated. While my pair has held up beautifully through 8 weeks of testing, I’ve noticed some concerning patterns in long-term user reviews. Some women report sole separation or upper material issues after 6-12 months of regular use. For the price point, this is disappointing but not entirely unexpected.
My Overall Assessment
After 8 weeks of putting these through everything from technical hiking to international travel, I’m genuinely impressed with what Merrell has achieved at this price point.
Detailed Performance Scores
Comfort (9.1/10): Exceptional out-of-the-box comfort that only gets better with wear. The Air Cushion technology genuinely makes a difference during longer days.
Waterproofing (8.3/10): Excellent initial performance with some long-term concerns based on user feedback. Perfect for day hikes and travel.
Traction (8.7/10): Vibram delivers reliable grip across varied terrain. Confident performance on both wet and dry surfaces.
Durability (7.5/10): Good construction quality, but some concerning patterns in long-term reviews prevent a higher score.
Versatility (9.2/10): Absolutely excels at transitioning from trail to town. Perfect travel companion.
Value for Money (8.8/10): Excellent performance for the price point, especially considering the comfort and waterproofing.
What Other Women Are Saying
The feedback from other women has been overwhelmingly positive, with a few important caveats. The most common praise centers around the immediate comfort and reliable waterproofing. Women consistently mention being able to wear these for extended periods without foot fatigue.
However, there are some recurring concerns. Several reviewers mention the tongue design can be problematic – it’s attached in a way that can create pressure points when laced tightly. Additionally, women with very narrow feet sometimes struggle with the wider toe box design.
The sizing feedback is interesting. Most women recommend going up a half size, especially if you plan to wear thicker hiking socks. I found my usual size 8 worked perfectly with standard hiking socks, but would definitely size up for winter hiking with wool socks.
Value Assessment for Real-World Use
At $85-120 depending on colorway and sales, these represent excellent value in the waterproof hiking shoe category. You’re getting genuine Vibram traction, reliable waterproofing, and exceptional comfort at a price point that won’t break the bank.
For comparison, similar waterproof hiking shoes from brands like Salomon or Keen typically run $130-180, while offering similar performance characteristics. The Moab 2 delivers 85-90% of that performance at 60-70% of the cost.
Final Verdict
The Good and The Bad
What I Love:
- Genuine out-of-the-box comfort that eliminates break-in period
- Reliable waterproofing for day hikes and travel
- Excellent traction across varied terrain types
- Versatile enough for both trail and urban environments
- Roomy toe box accommodates various foot shapes
- Outstanding value for money in this category
Areas for Improvement:
- Some quality control inconsistencies in long-term durability
- Tongue design can create pressure points when tightly laced
- Waterproofing may diminish with extended heavy use
- Wider design may not suit very narrow feet
- Heavier than ultralight hiking alternatives
Who Should Buy the Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Waterproof?
These shoes are perfect for women who:
- Want reliable waterproof performance for day hiking and travel
- Need immediate comfort without a break-in period
- Appreciate versatile shoes that work both outdoors and in town
- Have normal to wide feet and struggle with narrow hiking shoes
- Want excellent value without compromising on essential features
- Plan to use them for recreational rather than extreme technical hiking
Better Options for Specific Needs
If you prioritize maximum durability: Consider investing in Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX or Keen Targhee III, though expect to pay $150-180.
If you have very narrow feet: Look at Merrell’s Siren line or consider Asolo hiking shoes with narrower lasts.
If you need ultralight options: Trail running shoes like Altra Lone Peak or Salomon Sense Ride might better suit fast-and-light adventures.
Final Recommendation
Overall Score: 8.6/10
The Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Waterproof delivers exceptional value and performance for recreational hikers, travelers, and women seeking reliable everyday outdoor footwear. While there are some durability concerns for extremely heavy use, the combination of comfort, waterproofing, and versatility makes these an excellent choice for most women’s hiking needs.
At this price point, you’d be hard-pressed to find better immediate comfort and waterproof performance. Just be realistic about their intended use – these excel at day hiking, travel, and everyday outdoor activities rather than multi-day backpacking or extreme technical terrain.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do these run true to size?
Most women find them true to size, but I recommend going up a half size if you plan to wear thick hiking socks or have wider feet. I wore my normal size 8 with standard hiking socks and found the fit perfect.
How long does the waterproofing last?
With regular hiking use, expect excellent waterproof performance for 6-12 months. Heavy daily use in wet conditions may reduce effectiveness sooner, but this is typical for shoes in this price range.
Are they good for people with plantar fasciitis?
The arch support is moderate and many women find them comfortable, but those with severe plantar fasciitis might need to add custom orthotics. The removable insole makes this easy to do.
How do they compare to Keen hiking shoes?
The Moab 2 offers better immediate comfort and typically runs $30-50 less than comparable Keen models. Keen might edge out on long-term durability, but the Merrell wins on value and initial comfort.
Can I wear these for backpacking?
They’re excellent for day hiking and light overnight trips, but for multi-day backpacking with heavy packs, you might want more substantial ankle support from a mid or high-cut boot.
What’s the best way to care for them?
Clean with a soft brush and mild soap, allow to air dry away from direct heat, and consider reapplying waterproof treatment every 6 months if you use them frequently in wet conditions.
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