The Merrell Moab Speed 2 is a versatile day-hiking option. Photo: Steve Andrews//The Inertia
What makes a good hiking shoe? The answer is probably as varied as the plethora of options available. Some want maximum cushioning and comfort. Others want a grippy sole that can stick to anything. Others may prioritize weight or lack thereof. It’s hard to win them all, but Merrell has come pretty close in the aforementioned categories with their latest rendition of the Moab Speed series, with the Moab Speed 2 ($140).
I have been testing these shoes for the past few months, and they are now a staple piece of footwear for hiking on days when I don’t have time to waste. These days, with a newborn and a toddler at home, that means pretty often. But you gotta get your steps in, and if there is some elevation gain attached to those steps, even better for max value. The Moab Speed 2 helps you get some spring in your step, but not too much where you can’t feel the ground underneath. There are a few reasons why this shoe has risen to the top of the dozens tested over the past two years, and I’ll share those findings below.
And don’t miss the rest of our top picks in our guide to the Best Hiking Shoes.
| Pros | Cons |
| Great traction | Upper material isn’t super durable |
| Excellent breathability | The heel is not locked in |
| Comfortable on day 1 |
Merrell Moab Speed 2: First Impressions
Available In: Men’s, Women’s
Weight: 12 oz per shoe
Heel-toe Drop: 10mm
Versions: Low, GTX, Mid, Mid GTX
The first thing I noticed about these shoes is how light they are. Weighing in at 12 ounces, they are right up there with some of the lightest hiking shoe options on the market. There are plenty of shoes that weigh in under a pound, but far less offer the traction and cushioning of these shoes. The outsole is a Vibram megagrip that wraps around from toe to heel, letting you make solid contact with the ground, no matter where in your stride your feet may touch.
When I put these on, I was impressed with the comfort right out of the box. The sole needed a bit of priming to loosen up, but not so much that I’d call it anything significant for a break-in period. Within a couple of miles of the first hike, these had some serious comfort and were ready to take on further challenges.
Probably the biggest thing I noticed was how the upper material felt like practically nothing. Merrell saved the brunt of the material for where it counts the most, on the midsole and outsole, leaving an upper that felt (nearly) as light as a feather.
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Notable Features of the Moab Speed 2
The bottom half is what really sets these shoes apart from others in its class. The Vibram TC5 outsole is strong and sturdy, yet nimble enough to feel broken in within a few miles. The lug pattern is well-designed, offering a solid footing on both solid and variable ground.
Vibram outsoles are the real deal. Photo: Steve Andrews//The Inertia
The foam midsole is right in the sweet spot for adequate cushioning without feeling too “bouncy”, where you can still feel the ground underneath and have the response necessary to adapt to whatever is underneath you. It allowed me to be light on my feet where I can focus on the trail ahead, and not be too concerned about every little rock and undulation underfoot.
And as mentioned, this upper is the clear departure from the more burly, traditional Moab lineup. It’s featherlight and breathable.
Drawbacks of the Merrell Moab Speed 2
Speaking of the upper material: It’s a bit thin and deters me from wanting to carry a heavy pack. Near the toes, it can bunch up a bit when tied tight, which can be problematic over time as the folding might create premature wear. So for those who like their shoes tight, you may find issues if your feet are smaller in the toe box. People in online reviews recommend sizing up, which may cause even more issues if your foot is narrow.
While the shoes do come in a gore-tex version, the non-GTX version has very little waterproofing capability, meaning less versatility in poor weather conditions. The GTX version is available for $30 more, so that will be a conversation you’ll have to make for yourself as to what type of conditions you plan to be hiking in most of the time. The tradeoff will always be a bit of breathability, but if you’re in a hot and dry climate, the regular versions will suit you well.
The shoes are certainly breathable, but the non-GTX version will easily let water in. Photo: Steve Andrews//The Inertia
Final Thoughts
The Moab Speed 2 shoes offer excellent traction and comfort for a variety of situations. The best parts of these shoes are in the midsole and outsole. The upper material doesn’t offer a ton of support but will suit people who like to move fast across uneven ground. It’s not something I’d use for a big hike with a heavy pack, but if you want to get in some good miles on the trails and get the heart rate up, this is a great shoe that feels comfortable on first wear.
The key to success with these shoes is to know when and where to use them. It’s not a do-all type shoe, but for the right purposes, you’ll have great cushioning, comfort, and traction in a lightweight package, letting you move fast and far without feeling bogged down by excess.
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Editor’s Note: Don’t miss the rest of our favorite hiking shoe options in our guide to the Best Hiking Shoes. For more gear reviews and features on The Inertia, click here.
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