More Feet in Moab: Merrell Expands Iconic Shoes to Welcome New Hikers
Merrell builds out its Moab Collection with new Moab 2 hikers, the plush trail running Flight, and the athletic hiker Speed.
The Merrell Moab hiking shoe has been worn on all types of trails in its decade of use. More than 20 million hikers have chosen it, making it a bestseller. Part of the appeal is the shoe’s design toward comfort, durability, and versatility.
You may have seen Merrell promoting its “Step Further” campaign with a focus on getting more people outside by making hiking more approachable. The brand has done its part by expanding its Moab Collection to appeal to a wider audience.
In addition to an update to its namesake Moab, Merrell added a hybrid sneaker-hiker and a plush trail running shoe to the Moab family: the Speed and Flight, respectively.
Shop the Merrell Moab Collection
Merrell Moab Hiking Shoes
The Moab Collection aims to keep its reputation for comfort and durability while expanding into new models. Each model uses a breathable mesh and TPU upper, mid-density foam midsoles, rubber outsoles, and protective toecaps.
Below, we’ll show you what’s new in the updated hiker and introduce the two newest members of the collection.
Merrell Moab 2
Hiking-specific features of the Moab 2 include the brand’s Air Cushion heel, which Merrell claims absorb shock while targeting increased stability, and a closed-cell foam tongue to help repel moisture and debris.
Additionally, the shoe uses a molded nylon arch shank with the brand’s M Select FIT.ECO+ blended EVA contoured footbed with “added zonal arch and heel support.”
The Moab 2 is a waterproof hiker and has a dry-climate counterpart, the Ventilator. Both are available in low and mid heights. The Ventilator has a suede and mesh upper, designed to mix protection and breathability. In the waterproof models, Merrell uses its own waterproof, breathable membrane (2 pounds 4 ounces).
Prices range from $100 for Low models to $135 for waterproof Mid models.
Merrell Moab 2 Key Specs
- Upper: (Ventilator) Synthetic leather and mesh; (Mid Waterproof) M Select DRY membrane
- Midsole: FloatPro Foam midsole, Merrell Air Cushion in the heel
- Outsole: Vibram TC5+ sole; 5mm lugs
- Listed weight: Low – 1 lb. 11 oz. (W) / 1 lb. 15 oz. (M); Mid WP – 2 lb. (W) / 2 lbs. 4 oz. (M)
Moab Speed
A hiker designed with a sportier appeal, the Moab Speed represents Merrell’s crossover trail shoe. It mixes sneaker-like looks and comfort of the MQM Flex shoe atop the Moab last.
We covered the Moab Speed in more depth, but know that it cuts weight by ditching some padding and protection yet still has a rock plate, toecap, and padded collar.
As a bit of the in-between the Moab 2 and Flight, there is an overlap of features, including the air-cushioned heel tech from the hiker and lightweight FloatPro Foam midsole and EcoStep outsole used in the trail runner.
The Speed hybrid hikers are available in Low and Mid models and with GORE-TEX versions of the Mids. These prices range from $120 to $160.
Merrell Moab Speed Key Specs
- Upper: Mesh and TPU, recycled lace material; (Mid-GORE-TEX) waterproof membrane
- Midsole: FloatPro Foam with Merrell Air Cushion in the heel
- Outsole: Vibram EcoStep (30% recycled rubber); Vibram Traction Lug pattern, 4mm lugs
- Listed Weight: 1 lb. 6 oz.
Moab Flight
The Moab Flight is Merrell’s ultrarunning shoe. By appearance alone, it stands out from the brand’s smaller trail runners, with a more generous sole and protective touches in the upper.
Then there’s the Flight’s geometry. Its stack heights create a 10mm drop, which separates them from the herd of most trail running shoes. Underneath, Merrell uses a sticky Vibram outsole with 3mm lugs. A mesh upper and lining are breathable for better airflow.
For cushioning, the brand uses its medium-density FloatPro Foam midsole intended to damp footstrikes and withstand the abuse. Eco-minded touches include recycled fibers in the mesh upper and laces, as well as some recycled rubber in the soles. They’re also vegan-friendly.
A pair is priced at $110.
Merrell Moab Flight Key Specs
- Upper: 70% recycled mesh, with mesh lining
- Midsole: FloatPro Foam; positioned as mid-density, durable
- Outsole: Vibram EcoStep (30% recycled rubber); 3mm lugs
- Listed Weight: 1 lb. 1 oz.
Off-Road
The Moab Collection is a quiver of shoes built from the same DNA with different uses in mind. Comfort, durability, and protection are the shared aim for these shoes.
From there, hikers can stay with the classic shoe that started it all, try the new sneaker-like Speed hiking shoe, or enjoy the plush ride of the new Flight trail runner.
Within the collection, Merrell offers different heights and waterproof options. Return customers coming back for another pair in a different season, or for wearing in a different climate, may be how this shoe continues to sell so many pairs.
Shop the Merrell Moab Collection
This post is sponsored by Merrell. Find out more about the Moab Collection of shoes here.
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