Affordable, No-Nonsense Hiking Shoe: Merrell Moab 3 Review

Looking for hiking shoes that don’t feel like boots or cost as much? That was the exact gear gap I was trying to fill. I didn’t need full ankle support or the stiffness of traditional hiking boots, but trail runners weren’t cutting it either. They lacked structure, didn’t hold up to rough terrain, and many were too pricey for me.

I wanted something in between: supportive but not stiff, breathable but rugged, comfortable enough for long days, without blowing my gear budget. 

That’s where the Merrell Women’s Moab 3 Hiking Shoes come in. They’re low-cut hiking shoes with the soul of a boot. With their long-standing reputation and loyal following, the Moab 3 delivers a promising middle ground at an approachable price. 

In short: The Merrell Moab 3 ($120-140) are top budget hiking shoes that prove you don’t need to spend big to get reliable trail performance. They’re dependable, well-constructed shoes for moderate trails and long days. Subtle cushioning, excellent traction, and rugged build make them a great option, though they aren’t the lightest or coolest-looking shoe on the shelf.

See how the Merrell Moab 3 stacks up against others in our guide to the best hiking shoes for women.

Merrell Moab 3 Women’s Hiking Shoes Review

Comfort & Fit

The Moab 3 delivers a structured, supportive feel that stands apart from more flexible, trail-runner–style hiking shoes. The cushioning is firm and stable. It’s just enough to absorb impact and keep feet comfortable mile after mile, without feeling squishy or overly plush. This isn’t the kind of comfort that jumps out on day one, but the kind that builds trust over time.

I have standard size 8 feet, and these fit me true to size. There is plenty of room in the toe box, a feature I noticed most when my feet swelled on an extremely hot hike. Even with the room, my feet never slid around or felt sloppy. Those needing even more room will also appreciate that these shoes come in wide.

The generously padded tongue eliminates lace pressure across the top of the foot, so there is no lace fatigue. That padding works in tandem with a roomy toe box and a stable midfoot wrap, offering a secure fit that still allows for toe splay on descents or long mileage days.

One notable quirk is that the arch support felt too far back for my foot. It’s a minor detail for me and definitely a matter of personal preference, but it’s something to be aware of if you’re particular about arch placement.

Trail Performance

Where the Moab 3 shines is underfoot. With solid, slip-free traction, the Vibram TC5+ outsole handled everything I threw at it, including mud, rock, loose gravel, and creek beds. The grip gave me confidence and stability on technical descents and uneven ground, which was exactly what I wanted when fatigue started to set in.

The shoe rides somewhere between a hiker and a trail runner. It’s not overly stiff, but it’s not floppy, either. The Super Rebound Compound midsole and Merrell’s Air Cushion in the heel work together to give the Moab 3 a balanced, grounded feel. I wouldn’t call it agile, but it’s incredibly steady.

That said, this is not a light shoe. It’s noticeably bulkier than some modern hybrid hikers and less than ideal for fast-and-light missions. But it could be a great fit if you value support over speed and don’t mind a bit of extra weight for durability.

Build & Details

Despite the accessible price, Merrell didn’t skimp on materials. Pig suede leather and mesh create a durable upper built to withstand intense use. The interior mesh is recycled mesh. After multiple muddy hikes and a few surprise weather shifts, the materials held up well and were easy enough to wipe clean. 

The heel collar has a fleece-like lining, a bonus during cool-weather hikes. But during hotter outings, it becomes noticeably warm. The rest of the upper breathes well, so this heel issue was more of a localized hot zone than a full-shoe ventilation problem. Overall, the breathability was solid. 

I tested the non-waterproof version, though Merrell also offers a waterproof option for only $20 more. The non-waterproof shoe shed some water during creek crossings, but took a while to dry out.

If you expect to hike through streams or encounter wet weather, I’d recommend spending the extra $20 for the waterproof Moab 3 to stay drier and more comfortable on the trail. 

The tongue deserves its own shoutout. It’s plush, stays in place, and makes cinching down the round laces surprisingly comfortable. Unfortunately, those round laces come untied far too easily, even when double-knotted. I ended up retying more often than I wanted to. A flat or grippier lace would be a simple but impactful improvement.

Room for Improvement

As much as I appreciated the Moab 3’s overall comfort and reliability, a few drawbacks stood out. The shoe feels bulky, especially if you’re used to lighter, more minimal footwear. That extra heft adds durability but is not ideal for those seeking a nimble feel.

The built-in arch support felt off for my foot shape. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s the kind of thing you’d want to test before committing to long mileage.

And the round laces, while durable, were just frustrating. Even double knots slipped loose on more than one hike. I swapped out the laces for some extras I had on hand, making it a much more enjoyable experience. 

Conclusion

What you wear on the trail should feel like second nature, tested, trusted, and ready for whatever the day throws your way. The Merrell Women’s Moab 3 can be that for many hikers: a dependable, no-nonsense trail shoe with comfort, grip, and durability that holds up over time.

It might not have the ultralight feel of a trail runner or the aggressive styling of some more expensive models (looking at you, La Sportiva Spire GTX), but it offers consistency at a price that’s hard to beat. 

After extensively testing the Moab 3, it’s clear: this shoe prioritizes support, stability, and reliability over speed. If you’re carrying a pack or logging multiple days on the trail, you will appreciate the sturdier build. The traction is solid, the cushioning is subtle yet supportive, and the upper has proven rugged enough to withstand season after season of use.

The Moab 3 proves that budget-friendly doesn’t mean cutting corners. It just means spending smart.