Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator

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Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator: Review

β€œA breathable and durable hiking shoe for day hiking.”

Overview


The Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator is a hiking shoe designed for day hiking and light backpacking. This shoe is part of the Merrell Moab family, known for its comfort and durability.

Key Features:

  • Breathable Upper: The combination of suede leather and mesh ensures excellent ventilation.
  • Vibram Outsole: Provides reliable traction on various surfaces.
  • EVA Midsole: Offers cushioning and support for long hikes.

The Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator is an ideal choice for hikers who prioritize breathability and traction for day hiking. Its durable construction offers longevity, making it suitable for those who frequently hike on dry trails.

Based on our monitoring of prices across the internet, it's currently just below the median price of hiking shoes today.

Verdict

The consensus on the Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator


The Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator performs well for day hikes and light backpacking in dry conditions. Its breathable upper and Vibram outsole provide comfort and traction, making it a reliable choice for many hikers. However, it lacks waterproofing, which limits its use in wet conditions. The shoe is also on the heavier side, which might be noticeable on longer hikes. Despite these drawbacks, the Moab 2 Ventilator offers good value for its price, especially for those who need a durable and comfortable shoe for dry weather. Overall, this shoe is a solid option for light to moderate hiking needs, but it may not be the best choice for those who frequently hike in wet conditions. Its comfort and traction make it a dependable choice for dry trails.

Comparable Shoes


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The Columbia Facet 75 Outdry is a good alternative for those looking for a budget-friendly hiking shoe. It offers better water resistance and scores higher in comfort and support. However, it may not be as durable as the Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator.

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The Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX is a premium option that excels in comfort and traction. It offers better performance in all metrics compared to the Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator, but comes at a higher price. This shoe is ideal for those who can afford to invest more in their hiking footwear.

Special versions of Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator


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The Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator Mid is a higher-cut version of the Moab 2 Ventilator. It offers additional ankle support, making it suitable for more rugged terrain. The mid version retains the same breathable upper and Vibram outsole, providing similar comfort and traction. However, the higher cut adds a bit more weight, which might be noticeable on longer hikes.

8 Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator Pros & Cons


4 Pros

Great traction on various surfaces.
Comfortable out of the box.
Durable construction.
Breathable upper.

4 Cons

Not waterproof.
Heavy compared to other hiking shoes.
Requires a break-in period for some users.
Average support.

In Depth


Upper

The upper of the Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator is made from a combination of suede leather and mesh, providing a balance of durability and breathability. The mesh allows for excellent ventilation, making it a great choice for well-ventilated hiking shoes. The suede leather adds durability, protecting the shoe from wear and tear. However, the lack of a waterproof membrane means it is not suitable for wet conditions.

Midsole

The midsole of the Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator features an EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) construction, which offers cushioning and support. This material is lightweight and provides good shock absorption, making it ideal for EVA midsole hiking shoes. The midsole also includes a nylon shank (a supportive piece of material between the insole and outsole) for added stability, which helps in maintaining balance on uneven terrain.

Outsole

The outsole of the Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator is made from Vibram TC5+ rubber, known for its excellent traction. This outsole grips well on various surfaces, including dry rocks and trails, making it a reliable choice for Vibram hiking shoes. The unique tread pattern provides stability and prevents slipping, although it may not perform as well in loose sediment or very technical terrain.

Size/fit

The Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator offers a spacious fit with a wide forefoot, which helps in maintaining balance and comfort. The shoe has a low ankle collar, which provides flexibility but may not offer enough protection for the ankles. The fit is generally comfortable out of the box, although some users may experience a bit of foot slippage inside the shoe.

Comfort

Comfort is a strong point for the Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator. The shoe is comfortable right out of the box, with a spacious foot box that prevents pressure points. The EVA midsole provides good cushioning, and the soft ankle collar adds to the overall comfort. However, the shoe may require a short break-in period for some users, especially those with bony feet.

Cushioning

The EVA midsole in the Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator offers good cushioning, making it suitable for long hikes. This cushioning helps in absorbing shock and reducing foot fatigue, which is essential for maintaining comfort during extended periods of hiking. The cushioning is balanced, providing both comfort and support.

Breathability

The Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator excels in breathability, thanks to its mesh upper. This feature makes it an excellent choice for breathable hiking shoes, especially in dry and warm conditions. The mesh allows air to circulate, keeping the feet cool and reducing the risk of overheating.

Stability

Stability is moderate in the Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator. The shoe features a nylon shank that provides some torsional rigidity, helping in maintaining balance on uneven terrain. However, the low ankle collar and flexible forefoot may not offer enough support for more technical hikes. The shoe is best suited for light to moderate hiking needs.

Durability

Durability is a strong point for the Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator. The combination of suede leather and mesh in the upper, along with the Vibram outsole, ensures that the shoe can withstand a lot of trail abuse. The leather overlays protect the mesh from wearing through, and the outsole shows minimal signs of wear even after extensive use. However, the seams in the forefoot are not double-stitched, which could be a potential weak point.

Grip

The Vibram TC5+ outsole of the Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator provides excellent grip on various surfaces. It performs well on dry rocks and trails, offering reliable traction. However, it may not be the best choice for very technical terrain or loose sediment. Overall, the grip is solid and dependable for most hiking conditions.

Flex

The Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator offers a flexible forefoot, which provides a natural feel while walking. This flexibility is beneficial for maintaining comfort during long hikes, but it may not offer enough support for more technical terrain. The shoe strikes a balance between flexibility and support, making it suitable for light to moderate hiking needs.

Who should buy the Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator?


The Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator is ideal for hikers who prioritize comfort and breathability. It's a great choice for those who enjoy day hiking and light backpacking in dry conditions. If you need a durable and comfortable shoe that performs well on dry trails, this is a solid option. The shoe's spacious fit and good traction make it suitable for those who prefer a relaxed fit and reliable grip.

Who should not buy the Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator?


The Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator may not be the best choice for hikers who frequently encounter wet conditions. Its lack of waterproofing means it won't perform well in soggy environments. If you need a shoe with better water resistance, consider other options. Additionally, those who prefer a more supportive and rigid shoe for technical terrain might find this model lacking. For those who need a lighter shoe, the weight of the Moab 2 Ventilator might be a drawback.

Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator: What's it good for?


The Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator is good for day hiking and light backpacking in dry conditions. Its breathable upper makes it suitable for warm weather hikes. The shoe's durable construction ensures it can handle rough trails, while the Vibram outsole provides reliable traction. Comfort and traction are key strengths, making it a dependable choice for various hiking activities.

5 Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator FAQs


Is the Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator waterproof?

No, the Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator is not waterproof. It is designed for dry conditions and offers excellent breathability. If you need a waterproof option, consider the Merrell Moab 2 WP.

How does the Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator fit?

The Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator offers a spacious fit with a wide forefoot. It is comfortable out of the box, but some users may experience a bit of foot slippage inside the shoe.

What is the weight of the Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator?

The weight of the Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator is 445 g (15.7 oz) for men and 386 g (13.6 oz) for women.

Is the Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator suitable for technical terrain?

The Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator provides good traction on various surfaces but may not be the best choice for very technical terrain. It is more suitable for light to moderate hiking needs.

How durable is the Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator?

The Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator is quite durable, thanks to its combination of suede leather and mesh upper, along with the Vibram outsole. It can withstand a lot of trail abuse and should last for hundreds of miles with proper care.

Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator alternatives

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Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator
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released
Released
Aug 2018
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Weight
Weight
M: 445 g
W: 386 g
M: 312 g
W: 249 g
349 g
M: 346 g
W: 278 g
Usages
Usages
Day hiking
Day hikingDay hikingSpeed hikingDay hikingUrban hikingDay hikingLight hikingSpeed hikingDay hiking
Shoe Type
Shoe Type
Lightweight
Lightweight
Lace-to-toeLightweightLightweightLightweight
Breathable
Breathable
Heel brake
Heel brake
Orthotic friendly
Orthotic friendly
Removable insole
Removable insole
Antimicrobial
Antimicrobial
Techs
Techs
Merrell Air CushionVibram
Merrell Air CushionVibram
Merrell Air CushionVibramMerrell Air CushionVibramVibram
Environmental Characteristics
Environmental Characteristics
Eco-friendly
Eco-friendlyEco-friendlyVegan β“‹Eco-friendlyVegan β“‹Eco-friendlyVegan β“‹Eco-friendly
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Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator: what the experts say (1 review)

Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator characteristics and specifications

Specificationsvs Average
Model
2 Ventilator
Released
Aug 2018
Measurements
Weight
M: 445 g
W: 386 g

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AuthorTom Green
Tom is the founder of geerly. Based in West London, he found his passion for running in his mid-30s. He’s best at longer distances, and is a regular at the London Marathon, where he's edging closer to sub-2.40. He started geerly because he found it frustrating when shopping for running shoes spending ages trying to find the best deal in his size, and wading through verbose, waffling reviews clearly designed to appeal to search engines rather than be helpful to users. For geerly he's passionate about writing reviews that get straight to the point, and helping runners find the right gear at the best price.
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