Merrell Moab Speed 2 Mid GORE-TEX review

The Moab Speed 2 Mid GORE-TEX ranks first because it best fits our angle of fit, weight and price. Merrell lists it at 14.1 oz (400 g) per boot, nearly 100 g lighter than the Moab 3 Mid and the lightest published figure here. Underfoot it has a FloatPro foam midsole with a 34 mm heel and 24 mm forefoot, a 10 mm drop, a FlexPlate for stability and a full-length rock plate. The Vibram TC5+ outsole has 4 mm lugs designed to shed debris, and the GORE-TEX lining keeps water out. Merrell sells medium and wide widths. The trade-offs come from the light build: the upper is ripstop and TPU rather than leather, the lugs are shallower than on the Moab 3, and the softer foam is better for day hikes than for heavy multi-day loads. Backpackers with big packs should look at the LOWA Renegade Evo instead.

Who it is for

Day hikers who want a light waterproof boot with trail-shoe cushioning.

Price

$185 for the men's version at the Merrell US store when checked.

Moab Speed 2 Mid GORE-TEX® $185.00 USD
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 10, 2026.

Key features

• GORE-TEX waterproof lining
• Vibram TC5+ outsole with 4 mm lugs
• FloatPro foam midsole with a 34/24 mm stack
• FlexPlate and full-length rock plate
• Listed half-pair weight of 14.1 oz (400 g)

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: The lightest published weight on this list
• Strength: Rock plate protects against sharp stones
• Strength: Medium and wide widths sold
• Weakness: Synthetic ripstop upper, not leather
• Weakness: 4 mm lugs are shallower than the Moab 3's 5 mm
• Weakness: Softer build is less suited to heavy packs

Key facts

• Price: $185 (men's)
• Weight: 14.1 oz (400 g) per boot
• Waterproofing: GORE-TEX
• Drop: 10 mm
• Outsole: Vibram TC5+, 4 mm lugs

Where it ranks

Merrell Moab Speed 2 Mid GORE-TEX is No. 1 in our Best Hiking Boots verdict.