#4 in Hiking Boots
Top pick in Hiking Boots
Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof
The boot most people should start with: comfortable out of the box, waterproof, and stiff enough for rocky trails without feeling like a ski boot.
4.5 · 5,134 Amazon ratings
Prices change daily, so we link to the listing instead of printing one.
- Height
- Mid (ankle)
- Waterproofing
- M Select DRY membrane
- Outsole
- Vibram TC5+, 5 mm lugs
The verdict
Is the Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof worth it?
Yes, for most day hikers and weekend backpackers. The Moab 3 Mid pairs a waterproof membrane and an ankle-height collar with a Vibram sole and almost no break-in, at a price well under most leather boots. It is not the lightest, the most breathable or the best for steep, technical ground, but it is the safest first boot.
That is why it tops our hiking boot ranking. Its strength is not one standout spec but the absence of a weak one: the fit is roomy without being sloppy, the sole grips on dirt and dry rock, and the membrane keeps a creek crossing or a wet morning out of your socks.
The trade-offs are the usual ones for a waterproof mid. It runs warm in summer heat, and once water gets in over the collar it dries slowly. Hikers who mostly walk dry trails in warm weather may be happier in a low, non-waterproof shoe.
Buy it if
Skip it if
Specs
Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof specs
From Merrell's published specs.
What's good
What to know
How does the Moab 3 Mid fit?
Most buyers find it true to size with a roomy toe box and a snug heel. Order your usual sneaker size, and try them on in the afternoon with the socks you hike in, since feet swell over a day.
If you have wide feet or bunions, the wide version is worth ordering over sizing up, because a longer boot moves the flex point away from where your foot bends.
Is the Moab 3 Mid really waterproof?
Yes, up to the collar. Merrell's M Select DRY membrane blocks water from puddles, wet grass and shallow streams. It will not help if water pours in over the top, and like any membrane it can lose effectiveness over a few seasons of heavy use, so treat it as water resistant for years and waterproof while new.
What changed from the Moab 2?
The Moab 3 kept the shape and fit people liked and changed the parts underneath: a grippier Vibram TC5+ outsole, an updated footbed with more heel cushioning, and partly recycled fabrics. If the Moab 2 fit you, the Moab 3 should too.
Alternatives
What to buy instead of the Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof
Questions
Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof FAQ
Are Merrell Moab 3 boots good for beginners?
Yes. They are the boot we would hand most beginners: forgiving fit, little break-in and enough support for typical day hikes. Spend more only once you know what kind of trail you hike most.
How long do Moab 3 Mid boots last?
Buyers commonly report several hundred trail miles before the sole wears down or the membrane starts to leak. Heavy use on rock wears the lugs faster, and the waterproofing usually fades before the upper does.
Can you backpack in the Moab 3 Mid?
For overnights and light loads, yes. With a heavy multi-day pack, many hikers want a stiffer boot, because the Moab's softer midsole flexes more under weight.
Do Moab 3 boots need to be broken in?
Very little. Wear them on a few short walks before a long hike so you find any hot spots on easy ground, but most buyers say they are comfortable from day one.
Words on this page
Sources
By Tom. Written from published specs, Amazon buyer reviews and AI-assisted research. We have not tested every product ourselves. Updated October 15, 2026.
Decided?
Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof