As much as I’d like to think I’m one in a million, I’m one in 28 million when it comes to my choice in hiking boots. That’s precisely how many pairs of Moabs Merrell has sold since its best-selling hiking boot debuted more than 15 years ago, according to the brand. These days, there are several iterations of the Moab, with the Moab 2 Mid — one of Travel & Leisure’s top tested picks for women’s hiking boots and shoes for 2022 — being the most popular. (Of course, they’re also available for men; Bradley Cooper and Keanu Reeves have even been photographed in them!)
To buy: amazon.com, $82 (originally $145)
I’ve had my Merrell Moab hiking boots for at least 14 years. I know this because I remember the guy I was dating at the time I got them. He gifted them to me one summer when we made an ambitious plan to hike all 48 high peaks in the Adirondacks. Spoiler alert: we didn’t get to all 48, but we did summit many of them including my favorite, Algonquin. While the relationship didn’t last, the boots did.
Unlike breaking up with my boyfriend – which was quite painful – breaking in these boots was pain-free. In fact, there was never a break-in period. I went from the shoe store straight to tackling one of New York’s tallest mountains, all without getting a single blister. Merrell definitely doesn’t skimp on padding. Regardless of how long I plan on being out, I’ve never had to worry about an abrasive area of the boot rubbing against any part of my foot.
More recently, I lived in my Moabs this summer when I was exploring Northwestern Montana while writing a guide to Glacier National Park. They were so comfortable, in fact, I didn’t immediately change out of them after my long hikes. Instead of slipping on my favorite recovery flip flops, I’d wear them for hours while driving across the state. (I like to think I looked a lot cooler walking onto gas stations wearing them.)
To buy: amazon.com, from $82 (originally $145)
These boots are also surprisingly warm. I walk around in them all winter, which says a lot because winters here in Montana can be brutal. I’ve even successfully worn them on ice, sans crampons. Thanks to the sturdy, lugged Vibram rubber sole, Merrell’s Moab 2 Mid Boots have a great grip on even the slickest of surfaces.
I’ve also worn my Moabs in warm weather. I spent the early months of the pandemic living in Tucson where I social distanced by exploring the Santa Catalina Mountains. Because of these boots’ breathable mesh upper and my commitment to wearing quality hiking socks, my feet never overheated. The reinforced cap on the tip of each boot has also saved me many times when I’ve stubbed my toe on roots and rocks. Similarly, the shock-absorbing cushion in the heel has prevented my feet from becoming sore even on the most uneven terrain.
Another with “very picky feet (flat arches, wide feet, and bunions” reported that “the toe box is roomy and the shoes are supportive and comfortable enough to wear for 8-plus hours on a concrete floor, as well as being waterproof and great for hiking!” The reviewer loves them so much, they’ve bought three pairs and shared, “I will continue to buy them as long as they make them!”
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