The first thing I noticed was the weight — or rather, the lack of it. When I tried on the Merrell Moab Speed 2 Mid GTX for the first time and set out on one of my favorite early-season loops in the Gunnison Valley, I kept waiting for that familiar heavy, clunky boot feel to settle in. Luckily, it never did.
Instead, it felt like I was wearing a burly trail runner disguised as a mid-height hiking boot. There was no awkward heel drag or stiff shuffle — just smooth, surprisingly springy movement with every step.
As someone who’s worn everything from classic, stiff leather backpacking boots to featherweight trail runners, I’ve generally found the middle ground elusive. Trail runners often left me with sore arches and no rock protection, while traditional boots were overkill for most of my mileage and left my legs feeling like I was dragging anchors.
The Speed 2 Mids promised to be the in-between I’ve been looking for: waterproof, grippy, and protective, but still nimble enough to let me move quickly and comfortably. So I took them across a range of classic Colorado spring conditions — melting snow, ankle-deep mud, sketchy creek crossings, and the occasional rocky outcropping — and came back with plenty to say.
In short: The Merrell Moab Speed 2 Mid GTX ($180) is a lightweight, all-day hiker with the ride of a trail runner and the protection of a boot. It’s ideal for mountain day hikes, wet spring trails, and light overnight trips, but not your best bet for hot desert days or long-haul treks under a heavy pack.
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Merrell Moab Speed 2 Mid GTX Review
Comfort & Fit
Merrell claims a 30% increase in foam underfoot compared to previous models, and I could feel the cushion right away. The FloatPro foam midsole struck a nice balance — it was soft enough to cushion long descents without ever feeling mushy or unstable. That combination of softness and responsiveness made a noticeable impact on overall comfort, especially on back-to-back hiking days.
I found the fit true to size, with a secure midfoot wrap and a spacious toe box that let my toes splay naturally without any unwanted sliding. The gusseted tongue and padded collar worked well to keep trail debris out, though if you’re bushwhacking or moving through deep scree, gaiters are still your best bet. I wasn’t in love with where the ankle padding hit — it landed a bit high on my ankle bone — but it never chafed or caused any issues over multiple hikes.
One detail I appreciated was the padded tongue, which helped prevent lace fatigue across the top of my foot, even when I cranked the laces tight for added support. Speaking of laces, Merrell gives you long, durable laces that make it easy to double-knot.
Support
Ankle support is moderate. It’s fine for day hikes and lighter loads, but when I was carrying a heavier pack on loose terrain, I did notice that I couldn’t quite get the ankle cinched down as securely as I like.
The boot didn’t feel sloppy, but for those tackling technical alpine routes or multiday treks with weight, you might prefer something with a bit more structure around the cuff.
Breathability and Waterproofing
The GORE-TEX waterproof membrane kept my feet dry during creek crossings and wet conditions. I even stood in a small waterfall for a few minutes to see if they remained waterproof; they did.
I have had other “waterproof” hiking boots that didn’t even hold up to a rainstorm, so this is a feature I am very adamant about. If it says waterproof, it needs to be waterproof. My feet depend on it!
Despite the waterproofing, the boots remained breathable. This balance prevented overheating during warmer hikes. But in all fairness, the hottest I hiked in them was around 75 degrees with water crossings. I didn’t test them in the heat of summer in the desert, and GORE-TEX boots are often too hot for such situations.
Traction and Stability
Equipped with Vibram TC5+ outsoles, the Moab Speed 2 Mid GTX provided solid traction on loose dirt, wet rocks, and through muddy trails. The 4mm lugs are aggressive enough to maintain grip throughout my hikes; however, on more technical terrain, I would prefer larger lugs.
While the boots performed admirably on moderate terrains, I noticed a slight lack of stability on uneven or rocky paths. The FlexPlate technology offers torsional rigidity, but on challenging terrains, the boots occasionally felt less grounded. For that reason, they’re likely better suited for more well-traveled routes than truly rugged, off-camber terrain.
Durability
The Merrell Moab Speed 2 Mid GTX strikes a thoughtful balance between trail-readiness and eco-conscious design. The nylon ripstop and TPU uppers are paired with heel and toe caps, offering a flexible yet supportive structure that feels more like a rugged trail runner than a traditional boot. I especially appreciated the protective synthetic caps, which did a solid job of deflecting rocks and brush during off-trail scrambles.
After several weeks of testing, through snowmelt, rocky ridgelines, and muddy switchbacks, I started to see the first signs of wear. The lace loops began to fray slightly, and the outsoles showed minor abrasions, particularly at high-contact points like the forefoot and heel.
These issues are common in most lightweight hiking boots after repeated use. However, it’s worth noting that some other users have reported the lace loops wearing out prematurely, so longevity may vary depending on how hard you use them.
That said, Merrell deserves credit for integrating sustainability into the design where it can. The boot has 100% recycled laces, webbing, and mesh linings. Fitting in eco-friendly designs without sacrificing quality can be a tricky balance, and I do appreciate the steps they are taking.
Room for Improvement
The Moab Speed 2 Mid GTX performs well overall, but there’s room for improvement. The ankle support is suitable for day hikes and lighter loads, but it lacks the necessary structure for steeper terrain or heavier packs. I found myself wishing I could cinch the ankle tighter for a more secure fit.
Durability may also be a concern. After just a few weeks, I noticed some fraying in the lace loops and minor wear on the outsole. Lastly, I’d like to see a non-GTX version of the mid-boot for hot days or for hiking in the desert. Merrell offers a non-GTX Moab Speed 2 in a shoe, but not in the high-top iteration.
Merrell Moab Speed 2 Mid GTX Review: Conclusion
The Merrell Moab Speed 2 Mid GTX reviewed here impressed me with its balance of comfort, protection, and versatility. It’s not easy to find a hiking boot that feels this nimble underfoot while still offering waterproof protection and enough structure for most backcountry trails.
After weeks of testing across melting snow, rocky climbs, and muddy spring conditions, I kept reaching for them when I wanted something light, cushioned, and reliable.
They’re not perfect — on hot days, the GORE-TEX membrane runs warm, and I do have some long-term durability concerns. But for most day hikes, weekend adventures, and fast-paced overnights, the Moab Speed 2 Mid GTX delivers.
It won’t replace my heavy-duty backpacking boot or my trail runners, but it carves out a strong niche right in the middle. If you’re looking for a dependable, all-terrain hiking boot that skips the break-in period and keeps your feet happy mile after mile, this one is worth a serious look.
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