Updated on Oct. 08, 2024
These boots are made for walking—on the trail, that is! Each of these picks for the best Merrell hiking shoes was tested and reviewed by a Family Handyman shopping editor.
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Since 1981, Merrell has blended comfort, style and function into their collection of well-loved hiking shoes and accessories. For Family Handyman editors who can’t stop hitting the trail before the snow flies, Merrell is a trusted brand that offers high-quality shoes that last season after season. Merrell’s selection of lightweight, rugged footwear just can’t be beat. They have hundreds of styles that come in both regular and extended sizes—a rarity when it comes to hiking gear.
With so many options to choose from, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the sheer number of boots available on the hiking and camping gear retailer’s site. Luckily, our editors have plenty of experience with the brand. Below are the best Merrell hiking shoes, tested by our editor. Whether you’re seeking something lightweight, waterproof or durable (or all three), there’s something for everyone.
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“The Moab 3 isn’t just my favorite Merrell-brand shoe,” says shopping editor Mary Henn. “It’s my go-to hiking shoe for any terrain.” The Moab 3 is great for beginner to advanced hikers who want a shoe that does it all; it’s truly an all-purpose shoe designed for quick trips to the park or more rugged hikes through the woods.
“I’ve owned several pairs of Moab shoes and never had to ‘break them in.’ They’re ready to go when you are,” Mary says. “They offer impressive traction and good support, whether you’re hiking one mile or ten.”
“I also find that they hold up well over the years,” Mary adds. “If you frequently hike in wet areas, I’d recommend getting waterproof Moab shoes.”
We’re big fans of the limited-edition releases and collaborations Merrell does, like the Moab 3 X Parks Project. It’s made from mushroom-biobased material, which serves as a plastic alternative. It is 100% biobased and biodegradable.
The vibrant colors and tones of national parks inspire the shoe’s look. The goal is to encourage advocates to protect natural landscapes. “These are the most visually stunning pair of Merrell Moab hiking shoes I’ve seen in person,” Mary says.
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Crafted from recycled materials and featuring a breathable mesh lining, the Antora 3 is our favorite trail-running hiking shoe. It’s also one of Merrell’s flagship shoes, featuring several enhancements from its predecessors. Smart details such as a rock plate for extra protection while scaling steep terrain, plus the addition of air cushion for shock absorption, make this a top find for hikers both new and accomplished. Weighing less than 10 ounces and boasting a Vibram TC5+ outsole for better grip, it comes in on top of this list of the best Merrell hiking shoes. It’s also one of our favorite gifts for hikers.
“The Antora 3 is a trail-running shoe for those who want a little speed,” Mary says. “If you’re looking for a lightweight shoe that will let you move quickly, this is it. These are one of the most comfortable pairs of tennis shoes I’ve owned—sometimes I wear them out and about with athleisure clothes because they’re that comfortable.”
“I snagged the hot pink edition from Merrell’s collab with Sweaty Betty and always get compliments on them,” Mary adds. “They look like a traditional sneaker but will let you face the obstacles and debris found on a moderate-level trail.”
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In our Merrell Hydro Moc review we praise this waterproof slip-on as the perfect find for lazy days, camping and even running errands. The Hydro Moc, Merrell’s waterproof version of their classic Moc style, features a modern EVA foam construction for ample durability in the water. A slew of stylish colors rounds out this water shoe, and the generous foam padding makes it ideal for everyday wear.
Mary notes that she loves her Hydro Mocs so much that she wears them almost everywhere. “I also love that I can wear them everywhere without worrying about dirtying or scuffing them,” says Mary. She continues, “The foam slip-ons are incredibly easy to clean and wipe down—even the white pair! I like that water doesn’t collect in or adhere to the shoes. Water rolls right off the Hydro Moc, so I could step into the river and then walk a little way down to scout a new fishing spot, and my feet would be dry by the time I landed.”
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If you like the look of New Balance classics, then check out those of the Alpine 83 Sneaker Sport. Those who enjoy hiking know how important it is to have a reliable leisure shoe for everyday walking and paved trails. “I absolutely love the retro look of these sneakers,” Mary says. “Initially, this shoe seemed a little outside Merrell’s wheelhouse to me, but after seeing them in person, they’re so sleek.”
The super lightweight Alpine 83 is designed for stability and comfort and is treated for natural odor control; it can truly transition with you from after-work walks to evening meetups and more. “They look great with leggings or jeans,” Mary says. “I’ve even thrown them on with a mid-length skirt.”
“I wouldn’t recommend these for trails, but they’re perfect for everyday wear and general walking,” Mary adds. “I think you could get away with pairing them with a blazer for the office. I’m a big fan.”
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Speaking of everyday wear, the Speed Fusion Access Web is a great sporty sandal for warmer days. Its barefoot construction keeps the foot in a natural position, while the rubber outsole keeps dirt and debris from getting stuck in the shoe’s bottom.
“These sandals are darling, and I just love the color combos on the straps,” Mary says. “They’re so comfy and lightweight. They truly feel like nothing’s on my feet.”
The hook and loop closure system makes it easy to adjust these sandals on the go quickly, and the heel pull tab makes it easy to slide the shoe on without undoing all of the straps. “My only complaint with this shoe is that it runs very small,” Mary says. “I typically wear a women’s 10 in Merrell shoes, and the size 10 was small for me; my toes were too close to the edge. I think they would have been even more comfortable if they were just a bit bigger.”
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The Unlikely Hikers and Merrell line features an assortment of body-positive slogans and bright colors on the brand’s bestselling boots, tees and belt bags. To shop the Merrell x Unlikely Hikers collection, visit the collaboration’s landing page on Merrell’s website.
“The Merrell and Unlikely Hikers collaboration is one of my all-time favorite Merrell collabs,” says Mary. “The Moab 3 X Unlikely Hikers are a stunning shoe that goes with any trail outfit or outdoor gear because they feature a rainbow of colors. Moabs are Merrell’s most popular hiking shoe for a reason. They’re great for rugged trails and long hikes. I grab these when I know I’m going to be on the trails for a while.”
Merrell really does have something for everyone, but when shopping for shoes, the options can seem a little overwhelming. To help narrow down your choice, here are some things to keep in mind.
Even if your hikes are on the shorter side, it’s essential that your hiking shoes fit your feet perfectly. This will help prevent injury or discomfort and allow you to hike many miles. Take into account your foot size and width as well as your arches. Read product descriptions to ensure the hiking shoes you order work with your foot. While it will take a few wears to break in your hiking shoes, there shouldn’t be any pinching or rubbing. Also, test out your hiking shoes with the same socks you’ll wear when you hit the trails.
We’ve gathered some of our favorite Merrell hiking shoes, but they offer a much wider selection. They have hiking shoes that are fit for everything from light trails to rugged mountains. Look for hiking shoes with the proper support, traction and durability for the terrain and activity you plan to use them for.
The Hydro Moc above is fully waterproof, but Merrell also offers shoes with varying degrees of water resistance. If you’ll be hiking through streams or in wet areas, this feature is worth considering when selecting your shoe.
Breathability is an important feature that will keep your feet dry and comfortable while hiking. If hiking in damp, humid, or hot climates, ensure your shoes have breathability.
The options we’ve included from Merrell range from $60 to $150. Before you start shopping, make sure that you have a set budget. Also, if you’re not in a rush, start looking as soon as possible and track the price for sales or discounts that can help you score a deal.
At Family Handyman, we’re continuously looking to help readers discover top products when it comes to outdoor gear, and finding the best hiking shoe brands is no different. Our shopping editor, Mary Henn, loves Merrell and ranks it among her top outdoor brands. She has single-handedly shopped, worn and tested over 20 Merrell hiking shoes. She picked her all-time favorites for different occasions and terrains for this list. From the best shoes for rugged terrain to water shoes and sandals, Mary has worn Merrell shoes for nearly every outdoor occasion.
Mary Henn, an award-winning writer, editor and product tester at Family Handyman, has tested over 100 products—outdoor gear, camping tools and DIY gadgets. In her spare time, she hikes regularly. With her personal and professional experience with outdoor gear and hiking equipment, she offers top-notch advice on Merrell hiking boots.
Our editors have tested dozens of Merrell hiking shoes, from Merrell x Jeep Hiking Boots to sustainable Scrap shoes and water shoes. When Merrell launches a new product or collab, we get it first and test it ourselves. This way, you can make informed decisions based on real-life walking, hiking and running before investing in a pair of shoes.
Alexandra Mantella, Content Updates Editor at Family Handyman, updated and contributed research to this piece. She has over five years of experience in product testing, research and commerce writing. Previously, she served as a commerce content update editor at Bob Vila.
The Moab 3 is a new and improved version of the Moab 2. It features a newer design, improved durability and fit and other features.
This depends on your personal preference. Hiking boots offer more ankle support but can be clunkier, heavier and take longer to break in. Hiking shoes tend to be lighter while offering enough foot and ankle support to keep you agile and safe on the trails.
Some Merrell mid- and low-top hiking shoes are waterproof, thanks to their Gore-Tex water membrane. This feature effectively keeps water and moisture out while providing a breathable, insulating layer to protect against cold weather.
