Merrell Moab Speed 2 GTX Hiking Shoe Review

The Merrell Moab is a staple on trails across the country, and the aptly named Moab Speed takes the winning design and trims it down for quick-moving day hikes and other lightweight adventures. We took the updated version to the Chilean Patagonia, where it proved capable and versatile. The roomy toe box and lack of security at the heel resulted in some sloppiness—the shoes wouldn’t be our first choice for technical objectives—but the mix of comfort, stability, protection, and traction is hard to beat for on-trail adventures. Below we outline our experiences with the Moab Speed 2 GTX. To see how it stacks up to the competition, check out our articles on the best women’s hiking shoes and best hiking shoes.
 

Table of Contents

• Comfort
• Weight
• Traction
• Stability and Support
• Waterproofing and Breathability
• Quality and Durability
• Fit and Sizing
• What We Like/What We Don't
• Comparison Table
• The Competition

Comfort

The Merrell Moab Speed 2 GTX hits a sweet spot for comfort. The midsole strikes a nice balance between cushion and structure, offering enough underfoot support for covering technical ground without feeling overly stiff. The latest model uses 30% more foam than its predecessor, resulting in a cushier and less rigid feel. The nylon upper is flexible, and there’s ample padding around the collar. My first true test with the shoes came during a trip up Cerro Nani, a Chilean peak that ascends about 5,000 vertical feet in under five miles. By the end of the day, I had suffered no hot spots or pressure points, and the shoes have fared equally well on subsequent outings. The Moab Speed is at the softer end of the spectrum, and the toe box is roomy, both of which are downsides for navigating tricky terrain. But for hikers who stick to the trail, the all-day comfort is a real highlight.
 

Weight

At 1 pound 6.8 ounces for my pair in a women’s size 9 (they’re listed at 1 lb. 5.2 oz.), the Moab Speed 2 GTX is on the light end for hiking shoes, coming in a few ounces less than the Merrell Moab 3 GTX (1 lb. 9.9 oz.) and Salomon’s X Ultra 5 GTX (1 lb. 6.6 oz). Overall, the Moab Speed lands in a desirable spot for many hikers: It's light and nimble enough to cover ground quickly, yet has enough heft to confidently forge through loose and off-camber terrain.
 

Traction

Traction is another strong suit for the Moab Speed. In this case, Merrell opted for a Vibram outsole with closely spaced, aggressive 4-millimeter lugs that did a great job biting into soft terrain like loose gravel and thick moss. The only time the shoes faltered was on steep rock slabs, but this was more due to the sloppy fit than to the outsole design. Otherwise, the Moab Speed performed flawlessly on everything from hard-packed trail to lichen-covered boulders.
 

Stability and Support

The Moab Speed 2 GTX is stable and supportive for a low-top design—closer in feel to a substantial hiking boot than a flexible trail runner. Underfoot, the brand’s patented FlexPlate technology does a good job providing structure and firmness without detracting from the shoes’ well-padded feel. I did suffer a few ankle rolls on Cerro Nani, but was overall impressed by their ability to trudge through loose and off-camber terrain. I wore a pair of lightweight trail runners the next day and felt less stable and more vulnerable to ankle rolls. The shoes have a tall stack height (34mm at the heel and 24mm at the forefoot), which some hikers may not like, but I never felt off-balance. 
 

Waterproofing and Breathability

The Moab Speed 2 GTX fared predictably well in wet conditions thanks to the Gore-Tex membrane. Protection was limited by the shoes’ low cut, but they performed flawlessly in shallow river crossings and while hiking through swampy off-trail patches. My only protection-related complaint is that the gap between the tongue and upper made it easy for debris to enter, even when I laced the shoes tightly.
 

Unfortunately, the shoes' waterproof membrane doesn’t bode well for breathability or drying time (non-waterproof shoes typically breathe better and dry quicker). The protective TPU layer along the upper further detracts from ventilation. In the end, my advice would be to either opt for the non-waterproof Speed 2 or go with the full-height boot if you plan to utilize the Gore-Tex membrane. For more on the topic, check out our article: Do You Need Waterproof Hiking Shoes?
 

Quality and Durability

Merrell is a hiking shoe specialist, so it comes as little surprise that the Moab Speed 2 GTX is a quality and well-built design. The heel and toe caps are substantial, the ripstop nylon upper features TPU overlays for added abrasion resistance, and the outsole is made to last. Our ascent of Cerro Nani involved terrain that was definitely pushing the Moab Speed’s limits—including loose patches of dirt and gravel, lots of boulder hopping, wading through sharp bushes, and even snow at the peak—and the shoes came away unscathed apart from some cosmetic scrapes and stains.
 

Fit and Sizing

I’m usually between an 8.5 and 9 in women’s hiking shoes, so I opted for a size 9 in the Moab Speed. While the shoes fit lengthwise, the wide toe box and lack of heel security resulted in a sloppy feel. If you prefer a snug and performance-oriented fit, the Moab Speed will likely disappoint. However, if all-day comfort is a bigger priority for you, then the accommodating shape could be worth the drop in precision. Merrell offers the shoes in dedicated wide sizes, although given my experiences, I’d advise trying them on before you buy to ensure you need the additional room.
 

Other Versions of the Merrell Moab Speed 2

We tested the women’s Moab Speed 2 GTX for this review, and the men’s model is similar. Primary differences include a heavier weight (1 lb. 8.7 oz. per pair) and different colors, but the two designs are otherwise comparable. The mid-height Moab Speed 2 Mid GTX adds over-the-ankle coverage and support for a minor weight and price increase. For those who don’t need or want waterproofing, the non-waterproof Moab Speed is lighter (1 lb. 3.4 oz.) and cheaper than the Gore-Tex model, but it shares the same feature set and overall construction. All three styles are offered in dedicated wide sizes, although we found the standard fit to be plenty roomy for our average-width feet. A final addition is the winter-ready Speed 2 Thermo Mid Waterproof, which adds Solarcore insulation and Vibram's ice-specific traction to the otherwise similar design. 
 

What We Like

• Comfortable out of the box with a well-cushioned midsole, flexible upper, and ample padding around the collar.
• Vibram outsole has closely spaced lugs that do a great job biting into soft ground.
• Great support and stability.
• Well-built with hardwearing materials that have proven durable during testing.
• Light and nimble, considering the level of support.

What We Don’t

• The wide toe box and lack of heel security aren't ideal for covering technical or steep terrain.
• The gap between the tongue and the upper makes it easy for debris to enter.
• Waterproof membrane and TPU layer detract from overall breathability.
   

Comparison Table

The Competition

Merrell’s Moab Speed joins a growing segment of the hiking shoe category, which aims to balance weight, cushioning, and support. Salomon's X Ultra 5 GTX weighs just over an ounce more than the Moab Speed, but offers a step up in all-around trail performance. The Salomons have a stiffer platform, additional protection, and feel more secure through the heel. For putting in serious miles on the trail, we prefer the X Ultra, although its quick-pull lacing system is polarizing, and it’s harder to customize tightness throughout the foot.
 

Merrell’s flagship Moab 3 remains one of the most common shoes on the trail. However, despite sharing a similar name and roomy toe boxes, the two Moabs are different in use. The Moab 3 Waterproof is a classic design that emphasizes comfort and durability, while the Moab Speed is lighter and nimbler but is also less protective. For most day adventures, we prefer the trimmed-down Speed; for more demanding hikes and backpacking trips, we’d go with the standard Moab. You can see our in-depth review for more. 
 

Finally, if you’re torn between hiking shoes and trail runners, the Hoka Speedgoat 7 is worth a look. At almost 5 ounces lighter than the Moab Speed 2 GTX, the Speedgoat is a popular package of cushioning, grip, and durability that’s gained remarkable popularity among thru-hikers. The shoes also have a famously nimble feel and comfort for long days on the trail. But what you gain in cushion and flexibility, you lose in support, and the Moab Speed offers a firmer, more planted feel on the trail for minimal added weight.