I asked friend and keen walker Sam to review a pair of Merrell Moab Gore-Tex walking shoes. Here’s what he discovered. Sam writes:
I suspect I’m not alone in being filled with horror at the thought of shoe shopping. Hours of traipsing around, taking shoes on and off, trying to tell how they will feel after a few months of breaking them in as you take a few steps on the shop floor.
I also struggle to find shoes that comfortably fit my wide feet.
I don’t think I’m asking for much when I look for a shoe that’s comfortable, robust and practical to wear walking around town or through the countryside. Smart work shoes will never do the job, but many of the trainers and outdoor shoes I aren’t up to it either.
So when I happened to pull on a pair of Merrells in a local Tiso store a few years ago, my feet rejoiced. They instantly felt great, with a snug fit that didn’t compress my bones. They had a decent degree of cushioning as well, without that feeling of unnatural elevation.
Several months later, I felt confident that they were robust and well made as well. Since then, I’ve almost invariably purchased Merrells. I wear them with pretty much everything except a suit. In my experience they happily last for well over a year of hard wearing before starting to get a bit frayed around the edges.
So when I was offered a pair of Merrell Moab Gore-Tex shoes to review I jumped at the chance, and they didn’t disappoint.
Merrell Moab Gore-Tex walking shoes
What Merrell say: The Moabs are waterproof and breathable walking shoes with a deep treaded sole that you’ll wear everywhere.
Features include:
- GORE-TEX lining for total weather protection and breathability.
- Bellows tongue keeps debris out.
- Synthetic leather toe cap and heel counter
- Aegis Antimicrobial solution maintains foot comfort. (The disc of cushioned materials compresses to absorb shock up to four times the body’s weight.)
- Merrell Air Cushion in the heel absorbs shock and adds stability
- 5mm Sole lug depth
- Vibram Multi-Sport Sole/TC5+ Rubbe.
On test: Merrell Moab Gore-Tex shoes
Sam tests Merrell Moab walking shoes.
The Merrell wide fit and comfort I’ve grown accustomed to was there. They’re sturdier than several other shoes in the Merrell range. The actually feel quite like a walking boot, although far more comfortable.
The Gore-Tex waterproofing is an extra bonus (though experience suggests not to push your luck – some puddles are deeper than this tester assumed!)
The grip of the shoes is great, although they can be a little slippery in the wet on smooth surfaces, but then most shoes are.
I realise I risk being accused of liking what I know and knowing what I like, but Merrells work for me.
See Merrell. the Moabs RRP at £115.