If you haven't heard, Merrell has some exciting news for 2016: A brand new version of their iconic hiker, the Moab! We introduced you to the new and improved Merrell Moab 2 line last time on the blog. Today we want to give you an in-depth look at what is sure to be one of the most popular hiking boots of the season (and beyond!): The Merrell Men's Moab 2 Mid GORE-TEX®.
WHY THE MERRELL MOAB?
Maybe you're a seasoned outdoorsman, or maybe you've just decided to give hiking a try. Whether you're stepping onto your first trail or the latest of many, the most important gear you can equip yourself with is a reliable pair of hiking boots. Any experienced hiker will tell you how crucial it is to wear high-quality, comfortable footwear when you're out on the trail. Common sneakers won't cut it—you need shoes that are built to handle the rugged terrain and take care of your hardworking feet. Wearing the wrong shoes for the trail can lead to discomfort and even injury, ruining your outdoor adventure.
The Merrell Moab was first introduced a decade ago in 2007, and it quickly gained a loyal following among serious hikers. Most Moab fans say that comfort, fit, and durability are the reasons they trust their hike to the Merrell Moab. Now, the new Merrell Moab 2 line breathes new life into this beloved boot. Innovative, high-performance materials and technologies make the revamped line, including the men's Moab 2 Mid GORE-TEX®, even better than the much-praised original.
Men's Merrell Moab 2 Mid GORE-TEX® in Walnut.
FEATURES OF THE MERRELL MOAB 2 MID GORE-TEX®
What's so great about the new Merrell Moab 2 Mid GORE-TEX®? We're glad you asked! The Moab 2 line combines the Moab's tried-and-true fit and design with an all-new contoured footbed to offer the ultimate in comfort and support. Read on to learn more about the Moab 2 Mid GORE-TEX® and the features, both new and old, that make it a surefire favorite for dedicated hikers.
GORE-TEX® Waterproof Membrane
The Merrell Moab 2 Mid GORE-TEX®'s key feature is listed right in the name. GORE-TEX® has long been the most trusted name in waterproofing, and they have applied their expertise to the Moab 2 Mid GORE-TEX®. If your hike takes you across creek beds, through puddles, or into rainy weather, you can depend on the Moab 2 GORE-TEX® to keep your feet cozy and dry. If you've ever tried to suffer through a hike with soggy socks, you know how miserably uncomfortable that can be. With the Moab 2 Mid GORE-TEX®, wet conditions will never put a damper on your day.
How does it work? The GORE-TEX® membrane seals out moisture, so no water from outside the shoe can get in through the upper. Of course, we all know there's another way to end up with wet feet: If sweat builds up inside your shoe, it can be just as unpleasant as soaking your foot in a puddle. Fortunately, this is no problem for the GORE-TEX® waterproof membrane. It's exceptionally breathable, so moisture from inside the shoe can escape through the synthetic leather and mesh upper and be vented to the outside.
The GORE-TEX® waterproof membrane makes the Merrell Moab 2 Mid GORE-TEX® your first choice for rainy days and wet environments. This remarkable technology makes it easy to keep your feet dry and comfortable under any conditions. You can depend on the all-star team of GORE-TEX® and Merrell to deliver the protection your feet deserve, mile after mile.
Merrell M Select™ FIT.ECO+ Footbed
Have you ever started out on a long trek only to discover that your shoes were causing pain and discomfort? If you're not wearing shoes that are built for hard use and prolonged wear, chances are, you'll have aching feet before you even reach the end of the trail. There are many reasons why a pair of shoes might not be suitable for the trail, but usually it's because they don't fit well or they don't provide adequate support.
These are problems you never have to worry about with the Merrell Moab 2 Mid GORE-TEX®, thanks to its proprietary M Select™ FIT.ECO+ footbed. The FIT.ECO+ footbed is a brand new feature for the Moab 2 line, replacing the old Ortholite™ version. This exclusive footbed is designed with one thing in mind: Your comfort, both during and after a long hike.
The Moab 2 Mid GORE-TEX® incorporates the time-tested fit of the classic Moab, meaning it's snug in the heel, roomy in the toe box, and precise over the instep. This perfect fit is augmented by the supportive new footbed, which is anatomically contoured to hug the unique shape of your foot. The FIT.ECO+ footbed provides support exactly where you need it, at the arch and heel. Extra padding underfoot and air cushioning in the heel cup make every step as kind to your feet as the last.
The footbed might just be the most important part of a shoe, especially one designed for outdoor or athletic use. When you choose the Moab 2 Mid GORE-TEX®, you're treating yourself to one of the latest, most advanced footbeds available. Your feet take you to the depths of the wilds and back again—haven't they earned the best?
Vibram TC5+ Sole
Shoe aficionados know that for superior high-performance outsoles, there's one brand that rises above the rest: Vibram! Since the 1930s, the experts at Vibram have been industry leaders in rubber soles for hiking, climbing, trail running, extreme temperatures and conditions, and more. When it comes to soles, Vibram is synonymous with quality.
Merrell and Vibram have a longstanding partnership, and the Moab 2 Mid GORE-TEX® is the latest Merrell shoe to benefit from the dependability of a Vibram sole. The Vibram TC5+ sole has a 5mm lug depth and a tread pattern that provides traction on all surfaces, wet or dry, level or uneven. Tough, slip-resistant Vibram rubber can stand up to frequent, heavy use on rough terrain, so the Moab 2 Mid GORE-TEX® will still be your go-to boot for seasons to come.
With the Moab 2 Mid GORE-TEX® and its Vibram sole, nothing gets in your way: not mud, rocky ground, cold or heat, slick surfaces, or steep inclines. No matter the obstacles in your path, Vibram and the Moab 2 will get you where you want to go. If you still aren't sure what the big deal is about Vibram, check out our blog post on Vibram soles!
Other Features
The Merrell Moab 2 Mid GORE-TEX® is engineered for your success, down to the last detail. Its closed-cell foam bellows tongue protects from debris and moisture while providing much-needed comfort at the instep. Speaking of comfort, the breathable mesh lining cradles your foot in softness, and a rubber toe cap shields your toes from bumps while enhancing the boot's overall durability. The Moab 2 Mid GORE-TEX® is so named because of its 'mid-height' profile, meaning it gives extra support at the ankle in comparison to more sneaker-like hiking shoes. Every aspect of the Moab 2 Mid GORE-TEX® is fine-tuned to deliver the ultimate hiking boot experience.
Men's Merrell Moab 2 Mid GORE-TEX® in Earth.
In the excitement of planning your next hiking trip, don't forget the most important equipment: a pair of tough hiking boots like the Merrell Moab 2 Mid GORE-TEX® for men. With its GORE-TEX® waterproof membrane, ergonomic M Select™ FIT.ECO+ footbed, and slip-resistant Vibram TC5+ outsole, the Moab 2 Mid GORE-TEX® is the outdoorsman's new best friend.
Where will you go on your next wild adventure? No matter where the trail leads, your Moab 2 Mid GORE-TEX® will take care of your feet along the way.