Merrell Moab Speed 2 Review | Worth It In 2026?
Here I am going to give my HONEST Merrell Moab Speed 2 review for those wondering if these hiking shoes are WORTH it in 2026.
I have personally tested these shoes for over 80 miles, I will be giving you my professional insights as well as overall testing scores.
Editor’s Note: We updated this review on 12/31/25 with a new verdict section, as well as new insights after 40 new testing miles.
Our Verdict
If you want a lightweight hiking shoe that stays dry when the weather turns, the Merrell Moab Speed 2 is one of the best options in the Moab lineup. The Gore Tex membrane does its job. It blocks water during rain, stream crossings, and muddy sections, but it still breathes well enough that your feet do not feel swampy on longer miles.
Durability is also a strong point. The ripstop upper with added reinforcements handles scraping against rock and trail debris better than most lightweight hikers.
Underfoot, the FloatPro midsole gives you a comfortable, cushioned ride, and the rock plate adds protection and stability when you land on sharp rocks.
Traction is the final piece that makes it work. The Vibram TC5+ outsole grips well on wet rock, loose dirt, and uneven terrain, so you can keep moving without constantly thinking about your footing.
Overall, this is a great choice for day hikes and fast hiking when you want waterproof protection without the bulky feel of a traditional boot. We rated them a 8.8/10
Merrell Moab Speed 2 Pros and Cons
- Excellent traction
- Very Durable
- Lightweight design
- Breathability
- Not a maximalist shoe
Should you buy the Moab Speed 2?
Buy if
- You want one of the top rated hiking shoes of 2026
- You hike on technical terrain
- You want a lightweight hiking shoe that’s comfortable right out of the box.
- You need a shoe suitable for light hikes or hiking easy trails.
- You value good grip and stability on a variety of surfaces.
DON’T Buy if
- You want a waterproof shoe
- You prefer a super lightweight shoe
Merrell Moab Speed 2 Price
At the time of this writing, the Merrell Moab Speed 2 are available for the LOWEST price of $140 on REI.com
Order the Moab Speed 2 for the LOWEST PRICE AVAILABLE (Do NOT pay retail):
Disclosure: These links may provide a discount and in return, give us a commission in order to run the website 🙂
Watch this Full Review on YouTube!
Merrell Moab Speed 2 Comfort: 8/10
While these hiking shoes are not the maximalist shoes you’ll find like the Hoka’s, they provide a nice comfortable footbed. The Floatpro foam midsole is lightweight, yet forgiving.The arch support is adequate for moderate trail hiking, contributing to overall comfort and stability on uneven terrain.
The Merrell Moab speed 2 has a very generous toe box. I didn’t have any areas of compression or areas of numbness. For those with wide feet, the fit is accommodating, and the shoe is available in wide sizes for a better hiking experience.
The heel padding was nice and comfortable without feeling overly cramped or compressive. The padded collar also helps prevent hot spots and irritation around the ankle during my extended hikes.
The tongue was a little short and I had to pull it extremely hard up and over my forefoot just to tie the shoes. The tongue could have used a little bit more padding as well.
The underfoot cushioning is just generous enough to not feel a bunch of uneven rocks or terrain while you were on the trail period. I felt the stack height was high enough and comfortable enough for technical trails while not losing points in the comfortability section.
Thanks to the natural rockered sole my stride felt nice and efficient and lightweight just like Salomon X Ultra 5.
Weighing in at 10 oz, It is much more lightweight than the original Merrell Moab 3, at around 1.1 pds.
Traction: 8.5/10
Unlike most popular hiking boots the Speed 2 feature the Vibram TC5+ rubber compound which is similar to the Salomon Contagrip outsole.
While the outsole is very grippy and holds reliable traction, it is slightly softer than the original fan-favorite Vibram megarip and may wear slightly quicker.
While testing these out in the White Mountains of NH, I felt my grip was very reliable and sticky. The 4mm lugs tend to bite very well into the terrain. On steep granite, the lugs bit in just enough to stop my heel from sliding.
One subtle note about the Speed 2 is the fact that the lugs have “ rubber micro spikes” that really give you an edge on the trail.
The grip is about average on wet terrain, they can slip a little more than most shoes that have the TC5+ outsole like the Lowa Renegade.
Does The Merrell Moab Speed 2 Fit Well?
I ordered a men’s 10.5 which fit perfectly. I have one high arch on one foot while one low arch on the other so I am the perfect tester for hiking shoe fit.
Overall I didn’t have any areas of discomfort and I felt that the shoe volume was enough to accommodate my moderately wide foot. I don’t anticipate having to size up or down for anyone who has a narrow foot while trying the Speed 2 out.
Merrell Speed 2 Fit 4.5/5
Merrell Speed 2 Mid Stability & Support 9/10
The contoured heel cup offers a nice barrier against the edge of either side of your heel preventing from overly pronating or supinating during your stride.
The shock absorption is similar to the Merrell Moab 3 which rates in the excellent category of impact absorption. I didn’t feel any pain in my joints or lower body.
The integrated lightweight flex plate impregnates itself around your midsole working its way up towards the sides of your toes which is a similar mechanism like the Hoka Mafate X. This enhances the stiffness, allowing you tackle that extreme uneven terrain.
The secure-fit heel counter adds excellent torsional stability to to this shoe, I really felt the difference while on an inclined hillside during my testing.
Durability 9/10
This shoe is made without any welding materials while keeping the weight down which was very impressive.
The Merrell Moab Speed 2 features all traditional stitching which aids in its long-term durability and viability.
After testing these for over a 80 miles the synthetic material has held up very well compared to something like the Hoka Speedgoat 5.
The toe cap has shown no signs of delamination or breakdown. the outsole itself still holds the same impact absorption it had since day one.
Overall, Merrelll was able to craft a hiking shoe that’s not only lightweight but also durable which is an oxymoron in the hiking space.
Is the Merrell Moab Speed 2 worth it?
If you were looking for a moderately comfortable, extremely durable hiking shoe with excellent stability the Merrell Moab Speed 2 should be at the top of your list.
Compared to the average hiking shoe, the Moab Speed 2 is noticeably lighter and offers a softer, more comfortable ride, making it a great choice for those prioritizing comfort and weight.
Currently this is our number #2 rated hiking shoe for this year.
Getting the entire package of what the Merrell Moab Speed 2 offers at $140 is an absolute steal in my opinion.
The Moab Speed 2 bridges the gap between traditional hiking shoes and trail runners, offering the versatility and agility of trail running shoes while still providing more support than most trail runners.
However, if you need a sturdier hiking shoe for technical, rocky, or rugged terrain, or plan to carry heavy loads, you may want to consider other options.
If you’re looking for more robust hiking shoes check out the Merrell Moab 3 or the Salomon X Ultra 5.
Overall, the Speed 2 provides excellent value and I don’t think you could go wrong with picking up a pair.
Value: 5/5
Scoring Breakdown
Comfort: 8 / 10
Traction: 8.5 / 10
Stability & Support: 9 / 10
Fit: 4.5 / 5
Durability: 9 / 10
Value: 5 / 5
Total: 44/50
Our Rating: 8.8 / 10
Disclosure: These links may provide a discount and in return, give us a commission in order to run the website 🙂
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Merrell Moab Speed 2 good hiking shoes?
Yes! The Merrell Moab Speed 2 are excellent hiking shoes. They perform well on varied terrain, currently rated as our #2 hiking shoe of this year.
Is Merrell Moab Speed good for running?
No, the Merrell Moab speed should be used as a hiking shoe only.
What is the difference between Merrell Moab Speed and Speed 2?
The Merrell Moab Speed 2 features more cushion, breathability, and has a reduced weight compared to the original Speed 2.
How We Tested and Our Methodology
I personally tested the Merrell Moab Speed 2 for 80 miles over 12 months with the sole intent of giving you the most unbiased review possible. Mountaineer Journey is a 100% independent publisher with years of testing and reviewing outdoor equipment.
Over the past decade, I have logged over 2,000 hiking miles across diverse terrains, from the rugged Appalachian Trail to the challenging Rocky Mountains. This extensive experience allows me to evaluate the Merrell Moab Speed 2’s performance accurately in real-world conditions.
We currently pay for the products we test ourselves; no company or manufacturer pays us to sway our opinions or decisions.
We NEVER accept free products or sponsors, so all thoughts are our own.
Tyler is the founder Mountaineer Journey and a professional Mountain Guide with 15+ years of technical experience in trekking, mountaineering, and trail sports. Having logged thousands of miles from rugged alpine summits to urban paths, Tyler provides rigorous, field-tested insights on hiking, walking, and trail running gear. All reviews are 100% unsponsored and unbiased, ensuring you get honest scoring based on real-world performance. His mission is to help outdoor enthusiasts of all levels find reliable equipment that ensures comfort, safety, and performance on any terrain.