Bottom Line
The Merrell Moab Speed 2 is one of our top picks for the best women’s hiking shoes and is a great choice for hikers and backpackers who want something stylish and lightweight with a more robust build. When testing the Moab Speed 2 along the PCT, we found it delivers the protection of a traditional hiking shoe with the nimbleness of a trail runner. The decently sturdy toe cap and heel held up over rocky terrain, uneven ground, talus scrambling, and exposed roots. The shoe offers exceptional comfort, making it ideal for day hikes and lightweight backpacking, and it’s priced affordably compared to more rugged models. However, a beefier option might be the move for carrying heavier backpacks or tackling long, demanding slogs.
Quick Specs
Women’s Merrell Moab Speed 2
Excellent for Style, Weight, & Durability
CleverHiker Rating: 81/100
Price: $140
Weight (Pair): 1 lb. 3.4 oz.
Heel-to-Toe Drop: 10 mm
Pros
- Lightweight
- Stylish
- Above-average comfort
- No break-in needed
- Excellent Traction
- Less Expensive
Cons
- Less cushioned
- Not supportive enough for heavy loads
Comfort
The Merrell Moab Speed 2 truly delivers on comfort. During our hikes around Lake Tahoe and Donner Pass, the plush midsole feels great under the foot, even on jagged ground. On our trek through the rugged terrain of the Pacific Crest Trail near Donner Pass, the added foam in the midsole provided a cushy feel even after miles of hiking over boulders. The flexible nylon upper and ample padding around the collar kept our feet comfortable and did not get any hot spots. However, the wide toe box did lead to a slightly less secure fit, which we noticed on more technical sections. These shoes offer exceptional comfort for long day hikes or less technical routes. The shoe felt a tad warm in the heat, but the breathable upper helped control foot temperature and overall was not a major concern.
Traction
The Moab Speed 2 had great grip through varied terrain around Lake Tahoe. The Vibram outsole, with its 4mm lugs, kept us from sliding on loose gravel and muddy patches, making our hike along the Tahoe Rim Trail quite steady. However, on steep, rocky descents, such as those encountered on the Donner Pass trails, the traction wasn’t as reliable. The slightly loose fit also played a role in this. We found the sizing to be a bit large and the fit generous, which meant although the bottom traction may have been stable, it lended to an insecure feeling with a lot of movement inside the shoe. For general trail conditions and moderate inclines, the traction provides good stability.
Weight
The weight of the Moab Speed 2 is a sweet spot for most hikers. At 1.25 pounds for a women’s size 8, they were light enough for quick, nimble hiking around Lake Tahoe, but still sturdy enough for the rocky trails. This balance made them ideal for our varied hikes, where we needed to move swiftly but still needed enough support for uneven terrain.
Durability
The Moab Speed 2 offers unparalleled durability. We tested these shoes on the rugged trails around Reno and the Sierra Nevada, including some demanding routes like the steep and rocky paths of the Tahoe National Forest. Despite scrambling over sharp rocks and navigating through brush, the shoes held up remarkably well, showing only minor cosmetic wear. The heel and toe caps and the tough nylon upper show they’re built to withstand rough use over time.
Weather Resistance
The Moab Speed 2 are not particularly waterproof. When the shoes got wet, the water seeped through the upper fairly easily. However, we did not notice the dampness after a while, as the shoe remained comfortable. The shoes took longer to dry than other models, like the Saucony, but it wasn’t a major concern because they remained comfortable.
Should You Buy the Merrell Moab Speed 2?
The Merrell Moab Speed 2 is a strong choice for hikers who want a shoe that is not lacking in style but provides performance and comfort for a variety of trails. The Moab Speed 2 offers ample cushioning and support for day hikes with excellent traction. Its lightweight design and cushioned midsole make it ideal for speedy adventures, but you may want something more water-resistant or more supportive for a multi-day trekking. For technical, rocky scrambles or steep, uneven terrain, the shoe’s roomier fit and less aggressive traction might not provide the security or grip you need. You may want to size down if you are primarily doing technical hikes. Overall, it’s a great choice for balancing style with function and practicality but may fall short in extremely wet conditions or for long, fully-loaded pack missions.
What Other Women’s Hiking Shoes Should You Consider?
Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX: If you’re considering the Merrell Moab Speed 2, you might also like the Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX, which is perfect for those who want a durable shoe that feels almost like a trail runner. It’s great for backpackers and day hikers who want to tackle challenging terrain with superior traction.
Topo Ultraventure 3: This lighter, more breathable option with better support is excellent for hikers who need comfort and grip. The Topos’s airy design makes it a good choice for long days in the heat or for those hot-footed folks out there.
Merell Moab 3 Review: If you’re drawn to the Moab Speed’s comfort but need something more rugged, the Merrell Moab 3 is a solid pick. It’s ideal for hikers who prefer a protective shoe that will last a long time.
