Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator

The upper of the Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator is made from a combination of suede leather and mesh, providing a balance of durability and breathability. The mesh allows for excellent ventilation, making it a great choice for well-ventilated hiking shoes. The suede leather adds durability, protecting the shoe from wear and tear. However, the lack of a waterproof membrane means it is not suitable for wet conditions.

The midsole of the Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator features an EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) construction, which offers cushioning and support. This material is lightweight and provides good shock absorption, making it ideal for EVA midsole hiking shoes. The midsole also includes a nylon shank (a supportive piece of material between the insole and outsole) for added stability, which helps in maintaining balance on uneven terrain.

The outsole of the Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator is made from Vibram TC5+ rubber, known for its excellent traction. This outsole grips well on various surfaces, including dry rocks and trails, making it a reliable choice for Vibram hiking shoes. The unique tread pattern provides stability and prevents slipping, although it may not perform as well in loose sediment or very technical terrain.

The Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator offers a spacious fit with a wide forefoot, which helps in maintaining balance and comfort. The shoe has a low ankle collar, which provides flexibility but may not offer enough protection for the ankles. The fit is generally comfortable out of the box, although some users may experience a bit of foot slippage inside the shoe.

Comfort is a strong point for the Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator. The shoe is comfortable right out of the box, with a spacious foot box that prevents pressure points. The EVA midsole provides good cushioning, and the soft ankle collar adds to the overall comfort. However, the shoe may require a short break-in period for some users, especially those with bony feet.

The EVA midsole in the Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator offers good cushioning, making it suitable for long hikes. This cushioning helps in absorbing shock and reducing foot fatigue, which is essential for maintaining comfort during extended periods of hiking. The cushioning is balanced, providing both comfort and support.

The Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator excels in breathability, thanks to its mesh upper. This feature makes it an excellent choice for breathable hiking shoes, especially in dry and warm conditions. The mesh allows air to circulate, keeping the feet cool and reducing the risk of overheating.

Stability is moderate in the Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator. The shoe features a nylon shank that provides some torsional rigidity, helping in maintaining balance on uneven terrain. However, the low ankle collar and flexible forefoot may not offer enough support for more technical hikes. The shoe is best suited for light to moderate hiking needs.

Durability is a strong point for the Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator. The combination of suede leather and mesh in the upper, along with the Vibram outsole, ensures that the shoe can withstand a lot of trail abuse. The leather overlays protect the mesh from wearing through, and the outsole shows minimal signs of wear even after extensive use. However, the seams in the forefoot are not double-stitched, which could be a potential weak point.

The Vibram TC5+ outsole of the Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator provides excellent grip on various surfaces. It performs well on dry rocks and trails, offering reliable traction. However, it may not be the best choice for very technical terrain or loose sediment. Overall, the grip is solid and dependable for most hiking conditions.

The Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator offers a flexible forefoot, which provides a natural feel while walking. This flexibility is beneficial for maintaining comfort during long hikes, but it may not offer enough support for more technical terrain. The shoe strikes a balance between flexibility and support, making it suitable for light to moderate hiking needs.

No, the Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator is not waterproof. It is designed for dry conditions and offers excellent breathability. If you need a waterproof option, consider the Merrell Moab 2 WP.

The Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator offers a spacious fit with a wide forefoot. It is comfortable out of the box, but some users may experience a bit of foot slippage inside the shoe.

The weight of the Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator is 445 g (15.7 oz) for men and 386 g (13.6 oz) for women.

The Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator provides good traction on various surfaces but may not be the best choice for very technical terrain. It is more suitable for light to moderate hiking needs.

The Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator is quite durable, thanks to its combination of suede leather and mesh upper, along with the Vibram outsole. It can withstand a lot of trail abuse and should last for hundreds of miles with proper care.