Our verdict
Giving you speedy hikes minus the tired arches after the fact is what the MTL MQM is about. Its feather-like weight and shielded design translate to extended adventures where you're less mindful of abrasive hazards and more focused on breezing to your destination. It might not be the toughest shoe from Merrell, but the athletic performance you'll get out of it is something you shouldn't let slip by.
Pros
- Fantastic support underfoot
- Stellar dryland traction
- Astonishingly light
- We earn affiliate commissions at no extra cost to you when you buy through us
- Protective forefoot
- Great shock absorption
- Its laces stay tied
Cons
- Flimsy toe rubber
- is a great alternative to the MTL MQM. Also, Skip the featured kick for the
Cross country shoes
The Merrell Moab 3 is a cheery hiker with runner-like aesthetics. Toss it into your shopping bag if:
- Your go-to hiking route is dry and rocky almost all year long.
- Running-inspired speed hiking shoes are what you've been looking for.
- You want a lightweight hiker that climbs low-level elevations as approach shoes do.
Add a product
With zero complaints about longevity, the Merrell Moab 3 A push and pull on the comfort front Salomon X Ultra 4 if you want something that works like magic on mud.
MTL MQM: A canceller of fatigue
Two qualities are at play here: extraordinary support and impact mitigation. They "enable me to walk 2-4 miles every day despite significant arthritis in my left foot," says an experienced trail-goer.
The shoe's shock absorption is also spot-on, according to a reviewer. "There is enough bounce and comfort on hard trails but not so much that it drains energy," says the same individual.
Sticky to an extent
Adventurers are drawn to the Merrell Moab 3 because of its adhesive power, particularly on hard-packed surfaces. Its "sticky rubber really gave me confidence," said one of them. "These kept my feet well connected to the ground," said another.
Having said that, a few hikers are doubtful as to its performance on slick terrain. One of them said that it's "not the best" on muddy and steep ground.
Merrell Moab 3
The Merrell Moab 3 is among the lightest there is, and numerous trail seekers love it. A critic among them says that it's "quite slipper-like." A regular commenter also calls the shoe "truly lightweight."
The charming fit of the Merrell Moab 3
Trail-goers have nothing but praise for the lovely fit of this Merrell speed hiking shoe. Backing their observation are the remarks "They fit like a dream" and "The fit is svelte and form-fitting."
A push and pull on the comfort front
There's back and forth in the hiking community when it comes to the comfiness of the Merrell Moab 3. There are those who believe that it's indeed dreamy to wear, with one reviewer calling it "absolutely the most comfortable."
Folks coming from the opposite side aren't as impressed, however. They say heel blisters happen in the shoe, and they blame it on the kick's heel collar, which collapses easily, leading to rubbing and chafing.
Your dependable vanguard
One of the MTL MQM's many draws is its scratch-resistant forefoot zone. A tester says it delivers "excellent protection on rough terrain." "The rubberized toe provides good protection in rocky areas," says another.
Same brand only
This speed hiker could be more durable, especially around the toe section. "After one week of wear and one hike, the front part of the shoe is lifted," said an adventurer about the outsole's detached state. Another commenter is more forgiving, saying, "I would buy these shoes again if Merrell addresses the toe issue."
10/10 shoestring grip
The MTL MQM's laces are clingy—they stay tight and fixed for hours. Because of this, a seasoned backcountry adventurer says that the kick's shoestrings have "super grip."
