r/BuyItForLife • u/picklerick223 • 1d ago
Discussion If you HAD to pick a Merrel boot…
Ok I know footwear is generally not BIFL, but I had Merrel hiking boots I bought in high school that lasted me about ten years. I’m now on the search for my next hiking boot. It seems like Merrel may have fallen off a bit, but I’ve been given a gift card. If you HAD to choose a Merrel item/shoe/boot, what would you pick?
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u/panicswing 1d ago
I'm backpacking through Asia 7+ months in so far on Moab 3s and it's been fantastic. Still some tread left but it's getting to needing being replaced in the next couple months at this pace. Unfortunately BIFL it is not, but even with Merrell's quality supposedly going down on the 3s, I've had good experiences with them after lots of hikes, and many full submersions and drying it in the sun. And lots of alcohol sprays to get rid of the funk, yuck.
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u/picklerick223 1d ago
This is great to know! I see there’s 3 versions (normal, waterproof, and goretex) which one did you get?
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u/panicswing 1d ago
Mine are the standard non-waterproof. I wanted "quicker" drying which honestly still dries really really slow, but for the humid weather here works much better. Also its the trailrunner version FWIW, I needed to keep my overall weight light for when I hang it on my pack and wear flip flops.
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u/iamyouareheisme 1d ago
Moab Speed 2 leather. Highly recommend. Comes in shoe and boot. Very durable, well made and comfortable. I’ve got the shoe. Tried on a few different sizes, some of them the tongue pushes in your foot, some don’t. You can tuck it in a way that doesn’t bother you.
Tried a lot of other Merrells these are way better
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u/Proud-Cartoonist-431 1d ago
try on several ones. Use something that you like in fit, looks and utility
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u/vestigialcranium 1d ago
Tough position to be in, if I were to pick it their best product from what I see on their site now I'd look into the Moab Speed 2 Leather. Wouldn't expect 1000 miles or of them though
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u/Gl1tchlogos 1d ago
Their Moab 2 mods are incredible, I’ve had zero of the described issues. You have to remember that when you ask a sub on Reddit you’re more likely to have people who have something extreme to say click on a post. That includes people like me who absolutely love a product, and people who had a terrible experience. Not bad to post about, but you also have to look at actual reviews and try products out ultimately if you like the brand.
Almost all brands have “fallen off”. This happens for a ton of reasons including corporate greed, but people also complain incessantly about price to the point where often times corners are cut instead of raising costs. This sub is literally built in a way that makes that something to complain about, but the general public would just stop buying shit and go to the cheaply made competitor in a lot of cases. That’s what’s happening with Merrel. They aren’t just trash now, they compare just fine to other boots in the price range. I recommend the Moab 2’s like I have. I’ve heard the 3’s have a defect that causes the toe cap to peel off, although some people say they have slightly better ventilation and a bit more toe space and don’t report that issue. I can only speak to my 2’s which are my fav boot I’ve owned so far. I’m actually buying a second pair soon just to keep in better condition for work and school. They make waterproof 2s
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u/Ok-Skirt-8748 1d ago
I literally live in my Moabs, on my third pair now but I wear them daily at this point and put them through it. I always get the high top, waterproof version, eventually they have to be cleaned and re-waterproofed but most things do.
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u/bmwlocoAirCooled 23h ago
Merrel Wilderness. Leather. Vibram soles. Built to last and last and be rebuilt if need be.
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u/marcster357 1d ago
What hasn’t fallen off. But if it must be Merrells anything from the Moab collection is pretty well rated. Just gotta decide if you need low or high top as well as waterproof or not.