Looking for hiking shoes that dont feel like boots or cost as much? That was the exact gear gap I was trying to fill. I didnt need full ankle support or the stiffness of traditional hiking boots, but trail runners werent cutting it either. They lacked structure, didnt hold up to rough terrain, and many were too pricey for me.

　　I wanted something in between: supportive but not stiff, breathable but rugged, comfortable enough for long days, without blowing my gear budget. 

　　Thats where the Merrell Womens Moab 3 Hiking Shoes come in. Theyre low-cut hiking shoes with the soul of a boot. With their long-standing reputation and loyal following, the Moab 3 delivers a promising middle ground at an approachable price. 

　　In short: The Merrell Moab 3 ($120-140) are top budget hiking shoes that prove you dont need to spend big to get reliable trail performance. Theyre dependable, well-constructed shoes for moderate trails and long days. Subtle cushioning, excellent traction, and rugged build make them a great option, though they arent the lightest or coolest-looking shoe on the shelf.

　　See how the Merrell Moab 3 stacks up against others in our guide to the best hiking shoes for women.

　　Merrell Moab 3 Hiking Shoes Womens check price at BackcountryCheck price at ReiCheck Waterproof version at Rei

　　7.5 How we rate products Specifications Weight: 1 lb., 10 oz. Drop: 11.5 mm Outsole: Vibram TC5+ rubber Upper: Pigskin leather and mesh Pros Excellent grip traction Durable Affordable Stellar shock absorption support Cons Can feel bulky Round shoelaces come untied Constance Mahoney Merrell Moab 3 Womens Hiking Shoes Review

　　More supportive than a trail runner, less bulk than a boot — the Moab 3 hits a sweet middle ground; (photo/Conni Mahoney) Comfort Fit The Moab 3 delivers a structured, supportive feel that stands apart from more flexible, trail-runner–style hiking shoes. The cushioning is firm and stable. Its just enough to absorb impact and keep feet comfortable mile after mile, without feeling squishy or overly plush. This isnt the kind of comfort that jumps out on day one, but the kind that builds trust over time.

　　I have standard size 8 feet, and these fit me true to size. There is plenty of room in the toe box, a feature I noticed most when my feet swelled on an extremely hot hike. Even with the room, my feet never slid around or felt sloppy. Those needing even more room will also appreciate that these shoes come in wide.

　　The generously padded tongue eliminates lace pressure across the top of the foot, so there is no lace fatigue. That padding works in tandem with a roomy toe box and a stable midfoot wrap, offering a secure fit that still allows for toe splay on descents or long mileage days.

　　One notable quirk is that the arch support felt too far back for my foot. Its a minor detail for me and definitely a matter of personal preference, but its something to be aware of if youre particular about arch placement.

　　The fleece-lined heel collar adds comfort on cooler hikes but can run warm in hot weather; (photo/Conni Mahoney) Trail Performance Where the Moab 3 shines is underfoot. With solid, slip-free traction, the Vibram TC5+ outsole handled everything I threw at it, including mud, rock, loose gravel, and creek beds. The grip gave me confidence and stability on technical descents and uneven ground, which was exactly what I wanted when fatigue started to set in.

　　The shoe rides somewhere between a hiker and a trail runner. Its not overly stiff, but its not floppy, either. The Super Rebound Compound midsole and Merrells Air Cushion in the heel work together to give the Moab 3 a balanced, grounded feel. I wouldnt call it agile, but its incredibly steady.

　　Vibram TC5+ outsole offers dependable traction across dirt, rock, and wet trail surfaces; (photo/Conni Mahoney) That said, this is not a light shoe. Its noticeably bulkier than some modern hybrid hikers and less than ideal for fast-and-light missions. But it could be a great fit if you value support over speed and dont mind a bit of extra weight for durability.

　　Build Details Despite the accessible price, Merrell didnt skimp on materials. Pig suede leather and mesh create a durable upper built to withstand intense use. The interior mesh is recycled mesh. After multiple muddy hikes and a few surprise weather shifts, the materials held up well and were easy enough to wipe clean.

　　The Merrell Moab 3 blends durable suede leather with breathable mesh for a rugged yet comfortable build; (photo/Conni Mahoney) The heel collar has a fleece-like lining, a bonus during cool-weather hikes. But during hotter outings, it becomes noticeably warm. The rest of the upper breathes well, so this heel issue was more of a localized hot zone than a full-shoe ventilation problem. Overall, the breathability was solid.

　　I tested the non-waterproof version, though Merrell also offers a waterproof option for only $20 more. The non-waterproof shoe shed some water during creek crossings, but took a while to dry out.

　　If you expect to hike through streams or encounter wet weather, Id recommend spending the extra $20 for the waterproof Moab 3 to stay drier and more comfortable on the trail. 

　　The tongue deserves its own shoutout. Its plush, stays in place, and makes cinching down the round laces surprisingly comfortable. Unfortunately, those round laces come untied far too easily, even when double-knotted. I ended up retying more often than I wanted to. A flat or grippier lace would be a simple but impactful improvement.

　　Generously padded tongue and round laces offer comfort, though you may want to swap the laces for better hold; (photo/Conni Mahoney) Room for Improvement As much as I appreciated the Moab 3s overall comfort and reliability, a few drawbacks stood out. The shoe feels bulky, especially if youre used to lighter, more minimal footwear. That extra heft adds durability but is not ideal for those seeking a nimble feel.

　　The built-in arch support felt off for my foot shape. Its not a dealbreaker, but its the kind of thing youd want to test before committing to long mileage.

　　And the round laces, while durable, were just frustrating. Even double knots slipped loose on more than one hike. I swapped out the laces for some extras I had on hand, making it a much more enjoyable experience. 

　　Confident grip and protective build make it a solid choice for uneven terrain; (photo/Conni Mahoney) Conclusion What you wear on the trail should feel like second nature, tested, trusted, and ready for whatever the day throws your way. The Merrell Womens Moab 3 can be that for many hikers: a dependable, no-nonsense trail shoe with comfort, grip, and durability that holds up over time.

　　It might not have the ultralight feel of a trail runner or the aggressive styling of some more expensive models (looking at you, La Sportiva Spire GTX), but it offers consistency at a price thats hard to beat. 

　　After extensively testing the Moab 3, its clear: this shoe prioritizes support, stability, and reliability over speed. If youre carrying a pack or logging multiple days on the trail, you will appreciate the sturdier build. The traction is solid, the cushioning is subtle yet supportive, and the upper has proven rugged enough to withstand season after season of use.

　　The Moab 3 proves that budget-friendly doesnt mean cutting corners. It just means spending smart.

　　The Best Hiking Shoes of 2025We tested and ranked the best hiking shoes for men and women for 2025, including top picks from Hoka, Salomon, Merrell, SCARPA, and more. Read more