Merrell Moab GORE-TEX XCR

Comparison of fit for the Merrell Moab Gore-tex XCR vs the Vasque Velocity: Both were size 10. I generally wear a 9½ or a 10, medium width. The Moab has a slightly wider toe box and a narrower heel fit then the Velocity. In the Velocity my toes felt slightly squeezed together but the heel fit was sloppy, a blister waiting to happen. For my feet the Moab was a much better fit. Plenty of toe-box width and a locked in heel. The Velocity is a good looking trail shoe which was sent back to Zappos. Because I have medium to low arches and the residual effects of heel spurs from my marathoning running days, I am using the Montrail Enduro-Soles (from Zappos) with the Moabs. I gave them the oven treatment, put them in the shoes and immediately put the shoes on. Initially, the arch of the Montrails' felt too close to my heel. After wearing them for a few days I trimmed the toe end of the soles allowing them to slide a little deeper into the shoe, which seemed to help. After wearing them for a few weeks they now feel right -supportive where I need it and nicely cushioned. Due to the thickness of the soles some may find their toes too close to the top of the shoe. This was not a problem for me. There is minimal, if any, break-in time necessary for the Moabs'. It 's a Gore-Tex lined sneaker with a hiking sole. I prefer the Vibram sole of the Merrell's over the soles of the Vasque Velocity's. I'll be replacing the laces of the Merrells' as they don't stay tied without a double knot. I haven't gotten the Moab's wet yet but soon I'll be using them for a couple of weeks on the (rocky) Pennsylvania Mid-State Trail and we will see how they hold up.

As a veteran and a military contractor I can truly appreciate the importance of "business tactical." If fashion met function, 9 months and one night of unbridled passion later, the Merrell Moabs would be their offspring. Whether you're navigating the local hiking trails on an "activity date" with a woman who finally found time for you in her busy yoga and triathlon training schedule, or trying to find the quickest way to the DFAC; the Moabs won't let you down. The Moabs sit upon a Vibram foundation of chiseled rubber. The perfection of which is reminiscent of Michelangelo's David and is said to be inspired from Hephaestus' personal designs. Their superstructure is the ultimate marriage of strength and breath-ability, which will undoubtedly leave future archeologists befuddled by their perfection.

Just took these bad boys out backpacking in the Dolly Sods Wilderness of WV, where there's all sorts of terrain, from rocks to forest to bogs to streams. These shoes performed famously, keeping my feet dry and blister-free, and are easily the most comfortable hiking shoes I have used. The Gore-Tex is awesome in water below your ankles; because of the membrane they can take a little while to dry out if you get the inside wet, but they also don't get squishy and heavy. My only knock so far on them is that the insole seems pretty thin--I took it out to dry the shoes and there's not much to it, but it may help keep them dry and perhaps there's extra cushioning in the soles themselves.

I have owned 5 pair so far. I wear them as a work shoe everyday and take them to trails on weekends. I like the design, initial comfort, waterproofness. I wear them a lot and usually go through 2 pairs a year. New pair in the spring, and just before archery season. My complaint is they have odd insoles that seam to bunch up in the heel and flatten out paper thin quickly. The outsole does tend to peel away near the ball of your foot and that's when the waterproofness really falls short. But all in all I haven't found anything better, at least that is stylish so I highly recommend them

These are the only shoes I have worn in the past five years that are not hiking boots. The look is great, easy to keep clean and looking new! Exceptional traction, I always wear them when I play disc golf, go biking and even running. Exceptional water resistance, but I always get the Gor-Tex model so there is no surprise there. From all the action my Merrells get, I am pleased with the resistance of foot smell! Only complaint is that the tread seems to wear a little faster than I would like. Probably because of the super grippy, semi-soft vibram soles. I really hope Merrell keeps making these for ever!

I have wide and flat size 13 feet. That leaves me few options that feel really comfortable. I'm happy to report that the fit on these seems exactly like my Moab Vent low-tops. I have had to replace the insoles, but I kind of expect that given my foot. We haven't had too many rainy days yet, but it seemed to hold up to some puddles. The footbed seemed ok on wet asphalt, wet diamond rise metal plates, wet metal grates and soft soil. It was dangerously slick on a restaurant's wet granite tile floor, but given that knowledge, it was ok w/careful steps.

Excellent shoes, like everyone else has said. I've taken them in all terrains and they hold up to all of the challenges. Never any blisters. You can put out fires with them (the small ones, not raging forest fires). The only problem that I've had is that the insoles keep slipping up for me. So I'll get to the end of the trail and discover the insole is halfway up my ankle. Like it's trying to escape. Maybe I'm walking weird, who knows. But yeah, these are great, tough, comfortable shoes and not as creepy as the Five Finger ones.

I wore these shoes for over a year for everything from day to day use to hiking to trail running. The durability was great and I loved that they kept my feet dry without sweating. I would still be wearing them but the sole at the heal work through.They fit true to size and width.The problem is I can't find the color I had in my size anywhere.As a disclaimer, I am affiliated with Gore for product testing of Gore-tex products for the purpose of product review and recommendation. I do receive items from Gore for these purposes.

I have had 3 pairs of these shoes so far. When you find something that works, why switch? They are very comfortable and light but I personally would not wear them on a multiday hike carrying a heavy backpack over rough terrain. For arduous conditions they are not quite heavy duty enough but for most hiking they fit the bill. They do OK in snow but tend to soak through in wet conditions. I wear them all year round and wear out a pair about once a year.

I bought these boots about a year ago at an REI scratch and dent sale. They were very lightly used and impossible to pass up at the price ($10, omg). So I bought them. Since then I have used them on multiple hiking/backpacking trips. I have no issues with comfort, I love them! They are decently light, so no issues there. I have not had the chance to use them in the rain yet, so no comments on that, but I expect them to perform well.