Merrell men's hiking shoe, 13 UK

Technical details

Walkers looking for a waterproof hiking shoe with a leather-and-mesh upper may find the Merrell Men's Moab 3 GTX worth considering. Its stated features combine a GORE-TEX membrane with a Vibram TC5+ rubber sole, a protective toe cap and a tongue designed to help keep debris out. The upper uses pigskin leather and mesh, while the laces, webbing and mesh lining are made from recycled materials. The listed size is 13 UK, there is no further information here about fit, cushioning or weight, so those details are hard to judge from the product description alone.

The maker describes the membrane as waterproof and breathable. That pairing is useful if your walks can shift between damp ground and milder conditions, though the listing does not explain how the shoe performs in prolonged rain or how quickly it dries. The recycled components are a material detail rather than a reason to assume the whole shoe is recycled.

Getting the most from it

There is no device or accessory compatibility information to consider for footwear, so the more useful question is what kind of walking setup you want. Compared with a basic mesh hiking shoe, the waterproof membrane and leather elements make this a more weather-conscious approach. By contrast, someone choosing footwear mainly for confirmed cushioning, a particular fit or a specific level of support will need more detail than is provided here.

It makes sense if you want a hiking shoe that brings together a waterproof membrane, a protective toe cap and a grippy rubber outsole, with recycled laces and lining as part of the specification. It might not be a great match if you need evidence about fit or underfoot comfort before choosing, neither is described in the supplied details. The stated size is useful, but it cannot tell you how the shoe will feel on your foot.

Usage tips

For a practical day out, picture walking a gravel path after rain: the membrane is intended to keep water out, while the bellows tongue helps limit the grit that can work its way inside. The toe cap adds a protective feature for routes where the front of the shoe may meet rough ground. The Vibram TC5+ rubber sole is specified, but no details are given about its tread pattern or performance on particular surfaces, so avoid treating the sole name alone as proof of suitability for every trail.

The maker also highlights breathability alongside waterproofing, but no care instructions or maintenance guidance are included. Follow any care information supplied with the shoes rather than assuming that leather, mesh and a waterproof membrane should all be cleaned in the same way.

Questions before you buy

Is the Moab 3 GTX described as waterproof? Yes. The listing specifies a GORE-TEX waterproof membrane and also claims breathability, though it gives no test conditions or guidance for extended exposure to rain.

What materials are used? The upper combines pigskin leather and mesh. The laces, webbing and mesh lining are stated to be 100% recycled.

Does it have features for rough paths? It has a protective toe cap, a bellows tongue intended to keep out debris and a Vibram TC5+ rubber sole. The listing does not give more detail about tread or terrain performance.

Final verdict

This Merrell hiking shoe is most relevant if waterproofing, a leather-and-mesh upper and debris-conscious details are high on your list. The sole and toe cap add useful named features, but the available information does not settle questions about fit, comfort or how the outsole behaves on a particular trail. If those are your deciding factors, seek fuller sizing and performance details before choosing, if the listed construction matches your needs, this is a more weather-focused proposition than a simple mesh walking shoe.