Merrell Moab GTX walking boots/shoes, anyone?

Feek · 9 Apr 2014 at 13:45

Anyone got any experience of Merrell Moab GTX walking boots?

I walk a lot, around eight miles a day and in the last eight months I've destroyed two pairs of trainers and one pair of shoes so I figure it's time I got something that'll last a bit longer.

I had a shufti in Cotswold (I get a nice discount through work) and I like the look and the feel of the Merrell Moab GTX boots. They seem to fit well and they're quite comfortable.

Naturally I'd like the thoughts of anyone who's used them. What do you think of them?

Also, I have no idea of the best way to break in a pair of shoes/boots like this so would appreciate any advice.

Ta.

Broken Hope · 9 Apr 2014 at 19:42

Interested in the answer to this too, I walk a similar amount and have destroyed the soles on multiple pairs of trainers/shoes.

nst68 · 9 Apr 2014 at 22:26

I've worn Merrells every day for years, best shoes I've had.
I'm VERY overweight (approx 150kg) and they last for about 18 months before they need replacing.
Never found I needed to break them in.

Feek · 10 Apr 2014 at 13:01

nst68 said:
I've worn Merrells every day for years, best shoes I've had.

Thanks - Which ones?

mjm8975 · 10 Apr 2014 at 13:12

I've had a pair of Merrell Refuge Pro GTX for couple of years and they have been fantastic. They are great for casual walking but I usually wear my Brasher Hillwalker II GTX if I'm going more "off road", not really because they are more comfy, I just prefer the ankle support.

Feek · 10 Apr 2014 at 13:23

Interesting, mjm - Almost all my walking is on paved surfaces though so do you think that something like what you've posted be more suitable for me?

mjm8975 · 10 Apr 2014 at 13:43

I'd say they'd be perfect. Mine were a little snug when I first got them but they do give a little and are like slippers now

.

Edit: Just to add I wouldn't hesitate in getting another pair when these wear out.

beh · 10 Apr 2014 at 17:06

Feek said:
Merrell Moab GTX walking boots?

Slightly overkill for just walking on pavements, I find waterproof linings a bit sweaty too if you don't need them.

in the last eight months I've destroyed two pairs of trainers and one pair of shoes

Quality issues? A reasonable pair of leather shoes should last a bit longer than that, even walking ~8 miles a day.

They seem to fit well and they're quite comfortable.

Probably the most important thing.

Also, I have no idea of the best way to break in a pair of shoes/boots like this

That's more of an issue with some types of leather boots. The lining might pack out a bit to the shape of your foot but they shouldn't need to be "broken in" to be comfortable.

Broken Hope · 10 Apr 2014 at 18:12

beh said:
Quality issues? A reasonable pair of leather shoes should last a bit longer than that, even walking ~8 miles a day.

Being that I've destroyed my share of shoes walking also, I wouldn't call it quality issues, just that normal shoes/trainers aren't designed for that level of walking, the soles wear down completely.

The cheap walking boots I wear currently have much thicker and harder wearing soles and are holding up well so far to around 50 miles a week walking.

beh · 10 Apr 2014 at 19:29

Broken Hope said:
Being that I've destroyed my share of shoes walking also, I wouldn't call it quality issues, just that normal shoes/trainers aren't designed for that level of walking, the soles wear down completely.

Destroyed how? I've a pair of Timberland shoes that have seen plenty of use over several years and other than the soles having gradually worn flat they're still fine i.e. they haven't fallen to pieces. I could get them resoled even but grip isn't really an issue.

I don't disagree, "normal" (fashion type) shoes definitely aren't designed to last that long but then I guess they're designed with different priorities.

harder wearing soles

Something to look out for. A lot of outdoorsy trainers like the Merrels linked have quite soft/tacky soles which is great for scrambling up a wet mountain path but will wear down quite quickly doing ~50m/wk on concrete pavement.

Broken Hope · 10 Apr 2014 at 19:52

beh said:
Destroyed how? I've a pair of Timberland shoes that have seen plenty of use over several years and other than the soles having gradually worn flat they're still fine i.e. they haven't fallen to pieces. I could get them resoled even but grip isn't really an issue.

I mean the soles have worn to the point of holes appearing in them.

Feek · 11 Apr 2014 at 13:35

It's not quality control. My shoes were cheap rubbish ones anyway and the uppers separated from the soles. One pair of trainers split in all the places they crease in the uppers and the other pair have got great big holes worn at the back of the heels.

Tappits · 11 Apr 2014 at 13:54

I have a pair of mob GTX (normal were) and the salomon X ULTRA MID GTX (for work) and i do find the Merrell's more comfortable even been a shoe not the mid boot like the salomons.

Tachyon · 12 Apr 2014 at 18:22

I've had a few pair of Merrels and really like them. I'll likely get another pair fairly soon as find them a very comfortable shoe. One thing I've noticed though with them is that you could end up on your hole fairly quickly if walking on something like a tiled floor if you just came in from the rain, more so compared to other shoes I have. I generally find a size bigger than normal is a good fit.