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What's the Difference Between the New Merrell Moab 2 and the Merrell Moab?

Published by Englin's Fine Footwear on 20th Jan 2017

If you love the great outdoors, you already know Merrell: They make some of the world's most popular shoes for trail running, hiking, and all your other outdoor adventures. In the woods, up the mountain, or even on the street, there's no more dependable shoe or boot to have on your foot than one from Merrell. This versatile brand also offers outdoor-inspired shoes for urban environments and for work, but they're best known for getting you out under the open sky.

Of all the great Merrell shoes we sell, the classic Moab has always been a favorite. There's a reason 'Moab' is an acronym for 'Mother of All Boots.' Many websites and magazines for outdoor enthusiasts have praised the Moab line, holding up these boots as exemplars of support, versatility, and total performance.

Now, ten years after the Merrell Moab first appeared on the scene, the much-anticipated 2017 release of the Merrell Moab 2 line breathes new life into these iconic hikers. Updated colorways, durable materials, and a redesigned footbed make the Moab 2 a fresh take on a timeless shoe. There's a new Moab 2 for everyone, including the  Moab 2  GORE-TEX® Mid, the Moab 2 GORE-TEX®, the Moab 2 Vent, and the Moab 2 Waterproof. If you're an avid outdoorsman, the Merrell Moab 2 is essential gear for your next excursion.


MERRELL MOAB 2 FEATURES

Merrell Moab 2: Mother of All Boots

M Select™ FIT.ECO+ Footbed

One of the major differences between the Merrell Moab and the new and improved Merrell Moab 2 lies in one of any shoe's most important components: The footbed. In the old Merrell Moab, an anatomically contoured Ortholite™ footbed provided support and stability. Now, the Moab 2 boasts an M Select™ FIT.ECO+ footbed, a proprietary creation from Merrell's talented team of shoe designers and engineers. This advanced footbed is crafted from blended EVA to offer outstanding support. Zonal arch and heel reinforcement gives your foot optimal stability and comfort. This includes an ergonomic, shock-absorbent heel cup with exclusive Merrell air cushion technology. A molded nylon arch shank adds the final measure of firmness you need to make every step as sure as the last, while increased padding underfoot protects you from rough terrain and vigorous foot strikes.


Performance Suede Leather & Mesh Upper

Another new and improved feature of the Merrell Moab 2 is the performance suede leather upper. All but the GORE-TEX® versions of the Moab 2 will sport this softer, more consistent, and overall higher quality suede. The flexible performance suede combines with breathable mesh panels to make the Moab 2 comfortable right out of the box, reducing or eliminating the dreaded break-in period. Color even shows better on this premium material, bringing out the vibrancy in the Moab 2's classic earthy hues and giving a boost to its rugged style. Performance suede leather makes this iconic hiker more comfortable, durable, and easy on the eyes than ever before.


Vibram TC5+ Outsole

The Merrell Moab 2's list of impressive components doesn't end there. Underfoot, a tough rubber outsole from the experts at Vibram provides exceptional traction. This Vibram TC5+ sole is slip-resistant enough to grip even slick, wet surfaces. The lug pattern, or tread, on the Vibram TC5+ sole has a depth of 5mm, allowing it to find purchase on various types of terrain. Whether your hike covers rocky ground or a muddy trail, the Moab 2's  Vibram sole will keep you on your feet and moving forward. When it comes to your safety, you should never accept less than the best. Trust your hike to the industry leaders at Vibram and Merrell!


And More!

Other parts of the Moab 2 also contribute to its unrivaled performance. A bellows tongue with closed-cell foam cushioning not only provides comfort at the instep and ankle, it repels both moisture and debris. At the toe, a protective rubber cap serves to shield you from accidental toe stubs and to guard the Moab 2 against excessive wear. Inside the shoe, your foot is kept comfortable by a soft and breathable mesh lining. All in all, if there's a hiking boot feature you've been dreaming of, the Merrell Moab 2 probably has it covered!


VERSIONS OF THE MERRELL MOAB 2

Merrell Moab 2 Styles

We are currently offering four unique versions of the Moab 2 for men. The two most important differences are the type and strength of their waterproofing and the height of the shaft (a style with "Mid" in the name rises up to cover the ankle, while the rest have a more sneaker-like profile). Read on for a closer look at each Moab 2 and learn which option is the best one for your needs.


Merrell Moab 2 GORE-TEX® and Merrell Moab 2 Mid GORE-TEX®

     

Men's Merrell Moab 2 GORE-TEX® in Beluga   Men's Merrell Moab 2 Mid GORE-TEX® in Earth

Left: Men's Merrell Moab 2 GORE-TEX® in Beluga. Also available in Earth. // Right: Men's Merrell Moab 2 Mid GORE-TEX® in Earth. Also available in Walnut.


In addition to most of the features above, the Merrell Moab 2 Mid GORE-TEX® and Moab 2 GORE-TEX® incorporate a waterproof GORE-TEX® membrane. This technology keeps your feet cozy and dry with a twofold approach: First, it seals out all water from rain, puddles, creek beds, and the like. Second, it's exceptionally breathable, venting moisture from within. Renowned for their dependability, GORE-TEX® linings will last you through years of hard use, making GORE-TEX® the name to trust for guaranteed waterproofing under any conditions.

Note that the GORE-TEX® versions of the Moab 2 have uppers of quality synthetic leather rather than the new performance suede, but share all other features with the other Moab 2s.


Merrell Moab 2 Waterproof

    

Men's Merrell Moab 2 Waterproof in Bark Brown   Men's Merrell Moab 2 Waterproof in Espresso     

Men's Merrell Moab 2 Waterproof in Bark Brown (Left) and Espresso (Right).


Instead of a GORE-TEX® lining, the Merrell Moab 2 Waterproof is made moisture resistant by Merrell's M Select DRY protection. Taped seams and a water-repelling outer layer help to keep feet dry when the weather doesn't cooperate.

The Moab 2 Waterproof, unlike the GORE-TEX® styles, does have an upper of performance suede leather.


Merrell Moab 2 Vent

    

     

Mens Merrell Moab 2 Vent in Black Night   Mens Merrell Moab 2 Vent in Walnut

Men's Merrell Moab 2 Vent in Black Night (Left) and Walnut (Right). Also available in Earth.


If you're more concerned with breathability and comfort than moisture protection, the  Merrell Moab 2 Vent might be the hiker for you. While this Moab 2 isn't waterproof, it is lightweight and easily allows heat buildup to escape through mesh panels in the performance suede upper. On a hot summer day, there's no better hiking shoe than the Moab 2 Vent!


ABOUT MERRELL

Every outdoor adventure, whether it's a day hike or a long backpacking excursion, requires a dependable pair of shoes. Any seasoned hiker will tell you that Merrell is the brand they turn to for high-quality gear. Merrell has been giving nature lovers the footwear they need to reach the loftiest peaks and deepest woods for more than 30 years, proving time and again that they lead the industry in technology, innovation, and design.

Founded by shoemaker Randy Merrell, this company has been a favorite among wilderness enthusiasts since its inception in 1981. Merrell provides shoes and boots for biking, hiking, trail running, after-sport relaxation, and even outdoor-inspired fashion. A commitment to design shoes that are comfortable, durable, versatile, and high-performing has earned Merrell the prestigious Design Excellence Award for Outdoor Footwear from Footwear Plus magazine over and over again. The Moab is their flagship line, and the release of the Moab 2 is an exciting step for this forward-looking brand.

Merrell offers shoes for menwomen, and children, so the whole family can enjoy being active together. If you love being out under the open sky, you need shoes that will keep up with your on-the-move lifestyle. Trust your wildest adventures to Merrell and nothing can stand in your way!

At Englin's Fine Footwear, we're thrilled to celebrate the launch of the Moab 2 line. We hope you are too! Which of the new Merrell Moab 2 styles will you take on your next hike?