I tested my pair of Merrell Moab Speed 2 hiking shoes in the spring of this year, and I still reach for them every time my route takes me off-road. I tested a lot of walking shoes in 2024, but this pair stood out from the pack and I gave it one of the top spots in my best walking shoes guide.
The Moab Speed 2 cost $140, but the price has dropped to under $105 for both men's and women's shoes at the REI outlet store. These are water-resistant shoes and are great for the sort of uneven terrain you find on trail walks. It was extremely muddy underfoot when I first took these shoes out, and the deeply-lugged Vibram outsole kept me upright on many rambles through slick muddy fields.
Why is this pair worth your hard-earned dollars? It has built-in protection over the toe and heel to protect you from bumps and brambles on the trail. The upper provides a fairly rigid cradle for your foot, which is desirable in a hiking shoe as it can help prevent your foot from rolling on uneven terrain. It's also quite light for a hiking shoe.
The outsole has three well-designed sections, with deep lugs on the heel and forefoot for traction while going up and down hills. Between these two sections, there is a Lightweight FlexPlate, which gives rigidity under the arch of the foot.
When I tested these, I particularly liked the heel tab, which made it easy to get the shoes on, and the textured design of the laces, which meant that once they had been tied, they wouldn't slip undone again while walking. They're water-resistant—able to handle a rain shower or some damp grass — but don't go putting your foot in a stream if you value dry feet.
If you'd prefer a fully waterproof shoe, there is a Gore-Tex version of the Moab Speed 2. Here's where you can buy that more expensive shoe.
-
Get better than Black Friday savings with up to 53% off these gym-quality dumbbells—they're now at their lowest-ever priceDeal Dumbbells are a convenient and easy way to get into weight training—and right now you can pick up a set at Amazon for less than half price
-
There's a shoe for everyone in Hoka's December sale—I should know, I test them for a livingDeal Hoka shoes are so good they’ll make you forget about other brands
-
Make the most of the last few hours of Cyber Monday with this 25% off deal on my favorite sports sandalsDeal Get a pair of Keen Hyperport H2s ready for summer next year
-
I haven't seen a WaterRower discount since before the pandemic—but there's £200 off at Amazon for Cyber Monday right nowDeal If you're shopping in the UK for a bargain on a great rowing machine, I recommend this rare reduction on a WaterRower
-
It's now or never—with $95 off, this Cyber Monday Apple AirPods Pro 2 deal will sell out fastDeal Apple's feature-packed in-ear headphones are at their lowest-ever price and a superb choice for running, cycling or any kind of exercise
-
Hello Cyber Monday! Zappos just slashed the price of New Balance’s top trail shoe in halfDeal One of New Balance's most advanced trail running shoes, usually $200, is now down to $100
-
I'm a fitness writer and this is hands down the best kettlebell deal I've seen in the Cyber Monday salesDeal Get a 20lb cast iron kettlebell for a little over $1 per lb of weight
-
Want to get fit at home? This Wattbike exercise bike is a sure bet and it's reduced by $600 to its lowest-ever price for Black FridayDeal But hurry—this deal is set to end on December 2
