The Merrell Women's Moab 3 Hiking Shoe is the low-cut, non-waterproof version of Merrell's best-known hiker. It pairs a pigskin leather and mesh upper with a Vibram TC5+ outsole and a cushioned midsole, weighs 1 lb 10 oz per pair, and comes in regular and wide widths. REI lists it at $145.
This review is built from Merrell and REI's published specs and the Amazon listing. We haven't hiked in this pair ourselves, so there are no invented trail stories here. You'll get what the shoe is, which Moab 3 version fits your hiking, and when another shoe is the better buy.
No products found.Quick Verdict
Buy it if you day hike in warm or dry weather, want a comfortable shoe with little to no break-in, and value a proven Vibram outsole and a wide-width option.
Skip it if you hike in rain, snow or through creeks. This version isn't waterproof. Get the Moab 3 Waterproof or the Moab 3 Mid Waterproof instead. Also skip it for heavy backpacking, where a mid or high boot gives more ankle support.
Check the current price of the Merrell Women's Moab 3 on Amazon
Merrell Women's Moab 3 Specs
| Spec | Merrell Women's Moab 3 Hiking Shoe |
|---|---|
| Cut | Low |
| Upper | Pigskin leather and mesh, rubber toe cap, bellows tongue |
| Lining | Recycled mesh (not waterproof) |
| Midsole | Super Rebound Compound, Merrell Air Cushion in the heel, molded nylon arch shank |
| Outsole | Vibram TC5+, non-marking |
| Insole | Kinetic Fit Advanced, removable, medium support |
| Weight | 1 lb 10 oz per pair |
| Widths | Regular and Wide |
| Price | $145 list (REI, retrieved 2026-09-24). Sale prices vary, so verify the current Amazon price. |
Which Moab 3 Should You Buy?
| Version | Best for |
|---|---|
| Moab 3 (this shoe) | Warm, dry day hikes. Most breathable. |
| Moab 3 Waterproof | Wet trails and shoulder seasons, low cut |
| Moab 3 Mid Waterproof | Wet trails, rocky ground, light packs. $175 list at Merrell, with a 5mm-lug Vibram TC5+ outsole. |
| Moab 3 Mid GORE-TEX | Wet weather where you want a GORE-TEX membrane |
The non-waterproof shoe is the coolest and fastest-drying of the four. The trade is simple: water gets in, but it also gets out.
What the Moab 3 Does Well
Comfortable from the first wear
The mesh and leather upper is soft, and the midsole pairs Merrell's Super Rebound Compound with an Air Cushion in the heel. Shoes built this way need little break-in compared with a leather boot. That's the main reason the Moab has been a default recommendation for new hikers for years.
A known, grippy outsole
The Vibram TC5+ outsole is a named compound, not a generic "non-slip rubber" sole. On dirt, rock and gravel, a proven Vibram outsole is one of the safer bets in this price range.
Wide widths
Merrell sells the women's Moab 3 in regular and wide. Reviewers at REI also describe the toe box as roomy. If your toes feel cramped in narrower brands, the Moab is worth trying before you size up.
Breathes well in heat
Without a waterproof membrane, air moves through the mesh freely. For summer hiking, desert trails or humid weather, that keeps feet cooler and drier from sweat.
No products found.Where It Falls Short
Not waterproof
The mesh lets water straight in. For creek crossings or wet grass it will soak through fast. It also drains and dries faster than a waterproof shoe, which some hikers prefer in summer.
Low cut means less ankle support
A low shoe doesn't wrap your ankle. On loose, rocky descents or with a loaded pack, a mid-height boot gives more stability.
Medium arch support
REI describes the Kinetic Fit Advanced insole as medium support. If you have flat feet or overpronate, you may want an aftermarket insole or a more supportive shoe. Our hiking boots for overpronation guide covers stiffer options.
Sizing
REI reviewers report the Moab 3 runs slightly wide with ample toe room. Start with your normal size. If your heel lifts in the regular width, stay in your size and adjust the lacing before you size down. Choose Wide only if you usually wear wide shoes.
Moab 3 vs a Budget Hiking Boot
A budget waterproof boot like the R CORD Women's Hiking Boots costs about half as much and adds a waterproof membrane and a mid cut. What the Moab 3 offers instead is a named Vibram TC5+ outsole, a wide width and a long track record. If you hike regularly, the Moab is the safer spend. If you hike a few times a year in wet weather, a cheaper waterproof boot may do the job.
For more women's options, see our women's waterproof hiking boots for wide feet and best hiking boots of 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Merrell Moab 3 waterproof?
This version is not. Merrell sells the Moab 3 Waterproof, Moab 3 Mid Waterproof and Moab 3 Mid GORE-TEX for wet conditions.
How much does the women's Moab 3 weigh?
REI lists 1 lb 10 oz per pair.
Does the Moab 3 come in wide sizes?
Yes. The women's Moab 3 comes in regular and wide.
Does the Moab 3 need breaking in?
Very little. The mesh and leather upper and cushioned midsole are comfortable early on, unlike a full-leather boot.
Is the Moab 3 good for backpacking?
For light overnight trips, it can work. For heavy packs and rough ground, a mid or high boot with more ankle support is a better choice.
The Bottom Line
The Merrell Women's Moab 3 is still one of the easiest recommendations for warm-weather day hiking: comfortable early, a proven Vibram outsole and a wide-width option. It isn't waterproof and it isn't built for heavy packs.
For dry trails and summer hiking, buy the Merrell Women's Moab 3 on Amazon. For wet trails, choose one of the waterproof versions.
