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Merrell Moab Ventilator

December 16, 2013    John Keatley

John on the Footprints Trail
Getting the new Merrell MOAB Ventilators wet on the Footprints Trail, Babcock Ranch Preserve

My old lightweight Hi-tec boots, bought years ago, finally started to wear out. I dug them out of storage earlier this year when I started my Florida Trail trek across Seminole County along the paved bike paths.

It was time to give my feet and legs a break from my heavier leather Keens. Slackpacking on a paved rail trail sounded like a great place to try something new. The Hi-tecs worked out great, and quickly became my daily shoes. More times than I care to remember, they were under water. It was this pair of boots that almost broke my pure disgust of getting my feet wet. I said almost, because at least these boots didn’t hold water like my old waterproof ones. And they dried very quickly.

Recalling the difficulties of finding boots when a pair failed on the AT, I decided to look at boots in a different way: what would work for me AND would be easy to find almost anywhere in the US. A brand common enough that I could locate a pair of them at any outfitter, not just those specializing in gear for hikers and backpackers.

Looking at several outfitters and big box stores, like Gander Mountain, I noticed that many carried the Merrell brand. So I decided to try the Merrell MOAB Ventilator. A mid-ankle lightweight boot.

The MOAB has become my everyday shoe. I’ve spent hours on my feet, on sidewalks, road walks and trails. So far both my feet and I are very happy with them.

I put them to the test on the 22nd annual Big O hike. My new Merrells performed well. Since we were the host I didn’t get to hike every day of the nine-day event. However, I was able to complete the last three days and earn my Big O completion certificate.

Most of the walk along the dike is now paved. The few limestone miles gave me the opportunity to test the new boots on both walking surfaces. After a couple days of hiking, I decided to stop double-socking, something that I’ve been doing for many years. I’m happy to report that after close to forty miles of hiking on pavement and crushed rock in the Merrells, I had no blisters.

Before returning home from the Big O Hike, Sandy and I were able to squeeze in a few more hikes in Southwest Florida. We’ll be sharing those with you in the near future.

Soggy Footprints
Merrells fully immersed on the Footprints Trail

Being in South Florida, it had to happen. I had the opportunity to “water test” my new boots. I jokingly remarked that I needed a photo of my Merrells. But with the water between my knees and ankles, they weren’t visible!

As they are out on the porch drying, I am pleased with their performance. I miss the more solid foundation of my heavier Keens, but I’m sure my legs are enjoying the lighter work out.

Once the boots are dry, I’m going to add a pair of Superfeet inserts and see how the combination works.


DISCLOSURE: Our review contains an affiliate link below so you may purchase the item if you are interested in it. We earn a small commission on each purchase.


Find Merrell MOAB Ventilators on Amazon.com

Category: Articles, Gear ReviewsTag: Footwear, Hiking Gear, Outdoor Clothing

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