Introduction
If you love hiking, you know how important good boots are.
And when it comes to Merrell, two top choices stand out: Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Mid GTX (Gore-Tex) Hiking Boot and Merrell Men’s Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot.
But which one is better?
Should you go for the Gore-Tex version or stick with the regular waterproof model?
Both claim to keep your feet dry, but they work in different ways. And trust me, choosing the wrong one can ruin your hike.
In this article, I’ll break it all down in super simple words.
By the end, you’ll know exactly which boot is right for you and how to choose hiking boots. So let’s dive in!
Merrell Gore Tex Vs Waterproof: Which Is Best?
Both Merrell Gore Tex vs Waterproof boots come from the same trusted brand. And both come with a waterproof membrane to keep your feet dry.
But here’s the thing—one is not automatically better than the other. It all depends on what you need.
Both boots are made for hiking. Both protect your feet from water. But they use different technology and offer different features. And these small differences can make a big impact on your experience.
So, let’s dive in the details to see which one suits your needs.
1. Comfort and Fit
Moab 2 Mid GORE-TEX:
This boot has been around for a while, and hikers love it. It’s comfortable right out of the box, no long break-in time needed. The EVA midsole, padded tongue, and collar give good support. It may look a little bulky in pictures, but in person, it’s actually sleeker.
When you first wear these, they feel just as comfy as sneakers. Maybe a tiny bit snug at the toes, but nothing uncomfortable. If you like a roomy feel with solid support, this one won’t disappoint.
Moab 3 Mid Waterproof:
This is the new and improved version of the Moab 2. The Kinetic Fit insole and softer midsole (Super Rebound Compound) make it even more cushioned and supportive. It’s perfect for long hikes or all-day wear.
The fit is also fine for everyone, but when you’ll wear thick socks, it will get a little tight. If you plan on hiking in cold weather with thick socks, you might want to size up for extra toe room.
Winner: Both are great, but Moab 2 is roomier and feels like a trusted classic. Moab 3 has more cushioning and better arch support.
2. Traction
Moab 2 Mid GORE-TEX:
The Moab 2 GORE-TEX comes with a Vibram TC5+ outsole and 5mm lugs. That’s a fancy way of saying, it grips well on dry trails and smooth rocks. But when things get muddy or really wet, you might notice some slipping. The lugs aren’t as deep as some hardcore hiking boots, so thick mud or slick surfaces can be tricky.
If you’ve hiked in these on dry trails, they feel rock solid. But after a rainstorm? Let’s just say you’ll have to watch your step. If you mostly hike on dry, packed trails, these will work great. But if you often deal with mud or wet rocks, keep reading.
Moab 3 Mid Waterproof:
Merrell tweaked the outsole on the Moab 3. It’s still Vibram TC5+ with 5mm lugs, but the rubber is a little stickier and more durable. What does that mean? Better grip on wet surfaces. Walking on damp rocks or loose dirt felt more stable, as noted in reviews on Outdoor Gear Lab.
I noticed the difference right away. Walking on damp rocks or loose dirt felt more stable. Is it a game-changer? Not exactly. If you’re dealing with super muddy or super technical terrain, you might still want something with deeper lugs. But for most hikes, this upgrade is a nice touch.
Winner: Moab 3 Mid Waterproof. The improved Vibram TC5+ outsole gives it an edge in grip and versatility.
3. Waterproofing
Moab 2 Mid Gore-Tex:
This boot uses Gore-Tex, which is one of the best waterproof membrane out there. If you’re hiking in heavy rain, crossing streams, or stepping in puddles, this boot will keep your feet dry. It’s also breathable, so your feet won’t get too sweaty inside.
Gore-Tex is trusted by serious hikers because it really works. But—and this is important—it’s not invincible. Over time, if you don’t take care of it, the waterproofing can wear out. But when it’s new (and properly maintained), it’s fantastic.
Moab 3 Mid Waterproof:
This one uses Merrell’s own waterproofing tech, called M Select Dry. It does a solid job at keeping water out in light rain and shallow streams. But compared to Gore-Tex? It’s not quite as breathable, so your feet might feel a little clammy in warm weather or long hikes.
For most hikers, M Select Dry works just fine. But if you plan on hiking in heavy rain or super wet conditions, you might notice the difference.
Winner: Moab 2 Mid GTX. Gore-Tex typically offers superior waterproofing and breathability, especially in prolonged wet conditions.
4. Breathability
Moab 2 Mid Gore-Tex:
This boot uses Gore-Tex, which is one of the best waterproof materials when it comes to breathability. It’s designed to let sweat vapor escape while still blocking water from the outside. This means your feet stay drier and cooler, even on long hikes or in warmer weather.
But, let’s be honest—if it’s really hot outside and you’re hiking all day, your feet will still get a little sweaty. No boot is perfect. But compared to others? Gore-Tex does a great job at keeping things comfortable.
Moab 3 Mid Waterproof:
The Moab 3 uses Merrell’s M Select Dry technology. It does a good job at keeping water out, but when it comes to breathability, it’s not quite as good as Gore-Tex.
This means that if you’re hiking in hot weather or for long hours, your feet might feel a little stuffy and clammy. It’s not bad, but if you sweat a lot or hike in humid places, you’ll definitely notice the difference.
Winner: Moab 2 Mid GTX. Gore-Tex’s superior breathability makes it more comfortable in a wider range of conditions.
5. Durability
Moab 2 Mid Gore-Tex:
The Moab 2 is built to last, but it has its limits. It uses a mix of leather and mesh, which gives a good balance of durability and breathability.
- The leather parts hold up well. They can take scrapes from rocks and roots without much damage.
- The mesh areas? Well, they help with airflow, but they can wear out faster if you do a lot of hiking in rough terrain. Sharp branches or heavy bushwhacking can tear them up over time.
The Vibram TC5+ outsole is reliable. You’ll usually get around 500-700 miles before you start seeing signs of serious wear—like the tread wearing down or small cracks in the upper.
Moab 3 Mid Waterproof:
Merrell made some smart upgrades with the Moab 3.
- The leather-to-mesh ratio is better—so there’s less mesh to wear out.
- The Vibram TC5+ outsole got an upgrade, too. It’s a bit more resistant to wear and tear, meaning it won’t smooth out as fast on rocky trails.
Because of these tweaks, the Moab 3 usually lasts a bit longer—often 600-800 miles before it starts breaking down. If you’re a casual hiker, that could mean years of use. But if you’re hiking hard every weekend, you’ll eventually see fraying stitches or cracks in the midsole.
Winner: Moab 3 Mid Waterproof (slightly). It’s proven track record edges out Merrell’s in-house membrane for long-term reliability.
6. Price
Moab 2 Mid Gore-Tex: Typically retails around $95-$100, offering better value for budget-conscious hikers. Check current prices at Amazon.
Moab 3 Mid Waterproof: Priced higer, around $130-$150, as it uses Merrell’s own waterproof tech, reflecting the premium branding. Check current prices at Amazon.
Winner: Moab 3 Mid Waterproof. It delivers solid performance at a bit higher cost.
Merrell Gore Tex Vs Waterproof: Which Is Better For You?
Choose the Moab 2 Mid GTX if:
- You prioritize top-tier waterproofing and breathability (e.g., frequent rain, snow, or creek crossings).
- You hike in varied climates and want a boot that manages sweat better.
- You’re on a budget and don’t need the absolute best breathability.
Choose the Moab 3 Mid Waterproof if:
- You want a more comfortable, updated boot with better traction for general hiking.
- You hike mostly in cooler, wet conditions where extra cushioning matters more than ventilation.
- You’re willing to pay extra for Merrell’s proven performance.
Final Verdict: Merrell Gore Tex Vs Waterproof
It’s a close call, but the Moab 2 Mid GTX edges out slightly if you value waterproofing and breathability above all else. Gore-Tex is still king when it comes to keeping your feet dry while letting sweat escape. Plus, it’s a bit cheaper, which is always a bonus.
But if you want a more balanced, all-around hiking boot, the Moab 3 Mid Waterproof is the better choice. It’s more comfortable, grips slightly better, and lasts longer. Yes, it costs a little more, but you’re getting small but meaningful upgrades that make it worth the price.
At the end of the day, you can’t go wrong with either. Just pick the one that fits your hiking style and your budget—and hit the trails!
FAQs
Q1. Which boot is more waterproof, the Moab 2 Mid GTX or the Moab 3 Mid Waterproof?
The Moab 2 Mid GTX is better for waterproofing because it uses Gore-Tex, which is more breathable and durable in wet conditions.
Q2. Which boot is more comfortable for long hikes?
The Moab 3 Mid Waterproof wins for comfort. It has a softer midsole, better arch support, and a more cushioned feel. The Moab 2 Mid GTX is still comfy, but feels a little firmer in comparison.
Q3. Does the Moab 3 Mid Waterproof have better traction than the Moab 2 Mid GTX?
Yes! The Moab 3 Mid Waterproof has a slightly improved Vibram TC5+ outsole, which grips better on wet and loose terrain. The Moab 2 is good on dry trails but can struggle in mud or slippery conditions.
Q4. How long do these boots last?
Both are durable, but the Moab 3 Mid Waterproof edges out slightly because of stronger materials and improved rubber on the outsole. Expect around 500-700 miles for the Moab 2 and 600-800 miles for the Moab 3, depending on how rough your hikes are.
Q5. Which boot is better for warmer weather?
The Moab 2 Mid GTX is better in the heat because Gore-Tex breathes better, letting sweat escape.
