Our verdict
The Moab 2 Ventilator offers support and versatility in a reasonably priced package. This Merrell footgear also receives great acclaim and applause for having excellent longevity and a grippy outsole. However, its list of commendable features reveals a couple of setbacks, mainly because of its heel slippage. Its lack of cushioning, restrictive fit, and unimpressive breathability disappointed hikers.
Pros
- Grippy outsole
- Versatile (backcountry and city walks)
- Provides arch support
- Affordable
- Provides arch support
- Durable
- Lightweight
Cons
- Heel slippage
- Not breathable
- Lacks cushioning
- Narrow
Who should buy the Merrell hiking shoes Ventilator
Merrell’s Moab 2 Ventilator is a perfect hiking shoe for those who:
- wants a breathable pair ideal for summer hikes
- Same brand only
- Top 10% in
Updates to Merrell hiking shoes Ventilator
The second iteration of the Moab Ventilator features:
- an upper made of performance-grade suede leather with mesh panels.
- Vibram TC5+ rubber outsole
- the ct + footbed
- Vibram TC5+ rubber outsole
- the M.Select FIT.ECO+ footbed
- toe bumper made of synthetic leather
Surface adherent Vibram TC5+ outsole of the Moab 2 Ventilator
The Merrell hiking shoes Ventilator is equipped with the Vibram TC5+ outsole, providing hikers with adequate surface adherence. The rubber compound used in its creation, TC5+, gives it the capability to stick to a variety of outdoor surfaces, be they wet or dry.
It has multi-faceted lugs (with a depth of 5 mm), allowing it to bite into loose- or soft-soiled terrain. The space between these lugs is wide enough to help the outsole channel out water, thus preventing the foot from hydroplaning.
Additional forefoot protection is made possible by having its front end extend all the way up to the tip of the upper’s toe box.
The cupped design of its heel zone, on the other hand, gives the footgear even more structural integrity as well as improved support around the heel region.
Stout yet springy midsole of Merrell’s Moab 2 Ventilator
This hiking shoe from Merrell uses a stout yet springy midsole, granting users a steady balance on the trail with as much comfort underfoot as possible.
A molded nylon shank is embedded within the confines of its medial section, giving its wearers additional arch support and extra protection against sharp terrain hazards. It also has a company-exclusive air cushion technology at the heel, effectively bolstering the shoe’s ability to mitigate shock on every landing.
Adding to the cushioning offered by the Moab 2 Ventilator’s protective midsole is the M Select FIT.ECO+ footbed. Its inclusion translates into not only bolstered comfort but also improved heel and arch support.
Moab 2 Ventilator’s part suede, part mesh upper
Housing the foot in the Merrell hiking shoes Ventilator is the footgear’s part performance suede leather, part mesh fabric upper. Its overall design lends the shoe a grounded look with a touch of modernity.
The word “ventilator” in its moniker revolves around the hiker’s breathable mesh liner which wicks away moisture and promotes airflow for a cool and comfy in-shoe feel.
The toe area is reinforced with a rubber cap, protecting its users against knocks and bumps. Its bellows, closed-cell foam tongue prevents unwanted entry of trail debris.
A heel pull tab makes on and off easy while the webbing and metal eyelets permit quicker closure.
