I first wore Merrell back in 2013 on a year long bicycle ride through Africa. It made sense to pick a light pair of hiking shoes rather than trainers or cycling shoes. It was also the right decision, and they lasted for more than 12,000km across the continent.
Now, that’s not to say cycling is a good way to test a hiking shoe but rather to explain why I went back to this brand for my current footwear – the Merrell Moab 2 GTX.
In this article, I’d like to take you through what I think you should know about this hiking shoe before taking a look at my experience with 1000 Mile Socks…
A Quick Look at the Merrell Moab 2 GTX
The Merrell Moab 2 GTX is reasonably light and one of the most comfortable and durable hiking shoes on the market. It provides excellent traction and stability, while keeping the feet dry and comfy at all times. I’ve tried some really nice hiking boots and trail shoes over the years but none that offer the same quality features in this price range. In fact, I’m still waiting for a notable downside that might change my mind or question the near perfect experience I have found with the Merrell Moab 2 GTX.
Protection
The thickness of the Merrell Moab 2 GTX exterior does a great job of absorbing blows from rocks and sharp edges. A solid sole protects the bottom of the foot, while a sizeable bumper protects the toes. While you will find sections of ripstop mesh and fabric overlays, these both increase the durability of the shoe exterior.
Durability
I’ve been testing the Moab 2 GTX on some very rocky ground in recent months and they continue to hold up incredibly well. That is to say, aside from some superficial scrapes on the exterior, they still look and feel new, while providing the same experience as when I first got them. I’d imagine the mesh areas are susceptible to tearing at some point but I’ve yet to see this on my hikes through some very rugged terrain.
Grip and Traction
I’ve been really impressed with the traction of the Vibram rubber on the outersoles of the Moab 2 GTX. This is something which Merrell haven’t changed and you will find the same tread pattern on previous versions of the Moab. Upon closer inspection, you should also notice the range of circles, dents and patterns which add to the overall traction. I also remember this being the case with my very first pair of Moab and how the shape and condition of the sole remained for quite a long time.
Stability
I think most people that use the Moab 2 GTX will appreciate the extent of support and stability they offer. It’s more rigid and stable than any trail running shoe which makes them especially suitable for hiking on rocky or uneven terrain. That being said, even though the shoe feels planted, the flexibility of the Moab 2 GTX is also rather useful. In other words, the Moab 2 will bend etc without it feeling as though the shoe is slipping away from your feet.
Comfort
I know many hikers who agree that the Merrell Moab 2 GTX is one of the most comfortable hiking shoes out there. They often slip onto the foot and feel solid the moment you do so. With a cushioned collar and tongue and a refined insole, they feel soft around the ankles but then rigid and reliable in every other area. You’ve got nice padding on the heel and decent arch support, which is more than I could say for my three previous pairs of trail shoes.
Value
I believe this is a major reason as to why the Merrell Moab 2 GTX is such a popular hiking shoe in Ireland. They are priced the same as previous versions of the Moab and yet offer an even better product and overall performance. I also think they’re suitable for any hiking distance and just about any type of weather conditions, while the sheer strength of the material means they should potentially last for a number of years.
Weight
The Merrell Moab 2 GTX is certainly not the lightest option for hiking and weigh approximately two pounds. But this is nothing new for a hiking shoe which offers so much protection from the elements. With this in mind, I believe they strike the ideal balance between weight, flexibility, and protection, not to mention comfort and the price.
Breathability
The Moab 2 GTX are surprisingly breathable which is largely due to mesh along the top and sides. I say “surprising” as this is something you might not expect with such a durable and waterproof hiking shoe. This makes the Moab 2 ideal for hiking in warm temperatures, while ensuring an equally comfortable time in wet or muddy conditions.
And in case you might be asking yourself, it’s the Gore-Tex that makes these shoes waterproof and reasonably light at the same time.
Conclusion
The Merrell Moab 2 GTX have a really nice fit and offer lots of space for the toe box, while still fitting snug to the feet. Merrell have continued to focus on what made previous versions so good and then added some slight tweaks to improve upon the overall experience. They are ideal for warm weather hikes but also waterproof which is certainly useful while hiking in Ireland. If you wanted extra ankle support, you might choose the boot but either way, the Merrell Moab 2 is my hiking shoe for 2021.
1000 Mile Trail Sock – My Choice for Long/Mid Distance Hiking
1000 Mile is a sock brand from the UK that gives a blister-free guarantee with every pair of socks which means they should last for at least 1000 miles. It’s not the reason to invest in a pair of 1000 Mile socks but testament to their strength and performance.
Trail Sock or All Terrain? Most of the socks by 1000 Mile are double layered which is great for the winter months but often too warm for the summer. For this reason, I use the Trail sock on my long distance hikes and the All Terrain option for local day hikes. While the all terrain version provides extra padding and protection for the heel etc, I just find the lightweight version to strike a better balance for longer hikes/adventures.
What I Really Like About 1000 Mile Socks
1000 Mile also use merino wool for all of their products. Merino wool dries out really quickly and can also wick away moisture with ease. The 1000 Mile socks also have a
band-like toe and midsection which helps keep them in place, and they are light and super comfortable and never itchy in my own experience.
But what else makes them so suitable for hiking in particular?
1000 Mile socks are slightly thicker than most other blister-free socks. They hold their shape nicely and fit snug to the foot. After many cycles, I can say they perform just as well after multiple washes and often live up to the blister-free guarantee. That is, I can say that not everyone I know has had such luck but they’ve certainly helped keep my own feet in pristine condition.
I personally own four pairs of 1000 Mile sock and carry at least three of these on long distance hikes. After all, socks are compact and lightweight and a priceless piece of kit when you end up with wet feet for whatever reason. They also dry quickly which means you can usually wash 1000 Mile socks on the trail and I often hang them up to dry on my backpack while I’m out hiking.
Conclusion
1000 Mile socks are my current first choice for hiking. I wore them on my 3,000km walk around Ireland and another 700km on the Camino de Santiago. They are just the best hiking socks that I have tested in Ireland and this includes socks from many of the biggest names in the outdoor industry. The truth is, when you hike long distances on a regular basis, it’s often the socks that can have a greater impact than the shoes. What’s more, the low cost of 1000 Mile socks has made these socks one of the first pieces of gear to find a home in my backpack.
Final Thoughts on My Hiking Shoes and Socks
I’ve gone through many types of hiking shoes in recent years and often stuck to trail runners in the past. Trail runners are often a hybrid between a hiking shoe and a running shoe which makes them especially light and comfortable. However, this also means they are often without the protection that comes with the Merrell Moab 2 GTX. I also find trail runners can be rather uncomfortable in wet conditions and without the traction you get with a purpose-built hiking shoe like the Merrell Moab 2 GTX. After combining 1000 Mile socks with the Moab 2, I also believe most hikers will find a light and reliable system that will not only feel good but also help keep away the blisters.