MerrellMOAB 2 MID GTX womens High Rise Hiking Shoes

I could write all day about these boots but sometimes it is better to keep it short. I have been badgering my better half to get up in hills and outside with me for years and she has been bemoaning how she would if she had a decent pair of boots. I had had a pair of Merrells since uni a couple of decades ago and though they were still going strong they had lost their comfort and my feet had over time changed shape so I was also in the market for a replacement.It was in that vein that I undertook my usual days of research and bought what I thought would be the best pair of Merrell ladies walking boots available outside of specialist snow, ice & crampon range ie professional or winter boots.These boots appeared to tick all the boxes but after day 1 of her wearing them on a short 10km trial my good lady wife simply said, “ These are the best pair of boots I have ever put on my feet. I love them. I will never buy anything else ever again!”

I have being buying Merrells for years, the size is always just right (I buy a UK 7), I bought my last pair in the Black Friday Sale last year but didn’t start wearing them until lockdown started in March and I switched from pool swimming to hiking in order to stay fit. Anyway, until today I would have given these boots 5 stars, I have walked over 500km in them, up and down hills, on the SouthDowns way and had no problems ( well not with the boots). Today was the first time I used them in the wet, I walked across a grass field that was still wet from overnight rain and my feet were soaked through in 30 seconds, even the insoles were wet. I won’t be giving Merrell anymore of my money.

Hesitated for a long time before purchasing these boots, I have been walking for years in a pair of old timberland boots, that fit like a glove and were completely waterproof but were very heavy particularly if climbing.As I was due to go on a walking trip to Dartmoor I bit the bullet and bought these.I have not been disappointed, I am 7 days in to a 2 weeks and they fit perfectly, are so comfortable and light and have been marched through boggy moorland, streams and lots of mud and I have not had any wet feet.I wish I had bought them sooner. Fantastic pair of boots.

I had concerns that these may not be the genuine article but as they were not cheap, I took a gamble, Lovely footwear, light and incredibly comfy with the best wide foot toe box which I needed, however the first pair I bought, I wore initially indoors and noticed that the right foot kept clicking as if there was a fault in the sole. I sent them back and reordered. Second pair appeared ok but after wearing outside 3 or 4 times, one foot and then the other developed a slight clicking in the soles. Annoying when on a quiet walk. Now I am not sure if they are the genuine article as I cannot imagine Merrell would make them that way so disappointed hence the 3 stars.

I was so excited to receive my boots and was delighted that the toe area was a nice fit, wide enough for my toes to be free. They felt comfortable, felt sturdy and looked fantastic.....here's where the joy unravels.....my first outing was on a dry day and all was great: second time, it was a really horrible, wet day. I was on the moors with dogs. Initially my feet felt fine, dry and comfy but, by the early afternoon, I thought I felt some dampness creeping in. When I got home and took the boots off there was a patch of wet on both feet. Definitely not sweat or where water had run into my boots as the top of my socks were dry! When I put my hand inside each boot later that evening, both were significantly damp feeling. With regret, I have had to return them. I will now go for a leather boot and pray they don't let me down!