MerrellMOAB 2 MID GTX Women's 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.

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!

Wore these straight out of the box and they are very comfortable. Lots of room in the toe box, good support for the foot and ankle. Laces have a tendency to come loose but a double knot sorts that out. Have worn them in rain and wet muddy fields and so far no leakage. Terrain here is rocky and hilly but theses boots so far are coping well. Went up half a size to enable a thick sock to be worn. Other people like the colour very much. I would have preferred the black, but delivery time was too far ahead. All down to personal choice!