After years of hiking through some of the most beautiful (and challenging) landscapes on earth, I’ve learned the hard way that the wrong boots can ruin a trip. From national park trails that look like the surface of Mars to African bush walks, the terrain I’ve navigated puts my footwear through the ringer – and some of it couldn’t keep up. The last thing to worry about on a trip is sore feet, blisters or – even worse – not being able to walk as you normally do. But one pair finally earned its permanent place in my bag: Merrell’s Moab 3 boots. They’re the only shoes I’d bring again, no matter where in the world I’m headed.
On a recent expedition to the Galápagos Islands, I was pleasantly surprised at how light these boots felt while enduring boat rides, hikes, and lava field walks. They didn’t weigh me down or make my legs ache after hours in the heat. In fact, I sometimes forgot I was wearing proper hiking boots at all, thinking it was a lighter sneaker. For a trip that demanded both endurance and agility, they were ideal.
The excellent grip on any surface was a game changer as I hiked through Arches National Park in Moab, Utah. (Yes, that’s where the shoe got its name.) The terrain at this visually stunning destination is no joke: you’ll need to navigate dusty switchbacks, slick rock, and loose sand, all while not freaking out over the steep drop off. These boots never slipped, even when I scrambled up rough inclines or edged along sandstone ledges. Vibram’s grippy TC5+ outsole dug in with confidence, making every step feel secure.
