Merrell Moab Speed 2 Gore-Tex Review

Article by Dominique Winebaum

Merrell Moab Pace 2 Gore-Tex ($170)

Introduction

After testing the Moab Pace 2 Mid Gore-Tex trekking the Tour du Queyras (FR), often known as the GR 58, in June 2024 overview, I’m revisiting this pleasant hiker as a low high – or shoe. This time round no Grande Randonnée [GR], however loads of time on ft over a two-month interval totaling some 100 KM, from the New Hampshire Seacoast to the Swiss Jura.  

I’m becoming a member of RTR contributor Dana Jennings in his “solo” overview of the Merrell Moab Pace 2 GTX.  

Having fun with a hike within the Swiss Jura in mid-December for which I used to be completely geared up with my Moab Pace 2 GTX although my preliminary plan had been to snowshoe!   

Professionals:

Light-weight and quick hiker with a sturdy platform

Extraordinarily sturdy – after 100 KM / 62 miles, no put on and tear.

Good worth given the flexibility and sturdiness of the shoe

Nylon ripstop and TPU higher may be very resilient and protecting in opposition to the weather

GORE-TEX waterproof membrane gives good breathability 

Extraordinarily versatile, particularly compared to the Mid model of the Moab Pace 2 GTX

Match is comfy and true to measurement

Additionally out there in a large width 

Cleansport NXT™ handled for pure odor management

Light-weight Flexplate™ know-how improve the general stability of the shoe whereas sustaining forefoot flexibility

Vibram TC5+ outsole with 4 mm lugs is properly tailored for reasonable terrain and transition properly to pavement.

Obtainable in a non GTX model ($140) and in a Mid boot ($180)

Cons:

Tongue is a bit slender on the high 

Decrease part of the tongue feels a bit tough

A few of the coloration choices are a little bit too bland

Stats

Spec Weigh Males’s:12.34 oz /350 g US9 Girls’s: 10.58 oz/ 300 g US7

Pattern Weight:  11.39oz/ 323 g US Girls’s 9 

Stack Peak: 34 mm heel / 24 mm forefoot

First Impressions, Match, and Higher 

A significant spotlight between the 2 Moab Pace 2 is the flexibility of the low high versus the mid mannequin.  As a shoe, it’s lighter than its counterpart by virtually two ounces (10.6 ounces versus 12.3 ounces in a W7)and that it encompasses a “hybrid” platform akin to a sturdy path shoe for quick strolling and climbing.  The mid, with its added ankle assist, is extra particularly oriented as a quick hiker.  Basically, it’s a matter of preferences and one’s degree of consolation whether or not to deal with reasonable terrain in a low high versus mid boot –  Merrell’s bought you lined!  

Moreover, the Moab Pace 2 low high/shoe is available in a non GTX model that’s even lighter at 9.7 ounces and is even cheaper at $140..  

The match is true to measurement and comfy.  The nylon ripstop and TPU higher is resilient and protecting together with being very sturdy.   A water-resistant possibility with enough breathability, although admittedly I examined them in fall climate, and never in 90 diploma temps.  

The properly padded collar gives a safe and comfy match across the ankle, which is enhanced by the heel counter that’s inflexible on the base however flexes greater up 

Each the heel and toe function an abrasion resistant artificial cap affording good safety in opposition to rocks and shocks.  

After some 100 KM / 62 miles of  use the Cleansport NTX™ odor management continues to be emanating a recent scent once I stick my nostril inside my Moab.  

The general consolation of the higher is sort of good particularly when contemplating that it is a true climbing shoe and never a path runner!  

Midsole: 

The midsole is designed with FloatPro™ Foam, an EVA sort foam offering light-weight lasting consolation.  With its 34 mm/24 mm stack top, and 10 mm drop, the extent of cushioning is excessive with out being maximalist, affording loads of safety and luxury.  

A light-weight FlexPlate,™ grey in image above which is strategically positioned gives lateral stability and underfoot safety with out compromising flexibility within the forefoot. 

Outsole: 

The Vibram TC5+ outsole with 4mm lugs is properly tailored for reasonable trails and gives nice traction.  Sturdiness is great

Journey, Conclusions and Suggestions:

I used to be pleasantly stunned by the flexibility of the Moab Pace 2 GTX  in its low high shoe format versus the mid model of this hiker. Likewise, I didn’t miss the added ankle assist of the Mid when climbing because the platform of the shoe may be very steady.  Always, I felt surefooted.  For day hikes, when in search of a sturdier model than a path runner, the Moab Pace 2 is nice possibility – GTX or common model.  

At $170, the GTX model could also be thought-about a bit dear versus the common at $140.  Take word that lots of the colorways at the moment are on sale – GTX mannequin is underneath $120.    Blissful Mountain climbing! 

Thanks for studying our overview!

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Dominique has run for over 45 years, constantly about 25 miles per week at paces between 11 and 12 minute miles and as soon as per week down within the mid 9 minute miles. She races not often, however at all times surprises extra exhausting core runners in her age group when she does. She has a 1985 marathon PR of three:16 in her second marathon which on the time put her on the highest 10 Swiss girls’s lists. An avid hiker and trekker, she has been round Mont Blanc 3 instances, hiked Chamonix to Zermatt, and Tour des Combins and Queyras, and accomplished the 48 New Hampshire 4000 footers. She is the mom of two grown kids, each runners publish school, and in addition enjoys nordic and alpine snowboarding, tennis, and gardening.