Merrell Moab Velocity 2 GTX
Editor’s Word: We welcome Dana Jennings to the RoadTrailRun check group. Dana is an avid hiker who lives in Park Metropolis, Utah, He just lately retired as a author and editor on the New York Occasions.
Dana: Easing into a brand new pair of mountaineering sneakers is like stepping onto a brand new path. Every certainly one of these moments tingles with a way of anticipation: Is that this a sturdy new friendship, or only a one-hike dalliance?
My newest novel journey arrived with Merrell’s Moab Velocity 2 GTX – a light-weight hiker suited to reasonable trails – that I wore straight out of the field.
Essentially the most putting factor instantly was how gentle the sneakers have been, and in addition how steady. At a mere 12.34 ounces, I used to be even tempted to run within the Moabs.
For the fashion-conscious, the shoe is available in eight earthy colours: stucco, calcite, ash/black, cairn, asphalt, black, cement/cherry and nori. My most well-liked coloration for any hiker, although, is the mud-brown tone daubed on by the shoe’s proprietor because the miles go underfoot.
Stats, Specs and Extra
The Moab Velocity 2’s drop is 10mm, the lug measurement is 4mm, and the stack peak is 34-24mm. Inside this design, I felt steady and safe, with loads of traction. (Extra on stability later.) Additionally vital, these sneakers didn’t really feel too tall. In some hikers – Hokas particularly – I really feel like a teenage woman making an attempt to stroll in excessive heels for the primary time.
The Moab Velocity 2’s consolation options embody a padded collar, protecting and abrasion-resistant artificial heel and toecap, gentle FlexPlate tech that gives torsional rigidity, lateral stability and forefoot flexibility and a light-weight FloatPro Foam midsole
Merrell says the Vibram TC5+ outsole offers traction for different outside sports activities; and Vibram lugs meant to spice up traction and shed particles step-by-step.
The powerful toecap is very vital to me.
At a weight of (a match) 190 – give or take a pair kilos – I’m a “low rider” as I hike, and I stub my toes manner too usually. This Moab’s cap provides me the safety that my poor toes want.
The Moab Velocity 2’s supplies embody a Gore-Tex waterproof membrane; a nylon ripstop and TPU higher; and a 100% recycled breathable mesh lining.
(And if that isn’t sufficient stats and specs to fulfill you, Ted Williams batted .406 in 1941, Babe Ruth swatted 60 homers in 1927, and Tom Brady gained seven Tremendous Bowls. None of them have been sporting Moab hikers, nevertheless.)
On the Trails
After dwelling in Denver for 4 years, trekking in and across the Entrance Vary, I presently cling my mountaineering poles in Park Metropolis, Utah. And in any given week of going 30-35 miles, I’ve settled on a few go-to hikes. My fundamental burst is on our Historic Union Pacific Rail Path, which winds by means of 28 miles in Northern Utah.
Apart from hikers, the light path is house to runners, cyclists, mother and father pushing strollers, and satisfying views of the ski mountains that cradle Park Metropolis.
My second house away from house is PC Hill, our mini-mountain that’s the locus of sundry trails and affords a tough scree-strewn ascent and descent – to not point out the screeee!!! typically heard from red-tail hawks.
Stability and Traction, Stability and Traction
Each the Rail Path and PC Hill are why good stability – the type supplied by the Moab Velocity 2 – issues a lot to me.
On the Rail Path, with the shoe’s stability and easy trip, I can give attention to the sights and sounds round me and never fret about turning an ankle: The rust-colored quilts of Autumn overlaying the mountainsides; the chuckle of creeks and rills as they rush towards the Winter Solstice; muskrats and chipmunks, sandhill cranes and a whole bunch of geese (performing their upside-down water ballets), and the occasional blessing of an imperial bull moose strolling throughout the path. (To not point out deserted vehicles, outdated metal rusted past recognition, and vintage barbwire fences gone rogue.)
As for PC Hill, my poles and the traction on these sneakers made the skittery ascents and descents much less hair-raising. Unfastened rocks are always muttering as I go up and down the hill.
Remaining Observations
The sunshine weight is an actual plus. Some mountaineering sneakers appear as in the event that they’re additionally meant to bludgeon small mammals.
The match is comfortable – however no blisters after some 70 miles – and the toebox is roomy. Once more, that is proper out of the field.
And within the two weeks I hiked in them, these Moabs didn’t create further leg fatigue. The truth is, my legs may need even felt a bit springier.
One Comparability
Lately I’ve hiked in low-cut Oboz: medium-priced, reliable, good put on.
However, I’ve to confess, the Moab Velocity 2 GTX offered a superior trip and, most vital, extra freedom to daydream.
Conclusion
Simply open the field – and go.
Reviewer Profile
Dana Jennings, 68, began operating in highschool and just about caught with it into his 50s, overlaying distances from 100 yards to the marathon. He then made the transition to mountaineering. In 2025, he moved to Park Metropolis, Utah, after spending 4 years in Denver, the place he’s on the paths seven days every week. Usually, he mixes two onerous exercises with three medium hikes and two straightforward days. He enhances the trailwork with gentle weights and every day stretching.
Samples have been offered at no cost for assessment functions. No compensation was offered by manufacturers for writing this text. RoadTrail Run does have affiliate partnerships and will earn fee on merchandise bought through procuring hyperlinks on this article. These partnerships don’t affect our editorial content material. The opinions herein are totally the writer’s
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