Brand guide · Updated

Merrell buying guide

Merrell is an outdoor footwear brand founded in 1981 by bootmaker Randy Merrell with Clark Matis and John Schweizer, and owned by Wolverine World Wide since 1997. It's best known for the Moab hiking boot and its barefoot Trail Glove line. We carry 296 Merrell styles from $44.99 CAD, with free shipping and 30-day free returns.

Merrell Men’s Moab 3 Thermo Mid Earth Waterproof Hiking Boots J036579The Moab hiking boot
Founded
1981
Founder
Randy Merrell
Owner
Wolverine World Wide
Best known
Moab hiking boot
Barefoot line
Trail Glove
At WOOKI
296 styles

Most searched at WOOKI

The Merrell models our customers look for most, based on searches on wooki.com and Google over the past year.

Merrell Moab 3 vs. Trail Glove 7: cushioned hiker or barefoot shoe?

Both are Merrell, but they start from opposite ideas about how a shoe should feel. Pick based on how much cushioning and protection you want underfoot.

Merrell Moab 3 and Trail Glove 7 compared (WOOKI catalogue and Merrell product specs)
FeatureMoab 3 (hiking)Trail Glove 7 (barefoot)
IdeaOut-of-the-box comfort for hiking, with cushioning and supportMinimalist shoe that keeps the foot in a natural position
CushioningMerrell Air Cushion in the heel, molded nylon arch shankMinimal FloatPro Foam midsole, 14 mm total stack height
OutsoleVibram outsoles on Moab models such as the Moab Adventure 3 (Vibram TC5+) and Moab 3 Thermo (Vibram IceTrek)Vibram EcoStep Recycle, made with 30% recycled rubber
WaterproofingMany styles use a waterproof membrane (look for WP or Waterproof in the title)Breathable mesh upper, not a waterproof design
UpperLeather, suede or textile, depending on the style100% recycled breathable mesh, bellows tongue
StylesLow shoes, mid boots, Thermo winter versionsLow barefoot shoes for men and women
Best forDay hikes, rough trails, travel, everyday wearCasual wear, gym workouts, light trail running, barefoot-style walking

Popular Merrell models explained

The main Merrell lines we carry, with the specs that matter.

Merrell Moab 3

The latest version of Merrell's classic hiking boot, in low shoes and mid boots for men and women. Merrell calls the Moab "the Mother of All Boots" and promises the same out-of-the-box comfort across the line. The Thermo versions add PrimaLoft Gold Eco insulation and a Vibram IceTrek outsole for winter. The men's Moab 3 Thermo Mid is one of our best sellers.

Hiking · Many waterproof (WP) options · Thermo for winter · from $69.99 CAD

Shop Merrell Moab 3 →

Merrell Moab Speed 2

A lighter, more athletic take on the Moab for fast hiking and trail walks. We carry it in low, mid and Gore-Tex (GTX) versions, plus a big range for kids.

Hiking/trail · Low and mid · GTX options · from $79.99 CAD

Shop Merrell Moab Speed 2 →

Merrell Moab Vertex 2 CSA

Merrell's work boot, built on the Moab idea. Per Merrell's specs, it has a waterproof membrane, a carbon fibre safety toe, EH-rated protection, a heat-resistant outsole and a slip- and oil-resistant rubber outsole. For a job site, check the CSA marking in the product title and on the boot before you buy.

Work boot · Carbon fibre toe · Waterproof · from $169.99 CAD

Shop Merrell Moab Vertex 2 CSA →

Merrell Trail Glove 7

Merrell's barefoot shoe for casual wear, gym workouts and trail running, and the best-selling Merrell we carry (the men's black pair leads). It has a Vibram EcoStep Recycle outsole, a thin FloatPro Foam midsole and a 100% recycled mesh upper. Total stack height is 14 mm.

Barefoot · 14 mm stack · Vibram EcoStep · from $109.99 CAD

Shop Merrell Trail Glove 7 →

Merrell Vapor Glove

The most minimal shoe Merrell makes, with a 6 mm total stack height and a 2.5 mm lug. A half pair of the Vapor Glove 6 weighs 160 g (5.64 oz). Best if you already like very thin barefoot shoes.

Barefoot · 6 mm stack · Ultra-light · from $95.99 CAD

Shop Merrell Vapor Glove →

Merrell Agility Peak 5

Merrell's cushioned trail running shoe. We carry it in a lot of colours for men and women, plus Gore-Tex (GTX) versions for wet trails.

Trail running · GTX options · from $137.99 CAD

Shop Merrell Agility Peak 5 →

How to choose your Merrell boots or shoes

  1. Start with the activity. Moab 3 and Moab Speed 2 are the all-round hiking picks. Agility Peak is for trail running. Trail Glove and Vapor Glove give you a barefoot feel.
  2. Pick low or mid. Low shoes are lighter and cooler. Mid boots cover the ankle and suit rough ground, wet grass and cooler weather.
  3. Check waterproofing and season. Look for WP, Waterproof or GTX in the product title. Styles without those words aren't sold as waterproof. For snow and cold, look at the Thermo styles, like the Moab 3 Thermo, with 200 g of PrimaLoft Gold Eco insulation and a Vibram IceTrek outsole. Merrell also makes slippers, such as the Encore Ice.
  4. Go slowly with barefoot shoes. They have very little cushioning, so your feet and calves need time to adapt. Start with short walks.

Merrell's history

  1. 1981Randy Merrell deconstructs a pair of cowboy boots and builds the company's first boot by hand, the Wilderness. Clark Matis and John Schweizer launch the brand with him.
  2. 1986Randy Merrell sells his share of the company to return to making custom boots.
  3. 1997Merrell becomes a wholly owned subsidiary of Wolverine World Wide.
  4. MoabThe Moab, "the Mother of All Boots", becomes Merrell's best-known hiking boot. Merrell now calls it the world's number one hiking boot.
  5. TodayMerrell now sells hiking, trail running, work, winter and barefoot footwear. The Moab and the Trail Glove still lead the line.

Why buy Merrell at WOOKI

Free shippingNo minimum
30-day free returnsFree return labels
100% authenticSourced directly from the brand
Canadian retailerShips from Gatineau, Québec

Merrell: frequently asked questions

Are Merrell Moab 3 boots waterproof?

Some are. Merrell lists a waterproof membrane on the Moab 3 Mid Waterproof, and the Thermo and Gore-Tex versions are waterproof too. Plain Moab 3 boots and shoes aren't, so look for Waterproof, WP or GTX in the product title before you order.

Does WOOKI sell authentic Merrell?

We do. We're a Canadian retailer based in Gatineau, Québec, and we buy 100% authentic products directly from the brands and authorized distributors. Shipping is free with no minimum, and you get 30-day free returns.

Do Merrell shoes run true to size?

Fit varies by line. Moab boots are built for out-of-the-box comfort, while barefoot shoes like the Trail Glove keep the foot in a natural position and feel snug and thin. Every product page has a size chart. Merrell also makes some Moab 3 boots in wide widths. Returns are free for 30 days.

Are Merrell shoes good for plantar fasciitis?

We can't make medical claims. If you have heel pain, ask a podiatrist what you need first. Cushioned lines like the Moab and Agility Peak feel very different from barefoot shoes such as the Trail Glove, so tell us what your podiatrist says. Returns are free for 30 days.

Does Merrell make winter boots?

Yes. We carry Merrell winter boots such as the Marquette Thermo, Cloud Puff, Antora 3 Thermo and Alpine Buckle, plus Moab 3 Thermo hiking boots. For around town, the Winter Moc slip-ons are a lighter option. Check the title for Waterproof or Insulated.

Does Merrell make steel toe or CSA work boots?

Yes. The CSA boots we carry are the Moab Vertex 2 Mid and the Antora 3 Mid CSA, and the titles list a carbon fiber toe on the women's styles. Check the CSA mark in the title and on the boot, and confirm what your workplace requires.

What are Merrell Hydro Moc shoes?

The Hydro Moc is a Merrell water shoe. The one we list is a women's rubber water shoe, and we also carry the men's Hydro Next Gen 1TRL rubber boots. They're for wet ground and water, not for long hikes. Check the product page for sizes in stock.

What is the Merrell x Unlikely Hikers Moab 3?

It's a Moab 3 made with Unlikely Hikers, an outdoor community founded by Jenny Bruso in 2017. Merrell says it comes in extended sizing and wide widths. We carry the men's Moab 3 Mid in the multicolor waterproof version. Check the product page for sizes in stock.

Shop Merrell · 296 styles from $44.99 CAD

Written by the WOOKI footwear team · Last updated October 2, 2026. Prices and style counts are pulled live from our catalogue. Specs come from Merrell's own product information.

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