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Merrell Moab Speed 2: Complete Review & Comparison Guide
In-depth review of the Merrell Moab Speed 2. See how it compares to similar versatile trail shoes, specs, pros, cons, and where to buy.
Merrell Moab Speed 2: Complete Review & Comparison Guide
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Check your local running store or online retailers for availability.
Overview
The Merrell Moab Speed 2 is Merrell's versatile trail-to-hike shoe—bridging the gap between running shoes and hiking boots. Featuring FloatPro foam cushioning and Vibram TC5+ outsole, the Moab Speed handles everything from trail runs to fast-packing adventures.
This is Merrell's crossover performer: comfort and grip for varied outdoor pursuits.
Key Specifications
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Category | Trail |
| Cushion Level | Moderate |
| Heel-to-Toe Drop | 6mm |
| Weight (Men's/Women's) | 11.8oz / 9.8oz |
| Stack Height | 30mm heel / 24mm forefoot |
| Pronation Support | Neutral |
| Width Options | Standard, Wide |
| MSRP | MSRP: $140 |
| Surface | Trail |
What It's Known For
The Moab Speed 2 inherits DNA from Merrell's iconic Moab hiking series while adding running shoe responsiveness. It's the kind of shoe that handles a morning trail run and an afternoon hike without complaint.
Runners appreciate the Moab Speed's ability to tackle varied terrain without needing to change shoes.
Why Runners Love It
Pros
-
Comfortable: FloatPro foam needs no break-in period.
-
No Break-In: Ready to go out of the box.
-
Good Grip: Vibram TC5+ handles varied terrain.
What Some Runners Don't Like
Cons
-
Heavier: 11.8oz adds noticeable weight.
-
Less Technical: Not specialized for aggressive terrain.
Who Should Consider This Shoe
The Merrell Moab Speed 2 is ideal for:
- Trail runners (15-50 miles per week) who also hike
- 5K to half marathon trail distances
- Wide-footed runners needing options
- Those who want one shoe for running and hiking
Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere
Consider other options if you:
- Need lightweight racing shoes
- Run highly technical terrain
- Want maximum responsiveness
- Prioritize speed over versatility
How It Compares: Cross-Brand Comparison
| Shoe | Cushion | Drop | Weight (M) | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Merrell Moab Speed 2 | Moderate | 6mm | 11.8oz | MSRP: $140 | Trail to hike crossover |
| Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX | Moderate | 10mm | 14.0oz | MSRP: $169 | Hiking with grip |
| HOKA Anacapa | Moderate | 6mm | 13.4oz | MSRP: $185 | Cushioned hiking |
| Altra Lone Peak 8 | Moderate | 0mm | 11.0oz | MSRP: $150 | Zero-drop trail |
| Brooks Cascadia 18 | Moderate | 8mm | 10.9oz | MSRP: $150 | All-terrain running |
Merrell Lineup: Same-Brand Comparison
| Shoe | Cushion | Drop | Weight (M) | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moab Speed 2 | Moderate | 6mm | 11.8oz | MSRP: $140 | Trail to hike |
| Agility Peak 5 | High | 6mm | 10.6oz | MSRP: $150 | Ultra-distance |
| MTL Long Sky 2 | Moderate | 8mm | 8.3oz | MSRP: $160 | Trail racing |
| MTL Skyfire 2 | Low | 4mm | 7.4oz | MSRP: $150 | Mountain racing |
| Antora 4 | Moderate | 6mm | 9.5oz | MSRP: $130 | Value trail |
Final Verdict
The Merrell Moab Speed 2 delivers crossover performance for runners who also hike. It's for those who want one versatile shoe for varied outdoor activities.
For trail-to-hike versatility, the Moab Speed 2 is an excellent choice.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Check your local running store or online retailers for availability.