Merrell Shoes in 2026: Hiking, Trail Running and Current Models

Last Updated on October 6, 2026

Start here: Which Merrell shoe should you choose?

Merrell covers several distinct jobs, so the best model depends on whether you hike, trail run, walk on mixed surfaces or prefer minimalist footwear. The Moab line is still the easiest starting point for traditional hiking. Moab Speed is lighter and more athletic. Agility Peak is built for cushioned trail running, while Vapor Glove and Trail Glove move toward barefoot-style ground feel.

How Merrell organizes its shoes

Merrell is best understood as an outdoor-footwear brand rather than a single hiking-shoe line. Moab is the traditional hiking core. Moab Speed takes that hiking DNA and moves it toward a lighter, more athletic feel. Agility Peak, Nova and Antora sit on the trail-running side of the lineup, while Vapor Glove and Trail Glove serve minimalist buyers who want lower-to-the-ground movement and less conventional cushioning.

The Jungle Moc family fills a different role. It is built around casual slip-on wear, everyday walking and work-friendly variants rather than technical hiking. That range is why a single “best Merrell shoe” answer is not very useful. The correct family matters more than the brand name.

Current Merrell shoes at a glance

Merrell regularly sells several versions within the same family, including waterproof, wide-width, mid-height and seasonal variants. This hub groups related versions together so the lineup stays understandable as colors and individual SKUs change.

Latest Merrell reviews on BestWalkingFeet

• Merrell Moab 3 Review — current traditional hiking family.
• Merrell Moab Speed 2 Review — current lighter, faster hiking family.
• Merrell Agility Peak 5 Review — previous generation; Merrell now sells the Agility Peak 6.
• Merrell Vapor Glove 6 Review — previous generation; Merrell now sells the Vapor Glove 7.

Merrell Moab 3: best for traditional hiking

The Merrell Moab 3 remains the best starting point for hikers who want a conventional trail shoe with a substantial platform, familiar hiking fit and multiple waterproof or mid-height options. It is a better match for traditional day hiking than for runners who want a light, flexible trail shoe.

Choose the Moab 3 when durability, traction and a planted hiking feel matter more than low weight. If you want something quicker and more athletic, the Moab Speed 2 is the better Merrell comparison.

Check current Merrell Moab 3 prices and sizes.

Merrell Moab Speed 2: best for lighter hiking

The Moab Speed 2 is the lighter, more athletic side of Merrell hiking. It works well for hikers who want trail grip and protection without the heavier feel of a traditional hiking shoe.

It is especially relevant to fast hikers and people who move between hiking and trail-walking use. Our review found the shoe lighter and more cushioned than a conventional hiker, although heel hold can be a fit consideration for some feet.

Check current Merrell Moab Speed 2 prices and sizes.

Agility Peak 6: Merrell’s cushioned trail-running family

Merrell’s current Agility Peak line has moved to the Agility Peak 6. It is designed for trail runners who want more cushioning and protection than the brand’s minimalist shoes. Current versions include standard, GORE-TEX and wide-width options.

BWF’s existing Agility Peak 5 review covers the previous generation, so use it for background on the family’s general role rather than assuming every detail carries over to the current model. A dedicated Agility Peak 6 review is now a logical content gap for this silo.

Vapor Glove 7 and Trail Glove 8: Merrell’s barefoot options

Merrell has one of the more established barefoot-style lineups among mainstream outdoor brands. The current Vapor Glove 7 is the lighter and more minimal option, while Trail Glove 8 adds more trail-oriented protection while keeping a barefoot-style platform.

Our Vapor Glove 6 review covers the previous generation. If you are new to low-cushion or zero-drop footwear, transition gradually rather than treating a barefoot shoe as a direct replacement for a thick daily walker. Our barefoot shoes vs. traditional shoes guide explains the tradeoffs.

Nova 4 and Antora 4: everyday trail running

Nova 4 and Antora 4 fill the everyday trail-running role below the more protective Agility Peak family. Nova is the men’s line and Antora is the women’s counterpart. Both are useful starting points for runners who want a conventional trail-running shoe rather than a minimalist model.

BWF does not yet have dedicated reviews of these current models, so we list them here as part of the verified current Merrell lineup rather than presenting them as tested recommendations.

Jungle Moc: best for casual walking and easy-on wear

The Jungle Moc is one of Merrell’s longest-running casual families. It is a slip-on rather than a technical hiking shoe, and current versions include standard, wide, waterproof and selected work-oriented variants.

Choose Jungle Moc when you want casual outdoor styling, easy entry and an everyday walking shoe rather than a trail-performance model. Buyers who need technical hiking traction or trail-running geometry should stay with Moab, Moab Speed or one of Merrell’s running families.

How do Merrell shoes fit?

Fit varies by family, but Merrell offers wide versions in several important lines. Current Moab, Agility Peak and Jungle Moc collections all include wider options. That makes Merrell worth considering if many trail shoes feel narrow across the forefoot.

Do not assume a Moab hiking shoe, Agility Peak trail runner and Vapor Glove minimalist shoe will fit the same way. Start with your normal size, then evaluate heel hold, forefoot room and the amount of structure you want. For hiking, leave enough front space for swelling and downhill movement without making the heel loose.

Which Merrell shoes are waterproof?

Merrell sells waterproof versions across several families. Current Moab 3 and Agility Peak 6 collections include GORE-TEX versions, and Merrell also offers waterproof Jungle Moc and other hiking variants. Waterproofing is useful for wet trails, mud and cold conditions, but it is not automatically better for hot, dry weather.

Choose waterproof footwear because your conditions justify it. A non-waterproof trail shoe will often feel cooler and may dry faster after sweat or a deep water crossing.

Who should choose Merrell?

Merrell is strongest for hikers, trail walkers and trail runners who want an outdoor-first brand with choices ranging from traditional hiking shoes to minimalist footwear. It is also a useful brand for wider hiking options and casual outdoor slip-ons.

Choose another brand if your main activity is road running, formal workwear or highly structured orthopedic walking. Merrell has everyday footwear, but its strongest identity and deepest lineup remain tied to outdoor movement.

For broader comparisons, see our best trail walking shoes, best trail running shoes and best hiking shoes for flat feet guides.

Frequently asked questions about Merrell shoes