Recently I started using the Merrell Moab Flight. It’s my first Merrell shoe and I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’ve wanted to try Merrell for quite some time but the opportunity never presented itself (read: I have a lot of trail shoes at the moment).
Merrell Moab Flight Quick Stats:
Weight: 9 oz
Heel to Toe Drop: 10 mm
Price: $120
Merrell Moab Flight Introduction:
The Merrell Moab Flight is designed to run on trails. If you’ve ever hiked, you’ve likely heard of Merrell but they haven’t made their way into the trail running community. The Merrell Moab Flight is designed as a faster version of the Moab hiking boot. It’s more of an easy or long run on trails type of shoe.
Merrell Moab Flight Fit:
I wanted to like the Merrell Moab Flight fit more than I did. It feels as if the toe box is slightly too wide and a little loose. It’s not a wide shoe but it fits more like a box than a running shoe. The fit of the Merell Moab Flight is really my only gripe and it feels a little sloppy. I could see them having a tighter mid foot and keeping the toe box the same.
As someone who appreciates eco friendly shoes, I opted for the “Eco Dyed” version. The Merrell Moab Flight and Merrell Moab Flight Eco Dyed are the same outsole but the uppers are slightly different.
The Eco-Dyed Version is:
- 100% recycled mesh upper
- 100% recycled laces
- 100% recycled heel pull tab
- Recycled webbing upper features
- Recycled tongue patch label
- 100% recycled TPU reinforcements
- 40% recycled mesh lining
- 50% recycled mesh-lined removable PU insole
- Vibram® EcoStep is 30% recycled rubber
So many recycled pieces! I appreciate that Merrell is committed to the use of recycled materials and sustainability.
Minus the toe box, the Merrell Moab Flight fits fairly well. I am a strong believer that running shoe uppers should disappear off your feet and the Merrell Moab Flight does just that. It just feels a little more sloppy than I prefer.
In running shoes, I usually wear between a women’s size 10-11 wide. I found the Merrell Moab Flight size 10.5 to fit the best.
Merrell Moab Flight Ride:
The Moab Flight is designed to be versatile on the trails and in my experience, I’ve found it to be just that. I’ve already run on sandy trails as well as snow and ice and had fairly good traction.
The Moab Flight uses a “FloatPro Foam” midsole. It’s much lighter than many other trail options but is also designed to last. That also makes it more versatile. It’s a trail shoe I would feel comfortable bringing for most types of trail runs and distances.
Interestingly enough, unlike many trail shoes with lower drops, the Moab Flight has a 10 mm drop. I don’t necessarily feel that while running but something to take note.
Durability and Traction: The 3 mm lugs and Vibram outsole make the Moab Flight able to grip most types of terrain. Despite having just 3 mm lugs, the Vibram outsole helps to gain traction. Without Vibram, I think you’d find yourself sliding around more.
I’ve used them for snow, sand, and dirt trails and they’ve been fine. My only limitation would be how well they would do on a water-logged trail or running through miles of mud. I would probably grab the Saucony Peregrine 11 ST for the that. I’ve already put over 100 miles on the Moab Flight and they feel fine and with no signs to wear out. I suspect they’ll last a full 400 miles.
As mentioned, I’ve used the Moab Flight for most types of trails and it’s been fine. It lives up the hype of being My only real limitation with it is going through muddy or extremely wet trails.
Merrell Moab Flight Conclusion:
The Moab Flight is a great all purpose trail shoe. We are seeing more of these trail shoes that can be used for several different types of trails.
Plus unlike many trail shoes, the 10 mm is a great option for those who need a higher drop but also want a low profile shoe. My only real complaint is the awkward fitting upper, especially in the toe box.
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: Brooks Aurora, Diadora Mythos Blushield Volo, New Balance 1080 v11, Hoka Bondi 7, Brooks Levitate 5
Speed Work: 361 Flame, Nike Tempo Next%, New Balance Fuelcell TC Shoe Review, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro,
Long Runs: Hoka Clifton Edge, Under Armour Sonic HOVR 3
Trail Running/Hiking: Merrell Moab Flight, Hoka Torrent 2, Saucony Peregrine 11, North Face Flight VECTIV
Races: Asics Metaspeed Sky,Hoka One One Rocket X, adidas Adizero Pro,New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Nike Next%, Saucony Endorphin Pro, New Balance fuelcell TC, Reebok Run fast Pro
You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.
Looking to learn more about running shoes? In my ebook, I talk about why you need a good running shoe, a shoe’s anatomy, neutral vs. stable, and even myths of running shoes.
Questions for you:
Have you tried the Merrell Moab Flight?
What is your favorite trail shoe?
I currently have a pair but have only run in them a couple times (like you, many shoes!). The large drop felt/feels weird walking around but it hasn’t really bothered me while running. I usually half size down in Merrell which maybe counters that sloppy feel. Previously, I liked the Skyfire model which is still available on the EU site but not the US :(((