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Merrell Tactical Boots Review | Are They Worth Your Money?

For every outdoor adventurer, guard officers, or law enforcement professionals, you know deep down how much you need a dependable pair of tactical boots.

Although any seasoned hiker is no stranger to Merrell’s hiking boots, tactical operators seem to have some confusion over Merrell’s tactical footwear line.

You might hear a lot about Merrell hiking boots that are excellently comfortable and durable. In this article, you will get to know Merrell tactical boots – a new range of tactical footwear for the toughest of jobs that are leveled up from outstanding Merrell hiking boots.

Launched not long after 2019, Merrell tactical footwear aimed to firmly commit highly functional designs that are innovatively durable, versatile, comfortable, and high-performing all together for those who work on hard duties.

In this product line, the wearer can get one of the most endurable footwear, ventilated styles, and trusted quality without sacrificing your comfortability and lightweight right out of the box.

Though being the latest product line of births compared to other competitors in the market, Merrell tactical boots have found ways to effectively overcome competitor’s weaknesses to produce a higher-performance line.

That’s why we believe you should really get yourself a pair of Merrell boots if you’re about to take on your tactical missions.

Are Merrell boots any good?

Yes, definitely they are!

Of all the great Merrell tactical boots launched, the classic design of MOAB, an acronym for “Mother of All Boots”, has always been the legendary spirit of the brand.

When you look at any tactical boot that is in Moab design, you immediately think of Merrell.

Besides, the boot maker has also developed other inventive tactical boots that excessively meet all condition requirements such as deserts, jungles, winter, or mountains.

With their expertise in creating top-rated hiking boots, the brand has upgraded the best features of these boots to create a new lineup for more extreme conditions of use, called tactical boots that enhance agility and “out-of-the-box” comfort.

Whether you are in the military, law enforcement, or in need of authorized safety work boots, you can always find good reasons to pick a pair of Merrell tactical boots.

Outstanding agility

Those looking to buy tactical boots are always the ones who are about to go on arduous journeys on their quests under extreme-terrain conditions. And the flexibility and agility in each of their movements are extremely important, even playing a vital role.

Therefore, Merrell tactical boots are specially designed to energize the wearer’s every step of the way. Molded nylon arch shank for midfoot is added to the boot to enhance energy-return and stability-and-flexibility.

The Merrell air cushion in the heel improves shock-absorption to give the wearer stability in sudden, fast, and agile jumping, turning, and running movements.

Exceptional durability

Merrell’s tactical boot line is made from quality and wear-resistant traditional leather and ripstop textiles to excellently fight against the toughest duties such as hunting or military services.

While enduring the higher level of durability, these well-made boots are also guaranteed the same level of softness that promises the lowest break-in period (usually a few days or as soon as you open the box).

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Excellent comfortability

The high level of comfortability of Merrell boots comes from excessive foot support features.

The brand has worked hard to provide exceptional no-overbearing arch support, roomy toe area, great ankle support, and right-length laces that perfectly fit your foot right out the box.

Many users said that when they bought these boots for any outdoor activities like fishing, working, or running, the footwear, for sure, surpassed their expectations.

Trusted safety/ protection

Merrell is one of the trusted tactical footwear makers that focus intensively on developing a safety work boot line.

The boot has a Heat-resistant outsole that protects for brief periods of contact even exceeding 500 °F.

The boot also features a lightweight composite safety toe and satisfies EH-rated ASTM F2413-18.

Great waterproofness/ Ventilation

The flagship MOAB design of Merrell boots is something that provides a high level of ventilation naturally.

The mesh/textile grooves running along the boot body up to the upper part create good ventilation while increasing the lightweight capacity of the product.

Some signature waterproof Moab tactical boots are provided with waterproof PU coated leather and ripstop textile upper that commits 100% water-resistance. Other designs deliver a moderate level of waterproofness in normal-to-light mid conditions.

Wonder how to waterproof tactical boots? We have a thorough guide here.

waterproof Merrell Moab tactical boots

Great lightweight

The net weight of Merrell tactical boots is only about 880g to ~1300g, making them one of the lightest tactical footwear lines in the market today.

You will find it so flexible and light when running or performing complicated movements.

A narrow range of styles

Merrell Moab boots have always been many user favorites with their bold and athletic vibes. But, if you are looking for something more uniquely swagger and fashionable, you probably won’t find what you need in Merrell tactical boot designs.

Let us summarize both the strengths and weaknesses of the Merrell tactical boot line on the table below for you to make your own evaluation.

Merrell tactical boots review table

Overall FeaturesEditor’s Rating
Comfortability⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Flexibility⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Durability⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Waterproof⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Lightweight⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Style⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Prices⭐ ⭐ ⭐  (quite pricey than other brands)
Real user’s experience⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Safety/ Protection⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Customer service⭐ ⭐ ⭐  (not too competitive)

Another drawback of Merrell tactical boots is that they tend to run smaller ½ size than sports shoes. Therefore, the buyer should be aware of this thing when shopping online.

To help you find the right size of tactical boots, you can see more here.

7 Best Merrell Moab Tactical Boots Review

Here, we bring you thorough reviews of Merrell tactical boots to help you understand clearly their boot lines and make sure that your money is invested in the right place.

Check them out and find your best suit!

Best overall tactical boot line: Merrell Moab tactical boots review

The signature Merrell Moab tactical boot line appears particularly in the flagship Moab design that you can obviously notice when looking at the boots right in the first place.

This line is made for tactical uses with varying heights, ranging from high-top 8” boots to 6” boots and low-cut tactical shoes. For that reason, you can definitely perform all light-to-tough jobs in harsh terrains such as riding, running, hiking, trad climbing, and guard duties.

You can definitely perform a lot of comfortable standing, walking, and even combat on this boot for up to 10 hours every day.

This Moab line also comes with the Moab Work Boot line which is one of the best safety work boots you should have. They are super durable, lightweight, and fairly cool all day long without loss of circulation.

They also deliver a high level of protection that exceeds ASTM standards.

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  • Waterproof leather and textile ripstop upper
  • Special-patterned Virbac TC5+ outsole for effective traction on any terrain
  • Side zipper: Yes
  • Merrell air cushion featuring better shock-absorption and anti-foot fatigue
  • Hard-duty metal eyelets
  • Waterproofness: ranging from Humble (or moderate) to Excellent
  • Durability: ranging from Moderate to Excellent
  • Lightweight: Great
  • Style: traditional Moab
  • Comfortability: Excellent

Most comfortable tactical boots: Merrell Moab 8″ tactical response boots

This Merrell Moab 8″ tactical response boot is one of the comfiest tactical boots you have ever worn that makes you feel like you are wearing trainers.

The boot is still comfortable for up to 14 hours standing on them. Your foot feels pleasant without getting any foot fatigue at the end of the day.

However, there are a few drawbacks of this product that we would like you to notice.

The boot seems not to last longer than a few snow storms with moist and cold feet, according to the wearer feedback. You also may find the sole starting to fall apart after months of wear.

Therefore, we suggest you consider the after-sale service and guarantee policies before making a decision.

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  • Waterproof leather and fabric upper
  • Polishable soft toe
  • KINETIC FIT™ blended EVA contoured footbed for better heel support
  • Merrell heel air cushion helps absorb better shocks
  • Waterproofness: Moderate
  • Durability: Moderate
  • Lightweight: Great
  • Style: traditional Moab
  • Comfortability: Excellent

Best waterproof tactical boots: Merrell Men’s Moab 2 8” waterproof tactical boots

You will definitely be impressed by the effective waterproof feature of these Merrell Men’s Moab 2 8” waterproof tactical boots.

You can even wash them off several times to remove dust and mud then immediately wear them up afterward.

The boots will incredibly dry out quickly without any moisture getting inside the boot. This is due to their waterproof PU-coated leather and ripstop textile upper for better water resistance.

Besides, the boot provides appropriate arch support and perfect fit but you may still experience some little footsore after a few days of wearing them.

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  • Waterproof PU coating on the leather and upper part
  • Special-patterned Virbac TC5+ outsole for effective traction on any terrain
  • Side zipper: Yes
  • Merrell heel air cushion reduces greatly foot fatigue
  • Made in the USA or can be imported
  • Waterproofness: Great
  • Durability: Moderate
  • Lightweight: Great
  • Style: traditional Moab
  • Comfortability: Excellent

Best light-duty tactical boots: Merrell Moab 2 mid tactical boots

These Merrell Moab 2 mid tactical boots are meant to be made for light-duty police, law enforcement, SWAT, and guard duties. They are serious pieces of stuff.

The boots are truly durable and can last for 8 months of frequent use. If you are a sort of outdoorsman, this boy is perfect for you to do running, hiking, riding or even trad climbing.

The boot features exclusive advanced materials and Strobel waterproof construction that can resist sand, water, ankle-high mud, oil-based water, and water-based stains, making it a perfect option for extreme terrains.

The boot also provides excellent waterproofness – one of the most important features for duty jobs, with waterproof PU coated leather and ripstop textile upper.

KINETIC FIT™ blended EVA footbed delivers effective arch and heel support for up to 12 hours standing on the boots.

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  • Merrell M Select™ DRY impermeable membrane for a moisture-and-sweat wick
  • Non-metallic materials
  • KINETIC FIT™ blended EVA contoured footbed for better heel support and arch support
  • Merrell heel air cushion
  • Vibram® TC5+ outsole for better traction and grip in all terrains
  • Strobel waterproof construction
  • Side zipper: No
  • Waterproofness: Great
  • Durability: Great
  • Lightweight: Great
  • Style: traditional Moab
  • Comfortability: Excellent

Best multipurpose tactical boots: Merrell Moab 2 Defense Unisex Tactical Work Boot

These Merrell Moab 2 Defense tactical work boots are really something you can’t resist. They can handle every situation from light-duty missions, work boots to heavy-duty jobs.

Many users admit that this product is one of the best comfortable boots that they have ever worn in their whole life as servicemen.

The boot is heavenly fitting, comfy, and easy to clean due to its cement construction and well-made suede and textile upperparts.

It seems to run a little bit bigger for narrow feet but it would be perfectly fitting for wide feet.

The boot also provides great breathability due to breathable mesh lining that is perfect for the hot weather and desert terrains.

Besides, with outstanding features for multipurpose use, the boot price is really something excessive-value-for-the-money.

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  • Anti-abrasion suede and textile upper parts
  • Non-metallic materials, Composite toe
  • COMFORTBASE™ rubberized EVA midsole for better shock absorption
  • Merrell heel air cushion improves shock-absorption performance
  • COMFORTBASE™ contoured footbed for added comfortability
  • Side zipper: Yes
  • Waterproofness: Great
  • Durability: Excellent
  • Lightweight: Moderate
  • Style: traditional Moab
  • Comfortability: Excellent

Best winter tactical boots: Merrell Thermo Rogue tactical ice+ winter boots

These Merrell Thermo Rogue Ice+ tactical boots are designed specially in a durable and sturdy form despite the weight due to their full-grain leather material.

However, the boot will not weigh your steps down causing foot fatigue and foot pains. It provides great grip and traction on ice and snow surfaces due to the Vibram® Arctic Grip® MixGrip™ outsole design.

You will find it awesome in keeping your feet warm while remaining dry and comfortable inside.

The soft textile upper and collar design leaves the wearer no time for the break-in and you will feel comfortable to wear right out the box.

This boot line is excellent for a winter work boot, winter outdoor activities, and sub-zero temperature hard-duty jobs.

Merrell J1777707.5 Thermo Rogue Tactical WP ICE+ - Black Black 07.5
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  • Anti-abrasion full-grain leather
  • Kinetic Fit™ Advanced insole
  • FLEXconnect™ dual-directional flex-groove EVA midsole for foot support and stability
  • Vibram® Arctic Grip® MixGrip™ outsole design for great traction and grip on slippery surfaces
  • Side zipper: No
  • Waterproofness: Great
  • Durability: Moderate
  • Lightweight: Moderate
  • Style: Traditional
  • Comfortability: Excellent

Best military tactical boots: Merrell MQC 2 tactical boots

These Merrell MQC 2 tactical boots are best known for their durability, comfortability, and multipurpose uses.

The boot is super lightweight and breathable that is perfect for hot and desert conditions.

It holds up great and you can wear it for hiking and several landscape jobs, for sure. They can still last long, you can really feel it.

This Merrell boot features plenty of cushions, yet, remains superb breathability and ventilation due to its cement textile construction. The boot is made for both training and field no matter what kinda jobs you take.

Being one of the most lightweight AR 670-1 military boots, the product has almost nothing to complain about.

There are a few people who will experience the short longevity as they possibly see the front outsole separated from the boot after months of heavy use. So you should pay attention to maintain the boot well.

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  • Anti-abrasion suede and textile uppers
  • Kinetic Fit Advanced removable insole for arch support and better maintenance
  • Merrell Heel Air Cushion provides better comfort
  • Merrell M Select™ GRIP rubber outsole for durable traction and grip
  • Side zipper: No
  • Waterproofness: Great
  • Durability: Great
  • Lightweight: Excellent
  • Style: Military simplicity
  • Comfortability: Excellent

Other questions

Are Merrell tactical boots waterproof?

Yes, they are. Merrell tactical boots provide a very appropriate waterproofing feature for all of their tactical footwear in general. However, the level of waterproofness may vary from model to model.

Some flagship Merrell Moab waterproof boots such as Moab 2 8″ Tactical Waterproof Boot has added fully waterproof PU coating on the outer surface for both leather and upper, bringing up excellent water resistance.

Are Merrell boots made in China?

Yes, Merrell has brought their production to Asia since the 2000s, especially in China and Vietnam to shorten the gap with Asian customers.

Yet, their American quality root has remained the same wherever you bought their authentic boots.

Who owns Merrell? Does Wolverine own Merrell?

Merrell has been an owned subsidiary of giant shoemaker Wolverine World Wide since 1997.

However, the business was purchased by Karhu in 1987. And the owner decided to move their production to Asia then.

Ten years later in 1997, Merrell returned to Wolverine World Wide by the acquisition of Karhu, the brand’s sale volume worthed $23 million at that time.

Until now, Wolverine has remained to own Merrell and extended the business more intensively and bigger.

Do Merrell tactical boots run wide or narrow?

Many users feedback that some Merrell tactical boots tend to run bigger 1/2 size, some may run wider ½ size than their usual experience, depending on a particular model.

This is since some of the users prefer to wear a pair of boots that is ½ size larger than their actual size.

Therefore, they will feel much more comfortable and fit to stand on the boot all day long.

many soldiers wearing Merrell tactical boots

Yet, you should also know the fact that, the longer you wear boots, the wider they tend to be.

To solve the situation where you bought the wrong size, the brand provides free a Shipping and Exchange policy for online shopping directly on their official site: www.merrell.com/US/en/home. So feel free to contact the brand to get your size exchanged unconditionally.

Do Merrell Moab tactical boots run big?

It seems like Merrell Moab tactical boots run smaller than you think, according to the user’s feedback. Some will experience a smaller form with the same size as other Merrell tactical boot lines.

Their toes may touch the tip of the boot, making them kinda uncomfortable and unsatisfying after wearing the boot hours later.

Therefore, we encourage you to try the boot directly at the brand’s offline stores. So, you can pick yourself the best-fit ones.

Are Merrell Moab 2 waterproof tactical boots air force authorized?

No, they are not. Merrell Moab 2 waterproof tactical boots don’t even satisfy the AR670-1 Compliant with OCP before being approved by AFI 36-2903 with OCP (Operational Camouflage Pattern).

The regulations for authorized American Air Force Boots were facing a big change starting from 2020. The uniform boots will officially be back in the Sage Green variant that has been in service since 2003, after OCP mandatory date on 1 April 2021.

According to the announcement, the tan boots will be temporarily available to wear with OCP during this transition time but will have to be replaced before the due date.

Therefore, MERRELL MQC 2.0 TACTICAL BOOTS are still authorized air force tactical boots with AR670-1 approved and AFI 36-2903 approved with OCP until 1 April 2021.

Do Merrell tactical boots keep your feet warm?

Not all Merrell tactical boots keep your feet warm. Because some product lines are made for hot and humid conditions such as deserts and jungles. Therefore, you can’t expect that much warmth from all of them.

But if you are looking for Merrell winter tactical boots, you can take a look at Merrell Work Men’s Thermo Rogue Tactical Waterproof Ice+. The boot is specially made for super cold and snow conditions.

It features full-grain leather, M Select™ WARM insulation, and Vibram® Arctic Grip® MixGrip™ outsole to improve heat retention and better grip on wet and snow surfaces.

Before you leave

If you have already accompanied a long history with Merrell hiking boots, you are now encouraged to enhance your previous experiences to be more intensive and protective with Merrell’s tactical boot line.

In that way, it will completely find worth reasons to wear their tactical boots for several outdoor activities ranging from normal walking, light running to hardcore guard duties, or military services.

After all, Merrell boots are worth every penny, even though they are expensive for real.

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