Moab Speed 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots
What We Love
- • Lightweight, sneaker-like feel
- • Strong traction on dirt, rocks, and pedals
- • Comfortable out of the box
- • Versatile across hiking, biking, and everyday use
Worth Knowing
- • Waterproofing handles wet conditions, not full submersion
- • Toe area can wear faster with heavy use
- • Runs warm in hot weather
- • Standard laces aren’t kid-friendly (easy fix with elastic)
- • Limited sizes
The Merrell Big Kid’s Moab Speed 2 Mid Waterproof is a lightweight hiking boot for kids who move between trails, bikes, playgrounds, and everyday wear. It feels more like a cushioned sneaker than a traditional hiking boot, which makes it easier for kids to wear for full days without complaining about stiff or bulky footwear.
The grippy sole is the main reason to choose it over a regular sneaker. The large lugs on the outsole work well on dirt, rocks, wet grass, and uneven ground, and it also has enough bite to feel secure on bike pedals. The mid-height design gives a little more coverage than a low shoe without turning it into a heavy boot.
The waterproofing is useful for light rain, wet grass, puddles, and muddy trails. It is not built for full submersion or rainy days, where water can eventually work its way in. For most trail days and shoulder-season use, it gives kids more protection than a normal sneaker while staying lighter and easier to move in than a full hiking boot.
Durability is generally solid, but the textile around the toe can show wear faster if your kid drags their feet, scrambles over rocks, or is especially hard on shoes. The standard laces can also be annoying for younger kids. We found swapping in elastic laces makes them much easier to get on and off without help.
For kids who need one shoe for hikes, light wet conditions, travel, and everyday outdoor use, the Moab Speed 2 Mid Waterproof hits a useful middle ground between sneaker and hiking boot.
