Bushwalk Australia

I'm trying to choose between Merrell 'Moab' boots (rrp $249) and Merrell 'Enuma' boots (also rrp $249... but on sale for $99).

With similar appearance and specs, it seems that the Moab is the updated version of the Enuma. The Moab has a vibram sole and goretex waterproofing (instead of the generic sole and waterproofing used in the Enuma).

But is it worth paying $249 (for the vibram and goretex) instead of $99? I've googled it, and some folks complain about the Enuma's waterproofing giving out within a matter of months. But for all I know, the Moab's goretex waterproofing might be equally unreliable.

Anyone got any advice or comments?

the moab 'ventilator' summer booots-no gore-tex have had good reviews.

you can get the gore-tex ones cheaper here:
http://www.amazon.com/Merrell-Mens-Moab ... sbs_shoe_4
, although postage might be another $20 or so. I just bought the missus some merrell trail shoes from amazon.

The vibram rubber soles are very good as the rubber is quite sticky and soft. The tread depth is another factor as is sole stiffness etc. depends upon what kind of walking thatyoou're doing imho.

250 $ for Moab boots is REALLY expensive when the US price is half that... Anyway, Merrell aren't praised for being extremely durable. Lots of reviews emphasizing this problem, although they seem to be brilliant when still in one piece (similar problems with other American brands such as Keen apparently...). But at 250 $, no way, it's a rip-off. Merrell's slight unreliability has always been compensated by their cheap prices, if you don't have that, forget it. Keen's equivalent is the Keen Targhee II, but it doesn't seem to be the most bullet proof either. Then again, if you intend to use it on day walks, and not batter them weeks at a time in scrub and mud it will be fine.

Regarding the Enuma, from a couple of google searches, it looks like an old model that nobody wants (and the sole looks quite thin...). I'd stay away from it.

Extremely happy with my Moab Ventilators. Stay away from GoreTeX IMO.

Strider wrote:... Stay away from GoreTeX IMO.

Hi Strider, just interested to learn why you don't like Goretex? They seem to be the "in thing" when it comes to waterproofing?

The only negative I've read is that, once your feet are wet, they don't dry as quickly in Goretex shoes.

Hallu wrote:250 $ for Moab boots is REALLY expensive when the US price is half that... Anyway, Merrell aren't praised for being extremely durable...Then again, if you intend to use it on day walks, and not batter them weeks at a time in scrub and mud it will be fine.

Regarding the Enuma, from a couple of google searches, it looks like an old model that nobody wants (and the sole looks quite thin...). I'd stay away from it.

Thanks Hallu. This is all very useful, as I'm not an experienced bushwalker and I'm trying to learn from other people's experience.

I have broad feet, and Merrell's and Keen's are the broadest (so I'm told). But Keen's are really brick-shaped, whereas I have high arches, so Merrell's are the best fit for my feet.

Thanks for the heads-up about American prices. And yes, I'll mainly be doing day-walking with an occasional 1 or 2 night thru-hike, so they don't need to be the most durable shoes on the market. Comfort is my number one priority, a good fit to prevent blisters. I've just bought some Injinji toe socks!

I think I've decided to go with the $99 Enumas just to see how comfortable they are out on the trail. If I like the fit, I can always think about better Merrell's (such as the Ventilators?) for my next purchase.

GreenLight wrote:

Strider wrote:... Stay away from GoreTeX IMO.

Hi Strider, just interested to learn why you don't like Goretex? They seem to be the "in thing" when it comes to waterproofing?

Not sure where you got that impression? Most bushwalkers hate goretex in footwear. It is hot, doesn't breathe well and takes ages to dry when wet.

And doesn't stop the water coming in that big hole at the top

GreenLight wrote:

Hallu wrote:250 $ for Moab boots is REALLY expensive when the US price is half that... Anyway, Merrell aren't praised for being extremely durable...Then again, if you intend to use it on day walks, and not batter them weeks at a time in scrub and mud it will be fine.

Regarding the Enuma, from a couple of google searches, it looks like an old model that nobody wants (and the sole looks quite thin...). I'd stay away from it.

Thanks Hallu. This is all very useful, as I'm not an experienced bushwalker and I'm trying to learn from other people's experience.

I have broad feet, and Merrell's and Keen's are the broadest (so I'm told). But Keen's are really brick-shaped, whereas I have high arches, so Merrell's are the best fit for my feet.

Thanks for the heads-up about American prices. And yes, I'll mainly be doing day-walking with an occasional 1 or 2 night thru-hike, so they don't need to be the most durable shoes on the market. Comfort is my number one priority, a good fit to prevent blisters. I've just bought some Injinji toe socks!

I think I've decided to go with the $99 Enumas just to see how comfortable they are out on the trail. If I like the fit, I can always think about better Merrell's (such as the Ventilators?) for my next purchase.

I am extremely prone to blisters, and I've tried Injinji socks : worst mistake ever. Since they cling on the spaces between your toes, you ALSO get blisters there, and in all the other usual places... Worthless to me. It worked for some people, not for me. They're not comfortable. Double socks and good fitting shoes will never be beaten.