Merrill Moab Mids

I've used the Merrell Moab Ventilator Mid (the non-Gortex version of your boot) for two years in the Sierra. Did the JMT with it last year. Great shoe, but can benefit from added cushioning in the forefoot. I cut down a pair of gel soles and installed the desired pieces under my insoles. Worked great on all that rock. No foot pain. Walked right through the creeks with them, and they dried before I stopped for the day.

CAVEAT: Any water crossings within an hour of camp at the end of the day are best crossed carrying your boots; they won't have enough time to dry and you'll get to put on wet boots to start the next day. YMMV

Having used gortex boots in the sierra in prior years, I can truly say you will come to regret the GXT. If (when) you get water inside them, you'll blind the membrane and they'll take forever and a day to dry. They also don't breathe very well in the warmth along the PCT.

That would be my favorite shoe-boot … if Inov-8 roclites weren't so dang comfortable.

Ditto what Bob said about GTX … at least for my hot sweaty feet.

But at the end of the day, the most important thing in footwear is how it fits YOUR feet. Only one way to know that.

Thanks guys. I like GTX but may send 'em back if I feel the non-GTX boots would work OK.

I'm using some heat-mouldable insoles I got from REI so the forefoot should be protected enough. This wimpy sole problem is exactly why I didn't get Roclite boots. I'm hoping the Merrill Moabs aren't too wimpy.

I DO have Danner 453 mid weight boots but want something lighter for backpacking, yet not full-on "trail runners". Also the Danners proprietary lugged sole wears out too fast and those suckers are not resoleable.

I have Saloman trail runners and Moab Ventilator Mids – the Moabs are the ones that consistently and persistently suck in trail junk. Even the trail runners don't attract as much junk. I wear light gaiters with the Ventilators, either the Equinox gaiter or some Dirty Girls. I love how cool and light they are, otherwise.

Lori, do you mean the Ventilators take in stuff thru the mesh or over the tops?

The Moab Mid boots that I ordered have a GTX lining and are higher than the Ventiators.

…

I just picked up the low top version a couple weeks ago and they were very comfortable right outta the box. My feet usually sweat a lot and after some 6 to 8 mile day hikes my feet were relatively dry. They're fairly lightweight, have good grip and I really like them so far.

My only slight complaint is that the sole does appear to be a little weak and I'm experiencing some minor foot discomfort after my hikes. But I am doing a lot of off trail hiking in rocky uneven terrain so I'm sure that's part of the problem. I just bought some thicker socks to see if the additional padding will help. If not I'll try some new insoles.

Both – I have to stop and empty rocks and small stuff a couple times every few miles. and by the end of the day my feet are filthy. Some of the trails I'm frequently on are used by pack animals – the silty dust goes right through the mesh.

And you do feel every rock in the trail, which is fun in the Sierras where they use granite in making a lot of steps, water bars, and trail beds.

The low top version are my preferred footwear. I actually wear mine around town as well as on the trail. I haven't done anything to rough with them and I find them quite comfortable. however I don't have any experience with the mid-cut version.

Lorie,

I cringe when you say that "you do feel every rock in the trail." That I do NOT want and will send 'em right back if that is how they've obtained their light weight. Gossamer soles are a cheater's way to a light weight boot. Using the correct design AND proper compounding of advanced sole materials is the honest way.

Nothing worse than sore feet that have been beat up by trail rocks. Soles are there to PROTECT yer feet, not just for traction.
No protection, no sale.