Merrell is the creator of some of the most popular hiking boots in the outdoor community. It creates boots that can be worn all day throughout the hot summer, or even just on your daily commute. It has garnered quite a reputation in North America for their comfortable and durable boots.
The Moab line has been around for over 10 years. However, the new Moab 2 line features the Moab 2 waterproof boot. This boot is very similar in design to the Merrell Pulsate. As it can be very difficult to distinguish between these boots, we have created this Merrell Pulsate vs Moab comparison.
Preview
Merrell Pulsate
Merrell Moab
Title
Merrell Men's Pulsate 2 LTR Hiking Shoe, Boulder, 07.5 M US
Merrell Men's Moab 2 Vent Hiking Shoe, Black Night, 13 M US
Before we get into our comparison, we would first like to highlight some of the features that make these two boots the same.
Comfortable and lightweight:
This may be a given for those who are used to buying hiking boots. But not all hiking boots are created equal in terms of comfort and weight. Indeed, the Pulsate and the Moab feature modern shoe technology that makes them especially comfortable to wear.
Athletic fit:
Unlike most hiking boots that are heavy (yet durable), the Pulsate and the Moab feature and athletic fit. This has to do with the way the shoe contours the foot, as well as the softness of the material around the boot. While some hiking boots are only suitable for walking, these boots can be used for running in the wild.
Versatility:
These boots are not just made for hiking. They are also great for everyday use, such as your daily commute or just traveling in urban areas. They do not look so rugged that they look out of place in the city.
Waterproofing:
We have chosen to compare the Waterproof Pulsate to the waterproof version of the Moab 2. These two boots are the most comparable when it comes to the waterproofing and materials used. They both have a dry membrane to keep the water out while keeping the shoe breathable. This stands in contrast with the Moab 2 Gore-Tex boot, and the Moab 2 Vent boot. The Moab 2 Waterproof boot stands in between the last two in terms of waterproofing.
Abrasion-resistant toe:
Just like the Pulsate, the Moab also has a protective rubber toe cap.
Both of these boots have abrasion-resistant toes. As you can see from the images above, there is a lining that extends from the outer sole to the top of the toe. This helps prevent uncomfortable chafing on the toes while walking on rocky terrain, and protects the boot from wear and tear.
Shock absorbent EVA footbed:
The Pulsate and the Moab carry the new EVA footbed technology. This allows for shock absorbency and prevents discomfort when the foot strikes the ground.
Bellows tongue:
The bellows tongue on these boots help to keep the dirt out, as well as the wetness.
Comparing Merrell Pulsate vs Moab
Now that you have a better idea about what makes these boots so great, we will inform you about the biggest differences between them. This means that you will be able to pick out the one that you feel is right for you.
Athleticism:
While both of these boots allow you to run with them, the Merrell Pulsate was specifically made for athletics.
Removable footbed:
The Pulsate features an EVA removable footbed. This footbed is treated with fresh odor control, which tends to be important when hiking for long periods of time. The Moab does not have this odor control treatment, but it does have a very cushiony EVA footbed. We do love the fact that the Pulsate footbed is removable because you can clean it and dry it out more easily.
Types of leather:
The Pulsate features Nubuck leather throughout various areas of its shaft. This makes it more durable on the outside than the Merrell Moab. However, the Moab 2 has a new and improved suede leather upper. This is an attractive feature of the Moab, and looks to be a very high quality. But it does not quite have the same durability as thick Nubuck leather.
Breathability:
The Moab features more fabric lining than the Pulsate. There is more breathability throughout the shaft of the boot in the Moab.
M-Select grip:
Merrell Pulsate is equipped with the M Select™ GRIP tune outsole for durable traction
The Pulsate uses Merrell’s special M-Select grip on the outer soles. The outer soles of the Pulsate are specifically designed to really dig into mud and release it. If you are going to be doing a lot of trekking through wet grounds, the Pulsate is a great selection.
Price Comparison
Despite the durability of the Pulsate with its Nubuck leather, it tends to be the less expensive. However, prices tend to change and the best place to view the lowest prices is on Amazon:
As you can see from the above, the Pulsate and the Moab vary in several features that can sway your decision one way or another. Overall, we feel that the Pulsate has more to offer to the average hiker. The Nubuck leather makes it more durable and less prone to wear. It also has a removable footbed and a special outer sole grip that allows it to effectively walk through muddy terrain.
If you prefer a boot that is lighter and slightly more breathable, then the Moab is also an excellent choice. The new Moab 2 just came out in 2017, and features many of the new Merrell shoe technologies.
We would like to hear your opinion on the Moab and the Pulsate. Please leave your comment below, as we would love to start a discussion with you.
