The Merrell Moab 3 Synthetic Ice Mid Waterproof is a winter Moab that came out on Oct 9, 2026. It costs ¥28,600 (incl. tax) and comes in unisex sizes from 22.0 to 30.0 cm. If you want one pair for snowy hill trails and icy city streets, it's a buy.
The Gear Nerd's Pick
The Ice outsole combines two rubbers: Vibram Arctic Grip All Terrain, which grips wet ice, and Vibram XS Trek Evo, which flexes on wet pavement. That's why I'd point anyone expecting half their route to be frozen toward this pair rather than the regular Moab. You can't tell the rubber apart just by looking at the shoe.
Key points
- Price gap vs. the standard Moab 3 Synthetic Mid GORE-TEX: ¥5,500 (28,600 − 23,100)
- The last is wider than the regular Moab and made for thick socks. The speed laces can be tightened even with gloves on
- The waterproof membrane is Merrell's own, not GORE-TEX
When does the Moab 3 Synthetic Ice come out? Price answer
It came out Oct 9, 2026. The mid is ¥28,600 and the low is ¥26,400 (both incl. tax). Sizes run 22.0 to 29.0 cm plus 30.0 cm, unisex with no men's/women's split.
It's sold at Merrell's Shibuya store, the official online store, and retailers mainly in Hokkaido and Tohoku. It's a shoe sold chiefly in regions with long winters.
How I judged it
The first thing I looked at was the outsole rubber. It has Vibram Arctic Grip All Terrain for wet ice, a combination the regular Moab doesn't offer. Next I compared prices: it costs ¥5,500 more than the Moab 3 Synthetic Mid GORE-TEX. What gave me pause is that the membrane isn't GORE-TEX. I still recommend it, because on winter trails the trouble is frozen ground more than water. It suits anyone who wants one pair for winter hill trails and snowy streets.
Image: Rakuten Ichiba
Merrell Moab 3 Synthetic Ice Mid Waterproof
Lowest price on Rakuten: ¥25,740 (as of 10/18). Prices change daily.
RecommendedSee it on RakutenMoab 3 Ice vs. the regular Moab 3
| Item | Ice Mid WP | Synthetic Mid GTX |
|---|---|---|
| Official price | ¥28,600 | ¥23,100 |
| Outsole | Vibram Arctic Grip All Terrain and XS Trek Evo | 5mm lugs |
| Waterproof membrane | Merrell's own waterproof membrane | GORE-TEX |
| Last | Wider than the regular Moab | Medium or wide |
| Sizes | 22.0 to 30.0 cm (unisex) | Men's start at 25.0 cm |
The outsole rubber was swapped out for winter
Here I'll gush. Almost all of the Ice's value is packed into the outsole. It pairs Arctic Grip, which bites on wet ice, with XS Trek Evo, which follows your foot's flex on wet ground. It's built for frozen winter paths and for walking on wet ice.
Inside is a Kinetic Fit ADVANCED footbed with added heel cushioning and a nylon shank that supports the arch. The toe and heel are covered in rubber.
A wider last, made for thick socks and gloves
The last has more room than the regular Moab. It's built to fit winter-thick socks, and the speed laces can be tightened with gloves on. The tongue is a bellows type, a shape that keeps dirt and small stones out.
If you insist on GORE-TEX, the Moab 3 Synthetic Mid GORE-TEX is still there. It's ¥5,500 cheaper, too.
Image: Rakuten Ichiba
Merrell Moab 3 Synthetic Mid GORE-TEX
Lowest price on Rakuten: ¥17,954 (as of 10/13). Prices vary by shop, up to ¥23,100, and change daily.
RecommendedSee it at L-BreathSee it on RakutenSee it on Yahoo! Shopping JapanWhy a winter version of the staple Moab?
The Moab 3 is Merrell's signature hiking shoe. The Ice keeps the name and shape but swaps the outsole, last and membrane for winter use. My read: it looks like a Moab, but only the sole of the foot is dressed for winter.
The upper is synthetic and mesh, and the lining is 100% recycled mesh, so it's vegan with no animal-derived materials. Mid and low together come in four colors: Black, Dark Moss, Talus and Latte. They won't look out of place walking through town on the way home from a winter hike.
Low or mid: which one?
The low Ice Waterproof is ¥26,400, ¥2,200 less than the mid. If your route has snow up to the ankle, I'd pick the mid. If you mostly walk cleared city streets, the low is enough.
Image: Rakuten Ichiba
Merrell Moab 3 Synthetic Ice Waterproof (low)
Lowest price on Rakuten: ¥23,760 (as of 10/18). Prices vary by shop, up to ¥26,400, and change daily.
RecommendedSee it on RakutenThings to watch
The weak spot: this is for hiking in snow, rain and on ice, and for winter life in town. It isn't a winter mountaineering boot, so on days with frozen trails you'll want traction gear on top of the shoes. I compared chain spikes and light crampons in the winter traction article.
If you're shopping for a shoe for snow-free mountains, the comparisons you want are in the hiking boot rankings.
FAQ
When does the Moab 3 Synthetic Ice come out?
It came out Oct 9, 2026. The mid is ¥28,600 and the low is ¥26,400 (incl. tax).
How is the Moab 3 Ice different from the regular Moab 3?
The outsole, the last and the waterproof membrane. The Ice uses Arctic Grip for wet ice, has a wider last, and Merrell's own membrane.
How does the Moab 3 Ice fit?
It has a wider last than the regular Moab, made for thick socks. Sizes run 22.0 to 29.0 cm plus 30.0 cm, unisex.
