From Winter Boots to Fairway Footwear: Why I Trust Merrell

There are few brands I trust as much as Merrell. My loyalty started with a Christmas gift from my brother – a pair of Merrell winter boots that I wore into the ground over the next 10-15 years. They were warm, ridiculously comfortable and built to withstand Wisconsin’s worst winter conditions. So when I heard Merrell was getting into the golf shoe game, I was all in. Given my love for their boots, I had high expectations for the Moab Speed 2 Gore-Tex golf shoes – and aside from one small drawback, they’ve lived up to the hype.

Merrell’s Foray into Golf Footwear

Merrell has built a reputation for making some of the best outdoor footwear on the market – hiking boots, trail shoes, winter boots – you name it. Their entrance into the golf world is an exciting one, and honestly, it makes a lot of sense.

True golf addicts deal with many of the same elements hikers do, and a golf shoe designed with outdoor performance in mind is a compelling concept.

Their pricing is middle-of-the-road toward the high end, but given the brand’s track record for durability and comfort, I didn’t hesitate to give them a shot.

Moab Speed 2 Gore-Tex: Performance, Waterproofing and One Slight Drawback

The Moab Speed 2 Gore-Tex carries all the hallmarks of a Merrell product: durability, comfort and top-tier waterproofing. Here are a few key features that have stood out to me following a half season of play in them:

• Waterproofing: The Gore-Tex membrane makes these 100% waterproof, perfect for soggy or rainy rounds.
• Comfort: These are as comfortable as any golf shoe I’ve worn – zero break-in period, just straight out-of-the-box comfort.
• Traction: The outsole delivers excellent grip, keeping me planted and stable in all conditions.
• Looks: The Steel Blue colorway looks really sharp – it’s modern without being flashy.

The one issue? These shoes sit higher than most, which isn’t ideal for my golf swing. At 6’3″ to 6’4″, I’m already further from the ball than most, and with my irons not properly fitted for my height the added elevation forces me to bend more at setup. It’s not a deal breaker, but it’s something taller players may want to keep in mind.

Merrell’s Winter Boots: My Go-To for Cold Weather

Before I ever set foot on a golf course in Merrell shoes, I was living in their winter boots.

The Thermo Snowdrift Zip Mid Shell boots are my most recent pair, and they reinforce everything I already knew about Merrell: they’re warm, comfortable, waterproof and built to last.

Whether I’m snowblowing the driveway, walking through a foot of snow to bring my kids to the bus stop or just trying to stay warm, they are my go-to boots. They slip on easily and keep me comfortable in even the worst winter conditions. Their traction is also fantastic in icy conditions – I hate to admit that I’m getting older, but these do help keep me on my feet and off my butt when going down our steep driveway!

Why Merrell is a Brand You Can Trust

Merrell’s reputation wasn’t built overnight.

They’ve spent decades perfecting outdoor footwear, and their move into golf shoes is just an extension of what they already do so well.

If you’re looking for a shoe that’s comfortable, durable and can handle unpredictable on-course conditions, this is a brand you can count on.

Final Thoughts: Should You Try Merrell Golf Shoes?

If you’re a golf enthusiast who plays in all conditions and values comfort, waterproofing and durability, the Merrell Moab Speed 2 Gore-Tex golf shoes are well worth the investment.

The added height may be an adjustment if you’re taller (and don’t have irons that are correctly fitted to your length), but that’s the only real drawback I’ve found.

Given my history with Merrell’s winter boots and now their golf shoes, I can honestly say they continue to deliver. If you haven’t tried Merrell yet, now might be the time to add them to your golf rotation, especially late-winter like it is now when so much of their website is on sale.

Get your next favorite pair of golf shoes for rainy conditions on Merrell’s website today

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Images taken at Minocqua Country Club by my friend, Keith Lally, of @thesweetspotgolf