Merrell Moab XCR

The Merrell Moab is available in an XCR waterproof hiking shoe (*Est. $120) or this mid-height boot, and a non-waterproofed Ventilator version (*Est. $90) that is also available in low- and mid-heights. We couldn't find any published professional reviews for the Moab's XCR version, but user reviews agree that both the boot and shoe are comfortable and lightweight, and generally offer good traction. However one user notes that the mid-height boot is only waterproof until you actually submerge it in water -- then, at least for some unlucky owners, the boot will start to leak. These complaints about leakage and poor waterproofing echo across user reviews from both Cabelas.com and REI.com.

The user reviews on Moosejaw.com are more complimentary, applauding the combination of very light, comfortable shoes with a waterproof membrane that, according to user reviews, works well in heavy rain and puddles. Owners seem evenly divided across the waterproofing line; they love the shoes and mid-height boots if the waterproofing works, and feel understandably disappointed if they leak. Although most waterproof shoes and boots will have at least occasional concerns about leakage -- especially after heavy wear -- a number of models received much better reviews, including the Lowa Renegade II GTX Lo hiking shoe (*Est. $170) and the budget-priced Hi-Tec Altitude IV boot (*Est. $90).

Navigating the user reviews on Cabela's website is challenging, because the various Merrell Moab XCR and Ventilator models aren't always clearly labeled. We found the most reviews of both mid- and low-height XCRs at REI.com, but those reviews seem more critical than those at Moosejaw.com.