A Collision of Legacies
Picture Japan’s Tsubame-Sanjo metal-working district at dawn—sparks from a forge reflecting in river water—then cut to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, granite underfoot and white-pines clawing the clouds. That’s the crossroads where the Snow Peak x Merrell Moab Speed 2 GORE-TEX was born. Snow Peak has honed mountaineering gear since 1958, preaching austere functionality. Merrell, meanwhile, spent four decades turning the Moab into the “Mother of All Boots.” Their first-ever collaboration doesn’t politely shake hands; it bolts heritage to innovation and sprints for higher ground.
Design Philosophy: Ashes, Ember, Afterglow
Forget neon accents and loud logos. The Snow Peak x Merrell Moab Speed 2 GORE-TEX wears a monochrome grey gradient that whispers of bonfire ash drifting on cold mountain air. Reflective touches flicker at the heel and pull-loop—more signal flare than fashion statement—while co-branding hides on the insole like a secret handshake between gearheads. The included storage bag doubles as urban accessory, proving Snow Peak’s belief that functional tools deserve gallery lighting.
Technical Backbone: Built for Avalanche Scree and Broken Sidewalks
Under that restrained exterior lives the familiar, bomb-proof Moab Speed 2 architecture. Nylon ripstop uppers with TPU overlays shrug off sharp quartz and subway grit alike. A full GORE-TEX membrane seals out monsoon rain without cooking your feet on sun-baked switchbacks. Beneath, a FloatPro Foam midsole counters fatigue hour after hour, while FlexPlate™ tech injects torsional backbone so you can edge across root-latticed singletrack without folding your arch. The exclusive Vibram TC5+ outsole—aggressive lugs biting like crampon points—owns everything from wet cedar slabs to polished granite curbs. Average weight: 12.34 oz. Heavy for a runner, featherweight for a boot—perfect for the double life this shoe was bred to live.
Trail-Ready Features at a Glance
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Upper | Nylon ripstop + TPU overlays |
| Waterproofing | GORE-TEX membrane |
| Midsole | FloatPro Foam with FlexPlate™ |
| Outsole | Vibram TC5+ (Merrell-exclusive compound) |
| Odor Control | Cleansport NXT™ treatment |
| Weight | 12.34 oz per shoe (avg) |
| Extras | Custom Snow Peak storage bag |
Price & Scarcity: Pay for the Story, Not Just the Shoe
At $210, the Snow Peak x Merrell Moab Speed 2 GORE-TEX commands roughly seventy bucks more than its standard sibling. That premium buys more than pigment; it buys limited-edition scarcity and a design dialogue between two outdoor titans. Availability is Snow Peak-exclusive and the production run intentionally vague—blink and you’ll miss it.
Field Verdict
Strap these on and every stride becomes a border crossing: heritage to modern, trail to town, Japan to America. The Snow Peak x Merrell Moab Speed 2 GORE-TEX isn’t a gimmick—it’s a passport stamped in ash grey. If your weekends blur between alpine scree fields and midnight ramen runs in back-alley cities, this hybrid hiker-runner is the only companion that won’t force you to choose between function and form. Lace up, step out, and let the world keep up if it can.
Pros
- Outstanding Weather Protection: Thanks to the GORE-TEX membrane, the Snow Peak x Merrell Moab Speed 2 GORE-TEX offers true waterproofing without suffocating your feet—ideal for unpredictable mountain weather or sudden city downpours.
- Striking Monochrome Design: The minimalist ash-grey gradient with subtle reflective details brings a rare sense of Japanese sophistication and urban versatility to the trail runner/hiker category.
- Hybrid Performance: By fusing hiking boot stability with the agility of a trail runner, the shoe handles everything from technical switchbacks to daily commutes with ease.
- Exceptional Grip: The Vibram TC5+ outsole, developed exclusively for Merrell, delivers trustworthy traction across a variety of terrains, from wet rocks to loose gravel and slick pavement.
- Long-Lasting Comfort: FloatPro Foam midsole and FlexPlate™ technology provide a supportive ride that manages to be both cushioned and stable—reducing fatigue on long treks.
- Thoughtful Details: Features like the abrasion-resistant heel/toe caps, Cleansport NXT™ odor control, and the limited-edition Snow Peak storage bag add functional, collector-friendly touches.
- Lightweight for Its Class: Weighing in at 12.34oz per shoe, it strikes a sweet spot—lighter than traditional boots, yet far more robust than typical trail runners.
- Limited Edition Appeal: The exclusivity of this collaboration enhances its status and desirability among collectors and enthusiasts.
Cons
- Premium Price Tag: At $210, this model is approximately $70 more than the standard Moab Speed 2, which may deter budget-conscious buyers seeking practicality over collectibility.
- Limited Availability: Being a Snow Peak exclusive with an unspecified production run, it may be difficult to purchase, and resale prices could soar due to scarcity.
- Subdued Branding: For those who appreciate bold co-branding or overt collaborations, the minimal external logos may feel underwhelming.
- Not Ultralight: While lighter than most boots, it’s still heavier than some dedicated trail running shoes, which might matter for pure runners focused on speed above all.
- Urban-Centric Style: The monochromatic, minimalist look might not appeal to those who prefer vibrant colors or classic outdoor aesthetics.
- Potential Overlap: If you already own a pair of Moab Speed 2 GTX, the upgrade may feel mostly cosmetic rather than revolutionary in terms of performance.
Verdict
The Snow Peak x Merrell Moab Speed 2 GORE-TEX is a masterclass in collaborative design—where Japanese minimalism meets American trail tenacity. It excels for anyone who refuses to choose between form and function, offering genuine technical performance in a package that’s as stylish on city streets as it is capable on rugged trails. While its price and exclusivity limit accessibility, the benefits—weatherproofing, comfort, grip, and a design-forward ethos—make this a standout for collectors, urban adventurers, and gearheads alike. If you want a shoe that doesn’t just follow the path but draws its own line across continents, this limited edition is worth the pursuit.
$209.95
If your adventures don’t stop at the city limits and you crave the freedom to blaze from pavement to loose gravel in one stride, the Salomon Aero Glide 3 GRVL makes a compelling alternative to the Snow Peak x Merrell Moab Speed 2 GORE-TEX. Where the Merrell hybrid leans into trail heritage with waterproof fortitude, the Aero Glide 3 GRVL is engineered for seamless transitions between road and trail—thanks to its plush 40mm stack of energyFOAM evo and Reverse Camber geometry that keeps each step fluid and lively. Deep chevron lugs on the Gravel ContaGRIP® outsole offer confidence-inspiring traction on unpredictable surfaces, while the 3D mesh upper, EndoFit™ panels, and OrthoLite® sockliner deliver precision comfort straight out of the box. At just 9.7 ounces, this max-cushioned runner punches well above its weight for long distances and daily sessions alike. If you need one shoe that erases the old boundaries between tarmac and terrain, with eco-friendly credentials to boot, the Aero Glide 3 GRVL is your passport to run wherever the day takes you.
