Saturday, October 18, 2025

Merrell Hydro Moc Evaluate | CleverHiker


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Backside Line

The Merrell Hydro Moc is just like the Crocs Traditional Clog however with higher assist. That’s why we’ve added it to our newest listing of the very best camp footwear.

This can be a light-weight, aerated, and versatile water shoe produced from a water-resistant EVA foam. We love how the insole meets the arch of our foot and the way it appears like our foot can sink into the shoe. They really feel extra supportive than the Crocs however lower than the KEEN Hyperport H2 Sandal. Regardless, the shoe felt safe, particularly with how the articulated heel match round our ankle . . . till we began strolling round. 

This shoe loses factors with us for its lackluster match. One of many first issues we observed was the heel developing and down as we walked. After a couple of mile or so, we started to really feel the beginnings of a heel blister. The second factor we observed was our toes scrunching up and hitting the highest of the shoe. We had been postpone by the rubbing and match problems with the shoe.

These had been extra comfy when sporting socks. If this water shoe suits you, it might be a camp shoe for moist and dry situations.

How We Examined

We examined this water shoe on a journey day which included informal strolling, carrying heavy suitcases, and standing for lengthy stretches. We additionally examined this by taking it on a flat, two-mile stroll on blended surfaces together with pavement, filth, grass, gravel, and water. Lastly, we carried out exams within the workplace for assist and sturdiness.

Fast Specs

Merrell Hydro Moc

Greatest Croc Substitute


CleverHiker Ranking:

4.2/5.0


Value:

$60


Weight (Pair):

12.3oz

Execs

  • Light-weight
  • Supportive
  • Cushioned
  • Safe heel strap

Cons

  • Runs small
  • Particles get suck underneath toes
  • Potential rubbing/blisters

a woman wears Merrell Hydro Moc by a creek
The Merrell Hydro Moc has a free match within the heel with a large toe field and heel strap to maintain shoe safe.

COMFORT

We thought that the Merrell Hydro Moc would fee increased for consolation, however we discovered match points we couldn’t overlook. Our large toe was squished to the highest of the shoe. We’d suggest going up a half measurement, however consumer critiques complain in regards to the arch being within the fallacious spot after sizing up. Once we had been testing, the arch assist hit our foot appropriately, so we might be hesitant to measurement up. 

One other situation was rubbing on the ankle. These Mocs should not made to be worn with socks, however even with socks on, we felt rubbing as we packed the automotive up for camp. We additionally felt the heel shifting up and down throughout our testing. 

Aside from that, the match is basically comfy. The shoe has a large toe field that permits toes to unfold out and wiggle. It suits effectively across the again. 

We had been additionally shocked at how simple this shoe is to slide on. They could look tight and exhausting to slip into, however the foam materials is versatile. They don’t slip on just like the OOfos OOriginal, however it simply takes a few fingers to slide into the heel strap.

a woman wears Merrell Hydro Moc by a creek

VERSATILITY

This water shoe tries to go above its supposed use to adapt to tough terrain and added miles. Nevertheless, we weren’t too impressed with its efficiency on land. The heel straps secured the mocs to our toes, however we felt the necessity to put on socks for consolation if we did any actual strolling. Whereas testing, we walked via moist grass after which over a packed filth path. This lined the footwear in filth, and we may really feel the filth between our toes. The underside didn’t present nice traction, both –– its traction was inferior to the Aquagrip on the KEEN Hyperport H2 Sandal. 

These footwear are fairly mild at 12.3 ounces – although not as mild because the Crocs Traditional Clogs. They had been mild sufficient to pack for backpacking. Total, although, we most well-liked them as water footwear over different makes use of.

a woman wears Merrell Hydro Moc by a creek
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SUPPORT

Once we first slipped the Hydro Moc on, its sole appeared to hug our toes and elevate up our drained arches. 

We additionally carried out the bend, twist, squeeze check on these footwear to check the assist. By inserting the toe on the bottom and urgent down on the heel, we examined stability by seeing the place the moc bent. The Merrell handed this check – the toe field folded however the sole remained strong. 

Subsequent, we twisted it –– taking the heel in a single hand and the toe within the different then pushing in reverse instructions –– we will see how steady and supportive it was. The Hydro Moc resisted twisting, exhibiting that it’s fairly supportive. 

Lastly, by taking the heel within the hand and squeezing, we will check the assist at the back of the shoe. Once more, the shoe ought to resist motion. This shoe handed this check as effectively. 

the bend squeeze test Merrell Hydro Moc
The Merrell Hydro Moc handed the bend, twist, squeeze exams proving that it has nice assist all through the shoe.

DURABILITY

The Hydro Moc is a sturdy shoe. From its supplies to our testing, we discovered virtually no complaints of how these footwear maintain up over time. 

The Hydro Moc’s uppers are produced from EVA foam, which is a copolymer that takes on the traits of plastic and rubber. It’s a fabric that gives superb flexibility and nonetheless snaps again into place. The rest of the shoe is produced from BLOOM efficiency foam, which is a proprietary foam made partially from algae. This materials mimics plastic, together with its sturdiness. 

We discovered no points with sturdiness after our outside testing of this shoe. Though some buyer critiques complained of high quality, stating that not solely are these modified from older fashions however that the soles didn’t maintain up over time.

the twist test to show support in each shoe
The twist check exhibits off the assist and stability within the midsole.

Ought to You Purchase the Merrell Hydro Moc?

The Merrell Hydro Moc could also be a great choice for somebody who’s on the lookout for a extra steady model of a Crocs Traditional Clogs. The heel assist retains the foot in place even when strolling rapidly or leaping round. 

These footwear in all probability wouldn’t be a great match for somebody who wears half-sizes in footwear. These footwear solely are available in full sizes however there are some points with match. Sizing up an excessive amount of would possibly trigger match points for the arch assist, however sizing down would possibly imply your toes may be scrunched up.

a woman wears the Merrell Hydro Moc on rocks by the river
The Merrell Hydro Moc is a water shoe that rivals the Crocs Traditional Clogs.

What Different Camp Footwear Ought to You Take into account?

If the Merrell Hydro Moc isn’t what you’re on the lookout for, please browse our full listing of the greatest camp footwear

Crocs Traditional Clog Evaluate: The Merrell shares related design parts with this shoe, however this one is a bit simpler to slide on, don’t blister that we’ve discovered, and have fewer buyer complains of high quality points. 

KEEN Hyperport H2 Sandal Evaluate: This supportive and cushioned water sandal is the one we suggest for water adventures that require a number of miles of strolling or full day excursions. 

HOKA ORA Restoration 3 Slide Evaluate: Although these aren’t essentially water footwear (they dry rapidly although), they provide assist, fairly good traction, and a straightforward and comfy match.

the bend squeeze test Merrell Hydro Moc
The Merrell Hydro Moc handed the bend, twist, squeeze exams proving that it has nice assist all through the shoe.

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