Merrell has taken the legendary comfort of its Moab hiking boots and adapted them into duty-ready tactical footwear. Two standout models, the Merrell Moab 3 Tactical Boot and the Merrell Moab 3 Tactical Response are trusted by law enforcement, military personnel, and security professionals. But what’s the difference?

Merrell Moab 3 Tactical Boot 

The Tactical Boot keeps more of the Moab’s hiking heritage. It features a reinforced rubber toe cap that’s abrasion-resistant and lighter, making it well-suited for security professionals who want comfort and protection but don’t need a fully polished boot. With Merrell’s COMFORTBASE™ footbed, Air Cushion heel, and sticky rubber outsole, it balances durability with all-day comfort in varied environments.

Merrell Moab 3 Tactical Response Boot

The Tactical Response leans harder into professional duty use. Instead of a rubber toe, it has a full leather toe and forefoot for greater durability, polish, and long-term wear. Underfoot, the upgrade is clear: the Response uses a Vibram® TC5+ outsole for superior traction and a Super Rebound Compound midsole to reduce torque and improve transitions during demanding operations. Add odor control lining and you’ve got a boot optimised for law enforcement, and corrections.

Which Should You Choose?

• Tactical Boot → Best if you want comfort, lightweight durability, and a hiking-inspired feel that still works for duty.

• Tactical Response → Best if you need a professional-grade law enforcement boot with a tougher leather toe, Vibram outsole, and enhanced support.