The Merrell Hydro Moc is a versatile aftersport shoe designed for use around a campsite, at the beach, or at home. You can call it a camp shoe. You can call it a water shoe. But the reality is that the Hydro Moc works well in nearly any scenario or setting where a slip-on shoe fits the bill.
The Merrell Hydro Mocs as seen in their natural habitat.
As an aftersport shoe, the Merrell Hydro Moc is intended for light-duty activity after the day’s mileage has already been conquered. That’s not to say that you can’t move some dirt under the Hydro Mocs, but they do excel when worn for more leisurely activities.
As land mammals are said to have evolved from fish, so to do the Hydro Mocs find their way to the dry ground.
However, they’re tougher than they look on the exterior and softer than you may expect on the interior. The Hydro Mocs are made for the trails that take you in and out of the water, but you may end up wearing them almost anywhere you go.
See the women's Merrell Hydro Moc See the men's Merrell Hydro Moc
Unique Features of the Merrell Hydro Moc
It’s tough to put a label on the Hydro Mocs. They’re aftersport, sure, but they could also be considered multisport shoes, or even outdoor slippers. It all boils down to how you decide to use them.
It’s best to always keep a pair of Hydro Mocs at hand—or rather, at feet.
The Hydro Mocs are formed from a single-density injected EVA foam. The relatively thick sole is quite cushy and supportive, which is something you’ll certainly notice and appreciate the first time you step on hard stone or concrete with these strapped to your feet. A 10mm heel-to-toe drop has been given to the footbed to provide an extra bit of cushioning for those uneven treks through the hard-to-see underwater terrain.
Splish splash.
All-Terrain Slippers
Though easy to slip on and off, the Hydro Mocs feature articulated heels with a strap on each shoe that securely holds to your foot for better security and support.
Likewise, the contoured arches give a little bit of bolstering right where you need it, and the 2mm lugs supply the traction required for dirt trails and rock-laden riverbeds. There is even a bit of texture on the insoles to prevent your feet from slipping around the inside of the shoes when they’re wet. They’re seriously comfortable to wear. You’re not going to want to take them off.
Most obvious about these shoes are the open-air design and the smooth, non-porous construction. These facets are what make the Hydro Mocs a superb option for a chill day at the lake, a fishing excursion, or watersports like kayaking and rafting. Water flows right through these shoes. Plus, they dry out exceptionally fast and weigh a mere 14 ounces for the pair.
What’s more—the Merrell Hydro Mocs float! You’ll never have to worry about these shoes sinking down to the depths of your favorite swimming hole as a pair of sandals might.
That’s a good-looking profile.
All of these features combine to make the Merrell Hydro Moc a standout in the amphibious aftersport shoe space. That may be a highly specific footwear category, but, if you frequently recreate around your local waterways, the Hydro Mocs are sure to impress. They’re also a fine choice if you simply need a pair of camp shoes or backyard slippers.
See the women's Merrell Hydro Moc See the men's Merrell Hydro Moc
Another day at the river.
Who is Merrell?
If you’ve been keeping a close on the shoe industry, or on our website, then you’re quite familiar with Merrell. This cutting-edge outdoor brand is best known for its mountain-mashing hiking boots and trail runners, but Merrell is about much more than where the rubber meets the road—or the dirt. We recently featured Merrell’s fun Great Outdoor Month Challenge and the ambitious Step Further campaign.
Go ahead, dig a little deeper. See the Hydro Moc, and learn more about Merrell.
This article is sponsored by Merrell.
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A whole new definition of sand in my shoe. The ticks will like these.
Due to these having a much higher back, they look like they may stay on your feet better than Crocs!
I’ve worn them on multiple occasions and they held on exceptionally well. Never had a chance of them slipping off, even when I was in a strong river current!
[…] Hydro Moc is available in a Coyote colorway that you will find exclusively at Huckberry for $55. We highlighted the original Hydro Moc some time ago, and we loved the water […]
given the lug design…..definitely not for hiking as well as for river crossings due to possibility of slippery rocks beneath.
Is it possible to “slip” these on if you had to, eg. if you had your hands full as you’re heading out the door?
Yes, definitely! It’ll take a little bit of wiggle effort because there is a heel cover, but you can slip them on.
I love my hydro mocs. I was wondering if it is advisable to insert an insole if I’m having plantar fasciitis issues?
It’s possible an insole could help, but that’s something to talk about with your podiatrist. You’d have to make sure to use an insole that can survive the elements should you use your Hydro Mocs for hiking or as watershoes.