What Our Gearhead(R) Experts Are Saying:"I picked these up for a young hiker in my family who kept soaking through her old shoes on creek crossings. The easy on and off closure means she can get them on herself now, and they've stayed dry through every puddle she's found."The trail loop is short, but to a five year old it might as well be a mountain, especially with a creek crossing halfway through that's just begging to be stomped in. The Merrell Moab Speed 2 Mid AC is built for exactly that kind of adventure, its waterproof, seam sealed construction keeping little feet dry no matter how many puddles get the enthusiastic treatment. Getting out the door matters just as much as the hike itself, and the easy on and off closure means less time wrestling with laces and more time actually moving. The extra grippy outsole holds steady on roots and rocks, so scrambling up the next little hill feels safe instead of shaky, and by the end of the walk those small feet are still comfortable enough to ask for one more loop.