Choosing hiking boots is deeply personal. Feet are different, trails are different, and what works for someone else might not work for you. That said, I’ve spent the past two months testing three popular mid-range hiking boots on various Western Australian trails to give you a practical comparison that might help narrow your choice.

The Boots

I tested the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX (around $259), the Merrell Moab 3 Mid GTX (around $229), and the Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX (around $279). All three are mid-cut, waterproof (Gore-Tex), and sit in the most popular price bracket for hiking boots in Australia.

Where I Tested

Each pair got time on the Bibbulmun Track south of Perth, coastal trails around Cape Naturaliste, and the rocky terrain of John Forrest National Park. I also wore each pair on everyday walks to break them in and assess all-day comfort. Total distance per pair was roughly 80km over the testing period.

Comfort Out of the Box

The Hoka Anacapa was the clear winner for immediate comfort. Hoka’s signature cushioning translates from their running shoes to their hiking boots, and the first time you put them on, they feel like walking on a mattress compared to traditional hiking boots. Break-in time was essentially zero.

The Merrell Moab 3 was comfortable from the start as well, with a slightly wider toe box that suits broader feet. The Salomon X Ultra 4 was the most snug initially and took about 20km to fully break in, though it wasn’t uncomfortable during that period.

Performance on Trail

The Salomon excelled on technical terrain. The grip on rocky, uneven surfaces was the best of the three, and the boot felt the most stable and supportive on steep ascents and descents. The lacing system locks the foot in place securely, and the ankle support is excellent without being restrictive.

The Merrell performed well on moderate trails and was the most versatile across different surfaces. It handled the mix of sand, rock, and hard-packed dirt on WA trails without issue. It’s a solid all-rounder that doesn’t particularly excel or fail at anything.

The Hoka’s cushioning was a mixed blessing on technical terrain. While it made flat and moderate trails incredibly comfortable, the thick sole reduced the ground feel on rocky sections. I felt less connected to the trail surface, which made me less confident on steep, uneven terrain.

Waterproofing

All three use Gore-Tex membranes, and all three kept my feet dry during creek crossings and wet trail sections. There was no meaningful difference in waterproofing performance. What did differ was breathability. The Merrell was the most breathable of the three, which matters in WA’s warmer months. The Hoka was the least breathable, and my feet ran warmer in that boot.

Durability

After 80km of varied terrain, all three boots showed minimal wear. The Salomon’s outsole showed the least degradation, which is consistent with its reputation for durable rubber compounds. The Merrell showed slight heel wear but nothing concerning. The Hoka’s midsole compression was my only durability concern; the cushioning felt slightly less responsive after extended use, though it’s hard to draw conclusions from just 80km.

Fit and Sizing

The Salomon runs narrow and slightly short. If you have wide feet, go up half a size or consider a different brand. The Merrell’s wide toe box accommodates broader feet well and was the most comfortable for wider foot shapes. The Hoka runs true to size with a moderate width.

Where to Buy in Australia

Paddy Pallin and Anaconda are the main outdoor retailers stocking all three brands. Rebel Sport carries Merrell and Salomon. For online purchasing, Wild Earth and Snowys Outdoors often have better prices than retail. Try on boots in-store before buying online if possible, as fit varies significantly between brands.

My Recommendation

For technical hiking and challenging terrain, the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX is the best performer. For casual hikers and those who want comfort above all else, the Hoka Anacapa is hard to resist. For the best all-rounder that suits the widest range of conditions and foot shapes, the Merrell Moab 3 Mid GTX is the safe and sensible choice.

All three are good boots. The right one depends on your feet, your trails, and your priorities.