FairSoleMerrell Moab 3 or Salomon X Ultra 4? Walking boot comparison
Nesim Yılmaz · 20.10.2026
If you're shopping for walking boots, you'll almost certainly end up choosing between these two: the Merrell Moab 3 and the Salomon X Ultra 4. Both come as a shoe or a mid boot, with or without Gore-Tex – but they're built around different ideas.
At a glance
| Merrell Moab 3 Mid GTX | Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX | |
|---|---|---|
| Fit | roomy, generous toe box | narrower, snug and precise |
| Feel | comfortable straight away, well padded | sporty, direct |
| Outsole | Vibram TC5+ | Contagrip, approx. 5 mm lugs |
| Weight | on the heavier side | light for a mid boot (approx. 412 g per boot, US 10) |
| Widths | also available in wide | standard only |
Fit: the biggest difference
For many feet the Moab is simply comfortable: wide forefoot, soft padding, little break-in. The X Ultra holds the foot tighter and more securely, which helps on technical ground – but it can pinch wide feet. If you're torn, start with the shape of your foot.
Terrain and weather
- Moab 3: ideal for footpaths, woodland trails, day walks and travel.
- X Ultra 4: nimbler on scree, wet rock and steep paths; good for longer or faster hikes.
- Cold: a lab test found the X Ultra 4's sole stiffens noticeably in the cold. For winter walking, a proper winter boot is the better choice.
Our verdict
- Wide feet, comfort first, relaxed walks: Merrell Moab 3.
- Narrow to average feet, low weight, tougher terrain: Salomon X Ultra 4.
Money-saving tip
Both get new colourways every season. Older colours are often 20–30% off – and technically it's the same boot.
Matching models on Amazon
- Merrell Moab 3 Mid GTX
- Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX
- Merrell Moab 3 GTX women's
- Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX women's
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