Merrell Moab 3 vs Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX
Comfort versus control. The Moab 3 is a low-cut, roomy, cushioned shoe that is happy on family trails. The X Ultra 4 Mid is a Gore-Tex mid boot with a Contagrip MA outsole and an Advanced Chassis — it is built for wet rock, loose scree, and long descents, and it runs narrow.
Choose the Merrell Moab 3 if
Your hikes are moderate, your feet are wide, and $129.95 sounds a lot better than $230.
$129.95 · 4.6★ · 8,400 ratings
See the Merrell Moab 3 →Choose the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid if
You want ankle coverage and grip on technical ground, and you accept a narrow fit and a premium price for it.
$231.81 · 4.4★ · 1,068 ratings
See the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid →Merrell Moab 3 vs Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid: side by side
| Spec | Merrell Moab 3 | Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129.95 | $231.81 |
| Rating | 4.6★ from 8,400 ratings | 4.4★ from 1,068 ratings |
| Category | Clothing | Clothing |
| Best for | First-time and everyday hikers who want proven comfort with zero break-in — the pigskin-and-mesh upper, cushioned midsole, and Vibram TC5+ outsole handle day hikes, family trails, and wet grass straight out of the box | Technical-terrain hikers who want trail-runner speed with real ankle coverage — Contagrip MA bites into wet rock and loose scree, and the Advanced Chassis steadies long descents without full-boot weight |
| One thing it does well | Waterproof construction helps keep feet dry through wet grass, mud, and shallow puddles | Genuine Gore-Tex membrane keeps feet dry through rain, mud, and stream crossings while staying breathable |
| One thing to know | Waterproof membrane is warmer and less breathable than a well-ventilated mesh shoe | Runs narrow — wide-footed hikers will need to size up or choose a roomier shoe like the KEEN Targhee 3 |
| Who should buy it | First-time hiking shoe buyers who want a fit that works from mile one — no painful break-in miles before the fun starts; Day hikers and car campers covering 3–8 miles on packed dirt, gravel, and easy rock — the Vibram TC5+ outsole grips confidently on all of it | Day hikers who cover 6-12 miles on rocky, off-camber trails and want precise footing at speed; Hikers with narrow-to-medium feet — the fit is snug, so wide-footed hikers should size up or look at the KEEN Targhee 3 |
Pros and cons, side by side
Merrell Moab 3
Pros
- Waterproof construction helps keep feet dry through wet grass, mud, and shallow puddles
- Cushioned midsole and supportive insole improve comfort on long day hikes
- Grippy outsole gives confident traction on common dirt, rock, and uneven trail surfaces
- Low-cut profile flexes more naturally than a traditional mid hiking boot
Cons
- Waterproof membrane is warmer and less breathable than a well-ventilated mesh shoe
- Low-cut collar does not protect the ankle from rocks or debris like a mid boot
- Not the best choice for deep mud, snow, or technical terrain requiring a stiffer platform
Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid
Pros
- Genuine Gore-Tex membrane keeps feet dry through rain, mud, and stream crossings while staying breathable
- Contagrip MA outsole delivers confident traction on wet rock, loose dirt, and technical terrain
- Advanced Chassis guides the stride and reduces fatigue on long, rocky descents
- Quicklace system makes on-trail adjustments fast and hassle-free
Cons
- Runs narrow — wide-footed hikers will need to size up or choose a roomier shoe like the KEEN Targhee 3
- Current Amazon pricing runs high (~$230) because the X Ultra 4 line is being phased out in favor of the X Ultra 5
- Sporty, precise ride trades some plushness for responsiveness
What the numbers say
The Merrell Moab 3 lists at $129.95 and the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid at $231.81 — Merrell Moab 3 is the cheaper of the two by $101.86. The Merrell Moab 3 carries the larger review base (8,400 ratings at 4.6★ vs 1,068 at 4.4★), which usually means the failure modes are better documented. Price and ratings are read from the TrailMapz catalog and refreshed on every deploy — check the product pages for today's numbers before you buy.
The verdict
Neither product wins outright — the trip decides. Pick the Merrell Moab 3 if this is your trip: Your hikes are moderate, your feet are wide, and $129.95 sounds a lot better than $230. Pick the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid instead if this is your trip: You want ankle coverage and grip on technical ground, and you accept a narrow fit and a premium price for it. Read the two lists against the trip you are actually taking, not the one in the marketing photos, and the decision usually makes itself.
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More head-to-head comparisons
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