Best Hiking Boots & Shoes in Australia: Merrell vs Salomon vs KEEN

The short answer: for day walks on formed tracks, a low hiking shoe is usually enough. For rough, rocky or wet tracks — or carrying a heavier pack — a mid-height boot adds ankle coverage and protection. Choose waterproof if you’ll meet creeks, mud or rain. Then choose on fit: the best boot is the one that fits your foot.

Most hiking boots come in waterproof and non-waterproof versions. Merrell’s own definitions show that “waterproof” isn’t one standard:

• Merrell “Waterproof” — engineered to prevent water entering under normal use conditions.
• GORE-TEX (GTX) — a membrane Merrell describes as giving complete waterproof protection and exceptional breathability.
• KEEN.DRY — KEEN’s own waterproof, breathable membrane, used in the Targhee IV Waterproof.

If most of your walking is on dry tracks in warm weather, a non-waterproof version is worth considering — a mesh upper dries faster once it does get wet. Merrell sells the Moab 3 both ways. For more on membranes, see our waterproof vs water-resistant guide.

We haven’t tested these boots, so this isn’t a ranking — it’s how each brand describes its best-known hiker.

In practice, the difference that matters most is fit. Try more than one brand if you can — KEEN, for example, builds its Original Fit with generous space for your toes to spread.

The Moab is Merrell’s best-known hiker — Merrell calls it the “World’s #1 Hiker”. The Moab 3 has a Merrell Air Cushion, which Merrell says absorbs shock and adds stability, and a Vibram TC5+ outsole for grip across changing terrain. It comes as a low shoe or a Mid, in non-waterproof, Waterproof and GORE-TEX versions, and in wide widths.

Salomon’s X Ultra 360 listings describe its Advanced Chassis for lateral stability and a Contagrip outsole, with GORE-TEX waterproofing; the Leather versions use a leather upper. The X Ultra Pioneer and X-Adventure are alternatives, and the Quest 4 is a high-cut boot listed for backpacking.

KEEN’s Targhee IV uses a glue-free, fused construction that KEEN guarantees won’t delaminate, a KEEN.DRY waterproof membrane, and Luftcell cushioning. It comes in low and Mid heights, in Original and Wide fits.

Also listed as waterproof: Columbia’s Newton Ridge Plus, Timberland’s Mt. Maddsen and Motion Access, ECCO’s Xpedition III GORE-TEX and Merrell’s Speed Strike 2 Mid.

Width matters as much as length — especially on long descents. These are sold in wide fits; the width is in each product’s name.

• Try them on with your hiking socks, at the end of the day when your feet are largest.
• Leave about 1–1.5 cm at the toe. Your foot slides forward on descents, and toes that touch the end will let you know.
• Your heel shouldn’t lift as you walk.
• Comfortable from the start. Victoria’s Better Health Channel advises against relying on breaking shoes in — but do wear new boots on a few shorter walks before a big one.

Many hiking boots are sold in US sizes — see our shoe size conversion chart. For suede and nubuck care, see our cleaning guide.

Not always. They’re worth it for creek crossings, mud, rain and wet grass. On dry tracks in warm weather, a non-waterproof shoe is lighter and dries faster if it does get wet.

Both keep water out. Merrell describes “Waterproof” as preventing water entering under normal use, and GORE-TEX as complete waterproof protection with exceptional breathability.

For most day walks on formed tracks, a low hiking shoe is the easier start. Move to a mid boot for rougher, wetter tracks or a heavier pack.

Many people do on dry, well-formed tracks — they’re lighter but offer less protection. See our running shoe guide for trail options.