This article will compare two standout hiking boot models: the Merrell Men’s Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots and the Salomon Quest 4 GTX Men’s Leather Hiking Boots.
Both boots are designed to tackle tough terrains but cater to different needs and preferences.
The Merrell Moab 3 is perfect for those who prioritize comfort and agility on rugged trails.
At the same time, the Salomon Quest 4 is built for long expeditions and demanding conditions, offering maximum support and stability.
Join us as we see the features and benefits of each boot to help you make the right decision for your next adventure!
Please also check these products’ features on their official websites because sometimes our articles may contain errors.
1. Merrell Men’s Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots
Check it out on the official website.
Description
The Merrell Men’s Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots are designed for rugged trails with heavy debris and frequent changes in speed, direction, and elevation. These all-purpose, all-terrain boots provide exceptional support and comfort, making them the ideal companion for any outdoor adventure.
Featuring a waterproof membrane, mid-height design, and exclusive Moab 3 footbed, these boots ensure dry feet and a comfortable stride.
The best-in-class Vibram TC5+ outsole offers optimal traction and performance on any terrain, while the Merrell Air Cushion maximizes shock absorption. Additionally, these boots are eco-friendly with 100% recycled laces, webbing, and mesh lining.
Main Features and Materials
- Waterproof membrane: Keeps feet dry in all conditions.
- Mid-height design: Provides additional ankle support on rugged trails.
- Exclusive Moab 3 footbed: Contours to your foot for a more comfortable stride.
- Vibram TC5+ outsole: Offers optimal traction and performance on any terrain.
- Merrell Air Cushion: Ensures maximum shock absorption.
- Protective rubber heel and toe cap: For worry-free strides.
- Recycled materials: Made with 100% recycled laces, webbing, and mesh lining for eco-friendly construction.
2. Salomon Quest 4 GTX Men’s Leather Hiking Boots
Check it out on the official website.
Description
The Salomon Quest 4 GTX Men’s Leather Hiking Boots are designed for long expeditions and tough conditions, offering exceptional grip and support.
Featuring an updated chassis for enhanced foot control and stability, these boots ensure a smooth and stable ride on any terrain, regardless of fatigue or pack weight.
Ideal for multi-day routes, backpacking, and alpine or mixed terrain, the Quest 4 GTX is equipped with GORE-TEX for waterproof protection and a high-cut design for maximum foot support.
Main Features and Materials
- Height: High (169 mm)
- Foot Protection: High
- Foot Support: Stable
- Outdoor Terrain: Alpine terrain, Mixed terrain
- Waterproofness: GORE-TEX
- Weight: 655 g
Outsole
- All Terrain Contagrip: Durable and confident grip on wet, dry, hard, or loose surfaces
Midsole
- EnergyCell: High-performance EVA foam for shock attenuation
Chassis
- 4D Advanced Chassis: Enhanced foot control and active comfort with two different midsole components
Upper Material
- Nubuck Leather: Quality full-grain leather for durability
- Water Repellent: Special treatment to prevent water absorption during light rain and showers
Lining Material
- Textile Lining: Soft and breathable for extreme comfort
Upper Construction
- Gusseted Tongue: Prevents debris from entering and keeps the tongue centered
- Protective Toecap
- SensiFit: Secure and snug fit
- Protective Mudguard: Wraps around the base of the foot for protection
- Active Support: Mobile wings for foot stability and movement adaptation
Sockliner
- Molded OrthoLite Sockliner: Superior cushioning, breathability, and durability
Lacing System
- Regular Laces: Traditional lacing system with eyelets
Membrane
- GORE-TEX: Keeps feet dry from both outside and inside
Sustainability
- PFC Free: No harmful PFC used; GORE-TEX models are PFCec free
Materials
- Upper: Leather / Textile
- Lining: Textile
- Inlay Sole: Textile
- Outsole: Rubber
3. Comparison
Here are the main differences between these two products:
- Purpose:
- Merrell Moab 3: Designed for rugged trails with lots of obstacles and heavy debris.
- Salomon Quest 4: Designed for long expeditions, multi-day routes, and tough alpine and mixed terrains.
- Height:
- Merrell Moab 3: Mid-height design for additional ankle support.
- Salomon Quest 4: High-height design for maximum foot and ankle support.
- Weight:
- Merrell Moab 3: Not specified.
- Salomon Quest 4: Weighs 655 grams per boot.
- Outsole:
- Merrell Moab 3: Vibram TC5+ outsole for optimal traction on any terrain.
- Salomon Quest 4: All Terrain Contagrip outsole for durability and confidence on various surfaces.
- Midsole:
- Merrell Moab 3: Features Merrell Air Cushion for maximum shock absorption.
- Salomon Quest 4: Features EnergyCell, a high-performance EVA foam for shock attenuation.
- Upper Material:
- Merrell Moab 3: Made with recycled materials including 100% recycled laces, webbing, and mesh lining.
- Salomon Quest 4: Made with quality full-grain Nubuck leather and water-repellent treatment.
- Waterproofing:
- Merrell Moab 3: Waterproof membrane for dry feet in all conditions.
- Salomon Quest 4: GORE-TEX membrane for waterproofing from both outside and inside.
- Footbed/Insole:
- Merrell Moab 3: Exclusive Moab 3 footbed contours to the foot for comfort.
- Salomon Quest 4: Molded OrthoLite sockliner for superior cushioning and breathability.
- Chassis:
- Merrell Moab 3: Not specified.
- Salomon Quest 4: 4D Advanced Chassis for enhanced foot control and active comfort.
- Additional Features:
- Merrell Moab 3: Protective rubber heel and toe cap, eco-friendly materials.
- Salomon Quest 4: Gusseted tongue, protective toecap, SensiFit for a secure fit, and PFC-free waterproofing.
These differences highlight the distinct features and intended uses of each boot.
4. Which is Better?
When comparing the Merrell Moab 3 and the Salomon Quest 4 GTX Boots, each excels in different scenarios based on their design and features.
The Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots are ideal for rugged trails with frequent obstacles, debris, and varying terrain. They offer excellent ankle support with their mid-height design, making them suitable for trails that involve frequent changes in speed, direction, and elevation.
The Vibram TC5+ outsole provides optimal traction and performance across various conditions, while the Merrell Air Cushion ensures maximum shock absorption.
Additionally, the eco-friendly materials, including recycled laces, webbing, and mesh lining, make the Moab 3 a sustainable choice for environmentally conscious hikers. These boots are best for day hikes or shorter excursions where agility and comfort are paramount.
On the other hand, the Salomon Quest 4 GTX Men’s Leather Hiking Boots are designed for long expeditions and tough conditions, such as multi-day backpacking trips and alpine terrain. The high-cut design offers superior ankle support and stability, crucial for carrying heavy packs over extended periods.
The All Terrain Contagrip outsole ensures durability and confidence on a variety of surfaces, including wet, dry, hard, or loose terrain. The 4D Advanced Chassis provides enhanced foot control and active comfort, while the GORE-TEX membrane guarantees waterproofness and breathability.
The Quest 4 GTX’s robust construction, including quality full-grain nubuck leather and a protective mudguard, makes them highly durable and suitable for demanding environments.
Which is better: choose the Merrell Moab 3 Mid for shorter, rugged hikes where comfort, agility, and eco-friendliness are essential. Opt for the Salomon Quest 4 GTX for longer, more challenging expeditions where maximum support, durability, and stability are required.