Best Hiking Boots Australia 2026: Trail-Tested Picks

Your boots are the most important piece of hiking gear you own. A bad tent means a rough night. Bad boots mean blisters, twisted ankles, and a miserable trip that ends early. Getting this choice right matters more than almost anything else on your camping checklist.

We put eight pairs of hiking boots through hundreds of kilometres on trails across Australia — from the wet granite of the Overland Track to the dry sandstone of the Blue Mountains and the loose scree of the Larapinta. Three boots earned our recommendation.

How We Tested

Each pair was worn for at least 200 km across varied terrain:

• Grip: Wet rock, loose gravel, muddy tracks, and dry sandstone
• Waterproofing: Creek crossings, sustained rain, and morning dew
• Comfort: Out-of-box comfort, hot spots, and long-day performance
• Support: Ankle stability on uneven ground with a loaded pack
• Durability: Sole wear, upper integrity, and waterproof longevity

Quick Comparison

Best Overall: Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX

The Salomon X Ultra 4 has been a staple on Australian trails for good reason. The Contagrip MA sole is the best we've tested on wet rock — it grips on surfaces where other boots slide. On the slippery dolerite of the Overland Track, this boot gave us confidence on every step.

At 440 g per boot, it's remarkably light for a mid-cut waterproof boot. The Advanced Chassis between the outsole and midsole provides torsional rigidity without the stiffness of a full shank — your foot can still flex naturally on climbs.

The Quick-lace system is love-it-or-hate-it. We love it — one pull tightens the entire boot evenly, and it's brilliant with cold hands. The small lace garage sometimes pops open, which is a minor annoyance.

The main limitation is the narrow toe box. If you have wide feet, the Merrell will suit you better. Otherwise, the Salomon is hard to fault.

Best Value: Merrell Moab 3 Mid WP

The Merrell Moab series has been called the most popular hiking boot on the planet, and the third generation keeps that reputation intact. At $219, it delivers about 90% of the performance of the Salomon for 70% of the price.

The wide toe box is the Moab's secret weapon for Australian hikers. Our feet swell in the heat, and the Moab gives them room to spread. The boot is comfortable straight out of the box — we hiked 15 km on day one without a single hot spot.

The Vibram TC5+ sole grips well on most surfaces, though it's not quite as confident as the Salomon on wet rock. The waterproof membrane is Merrell's own rather than Gore-Tex, which means it's slightly less durable long-term but perfectly adequate for most conditions.

Best Comfort: Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX

Hoka brought their running shoe DNA into hiking and the result is the most cushioned boot we've ever tested. If you've had knee surgery, deal with plantar fasciitis, or simply want your joints to feel less battered after a long day, the Anacapa is a revelation.

At 425 g, it's also the lightest boot in our test despite that chunky midsole. The Vibram Megagrip outsole provides excellent traction on both wet and dry surfaces — it's right up there with the Salomon's Contagrip on most terrain.

The thick midsole is a double-edged sword. It absorbs shock beautifully but reduces the ground feel that experienced hikers rely on. On technical scrambles, you lose some feedback about what's under your foot. For well-maintained trails, it's a non-issue.

How to Choose the Right Hiking Boot

Consider your terrain first. For well-maintained trails like the Great Ocean Walk, any of these boots will perform well. For wet, rocky trails like the Overland Track, the Salomon's grip is hard to beat. For long-distance comfort on easier trails, the Hoka shines.

Fit matters more than features. The most technically advanced boot in the world is worthless if it gives you blisters. Salomon fits narrow, Merrell fits wide, and Hoka fits true. Know your feet before you buy.

Waterproofing versus breathability is a trade-off. Gore-Tex boots keep water out but also keep sweat in. In tropical Queensland humidity, non-waterproof boots may actually be more comfortable. For the rest of Australia, waterproof is the safer choice.

Pair these with a quality hiking backpack and you're set for any trail in the country.

Verdict

The Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX is the best hiking boot in Australia for its combination of grip, weight, and waterproofing. It handles every trail condition we threw at it. The Merrell Moab 3 is the smart buy for hikers who want excellent performance without the premium price tag, especially those with wider feet. And the Hoka Anacapa is the choice for hikers who prioritise cushioning and joint comfort above everything else.