Many hikers have given up heavy boots in favor of trail runners and other kinds of lightweight hiking footwear.
Although the lack of ankle support in minimalist shoes can be problematic when hiking uphill or over uneven terrain, many people find the reduced weight and airy feel well worth the sacrifice. Footwear like the Merrell Moab 3 and Salomon X Ultra 4, are standouts for this kind of hiking shoe category.
Besides using unique materials and manufacturing techniques to design them, both brands also significantly rely on cutting-edge innovations. Now let’s find out how they differ.
Similarities and Differences between Merrell Moab 3 VS Salomon X Ultra 4:
| Features | Salomon X Ultra 4 | Merrell Moab 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Launched in | 2021 | 2022 |
| Stability | More stable | Stable |
| Flexibility | Highly Flexible | Moderate Flexibility |
| Sizing | 6.5-13.5 for Men3.5-10.5 For Women | 7-15 for Men5-13 for Women |
| Weight | 14 oz. | 14-16 oz. |
| Cushion | Responsive Cushioning | Thick Cushioning |
| Outsole | ContaGrip and Advanced Chassis | TCF5+ |
| Insole | OrthoLite | Kinetic Fit advanced |
| Midsole | Energy Cell | EVA Foam with Nylon Shank |
| Upper | Synthetic Mesh Upper with Sensifit Technology | Suede/ Leather/ Mesh |
| Retail Price | $140 | $110-$165 |
Merrell Moab 3 VS Salomon X Ultra 4: Good, Bad, and the Worst:
Now, to help you in selecting the ideal one, let’s examine some of the primary distinctions and similarities between the Merrell Moab 3 and Salomon X Ultra 4.
1) Comfort:
The lightweight and flexible construction of the Salomon X Ultra 4 resembles that of a trail runner, and the generous cushioning on the tongue and collar provides a snug fit. The toe box is adequately spacious, and the padding underfoot is moderate.
In addition, the perforations in the forefoot that allow perspiration to escape and the layer beneath that absorbs moisture would make it even more comfortable to wear on wet surfaces.
To be clear, the Salomon X Ultra 4 isn’t excessively cushy like regular trail-running options, but it’s also not like the bulky hiking shoes.
In addition, the narrow midfoot can cause pain in the arches, and despite the shoe’s flexibility, the heel is quite rigid and unforgiving.
Alternatively, the Merrell Moab 3 is very cushioned and soft that it can be worn on the trail the moment you take them out of the box. The footbed has decent arch support but is less sculpted in the heel and has some extra cushioning in the ball of the foot, making the shoe more wearable and comfortable for long periods.
In addition to protecting your feet from the rough terrain, Merrell Moab 3 increased forefoot flexibility will make you feel like walking on clouds.
After considering all aspects, in my opinion, the Merrell Moab 3 is a better choice for hiking if you value soft cushioning and more comfort.
Also, Check Out Our Other Comparison B/W Merrell Moab 2 And Salomon X Ultra 3
2) Popularity:
The Merrell Moab 3 is one of the brand’s most widely worn hiking shoe styles. On their website, this model has so much appreciation from the expert and seasoned hikers. Fast Company also gave Moab 3 an honorable award for “Innovation in Design.”
Conversely, the Salomon X Ultra 4 is as popular among fashion-conscious sneakerheads as it is among trail runners and outdoor adventures of all ages.
Also See Our Comparison Between: Merrell Moab 2 And Moab 3: Which Is Better?
3) Running:
The Merrell Moab 3 is designed to withstand rough terrain, so the more robust soles and protective uppers of these shoes make them less balanced and not very pliable as regular running shoes.
Conversely, The Salomon X Ultra 4 allows for a much more consistent forward motion. Also, road-running-specific shoes have relatively flat outsoles for increased speed and grip on leveled surfaces but these shoes have lugged outsoles like trail runners to improve traction while running on loose, uneven, and slippery terrain.
4) Walking:
When walking on bumpy, rocky, muddy trails, the sturdy design of Merrell Moab 3 and Salomon X Ultra 4 will help to keep the ankles stable, feet protected, and the body safe.
Top View
And Outsole
On the opposite side, both models are not efficient in absorbing shock like standard walking shoes which are likely to exhaust and tired you.
5) Flat Feet:
If you have flat feet and want to hike some distance the Merrell Moab 3 and the Salomon X Ultra 4 are two excellent options. Both models feature enhanced arch support, making them ideal for your fallen arches.
On the other hand, the Salomon X Ultra 4 runs narrow from midfoot, as people with flat feet tend to apply more pressure to the toe area, they should pick out Merrell Moab 3 which can prevent toe cramping.
6) Design:
The Merrell Moab 3 incorporates recycled materials, a new insole, and minor improvements to cushioning and traction, but largely remains unchanged from its iconic style of Moab.
This model features a modified Vibram TC5+ outsole for sufficient traction, and a unique rubber composition was added to make the shoe more resistant to mud and soil for hiking on lengthy trails.
The upper of the Merrell Moab 3 has large pores of tightly woven mesh between the leather strips to increase ventilation and water drainage.
All of these mentioned features make the Merrell Moab 3 very far from the traditionally rigid hiking footwear. As a result, if you’re in the market for a pair of shoes that can handle day hikes and light backpacking on a variety of trails, these are the best option.
Alternately, The Salomon X Ultra 4 is as flexible as a trail-running shoe but has the necessary balance and traction for technical hiking terrain due to its revolutionary construction it has more innovative design components than Merrell Moab 3.
Their Contragrip outsole has lugs that point you forward in different directions, this makes it easy to move while staying stable on any surface. Additionally, a stretchy material runs along the top of the shoe just below the laces to keep trail debris out while also providing a good amount of “protection.”
And as a plus, the toes and heels of the Salomon X Ultra 4 are reinforced, giving it a clear advantage when climbing and unintentionally kicking rocks or roots.
Moreover, The X Ultra 4 has a new chassis that is meant to make it lighter while keeping good steadiness. You can confidently hike with a loaded backpack across rocky creek crossings and up and down steep trails because of their solid feel.
What do customers think?
The Salomon X Ultra 4 is very comfortable for a lot of hikers and many are especially impressed by how well-padded these shoes are.
A few experts agree that this model has a super-adhesive outsole and notice a considerable reduction in weight.
People who tried the Salomon X Ultra 4 on rough trails, steep downhills, and areas with a lot of rocks love how stable it is.
Many reviewers also praised the Quicklace system for its speed and simplicity, but those with particularly wide or narrow feet generally favored the more traditional way of lacing.
However, many X Ultra 4 owners have expressed concern that the elevated collar rubs around the ankle.
Users also have complaints about the heel counter, specifically the high-flared heel tab causes painful chafing.
On the other hand, many hikers of both genders have praised the Merrell Moab 3 for its comfortable fit. They have also commended this model’s stable and smooth padding, making long days on the trail easier to endure.
Some of them are pleased to report that this shoe option is the most adaptable ever and performs well in summer and hot conditions. Even a professional hiker who carried a heavy load and wore the Moab 3 on a trip reported no instability.
Also, customers who have worn previous iterations of the Moab have stated that it provides relatively superior support and more durability on all terrains.
Some critics were not happy with the less flexibility and stated that their feet ache after a long day of hiking in these. It is also noticed that they may be too oversized for people who prefer sleeker boots.
Conclusion: Which Is Better?
After reviewing both models in different aspects we have concluded that The Merrell Mob 3 felt bulkier and less Nimble than Salomon X Ultra 4, but it’s a great deal for experienced hikers who are sticking to specific tracks.
The Salomon X Ultra 4 is the superior option if you intend to combine on- and off-trail hiking with carrying a heavier load. Despite its sturdy construction, the front of the shoe is flexible enough to allow fast hiking on flat ground and seems athletic.
In a nutshell, Merrell Moab 3 is hands down the most comfortable design for day hikes and light backpacking. However, if you want to cover a lot of ground quickly or trek across tricky terrain, the Salomon X Ultra 4 is worth the extra money.