Unearth The Voyage
Picking between Salomon and Merrell can feel like choosing your favorite hiking buddy. Both brands have earned loyal followings on trails worldwide, but which models truly stand the test of time? We strapped on a dozen top performers from each company, logged hundreds of rugged miles, and watched closely as rocks, roots, and weather threw their worst at our feet.
1. Salomon Speedcross 6 – Best for mud and loose terrain durability
When trails turn into slippery nightmares, the Speedcross 6 laughs in the face of muck. Deep, widely spaced lugs on a tough Contagrip outsole shed mud like magic and keep biting after months of abuse.
The latest upper trims weight without sacrificing toughness, so you stay nimble on technical sections. Testers who hammered these through wet forests and loose scree report the outsole still grips confidently even after hundreds of miles.
If your local trails stay soggy or sandy, this shoe is built to outlast the competition.
2. Merrell Moab 3 (Low/Mid/Waterproof) – Best budget workhorse hiker
Few shoes earn a reputation like the Moab. This third generation keeps the winning formula: a Vibram TC5+ outsole, protective toe cap, and the long-running Moab platform’s reputation for racking up miles without drama.
Hikers on tight budgets appreciate that durability does not demand a premium price tag here. Whether you choose low, mid, or waterproof, the Moab 3 delivers consistent traction and support across varied terrain.
Real-world feedback confirms these shoes still look trail-ready after seasons of weekend adventures.
3. Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX – Best light hiker for rocky day routes
Rocky day hikes demand a shoe that stays nimble yet refuses to fold under pressure. The X Ultra 4 GTX nails that balance with an ADV-C chassis that resists torsion and pronation, paired with a grippy Contagrip outsole.
Multiple 2025 tests still praise its blend of agility and protection, making it a favorite for scrambles and uneven paths. The Gore-Tex lining keeps feet dry without adding bulk, and testers report minimal sole wear even after tackling sharp talus.
Lightweight does not mean fragile here.
4. Merrell Agility Peak 5 – Best cushioned trail runner that stays tough
Cushion usually comes at the cost of durability, but the Agility Peak 5 flips that script. Lighter than version four, it sports an upgraded Vibram Megagrip outsole that clings to wet roots and slick stone.
Real-world testers report strong durability over hundreds of miles, with the midsole foam holding its bounce far longer than expected. The upper shrugs off brush and abrasion while keeping your foot locked in securely.
For runners who crave plush comfort without babying their shoes, this model delivers serious staying power.
5. Salomon XA Pro 3D v9 – Best tank-like stability shoe
Some shoes feel bulletproof from the first step, and the XA Pro 3D v9 earns that reputation honestly. A 3D chassis, robust upper, and proven mixed-terrain traction make this Salomon’s durability icon in a trail-runner format.
Long known for handling everything from alpine scrambles to desert crossings, the v9 continues that legacy with barely any compromises. The Quicklace system stays snug through creek crossings and dust storms alike.
Testers who demand stability and longevity consistently crown this model their go-to workhorse.
6. Merrell Nova 3 – Best value do-it-all trail shoe
Value hunting does not mean settling for weak construction. The Nova 3 brings a durable upper, supportive midsole, and Vibram outsole that stands up to varied terrain at a friendly price.
Whether you are jogging fire roads or hiking rocky singletrack, this shoe adapts without complaint. The cushioning strikes a sweet spot between responsive and protective, and the outsole rubber shows impressive resistance to wear.
Reviewers love that Merrell packed so much toughness into an affordable package, making the Nova 3 a smart pick for multi-use adventurers.
7. Salomon Thundercross – Best aggressive everyday trail runner
Aggressive does not have to mean race-day only. The Thundercross brings a versatile lug pattern with strong bite and a hardy upper that handles daily beatings with grace.
Reviewers highlight traction and longevity after extended use, noting the outsole keeps its edge even on mixed surfaces. The upper resists tears from trail debris, and the midsole foam stays lively through countless training runs.
If you want one trail runner that can handle everything from tempo efforts to long weekend adventures, the Thundercross punches above its weight class.
8. Merrell Moab Speed 2 – Best lightweight hiker that still takes a beating
The Moab DNA in a faster package sounds too good to be true, but the Moab Speed 2 makes it real. Reviewers in 2025 rate its protection and traction combo highly for hiking use, praising how it shaves weight without losing the tough-as-nails reputation.
The outsole grips confidently on steep descents, and the upper provides enough structure to handle uneven ground with a loaded pack. Lightweight hikers often sacrifice durability, yet this model keeps pace through rough conditions.
Fast hikers finally have a shoe that lasts.
9. Salomon Quest 4 GTX – Best heavy-duty backpacking boot
Backpacking demands boots that refuse to quit under heavy loads and endless miles. The Quest 4 GTX brings burly construction with a supportive chassis and long-mileage backpacking pedigree that veterans trust.
2025 reviews still call it one of the most capable long-haul boots, with testers reporting minimal wear even after multi-day trips over jagged terrain. The Gore-Tex lining keeps feet dry through stream crossings and sudden storms, while the ankle support prevents wobbles on off-camber slopes.
Serious backpackers know this boot delivers mile after rugged mile.
10. Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx – Best race-ready shoe with reinforced upper
Race shoes often sacrifice durability for speed, but the MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx breaks that mold. Matryx woven upper resists abrasion better than typical mesh, paired with Vibram grip for technical trails.
Ultrarunners appreciate that this shoe survives rocky descents and brushy switchbacks without shredding. The reinforced upper holds its shape through long training blocks, and the outsole maintains bite even after hundreds of technical miles.
Fast does not have to mean fragile, and this shoe proves it with every rugged stride.
11. Salomon Sense Ride 5 – Best all-terrain trainer that keeps its shape
Training shoes take the most abuse, yet the Sense Ride 5 refuses to lose its structure. A secure Quicklace system, overlays that resist fray, and lugs that show minimal wear across months of testing make this a favorite for high-mileage runners.
The midsole stays responsive even after countless loops on your local trails, and the upper holds its fit without stretching out. Testers love that it handles everything from smooth gravel to rocky singletrack without complaining.
Your everyday trainer just got a serious durability upgrade.
12. Merrell Antora 3 (Women) – Best women’s daily trail shoe for mixed use
Women deserve trail shoes that do not compromise on toughness or versatility. The Antora 3 brings a full-length Vibram outsole, rock plate protection, and broad reviewer consensus on comfort plus sturdiness for running and hiking.
Whether you are logging morning trail runs or afternoon hikes, this shoe adapts seamlessly. The outsole rubber holds up through varied surfaces, and the upper provides just enough structure without feeling rigid.
Women who demand one shoe for all their trail activities finally have a durable answer that truly delivers.
