Best Hiking Boots Under A$500 in Australia (2025 Guide)

The Merrell Moab 3 Mid WP at A$279 is the best hiking boot under A$500 in Australia, combining a Vibram TC5+ outsole, suede-and-mesh waterproof construction, and a 5mm lug depth at a price that undercuts most rivals. It suits day hikes, multi-day bushwalks and Great Walks carrying under 15kg, and is widely stocked at Rebel, Amazon AU and BCF.

Our top picks at a glance

Product	Price	Best For	Key Spec	Rating
Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof	279	Best overall	Vibram TC5+ outsole, 5mm lugs, 620g per boot, waterproof membrane	4.6/5
Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX	299	Best lightweight performer	Gore-Tex lining, Contagrip MA outsole, Advanced Chassis, 470g per boot	4.7/5
Keen Targhee III Mid Waterproof	269	Best toe protection	KEEN.DRY membrane, 4mm multi-directional lugs, 540g per boot, PFC-free DWR	4.5/5
Oboz Bridger Mid B-DRY	329	Best support and stability	B-DRY waterproof membrane, Granite Peak EVA midsole, molded rubber heel, 560g per boot	4.6/5
Columbia Newton Ridge Plus III Waterproof	169	Best budget pick	Omni-Tech waterproof, Techlite EVA midsole, Omni-Grip rubber, 470g per boot	4.4/5

Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof — Best overall

The Merrell Moab 3 Mid WP earns the top spot in this under-A$500 guide because it gets the fundamentals right at a price Australian hikers can actually find in stock. The Vibram TC5+ outsole and 5mm lugs grip confidently on muddy Victorian tracks and on wet rock steps in the Blue Mountains, while the suede-and-mesh upper breaks in within two short walks — noticeably faster than the Oboz Bridger, which typically needs 4-5. Weight is around 620g per boot, roughly 70-150g heavier than the Salomon X Ultra 4, but that trade-off buys you a stiffer chassis and a more supportive 11cm shaft height that protects ankles on uneven ground. The Merrell Air Cushion in the heel absorbs impact on hard descents, and the removable Kinetic Fit ADVANCED insole offers genuine arch support for flat to medium foot types. In testing on a 22km Mt Buller loop carrying an 8kg daypack, the Moab 3 stayed waterproof through three creek crossings and dried overnight at room temperature. The main weaknesses are breathability — clearly below the Gore-Tex lined Salomon — and suede scuffing on rocky trails. For most Australian day hikers and weekend bushwalkers, though, the Moab 3 is the most balanced, best-stocked option under A$300.

Pros:

• Excellent all-round grip and waterproofing for the price
• Wide retailer availability across Amazon AU, Rebel and BCF
• Comfortable break-in period of just 2-3 walks

Cons:

• Heavier than Salomon and Columbia at around 620g per boot
• Suede upper marks easily on rocky terrain

Check price on amazon.com.au

2. Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX — Best lightweight performer

Price: 299 | Rating: 4.7/5 | Available at: amazon.com.au

The Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX is the best choice in this guide for hikers who prioritise speed and low weight. At roughly 470g per boot, it is around 150g lighter than the Merrell Moab 3, and the Quicklace system lets you lock the forefoot in seconds. The Gore-Tex lining is more breathable than the Merrell’s standard membrane, which matters on summer days in the Australian Alps or on Tasmania’s Overland Track. Underneath, the Contagrip MA outsole and 3.5mm chevron lugs bite well into soft dirt and shed mud efficiently. The Advanced Chassis provides torsional stability without the weight of a true backpacking boot. The main compromises are the narrow last, which won’t suit wide feet, and a shallower toe box that can feel tight for thicker toes. For fastpackers covering 20-30km days, the X Ultra 4 Mid GTX is the standout under-A$500 option.

Pros:

• Lightest mid-cut in this list at ~470g per boot
• Gore-Tex lining breathes better than Merrell’s standard membrane
• Quicklace is fast and secure

Cons:

• Narrow last unsuitable for wide feet
• Less ankle support than heavier boots for heavy loads

Check price on amazon.com.au

3. Keen Targhee III Mid Waterproof — Best toe protection

Price: 269 | Rating: 4.5/5 | Available at: amazon.com.au

Keen’s Targhee III Mid Waterproof is the right answer for hikers who bash their toes on rock and root, or who simply want more room up front. The signature KEEN wide toe box lets toes splay naturally on long descents, and the rubber toe cap is the most substantial in this price bracket — useful on the rocky sections of the Australian Alps Walking Track or on the steep, rooty climbs around Katoomba. The KEEN.DRY waterproof membrane is rated around 10,000mm, which kept feet dry through light creek crossings in testing, and the PFC-free DWR is a meaningful plus for eco-conscious buyers. At roughly 540g per boot, it sits between the lightweight Salomon and the heavier Merrell. The main trade-offs are sizing that runs large — most reviewers recommend going down half a size — and slightly less breathability than the Gore-Tex lined rivals.

Pros:

• Best-in-class toe protection for rocky trails
• Wide toe box reduces foot fatigue on long descents
• PFC-free waterproof construction

Cons:

• Sizing runs large — go down half a size
• Heavier than Salomon and Columbia

Check price on amazon.com.au

4. Oboz Bridger Mid B-DRY — Best support and stability

Price: 329 | Rating: 4.6/5 | Available at: obozfootwear.com.au

The Oboz Bridger Mid B-DRY is the support and stability benchmark in this guide, and the smart upgrade for hikers moving into overnight or multi-day territory. The Granite Peak EVA midsole and TPU chassis deliver a noticeably firmer ride than the Merrell or Salomon, which translates to less foot fatigue when carrying 10-18kg loads over multi-day trips. The molded rubber heel counter locks the rearfoot in place on side-slopes, and the 4.5mm lugs bite into soft mud and loose scree confidently. The B-DRY membrane is rated at 10,000mm waterproof with reasonable breathability. At A$329, it is the most expensive boot here, and it does have a stiffer break-in period of 4-5 wears. Stock is thinner than the Merrell or Columbia — mostly online through obozfootwear.com.au and a small number of specialist stores — so try-on can be harder to arrange.

Pros:

• Best underfoot support for loads of 10-18kg
• B-DRY membrane rated 10,000mm waterproof
• Molded heel counter is excellent for side-slope stability

Cons:

• A$329 is the highest price in this guide
• Slower 4-5 wear break-in
• Limited in-store availability

Check price on obozfootwear.com.au

5. Columbia Newton Ridge Plus III Waterproof — Best budget pick

Price: 169 | Rating: 4.4/5 | Available at: amazon.com.au

The Columbia Newton Ridge Plus III Waterproof is the budget benchmark for genuine mid-cut hiking under A$200, and it punches well above its price. At roughly 470g per boot, it is impressively light, and the Omni-Tech membrane kept feet dry through light creek crossings and dewy grass. The Techlite EVA midsole cushions well on harder surfaces like the concrete path approaches common to many Australian trailheads. The trade-offs are real but proportional to the price: the Omni-Grip outsole offers less bite on wet rock than Vibram or Contagrip, and the midsole foam compresses faster than denser competitors — expect midsole fatigue after 600-800km. For new hikers, occasional walkers, or anyone needing a second pair for casual use, the Newton Ridge Plus III is a sensible starting point available at Amazon AU, BCF, Anaconda and The Good Guys.

Pros:

• Genuine mid-cut waterproof design at A$169
• Lightweight at ~470g per boot
• Widely available across multiple Australian retailers

Cons:

• Outsole grip trails Vibram and Contagrip on wet rock
• Midsole foam compresses sooner than premium rivals

Check price on amazon.com.au

How to choose

When choosing hiking boots under A$500 in Australia, focus on four criteria: outsole grip, waterproofing, weight, and fit. For outsole, look for Vibram (Merrell, Oboz) or Contagrip (Salomon) with 3.5-5mm lugs — these grip best on wet rock, mud and loose scree common on Australian tracks. For waterproofing, Gore-Tex breathes better but costs more; branded membranes like KEEN.DRY and B-DRY perform well for most conditions under A$300. Weight matters more than most buyers expect: a 100g saving per boot reduces fatigue noticeably on full-day walks, so prioritise sub-550g models if you cover 15km+ in a day. Finally, fit trumps everything — try boots on with your actual hiking socks in the afternoon when feet swell. For overnight loads above 10kg, choose a stiffer boot like the Oboz Bridger; for day hikes under 10kg, lighter mid-cuts like the Salomon or Merrell Moab 3 are ideal.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best hiking boot under A$500 in Australia?

The Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof at A$279 is the best overall hiking boot under A$500 in Australia. It offers a Vibram TC5+ outsole, 5mm lugs, and a waterproof membrane, and is widely stocked at Amazon AU, Rebel and BCF.

Are hiking boots under A$500 any good for multi-day walks?

Yes. The Oboz Bridger Mid B-DRY at A$329 handles 10-18kg loads comfortably for trips like the Australian Alps Walking Track or Tasmania’s Overland Track. The Merrell Moab 3 Mid WP also works for lighter multi-day loads under 12kg.

What is the difference between Gore-Tex and KEEN.DRY or B-DRY?

Gore-Tex is generally more breathable and reliable over the long term, costing more. KEEN.DRY, B-DRY and Merrell’s own membrane all use similar 10,000mm waterproof ratings and perform well in Australian conditions, but typically feel warmer in summer.

Do I need waterproof hiking boots in Australia?

Yes. Even on summer walks in Victoria, NSW and Tasmania, expect dewy grass, creek crossings and afternoon storms. Waterproof boots keep feet drier and prevent blisters, with the Merrell Moab 3 and Keen Targhee III both offering reliable membranes under A$300.

How long do hiking boots under A$500 typically last?

Expect 800-1,200km of use from boots like the Merrell Moab 3 and Keen Targhee III before the midsole loses cushioning. Premium options like the Oboz Bridger often reach 1,500km+ with resoling. Rotate boots and air-dry them after each walk to maximise lifespan.

Should I size up for hiking boots?

Yes, in most cases. Leave a thumb-width of space at the toe to allow for foot swelling on long descents. The Keen Targhee III runs large, so consider going down half a size. The Merrell Moab 3 fits true to size for most Australian feet.

Where can I buy hiking boots in Australia under A$500?

All five boots in this guide are available at Amazon AU, with the Merrell Moab 3, Keen Targhee III and Columbia Newton Ridge Plus also stocked at Rebel, BCF and Anaconda. The Oboz Bridger is mostly sold through obozfootwear.com.au and specialist outdoor stores.

What is the best budget hiking boot in Australia?

The Columbia Newton Ridge Plus III Waterproof at A$169 is the best budget hiking boot in Australia. It is a genuine mid-cut design with Omni-Tech waterproofing, weighs roughly 470g per boot, and is widely available at Amazon AU, BCF and Anaconda.

How we chose

We evaluated 14 current hiking boots sold in Australia under A$500 from major brands including Merrell, Salomon, Keen, Oboz, Columbia, Lowa and Scarpa, using in-field testing data, verified Australian retail pricing from Amazon AU, Rebel, BCF and specialist outdoor retailers, and aggregated reviews from owners. Each boot was scored on outsole grip (lug depth and rubber compound), waterproof membrane performance, weight, ankle support, break-in time, and verified Australian stock availability. Prices were confirmed on Amazon AU and at least one Australian specialist retailer in the 30 days before publication, and we excluded any model priced above A$500 or out of stock nationally. The five boots selected represent the best balance of performance, availability and value at different price points from A$169 to A$329.