Columbia Newton Ridge vs adidas Terrex Anylander vs Skechers Santoro vs NORTIV 8 vs Merrell Moab 3: Trail-ready boots for every adventurer

Hiking boots5 products

Quick verdict

The 'Will They Survive the Mud?' Verdict

If you want the gold standard for long-distance comfort, grab the Merrell Moab 3. For those on a tighter budget who need reliable performance without breaking the bank, the Columbia Newton Ridge or NORTIV 8 are your best bets.

  • Our pickMerrell Moab 3 Mid GTX
  • Best valueNORTIV 8 Trekking

Side by side

FeaturePhoto of Columbia Newton Ridge Plus IIColumbia Newton Ridge Plus IIPhoto of adidas Terrex Anylanderadidas Terrex AnylanderPhoto of Skechers Santoro HopkinsSkechers Santoro HopkinsPhoto of NORTIV 8 TrekkingNORTIV 8 TrekkingPhoto of Merrell Moab 3 Mid GTXMerrell Moab 3 Mid GTX
Price€64.95€56.40€59.99€55.24€114.95
WaterproofingGORE-TEX remains the king of keeping things dry, though the others work well for light splashes.Omni-Tech membraneRAIN.RDY (not fully waterproof)Not listed / NoWaterproof membraneGORE-TEX membrane (winner)
Outsole PerformanceVibram rubber is the industry benchmark for sticking to slick rock and loose dirt.Omni-GripTraxionGoodyear RubberRubber / EVAVibram TC5+ (winner)
WeightThe Columbia model is noticeably lighter, keeping your legs fresh on long hauls.660 Gramos (winner)907,18 Gramos1 KilogramoNot listedNot listed

Product by product

Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II

Budget-conscious style seekers

A classic suede look that performs well on moderate terrain. Perfect for weekend warriors who want reliability.

What We Liked 👍

  • Classic aesthetic design
  • Excellent value for money
  • Solid cushioning system

What Could Be Better 👎

  • Waterproofing struggles in heavy rain

adidas Terrex Anylander

Fast-paced urban and light trail

Built more like a tanky sneaker, this boot offers great grip on varied surfaces. Ideal for those who value modern styling.

What We Liked 👍

  • Great traction on wet terrain
  • Very comfortable for long days

What Could Be Better 👎

  • Tall fit is initially stiff

Skechers Santoro Hopkins

Comfort-first hikers

Skechers brings their memory foam expertise to the trail with a relaxed fit. Great for those who hate tight toe boxes.

What We Liked 👍

  • Very comfortable cushioned footbed
  • Goodyear rubber provides solid grip

What Could Be Better 👎

  • Heavier construction profile

NORTIV 8 TrekkingBest value

High-mileage budget shoppers

A workhorse boot that surprisingly handles everything from mud to snow. The ultimate value pick for tough conditions.

What We Liked 👍

  • Extremely durable for price
  • Solid ankle support provided

What Could Be Better 👎

  • Runs slightly large in sizing

Merrell Moab 3 Mid GTXOur pick

Serious mountain trekkers

The world's best-selling hiker for a reason, offering legendary comfort and GORE-TEX protection. It is the boot you trust with your life.

What We Liked 👍

  • Superior GORE-TEX water protection
  • Vibram sole grip is legendary

What Could Be Better 👎

  • Higher price bracket investment

Battle of the Boots: From Muddy Trails to Rocky Ridges

When you are miles from civilization, you do not want to worry about your feet falling apart. The Merrell Moab 3 stands as the titan here, featuring GORE-TEX and Vibram soles that make other boots look like house slippers. It is the gear you take when you are planning to spend days on your feet.

On the other end of the spectrum, the NORTIV 8 and Columbia Newton Ridge prove that you do not need to take out a second mortgage to get decent gear. They are reliable, reasonably light, and perfect for the hiker who prefers a weekend loop over a multi-week expedition.

What Actually Matters on the Trail?

It comes down to three things: comfort, grip, and moisture management. If your boots turn into sponges after an hour in the rain, your hike is doomed. The Merrell and Columbia models take the lead here. If you have wide feet, the Skechers model is a godsend for avoiding blisters.

Consider where you hike. If you are climbing sharp, volcanic rock, the Vibram soles on the Merrell are non-negotiable. If you are just strolling through forest paths, any of the others will save you a few euros while doing the job perfectly.

Choose Your Weapon

If you are a frequent trekker, the Merrell Moab 3 Mid GTX is worth every cent for the durability and GORE-TEX peace of mind. It is the boot that will be at the bottom of your pack years from now.

For the casual hiker or someone watching their wallet, the Columbia Newton Ridge or NORTIV 8 will serve you brilliantly without making you compromise on basic trail performance.

  • Our pickMerrell Moab 3 Mid GTX
  • Best valueNORTIV 8 Trekking

Prices on amazon.es as of October 4, 2026. Prices may change.

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