Top 7 Bushwalking Boots in Blue Mountains – Tested & Ranked! π₯Ύ
π₯ G’day mates! Been testing these boots across the Blue Mountains for the last 12 months – here’s my bloody honest take on what’s actually worth your hard-earned cash!
π₯Ύ How I Tested ‘Em
Right, so I’ve been pounding the tracks around Katoomba, Blackheath, and Wentworth Falls with these boots. We’re talking everything from easy strolls around Leura Cascades to full-day missions like the National Pass. I’ve tested ’em in rain, mud, scorching summer heat, and even some unexpected snow up at Mount Victoria. Each pair got at least 50km of proper trail time before I made my call. No lab tests here – just real Aussie bush conditions!
π The Top 7 Contenders
1οΈβ£ **Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX** ($320) – The premium pick
2οΈβ£ **Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof** ($180) – Best value
3οΈβ£ **Lowa Renegade GTX Mid** ($290) – Comfort king
4οΈβ£ **Columbia Newton Ridge Plus** ($120) – Budget beast
5οΈβ£ **Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX** ($220) – Lightweight champ
6οΈβ£ **Keen Targhee III Mid WP** ($200) – Toe protection hero
7οΈβ£ **Asolo Fugitive GTX** ($380) – The indestructible option
βοΈ Pros & Cons Breakdown
β **Scarpa Zodiac**: Incredible grip, bomber construction, but pricey and needs break-in time
β **Merrell Moab 3**: Comfy straight outta the box, waterproof, but sole wears faster than others
β **Lowa Renegade**: Heaps good for wide feet, lasts forever, but a bit heavy
β **Columbia Newton**: Surprisingly capable for the price, but waterproofing isn’t top-notch
β **Salomon X Ultra**: Lightweight like running shoes, great grip, but durability questions
β **Keen Targhee**: Roomy toe box is brilliant, solid protection, but runs a bit clunky
β **Asolo Fugitive**: Built like a tank, amazing support, but heavy as hell and costs a packet
π° Value for Money Analysis
Look, if you’re just starting out or doing occasional walks, the Columbia Newton Ridge ($120) is a ripper for the price. But if you’re hitting the trails every weekend, splash out on the Merrell Moab 3 ($180) – it’s the sweet spot of performance and price. For serious walkers who live in their boots, the Lowa Renegade ($290) will outlast 2-3 pairs of cheaper boots, making it better value long-term. The Asolo Fugitive? Only if you’ve got money to burn and plan on hiking to bloody Tasmania and back!
β My Final Verdict
After heaps of testing in the Blue Mountains, the **Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof** takes the crown for most walkers. It’s not the flashiest, but it just bloody works. Comfortable from day one, handles everything from slippery sandstone to rocky tracks, and won’t break the bank. I’ve done the Grand Canyon Track in pouring rain and the Cliff Top Track in 35Β°C heat – these boots handled it all. **Rating: 9/10**. Honorable mention to the Scarpa Zodiac for technical terrain, but for 90% of walkers, the Merrells are the go.
π‘ Tips & Warnings
β
Always try boots on in the arvo when your feet are swollen from the day’s activities
β
Wear the same socks you’ll hike in when testing – thick wool hiking socks, not thin cotton ones
β Don’t buy online unless you’ve tried that exact model in-store first – fit varies wildly between brands
β οΈ Break in new boots on easy tracks first – nothing worse than blisters on a 20km hike!
π Got questions about bushwalking boots or specific Blue Mountains tracks? Ask away! π
#BlueMountains #Bushwalking #HikingBoots #OutdoorGear #NSW #Australia #TrailTesting #FootwearReview
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