Salomon Quest 4 GTX
2 lbs. 11.2 oz. (men’s size 9)
Yes (Gore-Tex)
Tough, protective, and supportive yet comfortable for covering long distances over technical ground.
Overkill for smoother trails and most day hiking.
(4.7/5)
Salomon’s Quest has earned a lot of acclaim throughout its history as a very capable boots for backpacking and the most recent Quest 4 carries the torch. We put the newly revamped design to the test through the Washington’s Hoh Rainforest, where it encountered slick and wet trails, with lots of loose rocks, fallen trees and ankle-deep mud pools. Overall, despite a lighter weight, a new chassis and a modern design the Quest 4 boasts very similar performance that its predecessor did, making it a fantastic choice to transport heavy loads across difficult terrain. We’ll go over our experience using Quest 4. Quest 4. To find out how it compares to its competitors, read our review of the most comfortable trekking boots.
Performance
Comfort
The comfort was the main feature of the previous model and the new Salomon Quest 4 GTX has a similar feel, thanks to the same well-cushioned construction and glove-like fitting. This is a top-quality design by all means, with a soft lining that covers the interior, plenty of padding on the ankles as well as on the tongue as well as one of our top lacing systems. It’s easy to achieve an incredibly snug and secure fit around your foot as well as the lockable eyelet located at the ankle’s base keeps your foot in the right place during long climbs. Once cinched the boot is able to hug your ankle, providing a comfortable tight, comfortable, and confident feeling.
Underfoot, it’s the same situation, with lots of shock absorption and protection from the rough and rough terrain that we encountered on our hike through Washington’s Hoh Rainforest. Even with a moderately heavy backpack (around 35lbs. ), I didn’t feel any foot soreness, despite having a long day of hiking. It’s also important to emphasize it’s true that it’s important to note that the Quest is a very tough boot that’s likely to be too big for a lot of day hikers or backpackers who stick to well-worn routes. Salomon did an excellent job keeping some flexibility in the forefoot, which means it’s not too stiff for walking, yet it’s an imposing and bulky design that is ideal for tough as well as technical surfaces. If you plan to stick to simple to moderate trails or would prefer something lightweight and more flexible, we suggest Salomon’s”X Ultra4″.
Weight
The Quest’s redesign has been updated and has resulted in a slight decrease in weight in this most recent version. Comparing my size for men’s 9s, Salomon reduced approximately an ounce off each shoe The new model weighs two kilograms 11.2 pounds, and 1.2 ounces (listed weight is more at 2lbs. 14.2 oz.). In comparison to other hiking boots of a mid-weight that weigh this much, it is closer to major rivals like Lowa Renegade (14 lbs. Lowa Renegade (2 lbs. 7 oz. ), Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX (2 lbs. 6.4 oz. ) as well as Vasque Breeze AT Mid GTX (2 lbs. 11 oz.). To be crystal clear, this isn’t an ultra-light and agile boot, like the brand’s X Ultra 4 Mid GTX (1 1 lb. 14 oz.). If you pair it together with X Ultra, the added weight is instantly apparent. Also, there is added cushioning, a higher ankle height, protection, and added stability to cover difficult terrain.
Traction
The conditions for our hike were exactly typical for the early spring: very wet and slippery. In spite of it all — including deep mud steps climbing up and down fallen trees, and traversing slippery rocks–the Quest 4 GTX held its grip with ease. The aggressive tread cut through the soft surface and held up well, even on the steepest climbs and descents (there’s particularly good braking in the heel) as well as the wide-spaced lugs shed the mud fairly well. Regarding construction, the Quest uses Salomon’s Contagrip TD compound, which swaps some sturdiness and elasticity for a more durable, firmer rubber. However, it was still soft enough to be trusted for crossing creeks that were rocky and also held up well on slippery, mossy bridges made of wood. In addition, after intense testing, the tread has shown minimal wear, and some wear.
Stability and Support
Many backpackers and hikers move into a larger, more sturdier boot such as the Salomon because of its higher ankle height and solid feel. the most recent Quest offers plenty of confidence when it comes to technical trails. It has a broad base, and the new chassis has wings on both sides of the foot which connect directly to the lacing mechanism. By rubbing the boot is a sensation that you can feel the laces tighten. Together with the heel that is stiff, I was extremely at ease in my boots, even when carrying a heavy backpacking bag ( Osprey’s latest Aether 65).
As I’ve mentioned previously There’s still plenty of flexibility in the forefoot area which means you don’t feel as if you’re wearing a leather clunker. However, the Quest’s slender overall design isn’t enough for many hikers as well as light backpackers. The majority of them would be content with a more lightweight model such as the X Ultra 4 or the more affordable Asolo Falcon The Falcon. But if you’re looking for an athletic fit that offers excellent support for your ankles for technical walks, difficult terrain, or when carrying heavy loads and weight, the Quest is an excellent choice.
Waterproofing
The waterproof Quest construction shined through when I hiked through Olympic National Park. The water-resistant upper and Goretex liner helped keep my feet dry during multiple creek crossings. The greater height of the Quest was a boon when walking through bog-like terrain in wet and muddy mud. The boots covered in the dirt weren’t even noticed when we reached the campsite, but my feet were still dry. But I took care to make sure that no water got across the collar’s top since the boot will not dry quickly because of the water-resistant membrane. Unfortunately, Salomon doesn’t offer the Quest without Gore-Tex as a liner, however, shoes or boots that aren’t waterproof could dry more quickly after being submerged.
Breathability
However, despite its superior water resistance, breathability is a problem. In simple terms, it’s the combo of Gore-Tex bootie heavy and reinforced upper material and the tall height makes this Salomon Quest 4 GTX hot and sweaty in summerlike conditions. It wasn’t too hot during our backpacking adventure and temperatures were mostly in the low 50s along the trail. However, it was a different story when hiking later in the day in the hot and dry part of the Cascade range (right in the middle of Washington State). The boot’s performance is in line with the majority of the waterproof models of its kind and is a great choice in the event that you’ll benefit from the extra protection. Additionally, the added warmth makes it a good alternative for snowshoeing in mild weather, as well as the slight insulation, which can be useful during cold winter nights in the camp.
Toe and Ankle Protection
Salomon hasn’t made any significant modifications to the toe or cushioning in the most recent Quest model, which is great news from a safety standpoint. A rubber cap for the toe with a padded and slender upper, and moderately large cushioning on the ankles provide plenty of security in the trails and when you’re slipping your feet between cracks. I also tend to hit rocks along the trail as miles accumulate (and as my feet become tired) However, all of my direct strikes haven’t caused any discomfort or pain.
Build Quality and Durability
Being Salomon’s highest-end boots for hiking it was an obvious choice that Quest is constructed well. The design is quite busy and features a mix of leather and tough synthetic that covers the upper. But, like previous versions of the boot, it’s performing very well. The leather has turned an edgier color following the backpacking experience–even after I scrubbed the mud completely off. However, the boot is as good as new. The laces and hardware are in good condition and the outsole is being worn uniformly and extremely lightly. In all, I’m expecting the Quest to last a long time to live.
Fit and Sizing
With the Quest, Salomon found an ideal middle ground in terms of fit. It’s snug at the heel and around the ankle. This is ideal for use in sports and has an average width inside the box of the feet. In all it’s a design that works for most hikers, myself included. To give you an example, I purchased my normal men’s 9 and I found the length to be just right. Furthermore, there was enough room for the toes to move after a long day in the mountains, but the boot didn’t feel flimsy or too roomy when paired with soft cushioned trekking socks. One thing I’d like to point out is that, in contrast to its rivals, such as Lowa Renegade, Lowa Renegade, Salomon does not sell the Quest in wide or narrow sizes, which could be a problem for people with particularly narrow or high-volume feet.
Women’s Salomon Quest 4 GTX
We took the male Quest 4 GTX into Washington’s Hoh Rainforest for testing, and Salomon offers a virtually identical model for women. It’s the female Quest 4 GTX costs the same amount at $230 and comes with the same features as the model for men that we tested, but it weighs less at 2 pounds 5.7 grams and is available in a variety of colors (for more information, check out our comprehensive evaluation of the female Quest 4). We touched on this earlier in contrast to some of its rivals, Salomon doesn’t offer the Quest in a water-proof version as well as no wide, low-top, or narrow variants are offered.
What We Like About HTML0
- Durable, safe, and supportive yet extremely comfortable, a great match to carry a full backpack on rough terrain.
- The boot is made with one of our favorite lacing methods: It’s simple to secure a comfortable fit. The eyelet that locks at the base of the ankle assists in locking your heel down in the steep slopes.
- Great traction on a range of surfaces. The boot was also able to grip thick and slick dirt when walking on wet logs and traversing rocky creeks.
- The well-constructed model is made of premium materials throughout, such as an established Gore-Tex liner with tough synthetic and leather uppers and high-quality hardware.
The Things We Do Not
- A swollen build is not enough for many walkers as well as backpackers who stick to maintained trails.
- There isn’t a leader in weight with more than 2.5 pounds each.
- Only available in a high-cut Gore-Tex model, it can be hot in summer months (although it will give a nice boost to warmth in colder temperatures).
The Competition
The Salomon Quest 4 is one of our most popular hiking boots to cover the tough terrain due to its durable robust, protective, and comfortable design. In this class, Lowa’s Renegade GTX Mid is a favorite for many years and remains an excellent mid-weight option. If you look at the differences in the Lowa, we find that the Lowa is lighter by about 7 pounds per pair, has the strength and a more solid feel, and comes in a range of widths and sizes (including the large and narrow versions to suit those who have feet that are difficult to fit). But the Salomon is the more modern and aggressive alternative, with more durable construction and its performance-fit is better suited for those walking on the technical terrain. Both are extremely capable mid-weight models However, the Salomon remains our top choice to navigate rough terrain.
The Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX is another boot that’s often thought of in conjunction with the Quest and with reasons that are good: It’s tough and grippy. It also gives great support and stability for tough hikes and backpacking excursions. As with the Renegade above it is also a great choice for backpacking. Zodiac Plus is also lighter than the Quest at 2 pounds 6.4 ounces, though it’s significantly stiffer and has less cushioning. The end result is that this stiffness is what makes it Zodiac Plus down on our hiking boot list, however it’s still a great mountain boot with a light weight. If you’re okay with the slight weight gain but prefer the more comfortable and cushioned experience in the Quest.
The category of mid-weight hiking boots is quite stacked for 2022. Vasque’s Breeze At Mid GTX can be considered an affordable alternative to Quest 4. Quest 4. At a cost of $40 less than the Quest 4, the Breeze is comparable in terms of support and comfort. It also is backed by proven quality and Gore-Tex waterproofing. It also comes with the same height and protection to help you navigate difficult trails. We did however find that Quest’s lacing system is more secure. Additionally, its sporty and athletic stance gives an edgier and more modern feeling to the trails (despite being a little more). In addition, we discovered that the Salomon is more stable and is built with better quality and we believe that it is worth the extra cost for those who go out frequently.
Montana-based Oboz is well-known for its focus on comfort. That applies to Oboz’s Bridger mid-BDry. We did notice that the Bridger seemed dated and more heavy and slow than many of its competitors in the midweight category such as the Quest (despite the fact that it weighs 8 oz. more for each pair). Also, the combination of an upper made of leather and in-house waterproofing makes it extremely hot in summer. The savings of $50 are appealing as well as the Oboz certainly is a solid and supportive choice at an affordable price. From a performance point of view, the Quest is, without doubt, the top choice.
Salomon’s The X Ultra Mid GTX can be considered an alternative to that of the Quest 4. As we mentioned above both boots are designed with different goals in that the Quest is made to tackle difficult terrain thanks to its tough robust, protective, and supportive construction however, it’s the X Ultra is built more for light and fast day hikes as well as lightweight backpacking trips. This means that the X Ultra is considerably lighter than the Quest, which weighs 1 pound 14 pounds and has enough protection and support for on-trail usage, however, its pliable and responsive feel aren’t sufficient to cover a significant distance over tough terrain (or when carrying a large backpack). The X Ultra is perfectly serviceable to meet the needs of most hikers (for more details, read the X Ultra 4 Mid review) however, it’s not as tall and stronger Quest for rough and steep trails.
