Salomon Quest 4 GTX Review + Pros & Cons + Comparisons
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Wonder if the Salomon Quest 4 hiking boots are right for you?
When it comes to hiking footwear, it took me forever to find a pair of boots that I felt could replace my old hiking boots. I really loved them, and they had gotten me through some of the most difficult trails I had ever been on like the Everest Base Camp trek. However, the treads on my old boots were completely worn down–providing no traction for me and prompting a hiking boot funeral.
Since I had become more of an advanced hiker, I was going to need a pair of boots that could hold up on backpacking trips and that provided a considerable amount of ankle support. Honestly, it wasn’t easy finding a pair that would suit my needs. I scoured websites and read review sections on outdoor gear websites, but it took me a while before I found what I want and I was ready to pull the trigger.
What I found were the Salomon Quest 4 GTX hiking boots, and I had no idea how much I would fall in love with these. It only took walking around in REI for 5 minutes with these on to realize how much I had been missing in a hiking boot before.
Since then, these boots have been my go-to for straightforward day hikes and more intense backpacking adventures. My favorite feature? That ankle support, baby!
In summary: This article covers my thoughts on why you should consider the Salomon Quest 4 GTX hiking boots, as well as some reasons why they might be right for you or why you might want to skip.
Salomon Quest 4 GTX hiking boots performance
Here’s how I would grade these hiking boots when it comes to a number of factors, including how comfortable they are, how well they were on technical terrain, and more.
Comfort
As someone who’s trekked across some pretty rugged terrains, I’ve got to tip my hat to the Quest 4’s comfort and fit. The combo of the Ortholite sockliner and SensiFit tech is a game changer – they hug your feet just right, making sure every step feels like a dream. Plus, SensiFit is brilliant at cutting down on those pesky interior seams that can rub you the wrong way.
Now, if you’ve got narrowish feet like me, the Quest 4 is like finding Cinderella’s slipper. Even if you’re on the wider side or a fan of liner socks, the roomy toe box has got you covered. And let’s talk about those synthetic materials in the forefoot – they’re a blessing, honestly. I was blown away by how I could slip these boots on and hit the trails right away with no painful break-in period required.
Despite all my hikes and the countless boots I’ve tried, the Quest 4 is the first pair that hasn’t given me the dreaded newbie blisters, thanks to that plush padding in the tongue. For a seasoned hiker, that’s a big deal!
Weight
What majorly surprised me about these boots were the fact that for full boots, they are surprisingly lightweight. At under 3 pounds, the Quest 4 are among the heaviest boots that you can find on the market. However, this weight aligns with the boots’ design goals.
Keep in mind that these are meant for rough terrain and these are not trail running shoes. The Quest 4 aim to conquer big hikes and difficult conditions, and the extra ounces support that mission – I’ve personally been grateful for them on my hikes.
Traction
I appreciate that Salomon got the message on finding a way to balance maximum traction while also creating a smooth ride. Whether you are taking on a scramble while day hiking or muddy trails after rain, the Salomon Quest boots can take on tough conditions as well as smooth trails.
You can definitely feel this most in the heels, which are thick and make up the majority of the weight in the boot. Again, this adds support and protection when dealing with rough terrain, while the deep lugs on the sole mean better performance and traction.
This might not be ideal for hikers looking for a hiking boot that is lightweight, but I love it since some trails I take on tend to have a variety of terrains.
Since I’m often carrying a heavy pack for guiding or backpacking trips, the stability that the shoe offers with traction has made a huge difference for me and I rarely slip while wearing these.
Waterproofing
I’ve never had a pair of boots keep my feet dry like the Salomon Quest 4 GTX do. Even after river crossings on hikes in Montana, the waterproofing is far above industry standard and offers protection all the way up to the ankle from water and deep mud.
While you probably don’t need to do it often, I recommend spraying every new pair of boots due to wear and tear on the outer layer that protects the Gore-Tex membrane which keeps the boots waterproof. These boots are durable, and unless you are planning on taking on some heavy water crossings, then these should totally be able to take on a wet trail.
Stability and support
The main reason I fell in love with these boots? The incredible ankle support available. The padded cuff extends well above the ankle to wrap the lower calf. The flexible cuff hugs the ankle without restricting range of motion. Yet when the laces are tightened, the compression provides additional support that helps prevent ankle rolls and keeps helps to avoid laces slipping.
A big reason why this works is the lacing system offered. Not only do laces extend all the way to the top of the uppers, but they also include a signature Active Support wing, which you won’t find on hiking shoes. This provides additional help for your ankles on rough trails and additional support for your outer foot that many boots do not.
These boots also feature a toe cap that is pretty unique among other hiking boots that I have seen before. This is wonderful if you happen to stub your tow on root or rock, and the extra protection for your feet is a nice bonus.
Breathability
The one thing I don’t love about these boots is that while they include an extended durability, that comes with a burlier boot and can lead to sweat. I’ve never had enough of a problem that the shoe would make my socks sweaty and they would rub, but just in case, you might want to wear some wool socks and size up.
This can give you a bit more space and minimize the sweating that you might get with a snug fit. Of course, keeping in mind that these boots are meant to give you more protection and allow you to carry a heavy pack long distances.
This does make them a bit heaver than what you might find in other walking boots, but it also makes them more versatile outdoor gear than some other boots on the market.
Quality and durability
The Salomon Quest 4s held up really well when I used them, and I didn’t find any problems during my tests. The upper part is made of a mix of nubuck leather, mesh, and textile, joined together by quite a few seams. I had to watch this, but even after some tough use in rugged areas, I saw no early signs of wear.
The boots have a Gore-Tex membrane, but if the outer material gets too wet, it doesn’t work as well. The exterior of the boot gets a waterproofing treatment to help with this, but it wears off over time. So, you’ll need to reapply it every year to keep the boots as water-repellent as they were when you first got them.
Salomon Quest 4 GTX hiking boots fit and sizing
The sizing with the Salomon Quest 4 GTX is pretty straightforward, but I always recommend upping your boot sizes a half size since you are likely going to be wearing some heavier socks. Other than the basics when it comes to sizing your boots, I would take a look at a few specific areas for these boots.
Since the toe box is reinforced, you want to make sure that you have plenty of space there, especially if heavy packs are in your future. A little extra room can go a long way, so by sizing up a bit you’re ensuring that weight of your body and pack will distribute properly.
For those with wide feet, you are going to want to make sure to watch the outer foot for blisters and rubs.
Salomon Quest 4 GTX pros and cons
Here are some of the things I love about this boot and some minor things I would keep in mind if you plan on purchasing them.
Pros
I pretty much love everything about this hiking boot, but there are some stand-out features that make it my go-to for any hike longer than 5 miles. I’ve worn them on all types of adventures, and they have managed to be durable and provide stability for almost every trail I’ve been on.
If you have had trouble finding shoes with stability in the past, then you have found your solution. I don’t know of a better option on the market that offers more support in the heels and ankle, and any type of terrain: mud, snow, you name it. For me, this is all I want from a hiking boot, and in a few years when these wear out, I’ll be looking to Salomon in the future.
In summary:
- Support and stability
- Handles multiple types of terrain
- Durable
Cons
Most hikers are going to be happy with having these as a hiking boot, and much of whether or not they will work for you has to do with whether you are planning on taking on short hikes or long expeditions.
These boots are made for tough conditions and mixed terrain. They can accommodate hikers carrying heavy loads and while they are considerably lighter than the previous version that Salomon has put out, they might be too heavy for those used to hiking in trail running shoes. For beginning hiking boots, the weight might be a little too much.
They also are not the cheapest option for a hiking boot on the market. Salomon is know for its high standards and because of that, these are a bit of an investment compared to some other brands. For casual hikers, it might seem a bit much to spend this on a shoe, but for those who value performance and need a durable option, I find it well worth the money.
The lacing system might be a little too complex for some hikers, since there are additional steps that you need to take in order to get things tightened the way you would like. Overall, though, there is very little I do not absolutely love about these boots.
In summary:
- Might be heavy for those used to trail runners
- Expensive compared to competitors
- Lacing system is more complex
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Salomon Quest 4 GTX competitors
Here are some competitors that you might want to consider for your hiking boot if you have other requirements on your list.
Oboz Bridger Mid Waterproof
As a lover of all things Montana, it’s tough not to appreciate the commitment to comfort that Oboz, a local footwear brand, brings with their Bridger Mid Waterproof. However, from my personal experience, I couldn’t help but notice the Bridger’s design felt a bit outdated. They seemed slower and heavier when compared to most of their contemporaries in the midweight category. Even the Quest, which weighs 8 oz. less per pair, felt nimbler.
Also, I found the blend of the leather upper and in-house waterproofing made the Bridgers a little too warm for my liking during summer hikes. Still, with a $40 price cut, the boots’ ruggedness and supportiveness are undeniable–it’s a decent option for the budget-conscious. But if I’m talking about pure performance, the Quests take the cake in my book.
⭐BUY OBOZ BRIDGER MID WATERPROOF HIKING BOOTS FOR WOMEN HERE⭐
⭐BUY OBOZ BRIDGER MID WATERPROOF HIKING BOOTS FOR MEN HERE⭐
Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX
Salomon’s X Ultra 4 Mid GTX is another contender against the Quest 4. These two boots come with distinct objectives: The Quest, with its rigid, protective, and supportive structure, is engineered for mastering the intricate paths of technical terrains. On the other hand, the X Ultra is conceived with fast-paced day hikes and lightweight backpacking journeys in mind.
Consequently, the X Ultra weighs in considerably lighter at 1 pound 14 ounces. It offers ample support and protection for regular trail use, but its flexibility and agility might not be sufficient for extensive treks on demanding terrains or when shouldering a hefty pack.
Bottom line, the X Ultra meets the expectations for most hiking enthusiasts, but when it comes to conquering truly steep and rugged trails, it bows to the taller and more rigid Quest.
⭐BUY SALMON X ULTRA 4 MID GTX HIKING BOOTS FOR WOMEN HERE⭐
⭐BUY SALMON X ULTRA 4 MID GTX HIKING BOOTS FOR MEN HERE⭐
LOWA Renegade GTX Mid
LOWA’s Renegade GTX Mid has held its popularity for years and continues to be a worthy midweight contender. When I compare the two, I notice that the LOWA is lighter by around 7 ounces per pair, feels sturdier and more grounded, and is available in a wide variety of sizes and widths, even offering dedicated narrow and wide models for those with specific fit needs.
However, for me, the Salomon stands out as the more aggressive option. Its build is more durable, and the performance fit seems like a better match for those navigating truly technical terrain.
All things considered, both boots exhibit excellent midweight designs, but for traversing rough terrain, the Salomon remains my top pick.
⭐BUY LOWA RENEGADE GTX MID HIKING BOOTS FOR WOMEN HERE⭐
⭐BUY LOWA RENEGADE GTX MID HIKING BOOTS FOR MEN HERE⭐
Comparison table
Here is a quick table showing all the features of the Salmon Quest 4 GTX hiking boots and competitors.
| Boot | Price | Category | Weight | Waterproof | Upper |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salomon Quest 4 GTX | $230 | Midweight | 2 lbs., 14.2 oz. | Yes (Gore-Tex) | Leather/textile |
| Oboz Mid Waterproof | $190 | Midweight | 2 lbs., 6 oz. | Yes (BDry) | Nubuck leather |
| Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX | $175 | Lightweight | 1 lb., 14 oz. | Yes (Gore-Tex) | Leather/textile |
| LOWA Renegade GTX Mid | $255 | Midweight | 2 lbs., 7 oz. | Yes (Gore-Tex) | Nubuck leather |
Conclusion
Whether you are planning on replacing your old favorites or you are looking to start out with a solid boot, I highly recommend the Salomon Quest 4 GTX hiking boots. Along with exceptional support and durability, these are some of the best boots on the market and for good reason–they can handle pretty much every terrain well.
In this article, I’ve attempted to go over some of the many pros these boots have, as well as a few of the cons, while also sharing some competitors and why I think the Salomon Quest 4 GTX boots are a wonderful option for backpackers and novice hikers alike.
Overall rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Have any questions about the Salomon Quest 4 GTX hiking boots? Let me know in the comments!
