Salomon Quest 4 GTX®

I absolutely love this hiking boot. It is durable, comfortable, supportive, and very stable. I have a tendency to roll my ankles while hiking. I have long worn Lowa Renegade GTX boots and find them incredibly comfortable for more casual trail walking on very level, frequently maintained trails. However, I still tend to roll my ankles on trails that are a bit more uneven, especially when descending steeper terrain. Preparing for a guided hiking trip in Alaska, I decided to upgrade to a burlier boot. I tried maybe a dozen boots. I even looked at the Salomon Quest 4 GTX and rejected it previously. However, I was given some bad advice by a salesperson, who noted that the boot runs big and advised me to size down by 1/2 (I normally wear 10-1/2 and I tried a 10). It seemed to fit, but I couldn't get the comfort dialed in and moved on. Eventually I exhausted the other possibilities and came back to the Quest 4 GTX. This time I went with my normal 10-1/2 and it was a world of difference. While the very generous toe box allowed me to seemingly wear the size 10, the 10-1/2 fixed all the other fit problems I experienced in my first try. Definitely a good boot for me afterall! Break-in time was quite substantial. There is a strip of plastic along the sides of the shoe near the bottom, from midfoot to the heel. I think this helps increase the rigidity of the structure and comprises part of the incredible stability I feel when hiking with this boot. At the same time, this plastic dramatically increases the break-in time I experienced. I managed to get it just barely get it minimally broken in with daily walks for two weeks prior to the trip (supplemented with time using a mechanical shoe stretching device (that includes some movable bumps to help with bunion relief). By the 2nd or 3rd hike in Alaska (these were around 6-8 mi hikes each) I deemed them fully broken in and very comfortable. By contrast, my Lowa Renegade GTX boots required little to no break-in to get to the same level of comfort. In fact, I've never had a boot take as long to break in as the Quest 4 GTX. That said, the Quest is definitely the more supportive boot, and I had a lot more confidence on the trail and ZERO ankle rolls the entire trip. The other criticism I have for this boot (although I have this criticism of almost every hiking boot): the insole is just adequate. That said, it's quite common to buy third party insoles. My favorite for hiking boots are the Superfeet Trailblazer Comfort and Superfeet Adapt Hike Max. The Adapt insole is a little bit more flexible or less structured than the Trailblazer and, at least for me, works better with the more structured Quest 4 (whereas I tend to go with the Trailblazer on my softer boots). That said, I did the entire Alaska trip with the Trailblazer insoles. One lacing tip: because of the very generous toe box, I used a variant of the heel lock lacing method (search for "hiking boot heel lock lacing" and you'll find some good videos). I think I only really needed this technique on steeper trails (especially descending); on easier/flatter trails I could probably skip that and just lace the whole boot normally. With my use of a heel-lock lacing method, I think I can see why the salesman tried to have me size down. He was concerned that the roominess of the Quest would allow my foot to slide around too much, causing blisters and risking "toe bang" on extended descents. However, at least in my case the smaller size compromised the fit in other ways and I'm experienced enough with alternative lacing methods that I was best off with my normal size. My advice to you: try both your normal size and a half-size down and make your own choice. Other things I like: This boot has a very high top, which helps even more with preventing my ankle from rolling and increasing clearance when going through water, although it also makes the boot a bit hotter (especially when combined with the GoreTex). The waterproofing is excellent; we encountered both heavy rain and even snow at Denali and while the outside leather eventually got soaked throuh, it never penetrated the interior. Finally, I really appreciate the hooks used for the lacing. While I still love my Lowas, in additional to occasionally rolling my ankles, I really wish they'd improve their hooks. I often have the laces slipping out while tying the Lowas and have even had them slip out while hiking...which I have learned to compensate for with lacing hacks. No such problem with the Quest GTX hooks. They grab the laces very well and make lacing up much easier compared to my Lowas. They've also never slipped off during hiking.

The outsoles are nice and grippy. The toe cap is protective. The fit is narrow, and I have narrow feet, so *for me* they fit extremely well. I bought men's size 9.5, which is the size I wear for boots. (My normal shoe size is 9, but I buy a half-size larger in boots to accommodate thicker perspiration-wicking wool hiking socks, and so my toes won't hit the toe of the boot). If you have wide feet buy a wide size. They keep your feet dry in dewy or wet grass. Add gaiters, and they keep your feet dry in tall wet grasses. [Because of the way I lace boots (using non-slip surgical loops between eyelets, finished off with a non-slip double knot), I found the original nice bootlaces to be a bit short, so I replaced them with longer 94 inch Rhino laces. (Note: Salomon Quest 4 GTX High Rise Hiking Boot lacing eyelets are made of plastic - not metal - so DO NOT PULL HARD AGAINST THE EYELETS while lacing. You'll end up breaking these eyelets if you do. And if you use rough kevlar-based shoelaces (like Ironlace Unbreakable Laces) they'll saw right through these plastic eyelets tout de suite. No bueno. If you opt for strong laces, remember that these boot eyelets are PLASTIC, not metal... so opt for SOFT strong laces.] Break-in period is minimal. They felt broken in after two short 3 mile hikes. They're lightweight - so excellent for hiking uphill. They provide underfoot support when hiking with a 45 pound backpack, or while rucking 45 pounds. The outsoles were made for all types of *natural* terrain, and will last a long time if hiking on grass, across fields, on mud, soft trails, etc. The lugs will wear down fast if mainly used for hiking on asphalt and concrete. I suspect I'll likely get 500 to 750 miles out of these boots. I'm also betting that regular asphalt hikes would wear the outsole lugs out in less than 500 miles. My full leather Zamberlan hiking boots are much stiffer, and required one month and 100 miles of short hikes to break in. They're heavier. But I've already put 200 miles on them, and have used them on harsh stony trails, skree, talus, granite, and on asphalt... with no wear so far on their outsoles. They'll likely last at least 1,000 miles, maybe more. And they can be resoled. Salomon Quest 4s are made to be worn until kaput - then recycled. If I'm going to spend the whole day doing a lot of quick-paced hiking on soft trails with a lot of ascents, the Solomon Quest 4s are lighter and much less tiring than heavy-duty hiking boots. Salomon Quest 4s are great for what they are intended to do. Just know, because they are made of lighter, less durable materials, they will not last as long as heavy-duty hiking boots. But they're comfortable and great for fast hiking and ascending on soft trails.

I had a pair of the previous model, the Quest 3 GTX that I wore almost every day for 7 years. They endured everything I threw at them, mud, snow, water, rocky trails, trips to the mall, everything. When they finally started show their age I decided to try the Quest 4 GTX. I've gotten a number of comments about how good the new boots look. They are indeed good looking boots. I had been a bit concerned since the picture online seemed a little orange, but happily, that is not the case. They are an aesthetically pleasing tan and the red laces look great. I was impressed with how light they are compared the to 3 GTX. Also, these are comfortable right out of the box. Fit and finish is spot on, no defects that I've been able to find. The soles are grippy and provide secure footing, so far in snow and mud. I've walked in deep snow and standing water and they are waterproof. One cool feature is that there is a strip of what looks like paracord across the top of the tongue, which you can tug on to make sure the tongue is all the way up. This makes the fit more comfortable. I've never seen that before and it's a very smart addition. If I get half the life out of these as the previous model I'll be happy. So far, so good.

Great boot. I’m a woman who need a size 10 men’s shoe. This one is perfect!! Great support, nice width foot bed, no squeezing. Story but flexible.

I have only used them on one moderately difficult trail to cedar falls Arkansas. They performed well on wet rocky terrain, slipping occasionally at times but regained traction before falling in real slippery areas. Remained bone dry, through shallow puddles. They feel like a tank, yet are comfortable and are so firm fitting they make a sucking sound when you remove or put them on. I had no soreness or blisters on my feet after my hike. I wish they were a bit taller, though I felt adequate ankle support. A little pricey, when I compare them with the performance and comfort I feel with my knee high $100 snake boots. its now March 3 2024, and I still stand by the above with reguard to comfort etcetera but Have to drop it to 4 stars as one boot is starting to lose its sole after only this amount of time and moderate use.

Favorite boot I’ve bought in 20 years. Suffered from plantar fasciitis for over a year. Foot pain gone after 1 month of use. Very high quality and I wear daily on Contruction job sites with no signs of defects or damage.

These are not what they used to be. I purchased this pair 14 months ago to replace ones I got several years out of. Was immediately displeased with the construction, (felt cheaper/lighter), not to mention the new lacing system. (If I or anyone else want to window lace a boot we’re completely capable of doing so without being forced.) Well, the toe cap is already starting to separate on one boot. These are daily wear for me, with very little walking, as most of my work is driving or sitting. Cheaper/thinner materials aren’t helping the cause. They are certainly NOT durable when compared to the last generation of this boot. This isn’t a total dig on Salomon, as I also have a pair of Quest 4D GTX Forces 2 which are my hikers and trail runners. Those have tolerated sand, rock, and water for three years now. They’re 100X the boot these excuses for quality are. I’ll most likely shift to another brand when these start to leak… Too bad Salomon, you used to know how to build a decent boot without having to go the full mil-spec route. When you going to learn we’ll pay for quality, and when you change things to save yourself a few bucks, you lose future sales?

I have terrible ankles, so I like boots with decent structure and padding around the ankles. Tried dozens of boots over the years. I don't backpack, but I do hike when it's nice out in the spring and summer. Tried a pair of Salomon Quest 4D 2's, the black forces edition. Right out of the box, those were the best boots I'd ever worn. Wore them every single day for about 2 years. At work in the factory, outside hiking or pub crawling, doing yard work, you name it, I never took them off. They finally started the wear out, mostly just the glue starting to let loose. The actual body of the boot was still in great shape, and they were still comfortable, but it was time for a new pair. Saw that they just released the Quest 4, so I ordered a pair of those. I usually order black boots, but don't really have a problem with khaki. When I saw the color scheme for the tan boots, I fell in love. Did the same thing I did last time, put them on right out of the box, laced 'em up as tight as felt comfortable, walked around for a few hours, just a short trek. Then, undid them and retightened them, and they fit like a glove. The new, wider strap in the lace eyelets is nice, it's actually feels like it help stabilize your foot, without putting pressure points on the top of your foot. The loop-pull on the tongue is a nice touch as well. These are everything my Quest 2's were, and more. Very pleased. Might order a pair in black as well haha.. for size reference, a pair of under armour tennis shoes fits me like a glove in size 12, like just barely enough room, but if I go to a 13, they're too big. These boots in a size 12 fit perfectly in the width, they definitely give a little extra room in the toe box, and I have about a thumb's width in between the front of my big toe and the inside front of the shoe. Just enough room for my foot to spread and flex while walking, but not enough room to feel loose. The lacing system is incredible, and quite versatile. I imagine it would cater to a plethora of differently shaped feet. I took out the insoles, and put in my own custom ones, and they fit even better. Get yourself a pair.

Ich liebe die Schuhe von Salomon. Es gibt meine Größe (49 1/3) und die passen, sind bequem und sehr gut verarbeitet. Der Hersteller macht alles richtig.

It is true to size unlike other Salomon models which runs narrow. It has great cushioning and provides ample ankle support for longer duration. The laces are long enough to tie and comfortable to walk. It is not recommended for daily use but can be worn for bike rides, 3-5 days trips, trekking and hiking. Not recommended for sunny days as the feet runs hot after an hour due to 6” shaft height, no place vent the heat. Definitely worth the price and catch everyone’s eyes during outings.

These boots are amazingly comfortable and suitable for very light use. After 3 months of use every weekend, they have failed in the Australian conditions with sandstone on the popular trails. I had versions 1 and 2 of this boot previously and they lasted more than a year - and I never had the rubber on the toe pulling away. But the construction quality has deteriorated substantially in this version. For the cost of the boots I suggest looking at Scarpa and Lowa.

Rahat konforlu şık bir bot, uygunda aldım, sonuçta ürünü bir kez kullandım 17 km yürüdüm dağ bayır memnun kaldım

Vale cada centavo, me Ha servido en marchas por media y alta montaña de 20 horas y son cómodas, resistentes y totalmente protectoras contra el agua, he cruzado ríos de bajo nivel y no les entra nada de agua. !!No son compatibles con crampones automáticos o semi!! Tener en cuenta eso si desean usarlas para hielo… en general una gran adquisición….