Women’s Salomon Quest 4 GTX Review| IntelligentHiker

Bottom Line

The Salomon Quest 4 GTX is a rugged boot constructed for long-distance hikes and backpacking. It has a tall ankle shaft and chassis designed for optimum lateral help to additional defend hikers on difficult terrain. While finest identified for its stability, the Quest 4 gives sturdy, aggressive traction and a supportive sole, making bushwhacking or multi-day expeditions extra snug. 

These are expedition-weight boots which might be heavy for many common hikers. While they aren’t the lightest or most agile of all of the boots we examined, they excel on adventures that require backpacking with a average to heavy pack (40 lbs or extra). They want a break-in interval and really feel cumbersome on brief day journeys, however in case you’re tackling extra rugged backcountry trails or prolonged expeditions, these are a worthwhile funding.

Comfort

The Salomon Quest 4 GTX gives a excessive degree of consolation in general foot really feel and help, even for long-distance hikes. They’re finest on rugged, uneven terrain and may really feel cumbersome and stiff in your ankle on brief, much less intense hikes. The mixture of a padded tongue, ankle collar, and surprisingly roomy toe field assist the boots really feel safe whereas permitting for extra pure foot motion. Even on longer hikes, we had minimal discomfort and, as soon as damaged in, developed no scorching spots or strain factors. 

The boots took about 10-12 miles to really feel really snug and broke in on the path. During that point, we did develop some scorching spots across the entrance of our ft till the supplies conformed higher to our foot form. However, as soon as they have been much less stiff, the friction build-up whereas mountain climbing was decreased and we now not developed any scorching spot points. 

While boots are secure, their inflexible nature could make them really feel much less responsive on some terrain and scale back the extra pure foot really feel hikers who’re used to light-weight boots could desire. For the heavy-duty design, they’re most snug on lengthy, powerful hikes when carrying a heavy pack.

Durability

As a heavy-duty mountain climbing boot, the Quest 4 GTX is thought for its sturdy design. The strengthened stitching, paired with fewer seams, helps scale back the danger of injury by way of put on on tough, strenuous trails. We trudged over rocky trails, bushwacking, and braving altering climate within the Cascade Mountains of Washington with out seeing a lot put on or harm to the boots. The leather-based and textile higher is robust and resilient, and the rubber toe cap and outsole add to the long-lasting efficiency. These boots are a worthwhile funding for hikers planning longer or extra expedition-style adventures. They could also be heavier and fewer versatile, however their help and sturdy development make for excellent longevity.

Ankle Support

The Salomon Quest 4 GTX could also be among the best mountain climbing boots for ankle help, particularly on uneven terrain. The excessive ankle collar and superior chassis present much-needed lateral help and a safe match across the ankle to stop ankle rolls and sprains. While this added stability is a big plus, it comes at the price of flexibility. The inflexible design can really feel cumbersome when navigating extra technical scrambling or fast-paced hikes. The stiffness underfoot and across the ankle limits the vary of movement some, making the boots really feel much less responsive. Still, the added peak and construction across the ankle reduces the danger of harm when carrying a heavy pack and traversing rocky, unstable floor.

We discovered this most helpful when mountain climbing off-trail or bushwacking when footing is much less sure. One of my favourite trails for testing boots in central Washington is a little-known desert canyon path generally known as Hungate. This terrain is superb for getting a great really feel for the way boots maintain up on dry, even trails in addition to steep free rock and moist rock scrambling because the path enters and climbs the canyon. In the brief three miles in, you get a great mixture of terrain variation, offering the right look into stability in addition to traction management. 

Traction

The Salomon Quest 4 GTX has enough traction and may also help you retain your footing on moist rocks, mud, steep inclines, free gravel, and extra. The aggressive ContaGrip rubber outsole and deep lug sample assist with stability and work properly to grip free dust and scree. We discovered this particularly useful on steep and free ascents and descents. While their efficiency on dry surfaces is admirable, the rubber compound and tread additionally helped us hold our footing on stream crossings or wet days. We discover them too cumbersome to really feel assured whereas scrambling, however they’re a dependable selection for unpredictable climate in mountainous terrain.

Weather Resistance

The Salomon Quest 4 GTX can deal with the wettest climate circumstances due to the Gore-Tex membrane. We might stand in water for prolonged durations with out experiencing any leaks, and the excessive, cosy ankle collar prevented water from splashing up and into the boots as we crossed streams. While they’re nice for moist, muddy, or snowy hikes, they get too scorching in heat or humid climates. Even mountain climbing within the Eastern desert of Washington on a scorching day proved an excessive amount of for these boots as a result of they lack breathability. These boots are finest fitted to chilly, moist climates or multi-day hikes when staying dry is a precedence.

Should You Buy the Salomon Quest 4 GTX?

The Salomon Quest 4 GTX is good for hikers and backpackers in search of a secure, sturdy boot to guard their ft and ankles on uneven, unforgiving terrain. If you’re planning a multi-day journey, backcountry journey, or prolonged expedition, these boots can present the consolation, help, and traction wanted to really feel assured even whereas carrying a pack. These boots will not be for hikers who dwell in scorching or humid climates or these seeking to cowl floor rapidly. If you’re tackling extra technical floor or are mountain climbing in a chilly, moist local weather, these boots are what you’re in search of.

What Other Hiking Boots Should You Consider?

Lowa Renegade Evo GTX Mid Review: The Lowa Renegade Evo GTX Mid is one other nice selection for hikers who need excellent sturdiness and help. Like the Quest 4, the Renegades help these touring with heavier packs in rugged terrain. While they’re a bit lighter than the Quest 4, the Renegades will not be the most effective for fast-paced, light-weight mountain climbing. But they’re a strong different in order for you a barely much less cumbersome boot with related help.

Merrell Moab 3 WP Review: For a extra budget-friendly choice, the Merrell Moab 3 WP balances consolation and sturdiness with out the steep price ticket of the Salomon Quest 4 GTX. These boots are a wonderful selection for day hikers or those that don’t want a lot ankle help. While they don’t provide the identical degree of stability because the Quest 4, they nonetheless present first rate help for weekend journeys or simple to average, well-maintained trails. If you’re not planning on carrying a backpack for an extended time period or dealing with intense backcountry terrain, the Moab 3 is likely to be a greater match.

La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX Review: The La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX is a high choose for hikers in search of a light-weight but sturdy choice. These boots are perfect for backpackers or hikers wanting a barely extra agile boot than the Salomon Quest 4 GTX. The Nucleo High II GTX performs finest on average trails and for these with lighter pack weights. They will not be as inflexible or present as a lot ankle help because the Quest 4, however they’re a great stability of help and weight, which works for the common backpacker.