![]() ![]() And through it all-including ankle-deep steps in mud, climbing up and over downed trees, and navigating loose rock-the Quest 4 GTX gripped reliably well. Trail conditions on our backpacking trip were as expected for early spring: extremely wet and slick. But so too are the extra cushioning, taller ankle height and protection, and added stability for covering challenging terrain. Wearing it back-to-back with the X Ultra, the added heft is immediately noticeable. But to be clear, this is not a light and nimble boot like the brand’s own X Ultra 4 Mid GTX (1 lb. 6.4 oz.), and Vasque Breeze AT Mid GTX (2 lbs. Among other midweight hiking boots, this brings it closer to key competitors like the Lowa Renegade (2 lbs. In comparing my men’s size 9s, Salomon trimmed about an ounce per shoe, and the new boot weighs in at 2 pounds 11.2 ounces (listed weight is higher at 2 lbs. Updates to the Quest’s design have led to a modest drop in weight for this latest model. For those who plan to stick to easy to moderate trails or want something lighter and more flexible, we recommend Salomon’s own X Ultra 4. ![]() Salomon did a nice job retaining some flexibility at the forefoot, so it’s not too stiff while walking, but it’s nevertheless a substantial and burly design that’s best suited for difficult and technical terrain. That said, it’s important to point out that the Quest is a serious boot that will likely be overkill for many day hikers and even backpackers that stick to well-trodden paths. Even loaded down with a moderately heavy pack (around 35 lbs.), I didn’t experience any foot soreness despite a full day on the trail. Underfoot, it’s a similar story with plenty of shock absorption and protection for the rough and rocky conditions we encountered during our backpacking trip in Washington’s Hoh Rainforest. When cinched up, the boot practically hugs your ankle with a supportive, close, and very confidence-inspiring feel. In practice, it’s easy to get a secure and snug fit around the foot, and the locking eyelet at the base of the ankle helps keep your heel in place even on extended climbs. This is a premium design through and through, with a soft lining covering the interior, ample padding around the ankles and on the tongue, and one of our all-time favorite lacing systems. To see how it stacks up to the competition, see our article on the best hiking boots.Ĭomfort was a highlight with the past-generation model, and the latest Salomon Quest 4 GTX feels very similar with a well-cushioned build and glove-like fit. Below we break down our experiences with the Quest 4. Overall, despite a slightly lighter weight, new chassis, and modernized look, the Quest 4 boasts very similar performance to its predecessor, making it an excellent pick for shuttling heavy loads over technical terrain. We put the recently retooled design through its paces in Washington’s Hoh Rainforest, where it faced wet and slick trails with lots of loose rock, downed trees, and ankle-deep mud puddles. Salomon’s Quest has garnered serious popularity over the years as a highly capable backpacking boot, and the latest Quest 4 carries the torch.
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