Bottom Line
The Salomon Quest 4 GTX is a rugged boot built for long-distance hikes and backpacking. It has a tall ankle shaft and chassis designed for optimal lateral support to further protect hikers on challenging terrain. While best known for its stability, the Quest 4 offers durable, aggressive traction and a supportive sole, making bushwhacking or multi-day expeditions more comfortable.
These are expedition-weight boots that are heavy for most average hikers. While they aren’t the lightest or most agile of all the boots we tested, they excel on adventures that require backpacking with a moderate to heavy pack (40 lbs or more). They need a break-in period and feel bulky on short day trips, but if you’re tackling more rugged backcountry trails or extended expeditions, these are a worthwhile investment.
Quick Specs
Women’s Salomon Quest 4 GTX
Supportive Hiking Boots Built to Last
Price: $230
Weight (Pair): 2 lb. 10.9 oz.
Upper Material: Leather/textile/GTX membrane
Pros
- Excellent ankle support
- Above-average durability
- Exceptional traction
- Supportive soles
- Good for backpacking with a heavier load
- Protective toe cap
Cons
- Expensive
- On the heavy side
- Require some break-in
Comfort
The Salomon Quest 4 GTX offers a high level of comfort in overall foot feel and support, even for long-distance hikes. They’re best on rugged, uneven terrain and can feel bulky and stiff in your ankle on short, less intense hikes. The combination of a padded tongue, ankle collar, and surprisingly roomy toe box help the boots feel secure while allowing for more natural foot movement. Even on longer hikes, we had minimal discomfort and, once broken in, developed no hot spots or pressure points.
The boots took about 10-12 miles to feel truly comfortable and broke in on the trail. During that time, we did develop some hot spots around the front of our feet until the materials conformed better to our foot shape. However, once they were less stiff, the friction build-up while hiking was reduced and we no longer developed any hot spot issues.
While boots are stable, their rigid nature can make them feel less responsive on some terrain and reduce the more natural foot feel hikers who are used to lightweight boots may prefer. For the heavy-duty design, they’re most comfortable on long, tough hikes when carrying a heavy pack.
Durability
As a heavy-duty hiking boot, the Quest 4 GTX is known for its durable design. The reinforced stitching, paired with fewer seams, helps reduce the risk of damage through wear on rough, strenuous trails. We trudged over rocky trails, bushwacking, and braving changing weather in the Cascade Mountains of Washington without seeing much wear or damage to the boots. The leather and textile upper is strong and resilient, and the rubber toe cap and outsole add to the long-lasting performance. These boots are a worthwhile investment for hikers planning longer or more expedition-style adventures. They may be heavier and less flexible, but their support and durable construction make for outstanding longevity.
Ankle Support
The Salomon Quest 4 GTX may be one of the best hiking boots for ankle support, especially on uneven terrain. The high ankle collar and advanced chassis provide much-needed lateral support and a secure fit around the ankle to prevent ankle rolls and sprains. While this added stability is a huge plus, it comes at the cost of flexibility. The rigid design can feel cumbersome when navigating more technical scrambling or fast-paced hikes. The stiffness underfoot and around the ankle limits the range of motion some, making the boots feel less responsive. Still, the added height and structure around the ankle reduces the risk of injury when carrying a heavy pack and traversing rocky, unstable ground.
We found this most useful when hiking off-trail or bushwacking when footing is less certain. One of my favorite trails for testing boots in central Washington is a little-known desert canyon trail known as Hungate. This terrain is excellent for getting a good feel for how boots hold up on dry, even trails as well as steep loose rock and wet rock scrambling as the trail enters and climbs the canyon. In the short three miles in, you get a good mix of terrain variation, providing the perfect look into stability as well as traction control.
Traction
The Salomon Quest 4 GTX has adequate traction and can help you keep your footing on wet rocks, mud, steep inclines, loose gravel, and more. The aggressive ContaGrip rubber outsole and deep lug pattern help with stability and work well to grip loose dirt and scree. We found this especially helpful on steep and loose ascents and descents. While their performance on dry surfaces is admirable, the rubber compound and tread also helped us keep our footing on stream crossings or rainy days. We find them too bulky to feel confident while scrambling, but they are a reliable choice for unpredictable weather in mountainous terrain.
Weather Resistance
The Salomon Quest 4 GTX can handle the wettest weather conditions thanks to the Gore-Tex membrane. We could stand in water for extended periods without experiencing any leaks, and the high, snug ankle collar prevented water from splashing up and into the boots as we crossed streams. While they’re great for wet, muddy, or snowy hikes, they get too hot in warm or humid climates. Even hiking in the Eastern desert of Washington on a hot day proved too much for these boots because they lack breathability. These boots are best suited for cold, wet climates or multi-day hikes when staying dry is a priority.
Should You Buy the Salomon Quest 4 GTX?
The Salomon Quest 4 GTX is ideal for hikers and backpackers looking for a stable, durable boot to protect their feet and ankles on uneven, unforgiving terrain. If you’re planning a multi-day trip, backcountry adventure, or extended expedition, these boots can provide the comfort, support, and traction needed to feel confident even while carrying a pack. These boots are not for hikers who live in hot or humid climates or those looking to cover ground quickly. If you’re tackling more technical ground or are hiking in a cold, wet climate, these boots are what you’re looking for.
What Other Hiking Boots Should You Consider?
Lowa Renegade Evo GTX Mid Review: The Lowa Renegade Evo GTX Mid is another great choice for hikers who want outstanding durability and support. Like the Quest 4, the Renegades support those traveling with heavier packs in rugged terrain. While they’re a bit lighter than the Quest 4, the Renegades are not the best for fast-paced, lightweight hiking. But they’re a solid alternative if you want a slightly less bulky boot with similar support.
Merrell Moab 3 WP Review: For a more budget-friendly option, the Merrell Moab 3 WP balances comfort and durability without the steep price tag of the Salomon Quest 4 GTX. These boots are an excellent choice for day hikers or those who don’t need much ankle support. While they don’t offer the same level of stability as the Quest 4, they still provide decent support for weekend trips or easy to moderate, well-maintained trails. If you’re not planning on carrying a backpack for a long period of time or facing intense backcountry terrain, the Moab 3 might be a better fit.
La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX Review: The La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX is a top pick for hikers looking for a lightweight yet durable option. These boots are ideal for backpackers or hikers wanting a slightly more agile boot than the Salomon Quest 4 GTX. The Nucleo High II GTX performs best on moderate trails and for those with lighter pack weights. They are not as rigid or provide as much ankle support as the Quest 4, but they’re a good balance of support and weight, which works for the average backpacker.
