Salomon Quest 4 GTX Review | Are They WORTH It in 2024?
Here we are going to review Salomon Quest 4 GTX hiking boot for those wondering if they are WORTH it in 2024. I have personally tested these boots for over 100+ hiking hours. With my 15+ years of hiking experience this is one of the highest performing hiking boots I have ever worn.
The Salomon Quest 4 line was released in 2021 and it has been getting raving reviews from hikers and explorers all around. They have taken off quite a bit of weight from the previous Salomon Quest 4D 3 model, and have revamped the traction system.
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Salomon Quest 4 GTX
Price: $230
Profile: Grippy, Amazing Traction and Support
Our Rating: 9.1
Feature | Weight (%) | Rating (1-10) | Weighted Score |
|---|---|---|---|
Comfort | 25% | 9 | 2.25 |
Traction | 25% | 9 | 2.25 |
Overall Protection | 15% | 9.5 | 1.425 |
Water Resistance | 5% | 10 | 0.5 |
Weight | 5% | 6 | 0.3 |
Fit | 5% | 8 | 0.4 |
Design/Aesthetics | 5% | 9 | 0.45 |
Durability | 15% | 10 | 1.5 |
Total | 100% | 9.075 |
What We Liked
Excellent traction against challenging terrain
Great ankle support
Robust lace locks and lacing system
Best grip against technical trails
Best backpacking boots
What We Didn't Like
Long break in period
Super Rigid Nubuck Leather
Weight
Are They WORTH It
So, are the Salomon Quest 4 GTX worth it? The short answer is yes. These boots are absolutely worth it if you are looking for a high-performance, brutally stable hiking boot. During testing, I used a 40lb backpack and was very impressed with the shock absorption and performance on rough terrain.
I personally tested these hiking boots over countless hours of hikes, and they have proven to be one of the top hiking boots of 2024.
Purchasing a pair of these Salomon Quest hiking boots goes beyond just treating yourself to some really good hiking shoes. This smart decision helps you focus on enjoying your hikes rather than worrying about your gear, ultimately saving you money and trouble over time.
Who are these Hiking Boots for?
In my expert opinion, anybody looking for a high performance hiking boot with excellent stability, and traction this is the one for you.The Quest 4 are for anyone ranging from an experienced mountaineer to a beginning hiker going through the local neighborhood trails.
Our Hand-Tested Analysis
Comfort 9/10
When slipping on the boot, and taking the first step you feel the presence of the EnergyCell EVA (Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate) midsole. It is a very comfortable feature that holds the bottom of your foot to a soft conforming feel. While testing the Salomon Quest 4 GTX, I purposely used a 40 lb daypack to test the shock absorption. I Felt amazing comfort there was excellent shock absorption and I felt the EVA midsole held up to its name.
The Toe box has more than enough wiggle room. I did not experience any blisters breaking these boots in, nor did I feel discomfort around the toe box.
The Sensifit technology designed by Salomon is a outside layering design that helps with comfort and customized fit. The Sensifit cradles the foot from the lacing system so it helps provides a better fit, there is also smaller interior seams which helps reduce pain and itchiness.
One bothersome feature to me was the sock liner. As you look down the boot the black synthetic material turns to grey as you enter the sock liner. This grey material is very thin which can dig into your foot given the heavy leather that's above it. Honestly I wish there was more padding and comfort in this area as it can bothersome on long treks.
Traction 9/10
The ADV-C chassis, as mentioned in the Salomon X 4 Ultra, provides an extra layer of lateral stability that most boots miss out on.
The ADV-C chassis is located on the lateral side of the boot, adding rigidity to this side. Why would that be needed? While trekking up a mountain, you want extra lateral rigidity because you want your boot to grip uneven surfaces rather than falter because it is too flexible and conforms to the surface, which causes you to slip.
The Salomon Quest 4 GTX boasts amazing traction and grippy outsoles. I was amazed at the amount of grip I experienced while testing these boots. I tested these boots on rough sandstone. I have to say, I was surprised by the amount of grip I felt, even with some of the stone being wet from rainfall the night before.
The outsole is made from Contagrip TA which is another Salomon technology designed by themselves. Salomon arranges the lugs in various directions to maximize traction.
Salomon states the TA version of the Contagrip is the grippiest possible formula for an abundance of traction. The outsole is one of the best features of the Salomon Quest 4 GTX. I was very impressed by the remarkable amount of grip and traction this boot yields.
Overall Protection 9.5/10
Starting from the front of the hiking footwear, the toecap is covered by a robust, thick set of rubber that will protect you against most any hard or sharp surfaces you encounter.
I always worry about the sides of hiking boots, which are located directly above the outsole, as they typically lack adequate protection. However, this model features a mudguard and robust synthetic materials that are capable of withstanding any penetrating or sharp materials you may encounter.
The leather meshes with the synthetic material in the middle of the boot, offering robust protection. As previously mentioned, the ADV-C chassis covers the lateral side, aiding in stability.
The boot's heel is one of the best features of the Salomon Quest 4. Making it a robust backpacking boot other hiking boots cannot compare.
The outsole is resilient and does not fold under extreme pressure. Coming down the mountain is where I feel the most pain and fatigue because of poor shock absorption. The Quest 4 excels in shock absorption. I must say the shock absorption is similar to the , which we rated as one of the best shock-absorbing hiking boots of 2024.
The upper is made from mixed-quality full-grain leather and textiles, and boy is it sturdy. The upper measures 169 mm, or 6.6 inches, which is quite tall for a hiking boot. The gusseted tongue prevents dirt or debris from entering the boot. Personally, I love mid- or high-top hiking boots because of the added ankle protection. I experienced zero ankle sprains or slips during my adventures.
The construction of the lacing system is unique. There are two eyelets that are wide compared to most lacing systems. We believe the eyelets are further apart because of how high the upper of the boot goes, which helps with stability. Personally, these boots were very secure; there was no need for special lacing techniques.
Water Resistance 10/10
The Salomon Quest equipped with Gore-Tex technology, successfully withstand our 10-minute submersion test. Unlike most hiking boots, the upper of these boots is so high that it allows you to walk through deeper portions of water during your hike.
Despite passing through several creeks during the 10-minute submersion test, I did not experience any leaks or wet socks. The Gore-Tex membrane can obviously obscure the breathability of boots; that is what most customers will complain of.
I will say that since this boot is heavier than most, I do experience extra warmth in the boots, which is tolerable. It's important to note that the Quest 4 lacks a non-GTX version, indicating that all models feature the industry-standard Gore-Tex membrane for waterproofness.
Weight 6/10
In my expert opinion, weight should not matter as much when rating hiking boots, as traction, comfort, and performance are definitely more important features. If you experience foot fatigue or have weak hip flexors, weight is something to consider.
The Salomon Quest 4 is definitely on the heavier side, weighing 2 pounds, 14 ounces, or about 1300 grams for a men's size 10.5, as measured by me. Weight sacrifices are necessary for a boot with added protection like this one.
Fit 8/10
I ordered a men's 10.5 which fit perfectly. My boot size is usually on the wider side; however, I did not notice any unbearable snugness or uncomfortable fit. In contrast, there were no oversized areas, especially around the heel. Given the bigger size of the boot, that's where most people have issues.
One downside is that, as compared to the Salomon X 4 Ultra, there are no wide or narrow sizes. This is something to keep in mind. I did not experience any heel slippage with the Salomon quest.
Design and Aesthetics 9/10
The design of this boot is built for heavy treks or daily trails. These are definitely no trail runners. The aesthetics of these boots boast a supportive yet trendy matrix. The upper is made from superb leather and has durable textiles throughout. The outsole is very resilient but not as bulky and voluminous as the Hoka Kaha 2 GTX.
The outer of the Quest 4 is made with Nubuck leather which is very attractive option, however it is quite stiff. This is helpful for hiking in colder weather, but can have issues during summer hikes.
Currently the boots come in 3 different colors:
Rubber / Black / Fiery Red
Olive Night / Peat / Safari
Magnet / Black / Quarry
All sharp designs and colors.
Durability 10/10
Regarding the Quest 4, I have had no issues with durability. The outsole and traction system have shown no breakdown or loss of grip. During this testing period, we submerged these boots in water more than most, and the leather and mesh have held up substantially.
As the months go on, we will update this post to note any issues with durability, as they can take years to show, but for now, we are very satisfied.
My Experience with the Salomon Quest 4 GTX
Overall, I had an excellent experience with the Quest 4. I was very impressed with the traction and grip of this model. I really went through tough terrain with these boots, and they got me through every single time. I would like to name these boots the “Ironman” version because they are as durable and stable as they may come. Overall, Mountaineer Journey gives these boots a thumbs up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Salomon Quest 4 update?
The iterated version of the hiking boot has enhanced stability, comfort, and traction. The ADV-C chassis was added to the new version for enhanced lateral stability.
What material is Salomon Quest 4 made of?
The upper material is made from leather and mixture of textiles. Towards the bottom, the body is made of synthetic materials with a Gore-Tex membrane for water resistance.
Is Quest 4 gore-tex waterproof?
Yes, all of the Salomon Quest 4 models are made with industry standard Gore-Tex membrane for water resistance.
Are Salomon Quest 4 GTX good for snow?
The Salomon Quest 4 are excellent in the snow, the Nubuck leather is a solid option that wards against cold weather and mixed terrain you would be up against. Overall, a great hiking boot for the snow.
How We Personally Tested and Why You Should Trust Us
I personally tested the Salomon Quest 4 for over 100+ hiking miles with the sole intent of giving you the most unbiased review possible. Mountaineer Journey is a 100% independent publisher with years of testing and reviewing outdoor equipment.
We currently purchase the products we test with our own money, and are not paid by any company or manufacturer to influence our opinions or decisions.
Adventure Awaits,
Tyler