Salomon Quest 5 Review 2026 | Unsponsored
In this article, I’m going to share my HONEST Salomon Quest 5 GTX review for those wondering whether they are WORTH IT in 2026. Previously, we tested the Salomon Quest 4 GTX with good results.
For this review, I have put in over 30 miles of testing the brand-new Salomon Quest 5, released at the beginning of February 2026.
I’m familiar with how they feel and perform on the trails, as well as the improvements from the previous model. I’ll go over comfort, traction, overall protection, water resistance, fit, stability & support, and durability.
As a trail guide with 16 years of experience, I’ve seen boots fail in every way imaginable. Here’s my honest take on the Salomon Quest 5 GTX. I’ll also be directly comparing it to the Salomon X Ultra 5, Hoka Kaha 3, and Lowa Renegade.
Related: Best Salomon Hiking Boots, Best Men’s Hiking Boots
Salomon Quest 5 GTX Pros and Cons
- Built to last for years
- Excellent protection
- Much stability and support.
- Advanced chassis provides stable lateral support
- Impressive Water Resistance
- Higher Price Point
- Large Fit
Should you buy the Salomon Quest 5 GTX?
Buy if
- You prioritize ankle stability and support on the trail.
- If you’re looking for the next best-rated backpacking boot
- You want a reliable grip with a firm footbed.
DON’T Buy if
- You mainly hike on mild trails without much uneven terrain
- You were looking for a budget-style hiking boot.
- You prefer lighter hiking boots
Salomon Quest 5 Comfort: 8/10Â
Trying on the Salomon Quest 5 for the first time, I felt they finally improved the midsole of the hiking boot. Before, it was quite narrow, with little to no sock liner. This time, they finally added an Ortholite sockliner and widened the mid portion of the boot.
Step-in comfort was also improved. The insole is a little bit more cushy than the previous model and has much better shock absorption. The quest for a model has never been a plush boot; however, it’s made for more performance and comfort.
Testing out the shock absorption with a 40 lb backpack up various rocky terrains, I definitely felt the impact was much better absorbed than the previous iteration. My legs are much fresher and could take repeated pounding for more miles than before.
The toe box has a nice, wide fit without any compressive areas, and it didn’t have any unnecessary toe slams or scratchy overlays.
The tongue could use a bit more padding, but it was improved over the previous model, especially on steeper descents.
I measured the heel-to-toe drop at 12 mm, which is quite high compared to the previous pair. However, one must keep in mind that these are hiking boots, which allow for that natural heel-to-toe transition.
One area that could have been improved was adding a slightly rockered sole, just like the Salomon Elixir Activ has. This would have improved the “heaviness” feeling of these boots.
Weighing at 22 oz per pair, these are definitely on the much heavier side; however, this is the price you pay for a heavier backpacking boot. For comparison, the Quest 5 weighs 3 oz heavier than the Oboz Bridger, a similar, heavier backpacking boot.
Traction: 8.5/10
Salomon uses their proprietary Contagrip TA, which is impressive on the trail. What I liked about this iteration was that Salomon placed double lugs on the medial and lateral aspects of the entire outsole.
This was a game-changer because I was able to hold a better edge, especially while climbing on rocky, uneven terrain, and it helped me bite into that extra grip you need. It was exposed while carrying extra weight.
Also, the heel lugs are placed in a reverse pattern, which helps create more friction while climbing up extremely steep descents. I notice this especially while climbing up uneven gravel.
One area for improvement was that the heel width tends to narrow a little towards the heel of the boot. Adding more surface area and possibly a flared heel design would have helped the Quest 5 earn an even higher traction score.
Testing out the Quest 5 and snow, limestone, granite, loose gravel, packed dirt, and wet rock definitely showed me what this boot is capable of and where its limitations lie.
Testing on rocky, uneven terrain. The Contagrip outsole holds up great, actually exceptionally well. I did have a few areas of slipping on the wet limestone, but otherwise, the traction is quite solid.
Overall, Salomon finally improved their outsole design with better grip than the previous iteration. However, it still has limitations in wet terrain.
Overall Protection 5/5
Overall protection has always been what the Quest model is known for. It has a robust new buckle throughout the boot, with new rip-stop mesh in low-stress areas to help reduce weight. I didn’t experience any rips or tears in these areas during testing.
The Toe Bumper is one of the most robust you can ask for in the hiking boot market. No crazy root kicks or worrisome sharp objects will pierce through this.
The gusseted tongue kept any debris outside of the shoe, and I measured the ankle height at 7 inches . This is perfect for that ankle support. Many backpackers are looking for it and experience any ankle rolls or twists during my testing period.
If you’re in the game for overall protection, the Quest 5 is one of the best you can get on the market when it comes to protection.
Water Resistance 5/5
The Quest 5 is equipped with the Gore-Tex liner for waterproofness. I tested these in our ten-minute submersion test and during heavy snow periods.
I am pleased to report that no water got in, and these are fully waterproof boots for creek crossings, snow, and rainy-day hikes.
I will say that the heavy nubuck leather and added Gore-Tex liner can get quite hot in the summer months. The breathability of these boots is limited, so for those looking for a lighter, more breathable option, this is definitely not the one to go after.
I did notice that the Quest 5 took much longer to dry off after being fully submerged in water as well, which is not a great sign for durability. The water lingers on the boots longer, which tends to create more stress risers and break them down quicker.
Does The Salomon Quest 5 Fit Well?
The Quest 5 is the exact opposite fit of the previous iteration. This model actually fits on the larger side.
I had a little bit of heel slip when I tested a men’s size 10.5. Bow is easily correctable with a heel lock lacing technique.
I would recommend moving down a half size if possible.
Salomon Quest 5 Fit  4/5Â
Quest 5 GTX Stability & Support 5/5
This is what you’ve been waiting for: an extremely stable, over-the-ankle backpacking boot.
They brought back the SensiFIT technology, which is a dynamic contour that wraps around your foot from the midsole up to the laces. This completely eliminated any internal movement in my foot while hiking on uneven terrain and really stepped up midfoot stability.
The great thing about SensiFIT is that it is dynamic and moves your foot, rather than being a constant cast-like material around your foot.
Now add the Active Support Wings, which aid lateral stability with the advanced chassis, and treat yourself to some of the best-in-class stability and support for hiking boots.
Testing out the Quest 5 on uphill limestone while trying to hold an edge, I really felt the active support wings kept my ankle from oversupinating and kept me neutral the entire time.
Overall, the Salomon Quest 5 offers some of the best stability and support you can ask for in an over-the-ankle hiking boot.
Durability 8/10
At the time of this writing, I’ve only tested the Salomon Quest 5 for approximately 30 miles. I haven’t noticed any breakdown in the seams or stitching of the boots, and the lugs are still holding well, with no signs of breakdown.
I will continue to put this boot through the wringer for many more miles and continue to update this post as time goes on. One good piece of data is that Salomon did not add many seams to this boot, as these can cause much more stress during this period.
However, as mentioned before, the time that it takes for these boots to dry off is much longer than that of other Nubuck leather boots. So if you’re constantly submerging these boots, it’s important to keep an eye on them, as that can lead to premature breakdown.
Is the Salomon Quest 5 GTX worth it?
The Quest 5 is made for one type of hiker in mind. These boots are for adventurers seeking top-notch stability and ankle support you won’t find in any other model.
However, this model has the drawback of not providing perfect clutch comfort and being heavy. These boots are quite bulky and definitely among the heaviest we have tested to date.
One must also consider the price, as these are priced at $240, which is in the higher echelon of hiking boots.
However, if you are an adventurer who needs top-notch ankle support and is looking for a great backpacking boot, this is a very good option to
For those looking for a lighter model, check out the Salomon X Ultra 5, or for a more comfortable model with similar support, check out the Hoka Kaha 3.
Value: 4/5
Scoring Breakdown
Comfort: 8 / 10Â
Traction: 8.5 / 10
Overall Protection: 5 / 5
Waterproofness: 5 / 5
Stability & Support: 5 / 5
Fit: 4 / 5
Durability: 8 / 10
Value: 4 / 5
Total: 49.5 / 55
 Our Rating: 8.7 / 10Â
How We Tested and Our Methodology
I personally tested the Salomon Quest 5 since its release this year in 2026, 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.
Over the past decade, I have logged over 2,500 hiking miles across diverse terrains, from the rugged Appalachian Trail to the challenging Rocky Mountains. This extensive experience allows me to accurately evaluate the Salomon Quest 5’s performance in real-world conditions.Â
We currently pay for the products we test ourselves; no company or manufacturer pays us to sway our opinions or decisions.
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Adventure Awaits,
Tyler
Tyler is the founder Mountaineer Journey and a professional Mountain Guide with 15+ years of technical experience in trekking, mountaineering, and trail sports. Having logged thousands of miles from rugged alpine summits to urban paths, Tyler provides rigorous, field-tested insights on hiking, walking, and trail running gear. All reviews are 100% unsponsored and unbiased, ensuring you get honest scoring based on real-world performance. His mission is to help outdoor enthusiasts of all levels find reliable equipment that ensures comfort, safety, and performance on any terrain.
