Salomon Quest 4 Gore-Tex - Women's Review

Though the updated version of the Quest 4 is a bit lighter than the previous model, size and bulk are still the drawbacks to these boots. For burly expeditions or long hiking missions, or for those who just want more ankle support and overall stability, these are a good option.

Performance Comparison

Comfort

As it goes with most Salomon boots, the Quest 4 is very comfortable right out of the box. That said, these boots are substantial. In comparison to other models in our review of thebest women's hiking boots, the Quest 4 feels big on the foot. The tongue and ankle are well-padded and cradle the ankle bones much more than a lighter-weight hiker. The sizing is similar to the previous model in terms of width and overall size, with a roomy toe box and a heel that is tight enough to lock the foot in place. The lacing system is highly adjustable, with three eyelets — one at the ankle joint and two above the foot. These are great for creating a precision fit around the foot.

Support

It comes as no surprise that these boots are extremely stable and supportive. In fact, we felt like it would be considerably difficult to roll an ankle in them due to the stability laterally and the updated ADV-C chassis designed to improve lateral stability. For folks concerned with ankle support, these are a great option. They also offer a ton of support underfoot, from the forefoot to the arch to the heel.

For our lead tester, some of this stiffness and support got in the way of feeling nimble when hiking and traveling off-trail. The stiffness underfoot made us feel a bit less receptive to bumps and rocks on the trail. The ankle support is great for injury prevention but also holds the ankle and foot in a fairly rigid position, resulting in a less agile feeling on the trail.

Traction

Like most of the Salomon boots we've reviewed, the Quest 4 GTX has a ContaGrip rubber sole that does very well when it comes to traction. The rubber compound used by Salomon is grippy, and the lug pattern on this boot is aggressive enough to maintain traction on rough scree and loose dirt. Though their bulk had us shying away from scrambling and talus hopping, these soles are confidence-inspiring.

Water Resistance

With a high ankle height, Gore-Tex membrane, and a reinforced toe cap, these boots are insanely water-resistant. Even after minutes of standing in water, we saw no signs of leakage. For seriously wet conditions, these boots may be a good option, but for hot weather, they are a bit warm and lack breathability.

Weight

Just from looking at them, you can tell that the Salomon Quest 4 GTX are going to be some of the heavier boots in this review. Though not as heavy as the previous version, the updated Quest is still well over 2 pounds, ringing in at 2.34 pounds for a size 7.5 in US Women's. This is over 3 ounces less than the previous version, but still lands these boots on the upper end of the spectrum when it comes to weight. Especially compared to the majority of modern boots on the market that typically weigh between 1.6 and 1.8 pounds, the Quest 4 feels pretty bulky.

Durability

Salomon has a reputation for making durable, long-lasting boots. The Quest 4 is no exception — these boots are built to last. Over our test period, we saw no signs of significant wear. The updated version of this boot has fewer seams and stitching on the upper, which means there's less opportunity for major seam failure.

Should You Buy the Salomon Quest 4 Gore-Tex?

Designed for rugged trails and long trips, this is a burly, heavy boot. For most folks going on simple excursions and day hikes, the Quest 4 may be overkill, both in terms of design and price. That said, if ankle support and stability are significant concerns for you, they might be a good option. With an adjustable lacing system, a reinforced toe cap, and a highly waterproof and durable upper, these boots are the real deal, but their weight and bulk are the main drawbacks since they limit freedom of movement.

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