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

Lighter than previous versions, but still bulky, we felt like the Quest 4D's were overkill for mellow trails like this one. In uneven and difficult terrain, though, these boots are excellent.

Photo: Alexa Flower

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 most of the other models in this review, 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. We found that the sizing was 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.

A side view shows the serious ankle stability and range of adjustability on these boots.

Photo: Alexa Flower

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 these boots due to the stability laterally and the updated ADV-C chassis that is designed to improve lateral stability. For folks concerned with ankle support, these are a great option. They also offer a ton of support underfoot all the way from the forefoot to the arch to the heel.

The thick soles on the Quest 4D made it hard to feel anything on the trail - for some this may be a good thing, while others may want more sensitivity.

Photo: Alexa Flower

For our lead tester, some of this stiffness and support got in the way of feeling nimble when 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.

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.

These are the most substantial boots in this review.

Photo: Alexa Flower

Traction

Like most of the Salomon boots we've reviewed, the Quest 4 GTX has a ContraGrip 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.

A Contragrip rubber sole provides great traction on the loose kitty litter that is abundant in the Sierra Nevada.

Photo: Alexa Flower

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.

Durability

At this point, Salomon has the reputation for making durable, long-lasting boots. The Quest 4 are no exception and 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, so that means there's less opportunity for major seam failure.

We didn't see any signs of wear and tear after our test period. This is no surprise considering the substantial nature of these boots.

Photo: Alexa Flower

Value

These boots are definitely an investment. Since they are designed for rugged travel, expeditions, and generally tough conditions, they are built to last and may be the tool for the job. That said, for simple hiking excursions and day hikes, the women's Quest 4 is overkill for most people both in terms of price and in terms of design.

The Quest 4D are great for folks who need a lot of ankle stability and want to invest in a long-lasting pair of hikers.

Photo: Alexa Flower

Conclusion