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Salomon Quest 4 Gore-Tex - Women's Review

A burly boot designed to provide stability and support on long, rugged outings
salomon quest 4 gore-tex for women hiking boots review
The Quest 4 GTX from Salomon
Credit: Salomon
Price:  $230 List
Manufacturer:   Salomon
By Jane Jackson ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Mar 23, 2022
72
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#11 of 18
  • Comfort - 25% 7.0
  • Support - 25% 8.0
  • Traction - 15% 8.0
  • Water Resistance - 15% 8.0
  • Weight - 10% 4.0
  • Durability - 10% 6.0

Our Verdict

The gold standard in expedition-weight hiking boots, the Salomon Quest 4 Gore-Tex boots are designed to provide ample support and comfort on long-distance hiking excursions. The ankle shaft height is among the tallest in our review of top-ranked women's hiking boots, and the updated chassis provide lots of lateral support, making them a great option for folks looking for more ankle support out of their backpacking footwear. Though they are comfortable and supportive, we struggled with feeling nimble in these boots off-trail. Their bulk weighed down our feet and we typically preferred a lighter option for most adventures. While we more readily reach for more stripped-down and lighter boots for most hiking purposes, these shine for anyone looking for incredible stability and ankle protection while backpacking with moderate to heavy loads.
REASONS TO BUY
Durable
Stable
Lots of ankle protection and support
REASONS TO AVOID
Heavy
Expensive
Bulky
Editor's Note: We updated this review on March 23, 2022, to include more information comparing products.

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Overall Score Sort Icon
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Pros Durable, stable, lots of ankle protection and supportLightweight, comfortable, breathable, great traction, reasonable priceWide toe box, lightweight, padded ankle support, durable lacing system provides stability, excellent tractionSupreme comfort, high quality design, waterproof, excellent tractionImproved traction, great for a wide foot, inexpensive, well-padded ankle
Cons Heavy, expensive, bulkyNot as supportive as a traditional leather hiking bootPricier, 0mm drop heel takes some adjustment timeExpensive, Gore-Tex does not breathe well in hot conditions, thicker sole takes some adjustmentLacing system lacks durability, not enough ankle support for heavier loads, Achilles isn't well padded, heavy
Bottom Line A burly boot designed to provide stability and support on long, rugged outingsA lightweight, breathable, waterproof, and supportive hiking boot that excelled in multiple testing metrics and offers maximum control when moving through technical terrainThese hiking boots have a similar design and feel to your favorite running shoe while also offering a durable outsole, grippy lugs, and a spacious toe boxPlush cushion, waterproof durability, and a stable design make these hikers a great choice for extended backcountry missionsThese boots offer improved traction and comfort right out of the box, though they underperform in terms of durability and support for extended backpacking trips
Rating Categories Salomon Quest 4 Gor... La Sportiva Ultra R... Altra Lone Peak ALL... Hoka Kaha 2 GTX - A... Merrell Moab 3 Mid WP
Comfort (25%)
7.0
9.0
9.0
9.0
7.0
Support (25%)
8.0
8.0
9.0
9.0
7.0
Traction (15%)
8.0
8.0
8.0
8.0
7.0
Water Resistance (15%)
8.0
8.0
7.0
8.0
8.0
Weight (10%)
4.0
8.0
9.0
4.0
5.0
Durability (10%)
6.0
8.0
5.0
8.0
6.0
Specs Salomon Quest 4 Gor... La Sportiva Ultra R... Altra Lone Peak ALL... Hoka Kaha 2 GTX - A... Merrell Moab 3 Mid WP
Weight (per pair) 2.34 lbs (size 7.5) 1.68 lbs (size EU 40) 1.60 lbs (size 8.5) 2.20 lbs (size 8) 2.06 lbs (size 8)
Upper Split suede, textile AirMesh, microfiber, TPU eVent fabric Nubuck leather Leather, mesh
Width Options Regular Regular, Wide Regular Regular Regular, Wide
Water Resistant Membrane Gore-Tex Gore-Tex eVent Gore-Tex Waterproof membrane
Heel Height 1.6" 1.8" 1" 2.5" 2"
Shaft Height 6" 5" 5.5" 5" 4.9"
Midsole OrthoLite MEMlex Altra EGO Rubberized EVA Super Rebound Compound
Sole Contagrip rubber FriXion XF 2.0 Rubber DuraTread Rubber Vibram Megagrip rubber Vibram TC5+

Our Analysis and Test Results

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


salomon quest 4 gore-tex for women hiking boots review - lighter than previous versions, but still bulky, we felt like the...
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.
Credit: 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 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.

salomon quest 4 gore-tex for women hiking boots review - a side view shows the serious ankle stability and range of...
A side view shows the serious ankle stability and range of adjustability on these boots.
Credit: 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 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.

salomon quest 4 gore-tex for women hiking boots review - the thick soles on the quest 4d made it hard to feel anything on the...
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.
Credit: Alexa Flower

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.

salomon quest 4 gore-tex for women hiking boots review - these are the most substantial boots in this review.
These are the most substantial boots in this review.
Credit: Alexa Flower

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.

salomon quest 4 gore-tex for women hiking boots review - a contragrip rubber sole provides great traction on the loose kitty...
A Contragrip rubber sole provides great traction on the loose kitty litter that is abundant in the Sierra Nevada.
Credit: 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.

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.

salomon quest 4 gore-tex for women hiking boots review - we didn't see any signs of wear and tear after our test period. this...
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.
Credit: Alexa Flower

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.

salomon quest 4 gore-tex for women hiking boots review - the quest 4d are great for folks who need a lot of ankle stability...
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.
Credit: Alexa Flower

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.

What Other Hiking Boots Should You Consider?


We are much bigger fans of Salomon's lighter-weight offering, the X Ultra 4 Mid, which is our Editors' Choice winner and a more comfortable boot overall. If you're seeking a burly, all leather boot, we'd also recommend the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid, which is a quality, durable boot that comes in tons of color options.

Jane Jackson
 
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