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Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX - Women's Review

These boots are the ultimate in terms of durable, burly hiking boots; ankle support, water resistance, and durability are where these boots really shine
Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX - Women's
Photo: Salomon
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Price:  $230 List | $229.95 at Backcountry
Compare prices at 3 resellers
Pros:  Very stable, lots of ankle support, durable, water resistant, highly adjustable lacing system
Cons:  Heavy, bulky, restricts movement, expensive
Manufacturer:   Salomon
By Jane Jackson ⋅ Senior Review Editor  ⋅  Nov 7, 2018
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72
OVERALL
SCORE

RANKED
#11 of 16
  • Comfort - 25% 7
  • Support - 20% 9
  • Weight - 15% 2
  • Traction - 15% 8
  • Water Resistance - 15% 9
  • Durability - 10% 8

Our Verdict

If you are looking for a burly, durable, super supportive boot in the style of a traditional ankle-high hiking boot, then the Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX may be the boot for you. These boots are the real deal — with a high ankle, incredible water resistance, and ample support. We found them to feel heavier than most boots in this review, though, and a little clunky on technical, scrambly terrain. But, for long trips with heavy loads and the potential to experience wet conditions, these boots are tough to beat.

For more nimble missions, check out the more versatile Salomon X Ultra Mid 3 GTX, which took home our Editors' Choice Award. The Quest is your best friend when strapped down with a heavy pack, but for most hiking adventures, the lighter, more agile X Ultra's are preferred by our testers.

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Awards  Editors' Choice Award Top Pick Award  Best Buy Award 
Price $229.95 at Backcountry
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Overall Score Sort Icon
72
84
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Star Rating
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Pros Very stable, lots of ankle support, durable, water resistant, highly adjustable lacing systemGood traction, very comfortable, ankle padding, waterproofComfortable, durable, very cushioned, stable, supportive, lightweightVery water resistant, durable, incredibly lightweight, sleek designComfortable, lightweight, durable, inexpensive
Cons Heavy, bulky, restricts movement, expensiveRuns big, excess padding in tongueExpensive, take some time to break in, can be warm on hot daysProblematic fitLacks support of larger, heavier boots
Bottom Line In terms of durability and support, this boot is as good as it getsThis best-in-its-class boot combines lightweight technology with all the versatility a modern boot should haveDesigned for long-distance hikes with heavy loads, this model is designed to maximize support and comfortThese boots are lightweight, sleek, and durable - designed for technical and varied terrainThe best iteration of this model yet
Rating Categories Quest 4D 3 GTX X Ultra Mid 3 GTX Kaha Gore-Tex Alpenrose Ultra Mid GTX Targhee III Mid
Comfort (25%)
7
9
9
5
9
Support (20%)
9
8
10
8
7
Weight (15%)
2
7
6
9
7
Traction (15%)
8
8
6
9
7
Water Resistance (15%)
9
10
8
10
8
Durability (10%)
8
8
8
7
7
Specs Quest 4D 3 GTX X Ultra Mid 3 GTX Kaha Gore-Tex Alpenrose Ultra... Targhee III Mid
Weight Per Pair (Size 7.5, in lbs) 2.50 lbs 1.83 lbs 1.91 lbs 1.47 lbs 1.80 lbs
Upper Nubuck leather, textile Suede leather, nylon Full-grain leather Breathable mesh/ coated fabric Oiled nubuck leather
Width Options Regular Regular Standard Regular Regular
Heel height (mm) 45 mm 32 mm 54 mm 32 mm 35 mm
Shaft height (mm) 178 mm 121 mm 140 mm 127 mm 125 mm
Midsole Dual Density EVA Dual-density EVA EVA EVA Dual Density EVA
Sole Contragrip Contagrip rubber Vibram MegaGrip Michelin rubber Rubber

Our Analysis and Test Results

Regarding durability and support, the Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX have hardly any competition. However, these qualities also make them heavy and relatively stiff. It comes down to personal preference, but we can attest to the overall burly construction of these boots.

Performance Comparison


Breaking in the Salomon Quest 4D 3's in Tuolumne Meadows.
Breaking in the Salomon Quest 4D 3's in Tuolumne Meadows.
Photo: Eric Bissell

Comfort


As with other Salomon boots we have tested, like the X Ultra 3 Mid, the Quest 4D 3 is, overall, an incredibly comfortable boot. Though their size took us aback at first (they are the bulkiest boots we tested), the comfort they provide is substantial. The toe box is roomy, while the heel is tight enough to keep the foot locked in place. It is important to size these properly, though, as we started to develop some hot spots in the heel when wearing these in warm weather. The lacing system provides ample adjustability, so folks with wider feet will be happy to find the Quest 4D's accommodating to all foot shapes. Our only hold-up concerning comfort with these boots is their lack of flexibility in the ankle.

Lacing up the Salomon Quest on a late summer day in the Sierra high...
Lacing up the Salomon Quest on a late summer day in the Sierra high country.
Photo: Eric Bissell

Support


If stability is a major concern, the Quest 4D reigns supreme. The 4D Advanced Chassis and relatively wide forefoot make for an incredibly stable boot. Additionally, the high ankle shaft and highly adjustable lacing system make for a boot that provides lots of ankle support. For us, the stability provided from all of these features felt great when carrying heavy loads but felt limiting when trying to move in talus or off-trail. The ankle support is borderline restrictive for this kind of activity. This could also be due to the super stiff outsole, which provides so much torsional stability that our feet had a hard time adjusting to uneven terrain.

For folks who like stiffness and support, these boots are for you!
For folks who like stiffness and support, these boots are for you!
Photo: Eric Bissell

Weight


All that support comes at a cost, and weight is where the Quest 4D 3 GTX falls a bit short. These boots are the heaviest in our review, weighing in at a total of 2.5 pounds per pair. This is significant, as the majority of boots in this review weigh around 1.6 to 1.8 pounds. The extra weight is noticeable, but then again, so is the added durability and support. It is also important to note that these boots have the highest ankle shaft height in this review, which is another explanation for the additional weight.

Traction


Though we had a few complaints about the restriction of movement when wearing these boots, we did find that their Contragrip rubber soles provided impressive traction on rocky terrain. The tread pattern and lug depths make the soles self-cleaning, so mud, dirt, and rocks don't get stuck in between the lugs.

The tread pattern of these boots is fairly aggressive, making these...
The tread pattern of these boots is fairly aggressive, making these boots top performers on rocky terrain.
Photo: Eric Bissell

Water Resistance


The GORE-TEX membrane, mesh and leather upper, and reinforced toe cap make the Quest 4D an incredibly water-resistant boot. For moderately wet conditions, like hiking in rainy areas or trails where water may be encountered, these boots are great. Their added bulk and overall heaviness do make them a bit warmer than other, more breathable options.

Durability


Like the X Ultra 3 and most other Salomon boots, the Quest 4D has many seams that make up the construction of the upper. The combination of leather and mesh provides breathability, but also means that there are more seams, which in turn means more weak points for wear to occur. Throughout our three-month test period, we did not notice these boots wearing out much at all, but any boot with seams in the toe box are notorious for blowing out over time. Boots with fewer seams tend to be more durable, so the Nucleos or the Renegades received our highest scores in this metric. That said, the seams are all reinforced and double-stitched, and in every other aspect, this model is burly and well-built.

Negotiating downed trees in the Quest 4D 3 was a challenge due to...
Negotiating downed trees in the Quest 4D 3 was a challenge due to the stiffness of these boots.
Photo: Eric Bissell

Value


The Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX is an investment. They are built to last a long time, but they are also designed for a fairly specific use. These are made for the experienced hiker who is looking for a boot that will provide extra support and stability on longer missions. If this use is what you are looking for, then most of the boots that are appropriate are around the same price as the Quest 4D, making them a product of reasonable value in comparison to similar options.

Some of the most supportive boots we tested, the Salomon Quest 4D 3.
Some of the most supportive boots we tested, the Salomon Quest 4D 3.
Photo: Eric Bissell

Conclusion


As we have reiterated over and over in this review, the Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX is a substantial boot made for ladies looking for extra support underfoot and in the ankle. The lacing system is highly adjustable, making them a good option for folks with either narrower or wider-than-normal feet. The ankle shaft height makes these boots the tallest in our review, so be aware of that when considering these as your next hiking boot. The Quest is designed for long, rugged hikes with heavy loads, and specifically for women who are more concerned with stability and support than weight and freedom of movement.

— Jane Jackson