Salomon Quest 4D GTX

Bottom Line

Reviewers say the Salomon Quest 4D GTX combines the aggressive features of a trail runner or light hiker with the support of a hiking boot. The result is grippy traction on almost any surface, super comfort and support, reasonably solid waterproofing and a great durability record.

Fit and Comfort

Adjustable laces are a hit. The Salomon Quest 4D GTX is extremely comfortable; the editors of OutdoorGearLab.com describe it as "designed to hug your foot like a terrified Koala on a gum tree in a lightning storm." Users agree, saying it requires little to no break-in period, is great for wide feet and runs true to size. In this case, that means purchasing your regular size will still leave you room for medium- to heavy-weight socks.

The Quest 4D's adjustable-tension lacing system is a particularly big hit with owners. They love that the "locking" cleats at the ankle hold the laces in place, so you can have one level of tension along the body of the shoe and another level of tension running up the ankle. The only downside is that the laces themselves tend to be on the flimsy side.

At less than 1.5 pounds apiece -- just more than 1.25 pounds for the women's version -- the Salomon Quest 4D GTX is a lightweight alternative to leather backpacking boots. Several reviewers suggest adding Green Superfeet insoles for even more insole comfort.

Performance

Nearly unanimous praise. The Salomon Quest 4D GTX gets some of the most positive feedback on traction that we've seen. Wet surfaces are a weak point for many hiking boots, but not the Quest. "Good in the dry dusty parts, the wet muddy parts, the steep trails both up and down, and not one blister or rub anywhere," says one reviewer at Amazon.com. "My feet stayed dry and the grip was solid on the wet rocks," adds a Mountain Equipment Co-Op user who hiked a flooded trail.

The Quest's combination of traction, stability and support hits the sweet spot for most users; another Mountain Equipment Co-Op poster sums up the popular opinion: "I find they make a stable platform for the foot with excellent grip, but are also just the right degree of flexibility and support."

For the most part, the Quest 4D's waterproof Gore-Tex bootie keeps mud and water out reliably. A hunter reports on Backcountry.com: "They were completely frozen solid and covered in mud. Not once did my feet get cold or wet!!!" However, a handful of owner complaints about defects in the waterproofing mar the boot's reputation.

Durability

Laces are an Achilles heel. One of the Salomon Quest 4D GTX's best-loved features -- the variable-tension laces -- also merits concern; complaints about the laces or lace loops breaking are the only consistent complaint we found regarding the boot's durability. Otherwise, you can expect the boots to last for at least a few years of heavy use.

A less common gripe is that the waterproofing sometimes fails sooner than expected. At least a few of these instances were due to a batch of Gore-Tex booties that hadn't been properly sealed. More typical reports include one man who put in two years of heavy use before wearing holes into the toes of his boots, ruining the waterproofing; another got about 1,100 miles out of his Quest 4Ds before they "blew out." He says they lost the waterproofing at about 600 miles.