Salomon is especially good at locking your feet into place with a narrow heel counter, locking lacing system, and design that wraps soft leather and mesh around your feet. (Day hikers should check out the Salomon X Ultra 4 or mid-duty hiking boots from other top brands.)īackpacking Wilson’s Prom (Australia) in Salomon QuestsĬomfort is subjective and depends a lot on fit. But it’s not a great choice for the average day hiker. It may be light compared to old-school backpacking boots however, the Quest weighs around three pounds, give or take a few ounces (depending on your size and gender).That’s a half-pound heavier than the average hiking boot and a pound heavier than my picks for the best lightweight hiking boots.Īt this weight, the Quest is relatively light and nimble for a serious backpacking boot. Many hikers mistakenly believe this is a light hiking boot. The bottom line is this boot is a great choice if you need foot and ankle support for heavy packs and harsh terrain.
That makes it more supportive–and more athletic–than most hiking and backpacking boots.
On the other hand, it feels more like a sturdy trail running shoe than a burly hiking boot. On one hand, it provides a stiff, stable base that keeps you feet and ankles from over-flexing, reducing fatigue on long hikes. That 4D chassis is what makes this Salomon stand out from other hiking boots. The Quest 4D boasts excellent foot and ankle protection with a (1) tall and moderately stiff ankle collar and (2) sturdy chassis with strong torsional rigidity to resist side-to-side twisting on ankle-busting rocks and roots. Most hikers buy hiking and backpacking boots for stability and support. more aggressive traction for steeper climbs and descents.active support band that wraps around the outside of the boot to hold your feet in place and provide additional ankle support.stronger heel counter to support the heel and ankle.You wouldn’t want Salomon to mess too much with a time-tested backpacking boot.
New for 2021, Salomon has updated its hall of famer with the Quest 4D GTX: Men’s 2020 Quest 4D 3 GTX Men’s 2021 Quest 4D GTX Update Women’s 2020 Quest 4D 3 Women’s 2021 Quest 4DĬompared to its predecessor, the new Quest 4D (aka Quest 4) has a more muscular, tactical look with a redesigned heel counter and active support band. The Salomon Quest 4 currently retails for $230 MSRP:
In football terms, this is your All Pro pass rusher–a stud that’s strong enough to bowl over offensive lineman yet fast enough to run by them, too. It’s weight to performance ratio is off the charts. That unique blend of stability and agility has blessed the Salomon Quest with a feel that other backpacking boots can’t match.