We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX Reviews. The Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX hiking boots will take your mind off of your feet and onto the trail, and that’s what really good backpacking … This boot uses plenty of cushioning to provide all-day comfort that makes this a great choice for trips where a comfortable boot is the highest priority. The women’s Quest 4D 3 GTX is around half a pound lighter at 2 pounds 5 ounces and sold in different colorways, but otherwise it retains the same Gore-Tex waterproofing, upper and midsole construction, and Contagrip rubber outsole as its men’s counterpart. Reviewer Ross Robinson rock hopping across a river that carved out the Colca Canyon in southern Peru, one of the deepest canyon systems in the world. Like through canyons and past waterfalls and over boulders and stuff. And even within the sturdy backpacking-ready category, the Quest falls a little on the heavy side. Light and cushioned with running shoe adapted technology, yet supportive enough for … It might take a minute to get used to but feels great when crushing miles. But if the Salomon’s fit you, we think the Quest is the better option: its lacing system is more secure, we love the aggressive running shoe-like stance, and its tougher build offers more protection and durability. Our Verdict. Philip Werner Hiking Boots and Trail Shoe Reviews. While it's true that many boot-wearing fastpackers on the Appalachian and Pacific Crest Trails prefer featherweight models, the average backpacker isn't looking at covering 3,000 miles in four or five months. There is a sporty feel with the snug shape of the upper, the … Visually, the Salomon Quest 4D 3 and its predecessor are very similar when upright, but flip them over and you see that Salomon completely redesigned the outsole. Moreover, the combination of materials Salomon uses for the ankle collar is comfortable but firm, and does not bite into the ankle. The Quest scored at the top of the heap in our steep scree and gravel tests. Prepare your feet as we get to know one of Salomon… While wearing this hiker, we felt confident jumping around in the talus and moving fast over muddy trails full of roots. One of its long-time rivals is the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid. These two boots are proven options for challenging day hikes and long backpacking trips, but the Lowa gets the edge in weight by about 6 ounces for the pair and is offered in a very wide range of sizes and widths. The Quest 4D 3 GTX is just all round more stable, more protective and generally burlier. This is a gear review of my Salomon Quest 4D GTX3 hiking boots. Performance fit and excellent lacing system locks your feet in place on long climbs and descents. I started my test of the Salomon Quest 4D 3 in the middle of winter in the Pacific Northwest, so I gave the Gore-Tex membrane a thorough workout right off the bat. From my experience backpacking in Utah with the old Quest 4D 2 and summer trips with a large number of Gore-Tex boots, I’m not expecting any miracles in the heat. From months of daily drizzle to heavy downpour in the mountains, we’re acutely aware of the benefits of a quality waterproof and breathable jacket. Two upper eyelets complete the lacing system. Good-quality hiking boots don’t come at a cheap price, especially when you’re a hardcore trail runner. The Quest has been towards the top of our hiking boot round-up for years, but it’s certainly not alone in the very competitive midweight market. The high collar and solid lacing system hold your foot and ankle snugly in place, but generous padding around the ankle and along the boot’s tongue make it very comfortable. If you’re in the market for a lighter and more flexible boot, we recommend the Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX (1 lb. Salomon uses a combination of nubuck leather and nylon mesh on the upper, and there are a lot of seams. The forefoot is nice and roomy, while the heel cup captures the ankle bones to Achilles well. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support, Comfortable out of the box, fast and nimble, great stability, support, water resistance, Not as good for warm or hot environments, pricey. One review of the Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX Hiking Boots ($230) says they "felt great right out of the box," and others gush about the minimal breaking BUY Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX Backpacking Shoes - Men's. Unlike some hiking boots, however, the Salomon Quest 4D 3 isn’t available in non-waterproof, low-top, wide, or narrow versions. The old wave-like look and stiff rubber compound has been replaced with better spacing to avoid caking up in mud, along with a softer Contagrip rubber. And importantly with this tread design, the lugs have not shown any signs of excessive wear. We use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases. The only drawback we found was that when we ultimately soaked this boot inside and out, it took approximately 27 hours to dry out in indirect sunlight, where the other two competitors above dried much faster. The Quest 4D 3 was among the best scorers in this metric. But it also has a tall ankle collar, and overall is a formidably constructed boot. Of all the outdoor activities we cover here at Switchback Travel, hiking is dearest to our hearts. After three months of use, these boots still looked and performed like new, except becoming even more comfortable after being broken in. Hiking boots are critical to your comfort and performance on the trail, but this no longer means a stiff and burly model that will weigh you down. That said, from a performance standpoint, the Quest is the clear winner: its upgraded lacing system and athletic stance deliver a more precise and nimbler feel on the trail. This midweight hiker is designed to shine in environments when a mountaineering boot is overkill but a low-top... Gone are the days when backpacking consisted of strapping on a huge external frame and lumbering through the forest with an aching body. Having worn the older Quest 4D 2s extensively over the last few years, I didn’t have major complaints with the traction, but the 3s do seem to have a little more bite on steep sections, and especially on wet surfaces (likely due to the more pliable rubber). The 4D Advanced Chassis and a wide 4.5-inch forefoot provide the base that propelled this model to a top score for stability. The Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX, winner of our coveted Editors' Choice Award, can do it all. The boot’s rugged look and feel has been backed up with solid durability thus far. The Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX is a premier, fully featured boot, so there’s a lot to dig into. When considering the support and stability provided by the Quest 4D, it is quite light for what it delivers. This product is the most breathable of the midweight hikers. The ankle collar - one of the tallest of the hiking boots we tested - is surprisingly comfortable, and feels great snugged tight around the lower shin. Disclaimer - this review … If you’re thinking about buying gear that we’ve reviewed on Switchback Travel, you can help support us in the process. The boot sits about an inch above my ankle, and with plenty of padding all around, I felt confident even over technical sections on the trail. Overall, these hiking boots scored 4.6 out of 5. The Quest is overkill on easy trails—there are lighter and more flexible boots and shoes made for those uses. Improvements to this new edition include a more capable sole with a lug pattern much more adept at controlling speed on descents and a more durable and lower profile ankle collar. The X Ultra 3 Mid, however, is more limited on serious backpacking trips like the rugged Huemul Circuit. But I think the weight is well-spent with a tall ankle height, burly protection, and class-leading support and comfort. Qualified orders eligible for FREE S&H and FREE RETURNS. Today’s backpacking sleeping bags offer not only exceptional warmth for their weight... Nearly every major hiking boot brand has its signature model, and for Lowa, it’s the Renegade GTX. A current color option is shown above. If you’ll be off trail a lot or need something for light mountaineering, both are solid options, but the Scarpa is more specialized and thus a little less appealing than the Quest for most backpackers. The excellent lacing system, which has been a signature feature of the Quest line dating back to the original, plays a big role in its performance on rough trails. Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX Review: An Elite Backpacking Boot. Read more about us. With a tall ankle height and burly toe and heel rubber, the Quest isn’t lacking in foot protection. These burly boots are out in a variety of new color options. However, the upper's ability to bead water breaks down quickly though and regular applications of a waterproofing treatment will keep the upper from soaking up water. The 2020 rain jackets for men and... Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX (Men's) Price Comparison, http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&merchant_id=e295c418-295a-447c-b265-73…, https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&merchant_id=af5b8e7d-f369-4b4a-846b-6…, http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&merchant_id=b5770911-39dc-46ac-ba0f-b4…, http://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&merchant_id=61fff111-8514-4179-a87e-5d…, https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077Z9QZBX/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&ta…. Is this really the trail? At 1 pound 15.7 ounces, this boot is one of our top picks for fast-and-light travel. One of my few complaints with the old Quest 4D 2 was that the moderately thin construction underfoot would leave me with sore feet after long days on rocky trails when carrying a heavy pack. One of the updates to the Quest 4D 3 GTX is the softer, more comfortable leather material around the ankle collar. This model has a flood height measuring 4.5 inches. Improvements to this new edition include a more capable sole with a lug pattern much more adept at controlling speed on descents and a.All of the features that make the Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX … The collar sits higher over the ankle than a standard mid-height boot like the Merrell Moab 2 or Keen Targhee III, but it’s the solid support that sets it apart. The semi-stiff structure does a great job holding your feet in place without feeling restrictive like a mountaineering boot, and time and again I was impressed with how easy it was to trust my footing when carrying a heavy load on loose, rocky ground. Moreover, the Salomon grips better across a range of surfaces and has a higher-quality, longer-lasting build, which justifies its increased cost. Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX Review It always strikes me just how comfortable Salomon boots are straight out of the box. I'd recommend these to people looking for a sturdy hiking boot, but it also looks pretty good for city wear Anonymous, Zappos Customer, August 20, 2018 4 found this review … both considerably undercut the Salomon. When putting on the Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX, it’s immediately apparent that this is a serious boot. THE FINAL VERDICT. 12th March 2018 The Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX is a mid weight backpacking boot, and a good one at that. This product also performed exceptionally well in mud and slushy snow. One of the first features you’ll notice is the lacing system. There is plenty of evidence of bumps and scrapes from hitting rocks and branches, but the toe cap and leather/textile upper aren’t worse for wear. We’ve tested the latest low-top shoe version through everything from early winter conditions in the... Scarpa’s Zodiac Plus GTX is a fully supportive yet exceptionally lightweight boot ideal for handling high-mileage days with a heavy load. Just click on any of the seller links above, and if you make a purchase, we receive a small percentage of the transaction. In the past I’ve had difficulty keeping tension in the right places with mid-height hiking boots, but the Quest 4D 3 GTX … 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 high collar and solid lacing system hold your foot and ankle snugly in place, but generous padding around the ankle and along the boot’s tongue … While this hiker stuck to wet rocks very thoroughly, it underperformed during our test on smooth, dry rock inclines like found on well-worn hiking trails in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Welcome to Firearms of America! South Sister, and Mount Marcy were the longest treks. Interestingly, Salomon did away with the two sets of locking hooks at the top of the boot (the openings are now a little wider so the laces don’t pop into place), but I haven’t experienced any issues with the laces slipping or loosening throughout very long days of hiking. The boot is holding up very well despite rough use. Overall, it received a high score for all-around traction, which undoubtedly influenced our decision to award it our Editors' Choice. There is a growing selection of lightweight technical boots on the market in 2020, and one of our current favorites is the Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX. 15.7 oz.). The middle eyelet has the best positive lock we tested, and its large radius makes it easy to use. In short, the Quest may be overkill on a casual, short-mileage weekend trip, but it was the ideal pairing for the technical terrain we were hiking in Patagonia. We are big fans of the X Ultra line overall and love the lower weight of the Mid, but it can't match the ruggedness of the Quest 4D 3. Salomon’s Quest 4D 3 GTX Hiking Boots blur the line between more traditional hiking boots and trail runners, combining the best … I ordered my typical men’s 9 and it fit very true to size. Here in the Pacific Northwest, we know a thing or two about rain. The lacing system is highly … No pack, light pack, medium pack, or heavy pack -- this pair of boots won't judge. The momentum in hiking footwear is moving away from bulky boots toward lightweight shoes and even trail runners that are faster and more comfortable. But for demanding trails and those who want the support, the Quest is worth the additional ounces. Fantastic support and comfort for carrying a fully loaded pack over rugged terrain. When putting on the Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX, it’s immediately apparent that this is a serious boot. If you want to go trekking or backpacking and prefer the feeling of a solid boot on your feet then these are some of the best out there - and that's backed up by the fact that they've been in Salomon's … The high collar on this boot relays a lot of support and stability to the user. The Huemul Circuit is about as demanding and varied as it gets, and I can’t remember one misstep across rock-covered glaciers, up steep passes with hairy and loose descents, and numerous creek crossings (at least the ones shallow enough to keep my boots on). The first thing you'll notice when standing in this model is the slightly raised heel design. Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX Review. This measurement is inches lower than the highest boot we tested, though the Salomon model has a much more comfortable ankle as a result.