Girls’s Salomon Quest 4 GTX Evaluation| CleverHiker

Backside Line

The Salomon Quest 4 GTX is a rugged boot constructed for long-distance hikes and backpacking. It has a tall ankle shaft and chassis designed for optimum lateral assist to additional defend hikers on difficult terrain. Whereas greatest identified for its stability, the Quest 4 gives sturdy, aggressive traction and a supportive sole, making bushwhacking or multi-day expeditions extra comfy. 

These are expedition-weight boots which can be heavy for many common hikers. Whereas they aren’t the lightest or most agile of all of the boots we examined, they excel on adventures that require backpacking with a reasonable to heavy pack (40 lbs or extra). They want a break-in interval and really feel cumbersome on quick day journeys, however for those who’re tackling extra rugged backcountry trails or prolonged expeditions, these are a worthwhile funding.

Consolation

The Salomon Quest 4 GTX gives a excessive stage of consolation in general foot really feel and assist, even for long-distance hikes. They’re greatest on rugged, uneven terrain and might really feel cumbersome and stiff in your ankle on quick, much less intense hikes. The mixture of a padded tongue, ankle collar, and surprisingly roomy toe field assist the boots really feel safe whereas permitting for extra pure foot motion. Even on longer hikes, we had minimal discomfort and, as soon as damaged in, developed no scorching spots or strain factors. 

The boots took about 10-12 miles to really feel really comfy and broke in on the path. Throughout that point, we did develop some scorching spots across the entrance of our ft till the supplies conformed higher to our foot form. Nonetheless, as soon as they had been much less stiff, the friction build-up whereas climbing was lowered and we now not developed any scorching spot points. 

Whereas boots are steady, their inflexible nature could make them really feel much less responsive on some terrain and scale back the extra pure foot really feel hikers who’re used to light-weight boots might desire. For the heavy-duty design, they’re most comfy on lengthy, robust hikes when carrying a heavy pack.

Sturdiness

As a heavy-duty climbing boot, the Quest 4 GTX is understood for its sturdy design. The strengthened stitching, paired with fewer seams, helps scale back the danger of injury via put on on tough, strenuous trails. We trudged over rocky trails, bushwacking, and braving altering climate within the Cascade Mountains of Washington with out seeing a lot put on or injury to the boots. The leather-based and textile higher is robust and resilient, and the rubber toe cap and outsole add to the long-lasting efficiency. These boots are a worthwhile funding for hikers planning longer or extra expedition-style adventures. They could be heavier and fewer versatile, however their assist and sturdy development make for excellent longevity.

Ankle Assist

The Salomon Quest 4 GTX could also be the most effective climbing boots for ankle assist, particularly on uneven terrain. The excessive ankle collar and superior chassis present much-needed lateral assist and a safe match across the ankle to stop ankle rolls and sprains. Whereas this added stability is a large plus, it comes at the price of flexibility. The inflexible design can really feel cumbersome when navigating extra technical scrambling or fast-paced hikes. The stiffness underfoot and across the ankle limits the vary of movement some, making the boots really feel much less responsive. Nonetheless, the added top and construction across the ankle reduces the danger of damage when carrying a heavy pack and traversing rocky, unstable floor.

We discovered this most helpful when climbing off-trail or bushwacking when footing is much less sure. Certainly one of my favourite trails for testing boots in central Washington is a little-known desert canyon path referred to as Hungate. This terrain is superb for getting a superb really feel for a way boots maintain up on dry, even trails in addition to steep unfastened rock and moist rock scrambling because the path enters and climbs the canyon. Within the quick three miles in, you get a superb mixture of terrain variation, offering the proper look into stability in addition to traction management. 

Traction

The Salomon Quest 4 GTX has sufficient traction and can assist you retain your footing on moist rocks, mud, steep inclines, unfastened gravel, and extra. The aggressive ContaGrip rubber outsole and deep lug sample assist with stability and work properly to grip unfastened grime and scree. We discovered this particularly useful on steep and unfastened ascents and descents. Whereas their efficiency on dry surfaces is admirable, the rubber compound and tread additionally helped us preserve our footing on stream crossings or wet days. We discover them too cumbersome to really feel assured whereas scrambling, however they’re a dependable selection for unpredictable climate in mountainous terrain.

Climate Resistance

The Salomon Quest 4 GTX can deal with the wettest climate situations because of the Gore-Tex membrane. We may stand in water for prolonged intervals with out experiencing any leaks, and the excessive, comfortable ankle collar prevented water from splashing up and into the boots as we crossed streams. Whereas they’re nice for moist, muddy, or snowy hikes, they get too scorching in heat or humid climates. Even climbing within the Jap desert of Washington on a scorching day proved an excessive amount of for these boots as a result of they lack breathability. These boots are greatest fitted to chilly, moist climates or multi-day hikes when staying dry is a precedence.

Ought to You Purchase the Salomon Quest 4 GTX?

The Salomon Quest 4 GTX is good for hikers and backpackers on the lookout for a steady, sturdy boot to guard their ft and ankles on uneven, unforgiving terrain. If you happen to’re planning a multi-day journey, backcountry journey, or prolonged expedition, these boots can present the consolation, assist, and traction wanted to really feel assured even whereas carrying a pack. These boots aren’t for hikers who stay in scorching or humid climates or these seeking to cowl floor rapidly. If you happen to’re tackling extra technical floor or are climbing in a chilly, moist local weather, these boots are what you’re on the lookout for.

What Different Mountaineering Boots Ought to You Contemplate?

Lowa Renegade Evo GTX Mid Evaluation: The Lowa Renegade Evo GTX Mid is one other nice selection for hikers who need excellent sturdiness and assist. Just like the Quest 4, the Renegades assist these touring with heavier packs in rugged terrain. Whereas they’re a bit lighter than the Quest 4, the Renegades aren’t the very best for fast-paced, light-weight climbing. However they’re a stable different if you’d like a barely much less cumbersome boot with related assist.

Merrell Moab 3 WP Evaluation: For a extra budget-friendly possibility, the Merrell Moab 3 WP balances consolation and sturdiness with out the steep price ticket of the Salomon Quest 4 GTX. These boots are a superb selection for day hikers or those that don’t want a lot ankle assist. Whereas they don’t supply the identical stage of stability because the Quest 4, they nonetheless present first rate assist for weekend journeys or straightforward to reasonable, well-maintained trails. If you happen to’re not planning on carrying a backpack for a protracted time period or going through intense backcountry terrain, the Moab 3 is perhaps a greater match.

La Sportiva Nucleo Excessive II GTX Evaluation: The La Sportiva Nucleo Excessive II GTX is a high choose for hikers on the lookout for a light-weight but sturdy possibility. These boots are perfect for backpackers or hikers wanting a barely extra agile boot than the Salomon Quest 4 GTX. The Nucleo Excessive II GTX performs greatest on reasonable trails and for these with lighter pack weights. They don’t seem to be as inflexible or present as a lot ankle assist because the Quest 4, however they’re a superb steadiness of assist and weight, which works for the typical backpacker.