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 help to additional defend hikers on difficult terrain. Whereas finest identified for its stability, the Quest 4 provides sturdy, aggressive traction and a supportive sole, making bushwhacking or multi-day expeditions extra snug. 

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 brief day journeys, however if you happen to’re tackling extra rugged backcountry trails or prolonged expeditions, these are a worthwhile funding.

Consolation

The Salomon Quest 4 GTX provides a excessive degree of consolation in total foot really feel and help, even for long-distance hikes. They’re finest on rugged, uneven terrain and might really feel cumbersome and stiff in your ankle on brief, 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 snug and broke in on the path. Throughout that point, we did develop some scorching spots across the entrance of our toes till the supplies conformed higher to our foot form. Nevertheless, as soon as they had been much less stiff, the friction build-up whereas mountaineering 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 want. For the heavy-duty design, they’re most snug on lengthy, powerful hikes when carrying a heavy pack.

Sturdiness

As a heavy-duty mountaineering boot, the Quest 4 GTX is understood for its sturdy design. The strengthened stitching, paired with fewer seams, helps scale back the chance of injury by way of 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 powerful 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 might be heavier and fewer versatile, however their help and sturdy development make for excellent longevity.

Ankle Assist

The Salomon Quest 4 GTX could also be the most effective mountaineering boots for ankle help, particularly on uneven terrain. The excessive ankle collar and superior chassis present much-needed lateral help and a safe match across the ankle to forestall 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 peak and construction across the ankle reduces the chance of harm when carrying a heavy pack and traversing rocky, unstable floor.

We discovered this most helpful when mountaineering off-trail or bushwacking when footing is much less sure. Considered one of my favourite trails for testing boots in central Washington is a little-known desert canyon path often called Hungate. This terrain is superb for getting an excellent really feel for the 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 brief three miles in, you get an excellent mixture of terrain variation, offering the proper look into stability in addition to traction management. 

Traction

The Salomon Quest 4 GTX has ample traction and may also help 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 dust 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 maintain our footing on stream crossings or wet days. We discover them too cumbersome to really feel assured whereas scrambling, however they’re a dependable alternative for unpredictable climate in mountainous terrain.

Climate Resistance

The Salomon Quest 4 GTX can deal with the wettest climate circumstances because of the Gore-Tex membrane. We may stand in water for prolonged durations 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 mountaineering 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 finest suited 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 right for hikers and backpackers in search of a steady, sturdy boot to guard their toes and ankles on uneven, unforgiving terrain. When you’re planning a multi-day journey, backcountry journey, or prolonged expedition, these boots can present the consolation, help, and traction wanted to really feel assured even whereas carrying a pack. These boots will not be for hikers who reside in scorching or humid climates or these trying to cowl floor shortly. When you’re tackling extra technical floor or are mountaineering in a chilly, moist local weather, these boots are what you’re in search of.

What Different Mountaineering Boots Ought to You Contemplate?

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

Merrell Moab 3 WP Evaluation: For a extra budget-friendly choice, 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 wonderful alternative for day hikers or those that don’t want a lot ankle help. Whereas they don’t provide the identical degree of stability because the Quest 4, they nonetheless present first rate help for weekend journeys or simple to reasonable, well-maintained trails. When you’re not planning on carrying a backpack for a protracted time frame or dealing with intense backcountry terrain, the Moab 3 is likely to be a greater match.

La Sportiva Nucleo Excessive II GTX Evaluation: The La Sportiva Nucleo Excessive II GTX is a high choose for hikers in search of a light-weight but sturdy choice. 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 finest on reasonable trails and for these with lighter pack weights. They aren’t as inflexible or present as a lot ankle help because the Quest 4, however they’re an excellent steadiness of help and weight, which works for the common backpacker.