Salomon Quest 5 Gore-Tex Review

One feature that surprised us during testing was how much we appreciated the extra height of these boots. The sides of the ankle collar exceeded 8 inches, which helped keep trail debris from getting into the boot when we wore shorts. Better yet, the tall waterproof flood height meant we could step through most any stream and not need to worry about soaking our socks.

Comfort

The updated Salomon Quest 5 Gore-Tex is even more comfortable than its predecessor. The interior fit is a bit roomier overall, giving us extra space for thick socks. In fact, if you prefer to wear a single thinner sock with your hiking boots, you might be able to size down half a size. Salomon doesn't offer a wide version, but the lacing system and accommodating fit offer enough adjustment that hikers who prefer wide versions might be happy with the regular fit Quest 5.

The new Quest 5 has a roomier fit compared to the Quest 4.   Credit: Chris Maxcer

The well padded ankle collar and tongue maintains comfort over long miles.   Credit: Chris Maxcer

The forefoot flexes a bit better than previous generations, improving this boot's comfort on uphill steps and ascents.   Credit: Chris Maxcer

Previous Next

Salomon removed the previous Quest 4 Active Support wing-like straps along the mid-foot, which is a welcome change because it removes a pinch point and improves forefoot flexibility. The molded Ortholite insole does a nice job of guiding the heel to the middle of the footbed, which helps with comfort over long miles, even though the insole and midsole are designed for moderate (not plush) cushioning.

Salomon's advanced CHASSIS blends a stiff heel cup with a 3/4-length shank to provide rear foot stability while allowing forefoot flex.   Credit: Chris Maxcer

The beefed up perimeter lugs increase stability when hiking on uneven ground.   Credit: Chris Maxcer

The tall ankle height reduces lateral ankle flex and possible rolls and sprains.   Credit: Chris Maxcer

Locking cleats stop the laces from sliding loose after lacing the forefoot to your desired snugness.   Credit: Chris Maxcer

Previous Next

Support

The Salomon Quest 5 Gore-Tex support is truly outstanding. The tall, thick ankle collar might get the most attention, but the stellar support starts at the sole. The traction pattern uses a double row of lugs around the perimeter, increasing stability along the edges of the boot. Salomon's integrated plastic 4D Advanced Chassis supports the heel and extends three-quarters of the way forward. It provides stability to the heel and rear of the foot while allowing the forefoot to flex.

The lacing system also allows the forefoot to flex, and the lacing cleat below the ankle holds your desired tension in place, independent of the upper. The upper ankle is both stiff and padded, providing a great blend of comfort and support for weak or challenged ankles. We were amazed by how easily we could step on sharply angled rocks and roots in rugged terrain without losing confidence in each step. In fact, we were able to step on exposed roots and rocks while maintaining a near-natural gait. The blend of support and flexion, particularly when carrying a heavy backpack, is very impressive.

Traction

The Salomon Quest 5 Gore-Tex uses Salomon's All Terrain contraGRIP rubber compound for the sole, as it did in the Quest 4, but the lug pattern is slightly tweaked to provide better braking on steep descents. The overall grip on mixed surfaces is very good. The soles felt sticky on smooth, dry stone, and loose forest duff wasn't a challenge either. The relatively stiff sole made edging on soft surfaces easy.

Wet rock traction in streams was mediocre, but the boot's stability made slight slips less alarming. We did slip out a bit on steep, wet, grassy slopes, partly because the lugs seemed more tuned for comfortable cruising with a backpack than for biting through terrain. The interior lugs are more spaced than the perimeter lugs, which helped clear sticky mud after a few steps. Overall, traction is better than average. Most importantly, it's predictable in all angles and situations. We didn't experience any random slips during testing.

Water Resistance

We rarely experience any issues with waterproof/breathable Gore-Tex membranes, so we weren't surprised to see the Salomon Quest 5 Gore-Tex ace all of our waterproofing tests. Splashing through streams was downright fun in these boots because the tall ankles and high 6.37" flood height easily kept our feet dry.

The only drawback to the waterproofing in these boots is that the breathability isn't the best. The nubuck leather upper has some sections of more breathable nylon ripstop fabric, but after six hours in these boots on warmer days, our feet tended to heat up. It wasn't worse than all-leather boots of similar sizes we've tested, but breathability certainly wasn't better either. Unless you need the extra ankle support, we would leave these bad boys at home for hot summer hikes.

Weight

Weighing in at 3.15 pounds per pair in an admittedly large size 14 mens, we were impressed by the balance of support-to-weight. Most other boots that provide similar ankle support tend to weigh more.

What's interesting is that the Quest 5 actually felt lighter on our feet than the weight suggests. Yes, we know gravity is pretty darn constant, but we were impressed by the feel of these boots on the trail. They're bulky and clunky compared to lightweight, mid-height hiking boots, but they feel lighter than we expected, given the ankle support we gained while wearing them. Basically, the Quest 5 delivers the support of a heavyweight boot but weighs and feels more like some midweight competitors.

Durability

The initial build quality of the Salomon Quest 5 Gore-Tex is very good. However, the long-term durability of the previous-generation Quest 4 has raised some troubling reports from consumers. The most common complaints were about sole delamination or sole cracking, some of which might have led to leaking. It's not clear how Salomon's updates to the Quest 5 will change these issues, but the sole design and ADV-Chassis have differently structured connections, which alter pressure points on the materials and seams.

Salomon removed some of the metal eyelets and replaced them with reinforced lace loops through the nubuck leather upper. The textile fabric is now a ripstop nylon, which may fend off abrasion over time. The toe rand has a different shape, so that may hold up better as well. We can say that signs of initial durability issues over 30 miles of testing are so far non-existent, but we plan to keep this model in our rotation for long-term testing. We'll report back if any concerns develop. In addition, consumers should keep their receipts when paying premium prices for boots, especially from reputable companies. Salomon has a solid 2-year warranty program for its boots, so if you experience premature delamination that could be considered a manufacturer's defect, submitting a warranty claim would be a good move.

Should You Buy the Salomon Quest 5 Gore-Tex?

The Salomon Quest 5 Gore-Tex offers an outstandingly great blend of weight to ankle support. They're heavier and bulkier than lightweight hiking boots, but the stability and overall ankle protection make them a top option for anyone who has suffered ankle sprains or other ankle injuries. They're particularly good for backpacking with heavy loads and offering protection and stability in rough terrain. The fit is roomier and more accommodating than previous versions, so much so that wide-footed hikers might be able to enjoy this boot even though it doesn't come in a wide version. Some may even be able to size down 1/2 size.

What Other Hiking Boots Should You Consider?