If you're after a stiff, rigid, and waterproof construction that maximizes ankle support and stability through challenging terrain, the Quest may be the perfect design for you. Although the sizing can be tricky and the break in period long, this is just what you're after if you're planning a longer backcountry expedition or simply need more support while hiking under the weight of a pack.
The Quest offers ample space inside the toe box as well as the heel. Just be sure to nail the sizing as our testing team found this boot to run quite large even when ordered as our standard street shoe size. There is sufficient padding surrounding the ankle, without feeling overly bulky or hot on summer days, and when broken in and sized properly, these are the perfect companion for those planning gnarly trips into the mountains.
We'll be honest, the break-in period of these burly hikers was extensive; some testers did not feel a sense of relief from the stiff and rigid upper until a few days of hiking in. We definitely recommend breaking in these boots before a major trip, as the stiffness in the upper, as well as the Achilles, can cause discomfort when fresh out of the box. Those with narrow feet may also struggle with this design as our lead tester found it necessary to fully tighten the lacing system, leaving enough slack in the laces to fully wrap them around the ankle. That said, the ankle shaft does an excellent job of holding every foot shape in place. While not as comfortable directly from the box, the stiffness and rigidity of this design make it a solid choice for demanding hikes, no matter the terrain.
The Quest represents the gold standard for overall support and stability in a modern hiking boot design. The stiff and rigid ankle shaft features not two but three metal hooks that allow you to customize the support. Our lead tester often referred to the 7+ inch ankle shaft as “vice grips” for your feet, effectively locking them into place whether you're tackling a demanding descent or suffering up a mountain pass under a heavy load. The Quest also features a wide and stable base that combines with a sufficient Ortholite insert, a substantial midsole, and Salomon's proprietary 4D Advanced Chassis construction, which provides even more support for tired muscles in the lower leg and feet.
The Quest is definitely not the boot design we recommend for those who plan to simply day-hike with a lightweight backpack or who are only destination-hiking a few times a year. And while incredibly supportive for the ankle, those with high arches may want to consider an additional aftermarket insert for all-day arch support, especially when shouldering a heavy backpack for days on end.
Salomon is known for their excellence in traction, and the Quest spares no element of performance when it comes to slippery boulders, well-traveled routes, or trail debris. Our testers even feel comfortable recommending this boot for those who prefer to forge their own path through, whether through thick and difficult brush or open talus fields. The multi-directional lug pattern, combined with notably deep lugs, allows the boot to maximize surface area and provide grip where other boots don't.
While the All-Terrain Contagrip eventually provided excellent performance, our testers noted a few slips while breaking in the design and moving from streams to dry rock. Once the boot was further broken in, this was no longer an issue. The bulky and heavy-duty design also puts more thickness underfoot as well as in the forefoot, so we found ourselves simply adjusting for the overall size of this substantial hiking boot. Overall, the Quest allowed us to move confidently throughout a variety of terrain types.
Whether cruising through snowfields, seasonal streams, thick mud, or in our controlled bucket tests, the Quest delivered solid waterproof performance. The extended ankle shaft features a 6 1/4 inch flood level thanks to the substantial support underfoot, which provides even more clearance while wading streams. The GORE-TEX waterproofing kept our feet dry whether in our two-minute bucket test or while hiking through a High Sierra river.
Unlike other full-leather options we tested, the synthetic upper and nubuck leather combo absorbed less water when exposed for longer periods. And while some mesh is also included in the upper, we found these to be less breathable than other non-waterproof boots in our review. For those hiking in dry desert climates or day hikes in popular areas, the Quest is not the best choice.
The Quest is a durable boot design that's built to provide long-lasting performance in demanding terrain. While we noted some cosmetic abrasions from talus fields and encounters with sharp rocks, the outsole held up nicely as did the seams along the upper.
While we've had some durability issues with other recent iterations of Salomon designs, the Quest provides a stiff, rigid, and durable construction that we feel comfortable recommending for the most demanding terrain.
If we're being honest, this is not the Quest's most proud testing metric. The heavyweight construction weighed in at a whopping 2.58 pounds for a US Women's size 8, making it the heaviest boot in our comprehensive review. And while we wish we could tell you that you don't even notice those additional ounces underfoot, we certainly noticed some additional fatigue when compared to other lightweight boot designs that we tested.
Although the Quest features a heavy-duty construction that will deter most day hikers, the additional stability, support, and security under tension are the very reasons these boots stand apart from the competition.
If you have some demanding hikes and expeditions on the calendar, our team highly recommends the Salomon Quest 4 Gore-Tex for its unparalleled support and stability underfoot. Although heavy, bulky, and overkill for your average day hike, the Quest features a 7-inch ankle shaft, three metal hooks along the ankle, as well as a durable and protective upper that makes it the perfect choice for those hiking in demanding or off-trail terrain. Just be aware that the sizing can be tricky and the break-in period longer than expected, so trying them on the person and planning some extra days to comfortize the design are also recommended for best results.
If you like the sounds of the Salomon Quest 4 Gore-Tex but after a less aggressive boot design, our team loves the La Sportiva TX Hike Mid Leather GTX. This boot gets the job done without the extra weight surrounding the foot, providing a more nimble and agile feel on the trails. We also love the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX that's even lighter in weight and provides a more aggressive lug pattern for those tackling a variety of terrain types.
| Awards |  Favorite for Support and Stability |
|---|---|
| Price | $230 List Check REI (on sale!) |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |
| Bottom Line | These heavy-duty hikers excel when it comes to stability, waterproof performance, and support that comes in handy for those who often carry heavy packs |
| Pros | Extraordinary stability for carrying heavy loads, locked in ankle support, solid waterproof performance, high flood level, durable, deep lug pattern creates stand out traction |
| Cons | Excessive for average day hikes and casual outings, sizing runs big, design doesn't breathe super well, requires a long break in period, not the best choice for those with narrow feet |
| Rating Categories | Salomon Quest 4 Gore... |
| Comfort (30%) | |
| Support (25%) | |
| Traction (20%) | |
| Water Resistance (10%) | |
| Durability (10%) | |
| Weight (5%) | |
| Specifications | Salomon Quest 4 Gore... |
| Measured Weight (per pair) | 2.58 lbs (size 8) |
| Width Options | Regular |
| Waterproof Lining | Gore-Tex |
| Upper | Nubuck leather |
| Midsole | OrthoLite |
| Heel Height | 1.6" |
| Shaft Height | 6.0" |
| Sole | All Terrain Contagrip rubber |
