Men’s Salomon Quest 4 GTX Review

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for seriously stable boots for big backcountry adventures, the Salomon Quest 4 GTX is a standout choice on our Best Hiking Boots for Men guide. With outstanding ankle support, a durable build, and rugged, sticky soles, this Salomon model offers 4-wheel drive traction for the most challenging terrains. The Quest 4s are CleverHiker Founder Dave Collins’ favorite boots for multi-day trips in fall, winter, and spring with heavy packs and lots of gear. He’s racked up over 200 miles across the Pacific Northwest in these boots from wet, soggy coastline adventures to the cold, snowy high country. They were dependable and comfortable for on and off-trail exploration.

The mix of thick leather and dense mesh, combined with a GORE-TEX liner, will keep your feet dependably dry for days of rain, snow, and unexpected weather. A firm heel, slightly wider toe box, and padded tongue make these boots feel comfortable and cozy after a short break-in period. The thick soles and structured midsoles absorb impact well – perfect for long days on tough terrain.

Because of their weight and stiff design, though, these boots aren’t a bullseye for everyone. At nearly three pounds, the Quest 4s are among the heavier boots we’ve tested, which can lead to early fatigue on warmer days and easy trails. Their break-in period also takes patience – expect up to 20 miles until the leather begins to soften and the soles begin to flex. The lacing system, while secure, can be cumbersome to adjust, and the top eyelets can dig uncomfortably into the foot when cinched too tight. Overall, the Quest 4 GTX is a high-performance option best suited for demanding, cooler hikes where stability and durability matter most.

Comfort

The Salomon Quest 4 GTX is impressively comfortable – especially once it’s broken in. The thick tongue, cushy ankle collar, and soft, supportive insoles make for a cushy ride that minimizes foot fatigue, even on the toughest terrain. The large heel loop and unique tongue loop make slipping these boots on and off a breeze – a small but important factor at the end of a long day. We love how these boots balance a high, rigid ankle design and slightly stiffer soles with a bit of flexibility, so you can keep your natural stride even under heavy backpack loads of 35+ pounds.

The Quest 4’s leather and mesh uppers, coupled with a GORE-TEX liner, will keep your feet well-protected from water and cold without sacrificing breathability. This design directly translates to less moisture buildup on hot days but exceptional warmth on cold treks. And Salomon has tons of smaller components that enhance comfort like the thick, round laces that stay tied and dry fast, a cushy heel collar for soft support on ascents and descents, and the enormous protective toe cap. Plus, the Quest 4s are easy to cinch down securely, locking your heel into the cup for confident footing. If you’re a backpacker that needs lots of support, these boots land in the sweet spot.

But comfort is subjective, and we have a few small gripes with the Quest 4. Because of its burly materials – especially the thick uppers, with nylon and nubuck leather paneling – this model is among the heavier hiking boots we’ve tested, which can lead to faster fatigue over extended distances. Their strong materials and robust construction also require a break-in period of about 15 to 20 miles before they feel fully comfortable, so consider wearing these as often as possible at home to soften them up properly before your first big adventure.

We also find the lacing design isn’t the most comfortable. The third eyelet from the toe is an inch-long round plastic loop encased in leather, which works well to cinch up the boot at the midfoot. However, our testing reveals this piece can dig into the top of the foot and cause discomfort, especially with tight laces or when using gaiters that put pressure on the top of the boot. Senior Gear Analyst Ian Krammer doesn’t use these as his winter boots with knee-high snow gaiters anymore because of this issue – although he loves them for more established routes. The Quest 4 also runs warm in temperatures over 70°F, so they’re best suited for cooler climates. None of these are deal breakers for us, though. These boots are a great choice for cold alpine trips through the summer and staying comfy outside from September ’till June.

Ankle Support

If you’re looking for rigid ankle support, the Salomon Quest 4 GTX boots are for you. The Quest 4 is the only high-cut hiking boot to make the cut on our list. It reaches well above your ankle, snugly wrapping around your leg for added support and protection against sharp brambles and rocks. Its tall, cushioned tongue is burly and padded, so your laces won’t dig in as you walk. The ankle cuffs are heavily padded, using a blend of foam, mesh, and leather for excellent cushion as you walk. Leather patches add extra structure around the ankle area, which gives the ankles a stable, secure feeling. The Quest 4 is reliably waterproof clear up to the cuff – nearly four inches – so puddles, low creek crossings, and snow are no issue.

The top lace hooks are located fairly far back on the boot, which means the laces wrap clear from one side to the other – a design that fully locks your feet in for awesome stability on uneven or steep terrain. Durable leather and thick mesh paneling add a beefy structure to the uppers and prevent ankle rolling. Gear Analyst Ian Krammer wore these on a winter overnight in Rocky Mountain National Park with a 40-pound pack full of winter gear, and these boots’ were key to navigating the rocky trails. Their wide, firm midsole creates a super stable base and is excellent for keeping your ankles aligned and secure.

But boots with stiff, high ankles don’t work for every situation. We love them for technical places – but on flat, established, and dry trails, the Quest 4s feel cumbersome and rigid compared to lighter and more flexible footwear. We also find the lacing system feels a bit tedious to adjust. Although the design is super secure, the set-back location of the lace hooks and the aggressive curve of the hook slows down on-trail adjustments. These boots are one of our top picks for challenging terrain, but we don’t recommend them for every day hike or hot, humid summer adventures.

Weight

The Salomon Quest 4 GTX weighs 2 pounds, 14 ounces for the pair, ranking among the heaviest boots we’ve tested. But, these things are worth their weight in gold if you want industry-leading durability and support. Their combination of leather paneling, nylon, foam, and GORE-TEX materials are outstanding for keeping feet dry and protected, but they are bulky and have a heavier profile compared to some synthetic boots. The thick midsoles, bulky rubber outsoles, and robust tread are built to cruise through rocky, icy, and difficult terrain, but they also add to the overall weight. Salomon doesn’t skimp on any materials on the tall ankles, either, with heavily padded uppers that further add to the bulk. But every component adds durability and stability, and on hikes where weight isn’t a concern, these boots are ideal. 

But heavy boots have their place – and it’s not on smooth, flat trails or in hot and humid places, where the weight feels excessive. At nearly 3 pounds, these boots feel heavy on long hikes that stay on mild and moderate trails that need lower ankles and more flexible soles. The heavy-duty leather and thick textile construction are overkill in warmer conditions, making them feel hot and uncomfortable above 70°F. The weight, combined with a moderate break-in period, may be a dealbreaker for anyone seeking a versatile, lighter option for warmer conditions.

Traction

The Quest 4 earns above-average marks for traction. The aggressive, deep lugs use Salomon’s proprietary Contagrip outsoles – a durable rubber blend that feels reliable and sticky across all sorts of terrain, from loose dirt to rocky trails and even slick mud. The deep lugs on the outsoles are especially effective at shedding debris, set just far enough to avoid collecting gravel and sticks but close enough to effectively bite the ground without slipping. The midsoles use EVA foam for a bit of give and a strong chassis that adds a lot of stability, reducing foot fatigue with a heavy backpack on and maintaining control on rocky trails.

The broad toe box distributes weight evenly at the toe and forefoot for better balance when going uphill. Aided by geometric ridges at the toe and across the forefoot, these boots help make steep inclines a breeze. Our testing found the same was true at the heel, where broad-angled lugs work with a slightly flared heel and triangular ridges to give excellent braking on descents.

However, the Quest 4s struggle on slick surfaces like smooth boulders, wet rocks, and hard-packed snow, where the deep lugs don’t have much to bite into. They also tend to wear out a bit faster on rocks, concrete, and asphalt, so these are best for mixed terrain. Our testing shows that the Contagrip soles are fairly durable and tacky on almost any dry surface, but since this blend is stiff, they don’t have much flexibility for better grip on wet and glossy areas. 

This stiffness doesn’t offer much ground feel in general, so the Quest 4s aren’t our top choice when you need sensitivity with every step or precision on a route. Finally, the traction is fairly durable, but the lugs do wear down faster than we expected, with noticeable wear at the 200-mile mark.

Weather Resistance

These boots thrive in intense weather conditions. Senior Gear Analyst Ian Krammer can confirm – he’s used the Quest 4s with gaiters and snowshoes to wade through 2’ feet of snow above 11,000’ in the Rockies over a dozen times. The combination of leather and mesh uppers kept his feet warm and dry and kept the moisture out. The GORE-TEX lining and high cuff work together for serious waterproofing that you can rely on – whether it’s deep snow, pouring rain, or puddles and mud. We’ve hiked hundreds of miles in these boots in shoulder seasons, where they perform especially well in muck and wet ground. Details like fast-drying nylon laces, inset metal lace hooks, and a burly toe cap make these Salomons all but bombproof during creek crossings and wet conditions. The Quest 4s offer trustworthy weather resilience that holds up over time.

We do have a few issues, though. Although their burly construction is excellent in cool shoulder season weather, they feel hot and heavy in warmer weather. If you mainly hike in mild and hot summer weather, these boots’ limited breathability can lead to sweaty feet on longer hikes, so you may want to look elsewhere for more lightweight options.

Our biggest complaint is related to the lacing system, where the unusual lace hook design can slow down quick adjustments. Taking an extra moment to tie your boots isn’t a big deal most of the time. However, in wet, cold, and snowy conditions – when dexterity is compromised – this design isn’t our favorite. Also, if you like your boot laces tight, these boots might not work well when paired with snow gaiters. Gear Analyst Ian Krammer finds that where most snow gaiters press down on the top of the boot is exactly where Salomon placed the third lace eyelets. These are two bulky leather and plastic tubes that attach to the side of the boots – which is great for cinching down the boots tightly – but with gaiters, those eyelets get pushed into the sides of the foot and can be uncomfortable over time.

Durability

Where are you hiking next? The Salomon Quest 4 can probably handle it. These things are made to withstand relentless backcountry abuse, making them a go-to for several CleverHiker team members for spring and fall backpacking trips. Their leather and mesh uppers, reinforced with strong stitching, resist abrasion from rocky trails and thick brush, keeping them intact over hundreds of miles of tough terrain. The burly rubber toe caps add another layer of protection, and the GORE-TEX liner effectively repels water and prevents internal dampness after consecutive days in wet, muddy conditions. The high-cut ankle design provides extra support – which not only protects against injuries but also maintains the boot’s structure over time. Designed with heavy loads and challenging terrains in mind, these boots feel practically indestructible, allowing serious hikers to venture further with confidence.

Although highly durable, the Quest 4 GTX does come with a few drawbacks in terms of lasting comfort and design. The luggy outsoles are crafted from a durable rubber compound that grips well on various surfaces – although they began to wear down after the 400-mile mark, losing their sharp edges and depth. Finally, some have reported the uppers separating from the outsoles after about 400 miles. So far, we haven’t had that issue, but we’ll keep you posted.

Keep in mind that quality leather boots like these will need maintenance with regular use to keep up their weatherproofing and durability. We recommend biannual cleaning and conditioning to keep the leather from cracking, drying out, and eventually losing its water-resistant properties. Don’t worry – it’s a fairly easy and fast process. Check out our How to Clean Hiking Boots and Shoes guide for more. 

Should You Buy the Salomon Quest 4 GTX?

The Salomon Quest 4 GTX is an A+ choice for hikers tackling rugged and technical backcountry trails, muddy and wet alpine routes, and carrying heavy loads over multi-day treks. These boots are a step ahead with their high ankle support, beefy uppers, and reliable GORE-TEX waterproofing, where they thrive in wet, muddy, and cold conditions. The thick, cushioned midsoles provide excellent comfort for users with sensitive feet or weak ankles, and the burly outsole and thick toe cap offer strong protection and traction on rock, snow, and uneven terrain.

These boots will last, too – they earn top marks for durability, so with a bit of maintenance these boots will stay in your rotation season after season. Backpackers, mountaineers, and winter hikers who prioritize stability and protection over lightness and nimble movement will find exactly what they want with these boots.

However, the Quest 4 GTX is not the best choice if you’re after a featherlight, breathable, flexible boot for short outings, humid climates, or hot summer weather. At nearly three pounds, they are among the heaviest options we’ve tested, which can cause fatigue on less demanding trails. The stiff soles and break-in period mean they lack out-of-the-box comfort, and in temperatures above 70°F, the overlapping upper materials can lead to uncomfortable heat buildup. We also find the lacing system is a bit cumbersome, so these boots require a bit more focus than others – and they’re pricey. Casual hikers or those on a budget may want to consider lighter, more affordable options that offer basic support without the hefty build or premium price of the Quest 4 GTX.

What Other hiking boots Should You Consider?

For more options, please see our full guide to men’s hiking boots.

LOWA Renegade GTX Review: The LOWA Renegade GTX offers exceptional weather resistance and solid ankle support similar to the Salomon Quest 4 GTX. But we prefer the Lowa Renegade GTX for its superior comfort, lighter feel, and more natural foot movement over the stiffer, bulkier Quest 4 GTX. If you’re a year-round hiker who wants even better traction and don’t mind less ankle support, these are an excellent option for moderate terrain. 

Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX Review: The Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX are a bit lower at the ankle and just a bit less weather resistant than the Quest 4 GTX – but this model uses more synthetic materials, so they’re much lighter. We love these boots for adventures where low weight and high support are priority. If you’re looking for a more agile feel without sacrificing durability or traction, these boots are a great choice—plus, they cost less.

Merrell Moab 3 WP Review: Like the Salomon Quest 4s, the Merrell Moab 3 WPs offer great waterproofing and traction. However, the Moab 3 stands out for its lighter weight, cushy and wide fit, and excellent price point, making this model better for long-distance hikes and warmer weather. These boots are a solid entry-level option for hikers on a budget who want a lighter, more comfortable boot for moderate trails – and don’t need rigid ankle support.