Gear Review
Salomon Quest 4D GTX Hiking Boot - Men's
Awesome fit, but unsure. Depends on use.
By backpackinbuddha
Ranked #258 - Men's Backpacking Boots
June 15, 2010
Read tons of hype regarding these boots and read countless reviews, 90% which were positive. Was geeked to get these boots. First of all the fit is probably the best I've ever had in a boot. Nice support heel cup, higher arch suport, narrows mid foot and widen at toe box. Nice ankle coverage and support. Breathability good. Just all around comfortable. Felt fantastic in the store and at home. Everything seemed perfect. That being said, field use showed some weeknesses . The soles and underfoot support are suspect. I wore these straight out of the box on an easy 3 mile day hike here in Washington carrying a 10 lbs. dayback just to take them for a test drive. One thing I noticed was when walking over rocky areas I could feel every bump and pebble under my feet. I previously owned a pair of Asolo Fugitive, which are beefier, but I also owned some Merrell Chameleons and I never noticed this flaw. Read one review stating the same thing, but no others out of the 20 or so reviews. I have read some other reviews stating concerns over durability, which I cannot speak too as I have worn them once. Sole grip appears adequate, but I think these would be better served with Vibram soles and/or a beefier underfoot. It a shame that $220 boots should have any flaws. Actually its not really a flaw, but it just depends on the use. If you hiking on decent smooth trals carrying 20lbs with no rock scrambling then they might fit your needs perfectly. However, if you are going to be hitting a trail that's a little rougher, or off-trail hiking, traversing over rocks and scrambling while carrying 25-30+ lbs I would be cautious. In my opinion, more of a nice beefier day hiker. If the underfoot were better I would give it 5/5 stars, as the fit is phenomenal, but I can't. I was debating between these and the new Asolo Morans. I'll reivest in another pair of Asolos. These will be hitting e-bay
View Details: Salomon Quest 4D GTX Hiking Boot - Men's
Helpful Votes: 3 Yes
Change me.
4 Comments Last Reply: January 24, 2011 By: Rich2606
Your experience may differ, but I have had great success with these boots. After minimal break-in I took these on a 20 ish miler through Crow's Pass in the Chugach with zero complaints. I was even attempting a failure test of some new Smartwool PhDs (and my feet) and wore the same pair of socks the whole trip, finishing in a day. No foot problems other than fatigue, and terrain varied from scree/talus, mud, and hardpack trail. Several months later and the boots are still worn several times a week with no complaints.
Helpful Votes: 1 Yes
Yeah, I think I may go back to my Asolo Fugitives, or the new Morans, which I had tried on and fit just not as nice. I think people get caught up in the hype. The Salomon boots fit me perfect, and the look nice, but for $220 + they should preform equally as well
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
Boot*
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes
I am near certain you have read my review on REI, which is one of the only negative reviews out there about this book. Just thought I'd stick this in to back you up. After somewhat rigorous hiking for a week, mostly with a 10-15 pound pack, both my boots developed huge squeaks. REI employee told me I had broke the shanks in them. Wow. Since moved to the Asolo TPS 520 and never looked back. Heavier, yes. Flashier, no. BETTER, absolutely.
Helpful Votes: 1 Yes