Best for Rough Terrain
Salomon Quest 4 GTX
$230A burly, protective boot engineered for serious backpacking and technical terrain, featuring an exceptional lacing system, aggressive traction, and enough cushioning to handle heavy loads and rocky trails without sacrificing comfort.
what experts say
- >“Despite a slightly lighter weight, revamped chassis, and modernized look, the Quest 4 has very similar performance to its predecessor, making it an excellent pick for shuttling heavy loads over technical terrain.”— Switchback Travel
- >“Head to any serious hiking spot and you'll see at least one person wearing a pair of Quest 4s. Perennially popular for good reason, the Salomons boast superb levels of comfort and support without the bulk typically associated with traditional walking boots.”— WIRED
- >“Best Support for Men and Women — Salomon Quest 4 Gore-Tex”— Outdoor Gear Lab
- >“Best Hiking Boot for Backpacking: Salomon Quest 4 GTX”— Switchback Travel (Women's)
pros & cons
[+] what's great
- +Excellent lacing system with locking eyelets that keep your heel secure on climbs
- +Aggressive Contagrip outsole provides reliable traction on wet, muddy, and rocky terrain
- +Well-cushioned underfoot with protection against sharp rocks and rough ground
- +Supportive and stable for carrying heavy loads over technical terrain
- +Durable construction with modernized upper that holds up to extended use
[-] what's not
- -Heavy (2 lb 14 oz for men's) and overkill for day hiking or well-maintained trails
- -Runs hot in warm weather due to Gore-Tex waterproofing and reinforced materials
- -Some users report durability issues over time
- -Not ideal for fast-and-light hiking or scrambling on technical alpine terrain
