Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX Review

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For most of the last 18 months, Salomon’s X Ultra 3 Mid GTX has been my go-to boot. I’ve worn them in every type of weather and every type of terrain that the UK has to offer and they have never let me down. But, after 18 months of use, they are now starting to show sign of wear and tear and it’s clear that the Gore-Tex lining is not going to last much longer.

For a while, I had considered buying exactly the same pair again, which in the world of hiking boots is probably the biggest compliment you can pay to a pair, but after the wet autumn and winter we have had, and the fact that I had a trip to the Alps planned, I decided to go for a more rigid, sturdy boot in the form of the Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX.

I’ve been wearing this boot for a couple of months now, from the boggy moorlands of the Peak District to the snowy mountains of the Fench Alps. So far I’ve been really impressed, so here is my Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX review…

Features

Nubuck Leather Uppers
GORE-TEX
EnergyCell Midsole
Gusseted Tongue
Protective Toecap
Protective Mudguard
Moulded Ortholite Sockliner
Lacelocker

It always strikes me just how comfortable Salomon boots are straight out of the box. I’ve heard many horror stories from walkers who have had to spend weeks breaking in a new pair of boots and suffering multiple blisters in the process. Fortunately, you just don’t seem to get that with Salomon boots and that’s a big factor in why this is now my third consecutive pair of Salomon hiking boots.

I had been slightly apprehensive that this pair would need a degree of breaking in as they are a slightly more rigid boot than my previous lightweight pairs, but I needn’t have worried, on their first trip out into the hills I’d all but forgotten that I was wearing new boots, which is exactly what you want.

Really, the true test of a walking boot in the UK is based on how long the boot stays waterproof. As we all know, there’s nothing worse than spending half of your hike with cold, wet feet. So far, the Salomon Quest 4Ds have remained completely waterproof for me.

I’ve trudged through the boggy moorland of the Peak District in them, I’ve spent several hours walking in a Snowdonian downpour in them, and I’ve spent a day in Chamonix walking through ankle-deep snow in them. On every occasion, my feet have remained warm and dry and I have no complaint about their waterproof capabilities so far.

The boot is designed to be fast and light but without compromising on the sturdiness that you need for proper mountain walking and scrambling. Salomon claims that the boot has ‘running shoe adapted technology’ and you can see where they are coming from, although I definitely wouldn’t want to try trail running in these boots. As an everyday boot, they definitely give you confidence that they will stand up to all terrain types.

I’ve seen some criticism in reviews and customer feedback that the boots aren’t compatible with crampons, and that’s true, these boots aren’t designed as a full winter boot. However, if you’re looking for more of an all-rounder that can be worn through all seasons then this is a great boot. For the occasional snow days, these boots can be paired with some pull-on ice grips and will give you added traction. I did this in Chamonix recently and had no problems on the snow and ice.

I’m yet to discover how the boots fair in the warmer summer months. As with all boots, there is a compromise to be found between waterproof and breathability, so I suspect that these boots will feel a little hot and rigid when it comes to the summer. However, for the majority of the year, these boots will be perfect for the hills and mountains of the UK, and once again I have been happy to stick with my choice of Salomon boots.