SOLOMON QUEST 4D PLUS

The old wave-like look and stiff rubber compound has been replaced with better spacing to avoid caking up in mud, along with a softer Contagrip rubber. Visually, the Salomon Quest 4D 3 and its predecessor are very similar when upright, but flip them over and you see that Salomon completely redesigned the outsole. But for demanding trails and those who want the support, the Quest is worth the additional ounces. If you’re in the market for a lighter and more flexible boot, we recommend the Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX (1 lb. But I think the weight is well-spent with a tall ankle height, burly protection, and class-leading support and comfort.

6.4 oz.) both considerably undercut the Salomon.

SOLOMON QUEST 4D PLUS

7 oz.) and Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX (2 lbs. For instance, competitors like the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid (2 lbs. And even within the sturdy backpacking-ready category, the Quest falls a little on the heavy side. It’s difficult to pinpoint the source of the improvement-the forefoot is a little more flexible than the old boot taking some of the sting out of each step, and the outsole’s rubber compound also has more “give”-but Salomon seems to have turned this old nitpick into a non-issue.Īt 2 pounds 13.8 ounces for a pair of men’s size 9s (just 0.6 ounces heavier than its listed weight), the Salomon Quest 4D 3 is almost exactly the same weight as the previous model (this bucks the trend in hiking footwear of always going lighter). But after a strenuous four-day trek in the 4D 3 in precisely that situation, I’m confident in saying the newer hiking boot does a better job isolating your feet from the ground. One of my few complaints with the old Quest 4D 2 was that the moderately thin construction underfoot would leave me with sore feet after long days on rocky trails when carrying a heavy pack. It’s stiff enough that I wouldn’t recommend taking it for a long trek straight out the box, but with only a few short hikes under my belt before starting the Huemul Circuit, it had loosened up enough to be fitting like a glove.

The high collar and solid lacing system hold your foot and ankle snugly in place, but generous padding around the ankle and along the boot’s tongue make it very comfortable. When putting on the Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX, it’s immediately apparent that this is a serious boot. To see how it stacks up to the competition, see our article on the best hiking boots. Below we break down our experiences with the Quest 4D 3 GTX. The Quest is solidly made, provides fantastic support and protection for challenging trails, and retains the aggressive stance and nimble feel of previous generations. We put the boot to the test while backpacking the rugged Huemul Circuit in Patagonia and found it to be the perfect tool for the job. Salomon’s Quest 4D boot has headlined their backpacking lineup for years, and it remains a solid all-around performer in today’s market.

Solomon quest 4d