Salomon Quest 4 GTX Hiking Boots Review
An in-depth review of our favorite waterproof hiking boots
January 14th, 2026
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Our verdict
When the Salomon Quest 4 GTX hiking boots were first released in 2021, they became instantly popular because they dropped a significant amount of weight from the previous Quest 4D model and came with a new traction design.
The resulting multi-directional lugs took us across muddy creeks and through the Rocky Mountains on trails that ranged from easy to difficult, and we can confirm that these boots earned their place as our overall pick for best waterproof hiking boots and best men’s hiking boots (as well as our best waterproof pick in our best women’s hiking boots guide). The DWR coating out-performed 11 other pairs of boots, and the GORE-TEX membrane kept our feet dry all day long.
The Salomon Quest 4 GTX hiking boots are made for rugged environments, heavy loads, and the wettest conditions. After two testers covered about 100 total miles of trail, we found that the upper material was resistant to abrasion and punctures, the midsole was comfortable during all-day escapades, and the outsole was sticky and reliable even on wet descents.
Compared to the other boots we tested, the Quest 4 GTX boots are more durable, and resistant to the weather. It’s also one of the heavier pairs of boots that we tested, which can be a deterrent for those who prefer to travel light and fast in lightweight hiking boots.
Still, hikers who carry a hefty load, spend extended periods of time in wet conditions and prefer aggressive ankle protection will love these boots. Those who prefer a lightweight hiking shoe with a breathable upper might skip these boots.
men's
Women's
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Salomon Quest 4 GTX Specifications
Price: $230
Weight (per pair, men's and women's): 2 lbs 14.2 oz, 2 lbs 5.7 oz
Cushion level (Light/Medium/Maximum): Medium
Stability (Neutral/Stable): Stable
Heel-to-toe drop (mm): 12 mm
Stack height (heel/toe mm): 34/22 mm
Upper materials: Leather and textiles
Midsole material: EVA foam with Salomon chassis technology
Outsole material and lugs: All Terrain Contagrip rubber, deep/multidirectional lugs
Waterproof technology (if applicable): GORE-TEX membrane
Available sizes and widths: Men’s 7–14, Women’s 5–12
Suitable for vegans: No
Comparison table
| HIKING BOOT | MSRP* | MEN'S WEIGHT (PAIR) | WOMEN'S WEIGHT (PAIR) | OUTSOLE | MIDSOLE | UPPER | WATERPROOFING |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Salomon Quest 4 Men's Women's |
$230 | 2 lb 14.2 oz | 2 lb 5.7 oz | All Terrain Contagrip rubber | Leather and textiles | GORE-TEX | |
| Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX Mid Men's Women's |
$185 | 1 lb 5 oz | 1 lb 1.6 oz | All Terrain Contagrip rubber | EnergyCell | Kevlar and technical yarn Matryx technology | GORE-TEX |
| KEEN Targhee IV Mid Waterproof Men's Women's |
$170 | 2 lb 8.6 oz | 2 lbs 2.6 oz | TPU | Luftcell polyurethane | Nubuck leather | KEEN.Dry |
| La Sportiva TX Hike Mids Men's Women's |
$209 | 2 lbs 2.6 oz | 1 lb 12.6 oz | Vibram Ecostep EVO | Compression EVA | Recycled air mesh | bluesign-certified ePE GORE-TEX Extended Comfort |
| Merrell Moab 3 Mid GTX Men's Women's |
$170 | 1 lb 15.7 oz | 1 lb 13 oz | Vibram TC5+ | Merrell Air Cushion | Leather, 100% recycled laces, webbing, and mesh | GORE-TEX |
Best for
Three-season hiking and backpacking, wet day-hikes
Multi-day backpackers, creek and river crossers, and those who expect to travel on rough and rocky terrain
What we liked
Waterproofing is reliable
Sturdy ankle collar
Generous fit
Rugged design
Performance in variable conditions
What could be better
Initial stiffness
Prone to premature breakdown
Outsole durability
Breathability
Foot fatigue
How we tested
We wore these boots for about five months between summer and early winter, predominantly hiking across the Rocky Mountains. Our testers evaluated both the men’s and women’s versions of these boots, tackling everything from well-groomed grocery store aisles to high alpine ascents.
Between our testers, we tackled about 100 miles of trails and made direct comparisons to the boots that appeared on our Best Hiking Boots for Women guide, categorizing them by similar criteria including comfort, durability, traction, and waterproofing. These boots also won the best overall waterproof hiking boots in our Best Waterproof Hiking Boots guide.
Sink testing the waterproof barrier of the Salomon Quest 4 hiking boots.
Performance in the field
Fit and sizing
The majority of hikers find that the size, width, and height of these boots is true to size. In our experience, the fit largely felt true to size although the instep was slightly snug. The toe box also provided ample room to splay and maintain balance without feeling cumbersome. The men’s version of these boots is available in sizes that range from 7-14 in regular widths while the women’s sizes range from sizes 5-11.
As one of the burliest boots that we tested this year, we found that it had a significant break-in period and that the materials don’t become as pliant as plush, leather alternatives. As a result, they’re a touch stiffer than some of the boots that we tested, which can be a positive trait for those who are particularly concerned about ankle support.
Testing the mobility of the Salomon Quest 4 GTX hiking boots.
Comfort and support
The Quest 4 GTX hiking boots are one of the most sturdy and reliable pairs of boots we tested, featuring aggressive ankle support, a comfortable collar and heel cup, and moderate cushioning. Just keep in mind that the rigid upper materials take about two weeks to soften. This results in a boot that’s built to prevent twisting, but it may be more prone to causing hot spots over the course of long days in the mountains.
Traction and grip
The stiff chassis (or structural frame between the midsole and the outsole) of these boots, high ankle collar and aggressive lugs make them the perfect companion for uneven and rocky terrain. Made with Contagrip rubber, the outsole is sturdy, protective, made to last, and sticky. In fact, we tackled steep routes that were covered in scree and gravel, and these boots kept us feeling secure the whole time. After 100 miles of testing between two testers, the outsoles showed minimal deterioration.
Testing the Traction on the Salomon Quest 4 GTX Hiking Boots.
Waterproofing
Salomon’s GORE-TEX membrane has been PFAS-free since 2020, and the DWR finish on these boots shares this design, making it more eco-friendly than some boots.
Oftentimes an eco-conscious approach to manufacturing involves concessions, meaning that a boot might become less durable or waterproof in the spirit of a green design. That’s just not the case with the Quest 4 GTX hiking boots. These boots can handle nearly all-day exposure to mud, ice, and rain without becoming saturated. We wore them across alpine snow and ice, through creeks, and submerged them in the bathroom sink and found that even the DWR coating stood up to aggressive use.
Creek crossing in Salomon Quest 4 GTX hiking boots.
Warmth and insulation
These boots are designed as a three-season footwear option, which means that they don’t come with extensive insulative properties. However, the GORE-TEX waterproof membrane helps them retain more heat than non-waterproof options. So, hikers who slip on a pair of warm socks can likely navigate icy and snowy conditions for short day hikes while wearing these boots.
Breathability
Admittedly, the Salomon Quest 4 GTX hiking boots are not breathable, which is common in truly waterproof boots. This means that they’ll take longer to saturate than less waterproof boots but once they become wet, hikers should expect an extensive drying time.
Drying Time
After completely submerging these boots in a Colorado creek, they took about two full days to dry in arid, sunny fall conditions in Colorado. It’s likely that they’d take even longer to dry in humid or damp places. Taking steps like removing the insoles and laces and placing newspaper on the interior of the boots can help to reduce the amount of dry-time that they require.
Durability and construction
The rugged leather and textile upper materials on the Quest 4 GTX hiking boots are abrasion- and puncture-resistant. The outsole is also made to handle sharp and varied terrain without showing significant signs of deterioration. If we had to guess, we’d say that the DWR finish would be the first feature to fail on these boots, which would likely result in external saturation (contributing to foot fatigue due to the added weight, but not a waterproof failure). Some hikers have also reported issues with broken eyelets and soles cracking. But with regular care, we wouldn’t be surprised to see these boots last 800 to 1,000 miles.
Weight and packability
One of the Quest 4 GTX hiking boots’ weak points is its weight. The men’s version of these boots weighs 2 pounds and 14.2 ounces while the women’s weighs 2 pounds and 5.7 ounces. Boots like the La Sportiva TX Hike weigh about half a pound less than the Quest 4 GTX, which is one of the reasons why they maintain their agility and cater to technical hiking environments. However, they are less supportive if you’re carrying a heavy pack. In the Quest 4 GTX hiking boot’s case, hikers should expect a bulky fit that lends itself to long-lasting performance. The added weight buys extra support and protection.
Features
Lacing System
The lacing system of the Salomon Quest 4 GTX hiking boots relies on a combination of metal eyelets and fabric to allow hikers to adjust tightness in the desired spot. There’s even a lace locker between the lower foot and the ankle that helps to keep the hikers’ heel in place to maintain control.
4D Chassis
The Quest 4 GTX hiking boots come with a built in 4D chassis, which is a piece of material that’s placed under the foot in the midsole to enhance stability.
Toe Cap
Most hiking boots come with some kind of a toe cap. The Quest 4 GTX hiking boots are constructed with a rubber toe cap that adds a layer of protection for your feet against rocks.
Colorways
The men’s version of these boots is available in olive, kelp green, and black colors while the women’s comes in brown and slate gray, giving hikers classic style options to choose from.
Sustainability
The Salomon Quest 4 GTX hiking boots come with some sustainable components, like a PFAS-free waterproof coating and responsible (LWG certified) leather, but they lack some of the recycled components of competitive boots. Overall, they’re relatively eco conscious but have room for improvement.
Navigating a slippery creek bank with ease in the Salomon Quest 4 GTX hiking boots.
Who should buy the Salomon Quest 4 GTX Hiking Boots
Buy if you love to backpack with a heavy pack, tackle challenging terrain, and spend loads of time in wet conditions.
Skip this if you’re new to hiking, prefer short hiking trips to long ones, or are looking for a more cushioned and/or breathable boot.
Where to buy
The Salomon Quest 4 GTX hiking boots are a popular choice of footwear for hikers and backpackers, which means that you can find them in a number of different shops, as well as online.
REI
Pros: 100% satisfaction policy for 1 year; 10% dividend for members.
AMAZON
Pros: Free 2-day shipping with Amazon Prime membership
Backcountry
Pros: Frequent sales for Expedition Perks members (free to join), fast shipping, Gearhead chat customer service is excellent
Zappos
Pros: 365-day free shipping on returns, fast delivery with free VIP program
Similar hiking boots
Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX
Price: $185
Waterproof membrane: GORE-TEX
Weight (men’s,women’s): 2 lbs, 1 lb 12 oz
Breathability: 5
Waterproofing: 3.5
Traction: 4
What we liked: Quick drying, nimble design, lightweight
What we didn't like: They run long, reduced stability
Another classic Salomon boot is the X Ultra 5 GTX, which is a lighter and more malleable boot, but it’s not nearly as waterproof. This is a great option for hikers who want to prioritize breathability over waterproofing while equipping themselves with a touch of added ankle support. These boots won Best Breathable in our Best Waterproof Hiking Boots guide and Best Lightweight in our Best Women’s Hiking Boots guide.
Salomon X Ultra 5 GTX
men's
Women's
KEEN Targhee IV Mid WP
Price: $180
Waterproof membrane: Keen.Dry
Weight (men’s,women’s): 2 lb 8.2 oz , 2 lbs 1.2 oz
Breathability: 3
Waterproofing: 5
Traction: 5
The KEEN Targhee IV Mid WP boot is similar to the Salomon Quest 4 GTX hiking boots in terms of its rigid upper, durable outsole, and enhanced waterproofing. The rigid upper materials support ankle protection while the outsole creates stability and traction when you need it the most. Yet it’s a touch cheaper than the Quest 4 GTX boots.
The KEEN Targhee IV Mid WP boots are also great for those with wide feet, as it won Best for Wide Feet in our Best Waterproof Hiking Boots, Best Men’s Hiking Boots, and Best Women’s Hiking Boots guides. Learn more in our in-depth review of the KEEN Targhee IV Mid WP Hiking Boots.
KEEN Targhee IV Mid WP
men's
Women's
Why you should trust us / About the Author
Mary Beth Skylis has tackled thousands of miles of trails over the past decade while thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail, Colorado Trail, and the Annapurna Circuit. She wore a hefty pair of Vasque boots for the first 800 miles of the Appalachian Trail, where she learned what a truly durable pair of footwear could look like.
For the purposes of this article, Skylis also worked with Tommy Campbell – a Colorado-based rock climbing guide and mountaineer. Between our testers, we have about 55 years of hiking and mountaineering experience that’s taken us to places like Denali in Alaska, and across dozens of fourteeners in Colorado.
Find more of her work on her Treeline Review author page.
