Best Overall Hiking Boot

Salomon’s Quest 4D 3 GTXs are a prime example of why Salomon has become a go-to purchase for many hikers; these midweight hiker/backpacking boots can do almost anything with ease, boasting decent durability without sacrificing comfort. Although these burly boots will set you back around $230, there’s a reasonable amount of value to go along with that purchase. They should have little to no issue standing up to any terrain that you throw at them and should be your trusty companion for years of outdoor adventures. In fact, some might even consider these boots a bit of overkill compared to some of the lighter and more flexible boots on the market. These factors add up to a winning combination that earned the Quest 4D 3 GTX the title of Best Overall Hiking Boot.

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Amongst the many names in the hiking industry, Salomon is a standout. The company’s history dates back to 1947 and began in the skiing industry, eventually expanding into hiking boots in the early ‘90s. They were acquired by AMER Sports in 2005, and today, their product line features a wide range of hiking and skiing equipment, with their hiking boots and trail-running shoes as one of the top sellers—for a good reason.

Salomon’s Quest 4D 3 GTXs are a prime example of why Salomon has become a go-to purchase for many hikers. These midweight hiker/backpacking boots can do almost anything with ease, boasting decent durability without sacrificing comfort. These factors add up to a winning combination that earned these boots the title of Best Overall Hiking Boot.

Comfort & Weight

The Quest 4D 3s have dual-density EVA midsoles that boost overall comfort, along with Ortholite inserts that assist in absorbing shock. The heel is slightly raised, which means these might feel somewhat different from other hiking boots, but it just takes a bit of adjustment and eventually, we think you’ll acclimate to the design.

The lace setup is one of the Quest’s standout strengths. You’ll find sheath materials to boost flex and grip, so there’s no concern when it comes to the security of your laces. Self-locking eyelets running up the boot prevent the laces from loosening. In addition, there is a padded, gusseted tongue that folds flat to relieve lace pressure as well as keep out trail debris and moisture. Finally, a heel strap on the back of the boot simplifies the process of putting on or removing the boot.

A pair of men’s size 11 boots weigh in at 3.3 lbs (1.5 kg), making them one of the heaviest boots in our reviews, behind only the 3.5lb Zamberlan 996 Vioz GTX. If you’re looking for more of a featherweight boot to accommodate a lengthy thru-hike, you’ll want to look elsewhere.

Traction & Stability

In terms of traction, the Quest 4D 3s boast improved ContaGrip outsoles with a new aggressive lug design to improve grip on a variety of surfaces. These lugs are particularly effective in mud and snow.

Salomon has stepped up their game on stability compared to this shoe’s predecessors.The shank is composed of a new 4D Advanced Chassis design to accommodate extra forefoot flexion. The Quest’s flexible upper is well complemented by its stiff outsole. The forefoot width is 4.5 inches, and the collar height is a staggering 6.5 inches, ensuring that these boots wrap snugly above your ankles.

Water Resistance & Durability

The waterproof bootie on the Quest is composed of seam-sealed Gore-Tex Performance Comfort, with nylon mesh panels and wicking polyester linings to absorb and disperse moisture, as well as a perforated Ortholite insert to improve breathability. It’s also worth noting that the Ortholite inserts are removable and have an antimicrobial treatment—an attractive option to diminish the smells associated with an all-day hike. Still, these shoes will fall short on breathability in warmer temperatures, which is fairly typical when it comes to Gore-Tex. The flood height is 4.5 inches, a tad low compared to the overall height of the boot. They also take quite a bit of time to dry out should you soak the boots inside and out.

Based on their weight, it should come as little surprise that these boots are quite durable; the upper is composed of nubuck leather and textile. The forefoot seams appear to be a weak point for wear and tear. There’s a decent amount of toe and heel rubber, just slightly less of a rubber toe cap along the sides than previous models but still enough to prove quite helpful.

Styles & Sizes

The Quest 4D 3 GTXs come in two color options: the Phantom/Black/Quiet Shade and Wren/Bungee Cord/Green Sulphur. The former is more modern-looking while the latter is a bit more traditional. Men’s sizes range from 7-13 US, and there are no wide- or narrow-width options. The Quests also boast an impressive 2-year warranty.

The Bottom Line

Although these burly boots will set you back around $230, there’s a decent amount of value to go along with that purchase. They should have little to no issue standing up to any terrain you throw at them and should be your trusty companion for years of outdoor adventures. In fact, some might even consider these boots a bit of overkill compared to some of the lighter and more flexible boots on the market. With the Quest 4D 3 GTXs, Salomon once again illustrates why they are an established name in the hiking-boot industry.

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