The Best Hiking Boots: Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX - Gear Hacker

Table Of Contents

Best Overall Hiking Boot

  • Comfort 90% 90%
  • Stability 90% 90%
  • Traction 80% 80%
  • Weight 50% 50%
  • Water Resistance 80% 80%
  • Durability 80% 80%

Price: $230

Weight Per Pair (Size 11): 3.3lb (1.5kg)

Boot Type: Midweight Hiker/Backpacking Boot

Width Options: Regular

Waterproof Lining: Gore-Tex Performance Comfort

Upper: Nubuck Leather and Textile

Shank: 4D Advanced Chassis

Midsole: Dual Density EVA

Sole: Contagrip

Warranty: 2yr

Sizes: 7-13 US

Color Options: 2

What We Like: Durable and comfortable with incredible grip

What We Don’t: A bit heavy and overly stiff

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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The Best Hiking Boots: Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX - Gear Hacker

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  • Comfort 90% 90%
  • Stability 90% 90%
  • Traction 80% 80%
  • Weight 50% 50%
  • Water Resistance 80% 80%
  • Durability 80% 80%

Pros

Durable and comfortable with incredible grip

Cons

A bit heavy and overly stiff

Weight Per Pair (Size 11): 3.3lb (1.5kg)

Boot Type: Midweight Hiker/Backpacking Boot

The Best Hiking Boots: Lowa Renegade GTX Mid - Gear Hacker
  • Comfort 80% 80%
  • Stability 80% 80%
  • Traction 80% 80%
  • Weight 60% 60%
  • Water Resistance 90% 90%
  • Durability 60% 60%

Pros

Out-of-the-box comfort, excellent traction, and several color options

Cons

Pricey, potential durability issues at the seams

Weight Per Pair (Size 11): 2.9lb (1.31kg)

Boot Type: Midweight Hiker/Backpacking Boot

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  • Comfort 60% 60%
  • Stability 50% 50%
  • Traction 60% 60%
  • Weight 100% 100%
  • Water Resistance 90% 90%
  • Durability 60% 60%

Pros

Ultralight, well priced, excels at waterproofing and breathability

Cons

Lacing system could be more elegant, minimal ankle support, and questionable durability

Weight Per Pair (Size 11): 1.77lb (0.8kg)

Boot Type: Lightweight/Day Hiker

The Best Hiking Boots: Keen Targhee III Mid - Gear Hacker
  • Comfort 80% 80%
  • Stability 70% 70%
  • Traction 70% 70%
  • Weight 70% 70%
  • Water Resistance 60% 60%
  • Durability 80% 80%

Pros

Light, comfortable, and durable at a great price

Cons

Lacking in breathability, could offer slightly more stability

Weight Per Pair (Size 11): 2.38lb (1.08kg)

Boot Type: Lightweight/Day Hiker

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  • Comfort 100% 100%
  • Stability 80% 80%
  • Traction 60% 60%
  • Weight 60% 60%
  • Water Resistance 60% 60%
  • Durability 90% 90%

Pros

Incredibly comfortable, high stability, and great waterproofing

Cons

Traction and lace system could be slightly better

Weight Per Pair (Size 11): 2.45lb (1.11kg)

Boot Type: Midweight Hiker/Backpacking Boot

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  • Comfort 70% 70%
  • Stability 80% 80%
  • Traction 80% 80%
  • Weight 70% 70%
  • Water Resistance 80% 80%
  • Durability 70% 70%

Pros

Versatile and breathable with high stability

Cons

Pricey, not ideal for those with narrow feet

Weight Per Pair (Size 11): 2.65lb (1.2kg)

Boot Type: Midweight Hiker/Backpacking Boot

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  • Comfort 70% 70%
  • Stability 70% 70%
  • Traction 70% 70%
  • Weight 60% 60%
  • Water Resistance 90% 90%
  • Durability 80% 80%

Pros

Immediate comfort, lightweight, top-notch waterproofing and breathability

Cons

A bit pricey, could use a boost in durability and stability

Weight Per Pair (Size 11): 2.48lb (1.12kg)

Boot Type: Lightweight/Day Hiker

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  • Comfort 90% 90%
  • Stability 70% 70%
  • Traction 80% 80%
  • Weight 80% 80%
  • Water Resistance 70% 70%
  • Durability 70% 70%

Pros

Light and comfortable at a reasonable price point

Cons

Upper could be taller, more rigid, and more durable

Weight Per Pair (Size 11): 2.28lb (1.03kg)

Boot Type: Midweight Hiker/Backpacking Boot

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  • Comfort 60% 60%
  • Stability 70% 70%
  • Traction 80% 80%
  • Weight 90% 90%
  • Water Resistance 90% 90%
  • Durability 70% 70%

Pros

Nimble and durable with great traction

Cons

Lacks arch support and does not accommodate wider feet

Weight Per Pair (Size 11): 2.1lb (0.95kg)

Boot Type: Lightweight/Day Hiker

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  • Comfort 80% 80%
  • Stability 70% 70%
  • Traction 60% 60%
  • Weight 70% 70%
  • Water Resistance 30% 30%
  • Durability 70% 70%

Pros

Excellent price, breathability, and comfort

Cons

No waterproofing, the durability and traction could be better

Weight Per Pair (Size 11): 2.41lb (1.09kg)

Boot Type: Midweight Hiker/Backpacking Boot

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  • Comfort 80% 80%
  • Stability 60% 60%
  • Traction 70% 70%
  • Weight 70% 70%
  • Water Resistance 60% 60%
  • Durability 70% 70%

Pros

Good comfort-to-weight ratio, well-priced, superior toe protection

Cons

Could use more ankle stability and breathability

Weight Per Pair (Size 11): 2.37lb (1.07kg)

Boot Type: Lightweight/Day Hiker

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  • Comfort 80% 80%
  • Stability 60% 60%
  • Traction 60% 60%
  • Weight 80% 80%
  • Water Resistance 60% 60%
  • Durability 60% 60%

Pros

Comfortable, economical, and lightweight

Cons

Could use improvements with durability, stability, and waterproofing

Weight Per Pair (Size 11): 2.25lb (1.02kg)

Boot Type: Midweight Hiker/Backpacking Boot

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  • Comfort 80% 80%
  • Stability 70% 70%
  • Traction 70% 70%
  • Weight 70% 70%
  • Water Resistance 70% 70%
  • Durability 60% 60%

Pros

Very comfortable and light, with an impressive lacing system

Cons

Could be more stable and durable, traction could be more aggressive

Weight Per Pair (Size 11): 2.4lb (1.08kg)

Boot Type: Lightweight/Day Hiker

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  • Comfort 80% 80%
  • Stability 80% 80%
  • Traction 80% 80%
  • Weight 40% 40%
  • Water Resistance 80% 80%
  • Durability 90% 90%

Pros

Stylish, comfortable, and incredibly tough

Cons

Heavy and expensive, the classic design could use some high-tech upgrades

Weight Per Pair (Size 11): 3.5lb (1.59kg)

Boot Type: Heavyweight Hiker/Backpacking Boot

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  • Comfort 60% 60%
  • Stability 80% 80%
  • Traction 70% 70%
  • Weight 70% 70%
  • Water Resistance 60% 60%
  • Durability 90% 90%

Pros

Durable from top to bottom while still being light

Cons

Require break-in time, outsole could be more flexible

Weight Per Pair (Size 11): 2.37lb (1.07kg)

Boot Type: Midweight Hiker/Backpacking Boot

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  • Comfort 60% 60%
  • Stability 70% 70%
  • Traction 70% 70%
  • Weight 60% 60%
  • Water Resistance 90% 90%
  • Durability 80% 80%

Pros

Durable and waterproof with a unique comfort profile beloved by some hikers

Cons

Heavy and expensive with less than ideal ankle support and stiff midsole

Weight Per Pair (Size 11): 3.12lb (1.42kg)

Boot Type: Lightweight/Day Hiker

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.

The Best Hiking Boots: Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX - Gear Hacker

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 Best Hiking Boots: Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX - Gear Hacker

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.

The Best Hiking Boots: Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX - Gear Hacker

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.

The Best Hiking Boots: Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX - Gear Hacker

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.

The Best Hiking Boots: Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX - Gear Hacker

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.

The Best Hiking Boots: Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX - Gear Hacker

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 Best Hiking Boots: Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX - Gear Hacker

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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We participate in affiliate programs to help us fund Gear Hacker. Some of the links in this website are affiliate links, which means that if you purchase a product using our link, we will earn a small commission. Don’t worry! This comes at no additional cost to you, and we will never base our reviews on whether or not we earn a commission off of a product. With that said, if you find our review helpful and decide to purchase an item we review, we would be very appreciative if you use our links to do so. It will help us bring you more awesome content in the future!