One notable benefit to the Quest's heftier build is that support and stability are excellent. And when I needed a bit more grip to hike over icy 17,782-foot Cho La Pass, it was easy to fit my Hillsound traction devices over the boots. For reference, there was very little level ground on our adventure-even “flat” sections of trail (by Nepali standards) were still steeply undulating-but the Quest never faltered, even on slippery surfaces like slick, wet rocks and dry, dusty boulders. In every other instance, the Quest’s Contagrip rubber and deep, multidirectional lugs performed incredibly well, deftly biting into glacial debris, snow, mud, sand, rocks, and boulders. The variety of terrain was remarkable, and I only slipped once on sheer ice (where any other boot likely would have fared the same). On our Nepal trek, we hiked over several mountain passes, to Everest Base Camp, and to the summit of 18,519-foot Kala Pattar. Traction is another highlight of the Quest 4 GTX. 8 oz.), but the weight is well-spent and perfectly reasonable for covering serious and technical ground. ![]() All told, the Quest won’t be mistaken for a minimalist option like Altra’s Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid (1 lb. even) and Lowa’s Renegade GTX Mid (2 lbs. But given their stature, the Quest 4 is competitively light and stacks up favorably to similarly built competitors like Scarpa’s Zodiac Plus GTX (2 lbs. ![]() 10.1 oz.) and Hoka One One’s Anacapa Mid GTX (1 lb. There are plenty of lighter and lower-profile options on the market for those willing to compromise in areas like support and stability, including Salomon’s own X Ultra 4 Mid GTX (1 lb. The Quest 4 GTX is a backpacking boot designed for covering long distances and challenging terrain, so it comes as little surprise that they’re on the hefty end of the spectrum at 2 pounds 7.4 ounces for my pair of women’s size 8 (listed weight is 2 lbs. And perhaps most impressively (for me, at least): I did not lose or damage any toenails on our trek, which is a common issue when I’m breaking in new boots (especially ones of the stiffer backpacking variety). The Quest gripped well on steep descents, adequately protected the front of my foot from impacts with rocks, and kept my feet warm enough even in sub-freezing temperatures. The only time I swapped them out was during casual walks around local villages, as the boots are undeniably overkill for these types of casual strolls. For non-technical outings, my husband, Brian, often changed into more flexible trail running shoes to give his feet a break, but I never felt the need to switch my footwear-the Quest 4 is simply that comfortable. While in Nepal, we often ventured off on secondary day hikes after a morning of trekking-both for acclimatization and to catch new views (including watching the sun set by Mount Everest). And the outsole proved to be quite malleable while still maintaining good structure, which allowed my foot to flex naturally without feeling sloppy. Even when cinched tightly via the highly customizable lacing system (more on this below), the boots were comfy, secure, and not restrictive in any way. I did worry that the generous cushion would cause some constriction, but it proved to be a non-issue. The toe box is on the wider side and easily accommodated my left foot’s bunion, and the substantial padding-particularly around the ankle and underfoot-is cushy and well-placed. The boots were highly comfortable right out of the box with no pressure points or areas of rubbing that could lead to hotspots. For reference, I purchased the boots for a committing trek over three mountain passes in Nepal and only wore them for a single trial hike before the trip, but that brief break-in period was more than enough. If I had to pinpoint a single strong suit of the Salomon Quest 4 GTX, it would be comfort. To see how it stacks up to the competition, see our article on the best women's hiking boots. ![]() Below we break down our experiences with the Quest 4 GTX. It’s far from the lightest or most streamlined option on the market, but the Quest remains an excellent match for committed backpackers and trekkers covering serious mileage with heavy packs. I took the women’s version of the boots on a demanding 16-day trek through Nepal’s Everest region and came away impressed by their excellent out-of-the-box comfort and unfaltering grip over variable and technical terrain. Salomon’s Quest 4 has been one of the most capable backpacking boots on the market for years running, and the latest model carries the torch.
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