Salomon Quest 4D 2 GTX Review

by Steve · Published April 1, 2015 , 12:59 pm · Updated August 13, 2022 , 7:10 am

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Salomon Quest 4D 2 GTX.

Springtime hiking in Central Oregon presents every conceivable weather condition, often during a single outing. Snow, rain, sun and winds sweep through in waves. Terrain also can vary over short distances. Arid, high-desert volcanic gravel can give way to riverside swamps in a matter of yards. Steep ascents can crest onto vast mesas. Pine needle blankets can be brushed away to reveal massive boulders or soft, damp earth.

Those of us in mountainous climates know the hazards of these sorts of conditions. And we know better than to take them lightly. In any case, it can be difficult to find the right gear to deal with the wildly shifting extremes of heat, precipitation, ground cover and grade. Posers among hiking boots are quickly found out in such environments, while the real deals make every outing more enjoyable.

Among those hiking boots that improve every excursion is the Salomon Quest 4D 2 GTX. This lightweight and versatile hiking boot provides great confidence while out on the trails, whatever the conditions. These boots are highly recommended for their excellent performance, comfort and good looks.

Salomon Quest 4D 2 GTX Upper Materials & Design

The most immediately noticeable thing about these boots is their low mass. Weighing in at around 1.5 pounds, they take full advantage of smart materials in construction to provide lightweight stability.

The nubuck and textile upper, complete with Gore-Tex waterproofing, ensures long-lasting durability and comfort. The styling is commendable. Salomon evidently took care to use materials providing both good performance and eye-catching polish. Rubber toe and heel caps keep digits and tendons safe from unexpected rocks on the trail and add to the boots’ rugged good looks.

Salomon Quest 4D 2 GTX boots look good and perform great.

The tongue is gusseted so that it connects with the upper of the boot to keep out loose debris. On trails consisting of tiny and lightweight volcanic pebbles that always seem to find their way into my shoes, the Salomon Quest 4D 2 GTX boots repelled the rubble successfully.

The gussetted tongue connects to the boot upper high onto the ankle, keeping pebbles at bay. The reinforced lacing system provides durable comfort.

For those familiar with the predecessors to these boots (the Salomon Quest 4D GTX), this “2” edition features an updated ergonomic tongue design for enhanced comfort. This change is a positive one with comfort of these boots ranking high among the many excellent features.

The tongue of these boots is updated from the predecessor model. Among other features, the tongue contributes to comfort and performance.

Due to the thoughtful design and quality materials, the break-in period for the boots was minimal. After one short outing, I would have been confident taking the boots for a week-long trip without risk of unwarranted foot pain or blisters.

Salomon Quest 4D 2 GTX Sole & Fit

The boots’ sole technology contributes greatly to foot feel. Inside the boot there is an Ortholite sockliner that keeps the in-boot environment dry and comfortable.

The Ortholite sockliner keeps the footbed dry and comfortable.

An anatomically-molded EVA footbed underlies the liner, and a high-tech chassis keeps feet firmly planted to the terrain. Salomon’s “4D Advanced Chassis” works with the midsole to provide foot protection and control. The outsole features Salomon’s Contagrip rubber technology for high-performance traction.

I was unable to find terrain or conditions in which the Contagrip rubber did not provide excellent traction.

It’s not unusual for hiking boots to tout a long list of technology features like those found in the Salomon Quest 4D 2 GTX. But these Salomon kicks manage to pull the tech together in a way that feels oh-so-natural. These boots really are remarkably comfortable and fun to wear when out trekking.

The comfort level of the boots is off the charts. Break-in period was minimal, and the lightweight support provided immediate confidence on trails.

The natural-feeling and high-comfort fit is something we might expect from a company with Salomon’s reputation. For me, though, the excellent fit was more than anticipated. My heels are quite narrow. Most hiking boots are a bit loose on me. The Salmon Quest 4D 2 GTX boots, however, seem almost tailor made. They really do fit like a glove. Even if the boots did not boast fantastic overall design and construction, the fit alone would be enough to win them high praise.

Salomon Quest 4D 2 GTX Overall Impressions

The Salomon Quest 4D 2 GTX boots are top-quality hiking wear that deserve special commendation for their incredible comfort, lightweight tech and overall design.

The Salomon Quest 4D 2 GTX boots work incredibly well. They are highly recommended.

Some products simply “work” so well that there’s almost nothing to say about them. Their design and execution are just that elegant. These boots are firmly in that select category of products. They’re great hiking boots, and I have difficulty conceiving of areas for criticism or improvement. Perhaps, if I have to reach, I would prefer a wider selection of colors.

From the length of the laces (just right; long enough for looping and double-knotting, but not so long as to be trouble on the trail), to the underfoot feel on various terrain types (great grip on rocks; easy walking on soft ground; limited mud-caking), to the versatility in various temperature and precipitation conditions, to the styling cues, these boots are winners. Plain and simple.

Who Salomon Quest 4D 2 GTX Boots Are For

For those seeking top-quality hiking boots that can provide lightweight performance and stability in a variety of conditions, these boots are highly recommended. They’re excellent fast-hiking boots.

For very casual users, or those limiting their off-road excursions to easy and dry terrain, these boots might be overkill. But even for such entry-level use, it would be hard to find more comfortable or better looking kicks.

The price tag on these boots may seem tall in relation to those of other hiking boots on the market. However, given the high quality of the product, the price still allows for these boots to provide good value.

Sizing

The Salomon Quest 4D 2 GTX boots fit very comfortably in my normal size. My narrow heels do not rub or move around in the footbed. My feet stay centered even during steep descents.