![]() See the Men's Salomon Quest 4 GTX See the Women's Salomon Quest 4 GTX Standout On-Trail Performance in a Low-Top Design Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX ($150) All in all, the standard Quest truly is a winner from a performance perspective, and the added heft is a reasonable tradeoff for those who need the bump in protection and stability. ![]() Alternatively, Salomon sells a lighter variation called the Quest Element, although you do make some small concessions in support. For this, we would turn to the aforementioned X Ultra for its much lower weight (by just over a pound) and sprightlier feel. Finally, as with the X Ultra, the Quest is well built and very grippy over most surfaces.īackpackers embarking on multi-day trips with a heavy load will likely find little to complain about with the Quest, but it’s decidedly overbuilt for traveling fast and light on easier terrain. We’re also big fans of the Quest’s confidence-inspiring lacing system, which makes it easy to get a secure fit and keeps the heel snugly in place even on steep and extended climbs. This combination makes it a great match for backpacking trips that involve navigating rough and rugged terrain, where the added support and cushion do an excellent job taking the sting out of harsh impacts. What we don’t: Fairly heavy and overkill on smooth and maintained trails.Īs we touched on above, Salomon’s Quest is a step up from the X Ultra in stiffness, coverage, and overall protection but still plenty comfortable over long distances. What we like: Tough, protective, and supportive for shuttling a pack over technical terrain. See the Men's Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX See the Women's X Ultra 4 Mid GTX A Tougher and More Protective Boot for Rough Terrain Salomon Quest 4 GTX ($230) Importantly, the X Ultra line also includes the low-top variation below, as well as the leather X Ultra Trek. And for those who still prefer the cushioning and fit of the X Ultra 3, it’s still widely available (and outlined below). ![]() But for backpackers and hikers who travel light or stick to maintained paths, the X Ultra 4 Mid puts it all together better than most. The Quest is also the stiffer design, which translates to increased stability and support when navigating tricky trails. Most notably, the fairly thin padding underfoot can lead to foot soreness when covering longer distances over hard and rough surfaces (the older X Ultra 3 has a bit more cushioning), and the collar sits fairly low for a backpacking boot and can let in trail debris and water more readily. At $165, Salomon managed to pack in a ton of performance at a very reasonable price point.Īll that said, for carrying a heavy pack over technical terrain, the X Ultra falls short of Salomon’s Quest below in a few key areas. Build quality and traction are top-notch as well, with hardwearing materials that have stood up impressively well to testing and a trustworthy Contagrip outsole that does a great job biting into everything from deep mud to slippery roots and logs. Recently updated to the “4,” the latest version carries the torch: The mid-height boot is nimble, light at under 2 pounds, and flexible while still fully capable of shuttling a light pack on multi-day backpacking trips. The X Ultra is Salomon’s flagship hiker and has gained remarkable popularity over the years for its combination of weight, price, and long-distance comfort. What we don’t: Relatively thin underfoot and lower ankle height than Salomon’s Quest. What we like: Standout mix of weight, comfort, and on-trail performance. Salomon’s Most Well-Rounded Hiking Boot Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX ($165) And for a wider look at the market, see our articles on the best hiking boots and best hiking shoes. For more information, see our comparison table and buying advice below the write-ups. ![]() To help you better navigate Salomon’s offerings, we’ve broken down each product below to highlight where it excels (or doesn’t), what type of terrain and hiker it’s best for, and how it compares to other Salomon models. At the time of publishing, their hiking lineup comprises 14 core models-many of which are offered in multiple styles and variations-so there’s a lot to consider. Salomon is a clear frontrunner in the hiking footwear market, with an extensive collection that ranges from capable backpacking-ready boots to light and nimble low-top shoes. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |