Full trail review
In-depth analysis
A mid-weight boot with a nubuck leather upper and a Contagrip outsole. This boot provides excellent support and stability, making it ideal for long backpacking trips and challenging trails.
Suited for hiking · trekking
Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX
Salomon
At a glance
- Editorial score
- 8.5/10
What we like
- Comfortable fit for new hikers
- Waterproofing keeps feet dry in light rain
- Great grip, reducing slips on uneven trails
Trade-offs
- Not ideal for technical trails
- Mid-level ankle support may not suit advanced hikers
Overview
A mid-weight boot with a nubuck leather upper and a Contagrip outsole. This boot provides excellent support and stability, making it ideal for long backpacking trips and challenging trails.
Hands-on on the trail
Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX: A mid-weight boot with a nubuck leather upper and a Contagrip outsole. This boot provides excellent support and stability, making it ideal for long backpacking trips and challenging trails.
Who it's for
For hikers who prioritize comfort and require a dependable boot for extended treks, the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX is an excellent choice.
For beginners or those looking for a lightweight, comfortable option for moderate trails the Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof is the way to go. For long hikes and all day comfort the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX is the best. For serious, rough hikers who need something tough and durable the Lowa Renegade GTX Mid is the way to go. On a budget but still want good performance the Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof is a great value. For technical, rough terrain the La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX is designed for grip, stability and breathability in extreme conditions.
Durability and long-term value
Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX should still make sense after a full season of use, not just a single photo-worthy trip. Stitching, coatings, zippers, and buckles all show their quality once grit and repeated packing cycles enter the picture. We weigh upfront price against how many weeks of trail time you realistically get before replacement — especially for footwear where mid-tier failures often show up on day three of a hut trek.
How it compares
X Ultra is the agile trail mid for lighter packs; Quest 4D 3 is the stiffer expedition-leaning boot when descents, load, and ankle security dominate.
Read full review$399.95indicative on Amazon
Asolo is full-grain leather traditional; Quest 4D 3 is lighter, more modern, and quicker to break in for hikers who want support without old-school bulk.
Read full reviewRenegade balances trail agility with boot security; Quest 4D 3 biases stiffer for heavier loads and longer alpine weeks.
Read full reviewMoab is the comfort default for moderate trails; Quest 4D 3 is the step up when your kit, terrain, and knee confidence justify a stiffer Salomon chassis.
Read full reviewReady to buy?
Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX
Bottom line
The Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX is ideal for hikers who embark on long hikes or all-day treks. Its lightweight design and comfortable fit provide exceptional support, making it perfect for people who prioritize comfort over rugged durability. The waterproofing and advanced traction make it versatile for various terrains and weather conditions. If you are still deciding, start with the related buying guide on this page for comparisons, then return here to check pricing and availability.
Ready to buy?
Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX
Buying advice
Before you buy, compare the alternatives on this page, sanity-check sizing or capacity for your typical trips, and read the full category guide linked below. Match the model to your climate, pack weight, and trip length — not just the spec sheet. Affiliate links help support the site at no extra cost to you.
Category context
Boot and shoe reviews on HikingWithLee always balance waterproofing against breathability, break-in time, and grip on wet rock. Fit varies by foot shape — wide toe boxes, heel hold, and stiffness on descents are called out explicitly. For Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX, apply the same lens: will you use it every day of the trip, or is it dead weight?
Top Picks by Weight
Hiking boots come in a range of weights, from lightweight to heavyweight. The right weight for you will depend on your hiking style, terrain, and personal preference. Here are our top picks for lightweight, mid-weight, and heavyweight hiking boots.
Lightweight hiking boots are perfect for day hikes, fastpacking, and trail running. They offer excellent breathability, flexibility, and comfort. Here are our top picks for lightweight hiking boots:
Mid-weight hiking boots offer a great balance of support, stability, and comfort. They’re perfect for backpacking trips, multi-day hikes, and rugged terrain. Here are our top picks for mid-weight hiking boots:
Heavyweight hiking boots are designed for rugged terrain, heavy loads, and extreme weather conditions. They offer excellent support, stability, and protection. Here are our top picks for heavyweight hiking boots:
By considering the weight and features of each boot, you can find the perfect pair to match your hiking style and needs. Whether you prefer lightweight agility or heavyweight support, our top picks have you covered.
How we evaluate gear
HikingWithLee reviews footwear against real trail demands: weight in the pack, reliability in bad weather, comfort over long days, and whether the price matches what you actually get on a hut trek or multi-day hike. Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX is scored in context — not as an isolated Amazon listing — using hands-on notes where we have them and structured research from our buying guides where we do not. We retest assumptions against packing lists, trek conditions, and competitor models before updating scores.
