Conquer the Elements in Confidence: Salomon Quest Gore-Tex™ Advanced Boots – Unleashing your Boundless Adventure
Rating: ★★★★1/2
The Salomon Quest Gore-Tex Advanced Boot stands out as a pinnacle of performance in the realm of hiking and backpacking footwear. As an avid outdoor enthusiast, I recently put these boots to the test during a 2-day mid-winter trek through the rugged terrain of the Great Canadian shield. These boots have allowed me to traverse even the most challenging terrain while keeping my feet warm and dry. They offer great support, excellent grip and supreme protection against the elements. In this review, we’ll explore their features, performance, and field testing experience.
Specifications:
Lacing system: Round cross section Regular laces
Waterproofing: GORE-TEX™
Lining: Textile
Inlay sole: Textile
Outsole: Rubber
Upper: Textile / Leather
Drop (Standard): 0.47 in
Drop (Metric): 12 mm
Country of Origin: Vietman
Weight (Standard): 24.1 oz
Weight (Metric): 684 g
Design and Build Quality:
The Quest Gore-Tex Advanced Boot boasts a sleek and modern design, coupled with a robust build that immediately instills confidence. The high-quality materials used in construction, including the durable nubuck leather and protective rubber toe cap, not only enhance the boot’s longevity but also provide excellent support and protection against the elements.
Comfort:
Salomon has truly prioritized comfort in the design of these boots. The 4D Advanced Chassis™ technology offers superior stability, and the OrthoLite insole provides cushioning that makes long hikes a breeze. Traditional lacing system ensures a snug and personalized fit, preventing any uncomfortable pressure points. The smooth round cross-section laces provided excellent tension retention through the lace hoops.
Waterproofing:
One of the standout features of the Salomon Quest Gore-Tex™ Advanced Boot is its reliable waterproofing, thanks to the Gore-Tex™ membrane. The waterproofing capabilities of these boots are truly exceptional, making them a reliable choice for any weather.
Grip and Traction:
The Contagrip™ outsole delivers outstanding traction on a variety of surfaces. Whether navigating slippery rocks, loose gravel, or snowy slopes, the boots provided a firm grip, instilling confidence with every step. The reverse chevron pattern lugs along with soft rubber compound ensure stability and prevent slips, enhancing overall safety on challenging terrains.
Versatility and Compatibility:
From rocky mountain trails to the snowy Canadian shield, the Salomon Quest Gore-Tex Advanced Boots proved to be a versatile companion. The combination of durability, comfort, and traction makes these boots suitable for a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, backpacking, and even light mountaineering. These boots also make perfect partners for your favourite snowshoes. Their robust and rigid construction completely eliminates any pressure points caused by binding straps.
Field Tested:
February 2024, right out of the box, the Salomon Quest Gore-Tex™ Advanced boots were put to the test on a gruelling 25 km hike through the Canadian Shield. Right after lacing up the boots, the first thing that came to mind is how comfortably they fit on my feet. These boots did not require any breaking in period and were ready to go.
The sizing of these boots is right on point. Typically wearing a 10.5 shoe, I picked out a size 11, allowing for a little bit more room for thick winter socks. The insoles were supremely comfortable and dampened the constant pounding of ice, rock and frozen ground. The boots also provided ample ankle support, especially when trudging through deep snow or climbing over rocks and roots.
The outsole offered ample grip on all but clean ice, however, the soft rubber compound offset the extreme low grip surface and provided a very predictable feel. The boots also paired up perfectly with snowshoes, resisting the binding tension thanks to their rigid yet supple (in all the right spot) construction.
Over the 2 day trek, the boots kept my feet extremely well protected from the elements, keeping them warm and dry, even after multiple stream crossings, knee deep snow all day and slushy shorelines. The boots were actually so warm in some cases that moisture made my socks damp. A thinner wool sock would help maintain better temperature control on warmer days.
The one knock on the boots were the laces. Even though they provide great tension retention around the boot eyelets, they kept coming undone, even when using various tying techniques. A slightly higher friction lace would really help in this regard.
Overall, the Salomon Quest Gore-Tex™ Advanced boots are a great addition to your winter hiking arsenal, and the best winter hiking boot I have ever used. Come back next year for my long term review, and find out how these boots stood the test of time.
Overall Rating:
Comfort: ★★★★★
Sizing: ★★★★★
Waterproofing/Breathability: ★★★★
Foot Support: ★★★★★
Heat Retention: ★★★★
Durability: ★★★★
Cost: ★★★
Overall: ★★★★ 1/2
Final Thoughts:
The Salomon Quest Gore-Tex Advanced Boots stand as a testament to Salomon’s commitment to quality and innovation. These boots offer an unbeatable combination of comfort, durability, and performance, making them a top choice for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a reliable and versatile footwear option. While the price tag may be higher than some alternatives, the investment is undoubtedly worthwhile for those who prioritize superior performance and longevity in their outdoor gear. Highly recommended for anyone serious about tackling diverse and challenging terrains with confidence.
SALOMON QUEST GORE-TEX™ ADVANCED
Where to Buy:
Our good friends over at Salomon have a massive collection and variety of boots and products. Shop locally at your local distributor or have it shipped globally!