Salomon Quest 4 GTX Women’s Hiking Boots: More Than 2,000 km and Nearly 6 Years of Faithful Service

Translated from Czech. Original text

I've had these boots since the start of 2021, and according to Garmin Connect they've carried me more than 2,000 kilometres, mostly over properly rough ground: forest tracks, fine gravel paths, loose gravel, rocks and asphalt. Their best years are behind them now, so it's time to write up what they've survived and who I'd recommend them to.

Who they're for:
Women hikers and mountain lovers looking for stable, hard-wearing footwear for demanding hikes (mountain trails, rocky ground, forest tracks and gravel).
Anyone carrying a heavier pack: the boot protects the ankle and keeps the joint stable even under load.
Year-round walkers who want dry feet in rain and wet grass (Gore-Tex membrane) and a sole that grips even on wet, slippery surfaces.

How we tested

Tester: woman, 165 cm tall, 70 kg, an experienced and active hiker who does long-distance and year-round hiking.
Testing period: since the start of 2021, so nearly 6 years of regular wear.
Distance walked: over 2,000 km (recorded in the Garmin Connect app).
Size and fit: my foot is a 40, the boots are a 40 2/3 and fit perfectly. The toe box is of normal width, not a wide front like Keen boots, for example. If your feet are normal rather than wide, you'll be happy in them.
Location and terrain: varied Czech countryside and mountain terrain, mainly forest trails, fine gravel paths, loose gravel, rocky tracks and hard asphalt.
Weather and conditions: all year round, from frost, snow and mud to hot summer days, including rain and wet, slippery surfaces.

What works well

Sole and traction: even after 2,000 km the tread hasn't lost its grip. On descents along wet, rocky paths and on wet asphalt after rain, the boots never slipped once and my stride stayed stable.
Waterproofing (Gore-Tex): they haven't let in water a single time. On all-day hikes in the rain, in wet, long grass and in deep mud, my feet stayed dry inside.
Ankle protection and support: the boot holds the ankle firmly. Even when I stepped carelessly on loose gravel or roots, my foot stayed stable, and in all that time I never once twisted my ankle in them.
Year-round comfort: with Karrimor winter socks, no wind gets through and they keep my feet warm even on snow in freezing weather. In summer, with the same brand's summer socks, my feet breathe well, don't get sweaty, and I don't get pressure sores or blisters.

What could be better

Weight: these are sturdy hiking boots. On longer brisk walks on the flat you can feel their weight, and they take more effort than lightweight shoes.
Stiffer sole: the front of the sole is stiff, so the foot doesn't roll through as naturally as in flexible footwear.
Laces and insoles: after six years they needed replacing. The boot itself, the seams and the rubber toe cap have held up with no splitting or cracking.
Price: I bought them for 3,500 CZK; today they cost more. Given how long they last, though, it's still good value.

For Nordic Walking specifically

1. Why they're good for Nordic Walking
Support off-road: in Nordic Walking your foot rolls from heel to toe and the poles help power each stride. The boot's firm construction keeps the heel and ankle stable and aligned, so your foot doesn't twist on rocks and roots.
Traction: when you push off with your poles and roll through onto your toes, the sole grips on gravel, in mud and on forest tracks without slipping.
Protection on tough terrain: if you walk with poles away from surfaced paths (hilly woods, rocky trails, fine gravel), you'll appreciate the high ankle cut and the rubber rand, which protect your foot from knocks against rocks and from dirt.
Year-round use: thanks to the Gore-Tex membrane, you can head out with your poles in the rain, through wet grass or on snow without soaking your socks.

2. Where they hold you back (what to watch out for)
Weight: Nordic Walking shoes for paths are usually low-cut and light. The Quest 4 GTX are sturdy hiking boots, and you feel it on longer brisk walks.
Stiffer sole: a flexible forefoot helps the foot roll through smoothly. These boots have a stiffer one, so your stride is less springy.
In short: excellent for Nordic Walking in hills and rough terrain, but for flat paths and asphalt, lighter low-cut shoes are a better choice. That's why I gave them four stars instead of five for Nordic Walking: they're excellent off-road, but on the flat their weight and stiffer sole are more noticeable.

Who we recommend it to, and who not

A YES for:
Serious women hikers and mountain lovers who do full-day and multi-day treks along mountain ridges, scree slopes and rocky trails.
Hikers with heavier packs: if you're carrying a tent, sleeping bag and supplies, you'll appreciate the solid construction that spares your ankles and knees.
Walkers on changeable terrain: in woods, on loose and fine gravel, in mud and on wet rocks, where the sole's grip is what counts.
Year-round enthusiasts who won't be stopped by rain, mud, wet grass or snow.
Off-road Nordic Walking fans who take their poles up hills and along unsurfaced paths.

A NO for:
City walkers: for asphalt cycle paths and flat, firm paths they're unnecessarily heavy and stiff.
Casual summer day-trippers: for short summer walks on surfaced paths, low, lightweight trekking shoes will serve you better.

Verdict

Superb boots for the mountains and rough terrain that will last for years. For everyday Nordic Walking on flat paths they're heavy, but in hills and off-road they can't be faulted.

For nearly six years and over 2,000 kilometres they've been my trusty companion: they never leaked, never slipped, kept my ankles supported, and all I had to replace were the laces and insoles. Their best years are behind them now, and I'm slowly starting to look around for a new pair. One thing I already know for sure: I'm sticking with Salomon! 🥾🌲✨

Rating

Use for Nordic Walking	★★★★★ 4/5
Comfort in use	★★★★★ 5/5
Durability	★★★★★ 5/5
Easy to use and adjust	★★★★★ 4/5
Technical features and workmanship	★★★★★ 4/5
Value for money	★★★★★ 5/5
Overall	★★★★★ 4.5/5

Pros

• Exceptional durability: over 2,000 km and nearly 6 years
• Not a single leak in all that time
• Excellent ankle support off-road
• Reliable grip in the wet, in mud and on gravel
• Versatile, year-round use

Cons

• Heavier, sturdy hiking boot
• Stiffer sole stops the foot rolling through naturally when Nordic Walking
• Unnecessarily heavy and stiff for flat paths and asphalt
• Laces and insoles needed replacing after some years

We score every product with the same table: 1 = weak, 3 = good, 5 = we have not seen better in this category. The manufacturer has the right to reply.