How to Choose Hiking Boots

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Get to the next campsite with dry, happy feet in the women's Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX hiking boots. They're supportive enough for backpacking, with technology to help reduce fatigue on your long treks.
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View the Salomon Quest Product LineView all Salomon Women's Backpacking BootsBest Use | Backpacking |
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Footwear Height | Over-the-ankle |
Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
Waterproof | Yes |
Upper | Nubuck leather/textile |
Lining | Gore-Tex Performance Comfort waterproof/breathable bootie |
Midsole | Dual density EVA |
Support | 4D Advanced Chassis |
Outsole | Contagrip rubber |
Weight (Pair) | 2 lbs. 5 oz. |
Gender | Women's |
5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 22.5 Mondo | 23.5 Mondo | 24.5 Mondo | 25.5 Mondo | 26.5 Mondo | 27.5 Mondo | |
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U.S. Women's | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 3.5 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8.5 | 9.5 | ||
U.S. Men's | 4 | 4.5 | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 11.5 | 12 | ||||||
UK | 3.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 3 | 4.5 | 5.5 | 6.5 | 8 | 9 |
EU | 36 | 36.6 | 37.3 | 38 | 38.6 | 39.3 | 40 | 40.6 | 41.3 | 42 | 42.6 | 43.3 | 44 | 44.6 | 45.3 | 36 | 37 | 39 | 40.3 | 42 | 43.3 |
Mondo | 22 | 22.5 | 23 | 23.5 | 24 | 24.5 | 25 | 25.5 | 26 | 26.5 | 27 | 27.5 | 28 | 28.5 | 29 | 22.5 | 23.5 | 24.5 | 25.5 | 26.5 | 27.5 |
Foot Length (in.) | 8.5 | 8.7 | 8.9 | 9.1 | 9.3 | 9.4 | 9.6 | 9.8 | 10 | 10.2 | 10.4 | 10.6 | 10.8 | 11 | 11.2 | 9 | 9.4 | 9.8 | 10.2 | 10.6 | 11 |
Measurements are stated in inches.
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One year later, after 6 to 13 miles per day mowing lawns. Also held up to digging and weeding. Inside still comfortable, not worn down. Only issue was that the side blew out. Seems (ha seams) to be an issue with shoes I wear in the job I do. But these lasted a year, when others only last 6 months. I am very happy to have FINALLY found a pair of shoes that keep my feet in the right position so that my back doesn't hurt. My feet don't hurt anymore either. I bought a 30" commercial walk behind mower so that I wouldn't have to take so many steps because by the end of the day my feet hurt. Puts a damper on long days. But half of my yards use a 21" mower (regular residential Honda). I am very happy with these. Well worth the money for the exchange of energy saved. I just ordered another pair for this year and perhaps this time I will put some oil on the part that split so it won't crack and open up.
I usually do not write reviews, but I love these boots so much I just had to! I purchased these boots June 2019 while living in Southern California and after many hikes, including >18 miles day hikes while in Yosemite, Mt. Baldy, Potato chip rock, etc but most often around 7-10 mile hikes, these boots were great! No issues with difficult rocky or slip terrain. I have size 9, wide and flat feet, and also had no issues with pain while walking. The toe box is wide enough for me (which was one of my bigger concerns), even after feet swelling from long hiking durations. The ortho-lite insoles are fabulous, and are easy to take out and wash separately. WONDERFUL support and protection. I have a history of spraining both of my ankles, and now they sprain easily. Toe cover at the top is excellent protection. I am a bit clumsy, and after many times of tripping, stumbling, stabbing my toe against rocks, etc, I have never had an injury while wearing these boots. In summer, I made sure to wear smartwool socks, and while my feet were a bit warm still it was completely manageable and not uncomfortable. I also wear smartwool in the winter and my feet are nice and warm. Waterproofing is good, even when walking through creeks/rivers, snow, and rain. Just make sure to clean your boots, and re-treat appropriately especially if you see water no longer beads (see below). I have since moved back to Chicago, and use these in the winter, in the rain, and while walking around the city, in addition to muddy hiking excursions. My feet stay warm, dry and comfortable! Highly recommend. Only minor issues. One was fading of the color (I purchased the slate blue, seen in picture) and lack of water beading on the fabric after >4months of heavy use (probably due to my lack of frequent cleaning after dust and mud), so I would recommend cleaning your boots appropriately! Another I noticed was during longer hikes, the tongue would start to be pushed out from the upper/laces, no longer protecting the shin. This might be due to my lacing technique. Not a huge issue. Overall GREAT product. Fits great, looks great and is so, so comfortable. I will absolutely be repurchasing once the time comes for new boots!
7.5 Wide Womens. I think this might be the only pair of "shoes" I have ever had that fit me so perfectly. After trying just about everything in the REI store, I had decided upon the Vasque Breeze, as an "OK" fit. BUT I decided I should try on the more expensive Salomon Quest "just in case" and am so glad I did. I have a wide foot and a very narrow heel, very hard to fit. Went hiking with these this weekend and had no troubles at all. I had wanted a mid fit, but all of those slipped on the heel, as did most of the boots. The Quest grips well at the ankle and all the way up--great lacing system too. The boot grips my ankle and yet allows my toes to breathe without sliding around.
I bought this last week. First used it on a 9 mile hike (Old Rag Mountain) two days ago. A bit heavy (for me). Very sturdy. Protect my feet and ankle before, during, and after the 9 mile hike. My feet were fine the next day - no sore feet/ankle. Waterproof! True to size! I purchased 8.5 thinking it’ll be too tight while wearing thick socks, but it’s not! Still a bit room left after wearing socks. Great buy! :)
Pros: lightweight, waterproof, sturdy, very comfortable, high quality Cons: hot Ideal for: Backpacking, hiking in damp conditions, hiking with a load My usual boots are a pair of custom hiking boots with a flat sole, leather uppers, and minimal cushion. In terms of boots, these are about as far from my usual as possible, but they are awesome! Super comfy, very tough for the weight. They fit extremely well, with no friction points on my feet, even when they were very sweaty. The laces are very nice, extra long and slide through the boot well. The upper lace notches which are usually just a loop so you can easily lace through them or not are really nice on these boots. They have a bit of a notch to lightly hold the lace in place to make it easier to put them on. I tested these in desert hiking conditions with 40lbs on my back. Despite the weight, they were very comfortable. The rocky desert terrain can be really tough on boots, these seem to handle the abrasion quite well. In shorter hikes without weight, they are of course even more comfortable. I wanted to see how waterproof they really are, so I wore them in my toddler's kiddy pool. Stood in the water for 3 minutes twice, and felt no water. You can confidently cross a stream in these. The downside of these boots is that they are quite warm, but that is to be expected from a high top, waterproof boot.
I live on the side of a mountain. Day 2 doing all chores, etc. they are perfect. Medium to light weight for a boot like this but absolutely still has control. No slips or slides on all sizes of rock, gravel or sand. No problem getting wet. I have feet (PF & AT) and ankle problems - they are GREAT on motion control and stability. Toe is fab - enough room and foot doesn't slip forward. Enough room to add any ortho, heel cushion or slip on ortho. If not, still great for the bare foot/sock. Worth the cost. Will come back and edit if I discover anything different. My life literally depends upon the boots I wear up here, so take my word for it.
Wore a size 6.5 which is consistent with my normal athletic shoe size that I wear. I hiked a few ~5 mile trails with these boots. From the get go, there was no need to break these in, as they were pretty comfortable. The laces and grommets on the boots enable you to get a really tight fit around your ankle so there isn't any excessive shifting around and loosening that eventually happens while you hike. The length of the laces were pretty generous so I would suggest double knotting them so they don't come out. Overall, these are a pair of sturdy, well-built, and durable boots. I expect them to last quite a long time.
This is my second pair. I wore out my 1st in 3 years of wearing 2-4 days per week. I've used them in all types of country, from rugged basalt flats to city streets, in low deser t heat, snow, and in rivers. While the edges did start to peel, I actually wore off the bottom tread of my old boots before I put a hole in them. Exceptionally comfortable right out of the box with nearly no break-in time. I tried several other boots between pairs, and kept coming back to these. As others have mentioned, they don't like to stay tied, but I finally solved that by tucking the laces under themselves.
Pros: Stability! The ankle support is incredible without sacrificing comfort or flexibility. Grip. Steep inclines on smooth rock and big steps were secure. Toe room. Toes were comfy and free, even on steep downhills. Cons: Blisters. I developed blisters on the back of both heels almost immediately the first time out and had to turn back early. Wam in the heat. When it's reaching 90 degrees in the Arizona desert, your feet will be hot in these boots. Other thoughts: Love the color! These boots are overkill on shorter, easier trails, but are great for backpacking or long, difficult hikes. Can't wait to get them out on more trails!
I hike recreationally and do a lot of field work in the backcountry. I bought this boot after a 13 mile day in my old boots resulted in so many blisters that I could barely walk. I had no time to break them in, I had to wear them into the field immediately. They were excellent from the get go. I did get one small blister on that first trip out, and no others again. This is my 2nd season in them and they're still going strong, holding up, and waterproof. I've already logged over 100 miles in them. The only thing I struggle with is keeping the tongue in place at the top of the boot. But it hasn't caused problems. I absolutely love these boots.