Salomon Quest 4 Gore-Tex Review: When Great Boots Have One Fatal Flaw
Scrambling down the rocky descent from Helvellyn summit with my Lowepro PhotoSport Backpack PRO 70L AW III loaded with camera gear whilst my Salomon Quest 4 Gore-Tex boots provided absolutely brilliant ankle support, I should have been completely confident. Instead, every wet rock surface had me stepping like I was walking on ice, desperately hoping I wouldn’t slip and send my Canon 5D Mark IV tumbling down the mountainside. These boots are genuinely excellent in so many ways, but their one significant weakness drives me absolutely mad.
This review comes from someone who’s put these boots through proper British mountain conditions and discovered that sometimes one major flaw can overshadow multiple strengths.
How I Ended Up With These Boots
The Search for Proper Mountain Boots
I’d been using budget hiking boots from the likes of Regatta and Hi-Tec for years, replacing them every 12-18 months when they inevitably fell apart or lost their waterproofing. The cycle was predictable: buy cheap boots, wear them out, replace them, repeat. I was getting fed up with the constant replacement costs and unreliable performance.
The breaking point came during a winter photography trip to the Lake District. I was carrying my Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L lens and trying to navigate some technical terrain near Buttermere when my budget boots simply couldn’t provide the ankle support I needed. Every step on uneven ground had me worrying about rolling an ankle whilst carrying expensive camera equipment.
That evening, back at the pub in Keswick, I made the decision to finally invest in proper mountain boots. At £200, the Salomon Quest 4 Gore-Tex represented a significant step up from my usual £50-80 budget options, but I was ready to see what proper boots could do.
The Purchase Decision
I researched these boots properly—reading reviews, comparing specifications, and trying them on in several shops. The combination of Gore-Tex waterproofing, substantial ankle support, and Salomon’s reputation for technical footwear made them seem like the obvious choice.
The shop assistant was enthusiastic about their performance, the online reviews were largely positive, and they felt solid and supportive when I tried them on. At £200, they weren’t cheap for a Yorkshire lad, but they seemed like the kind of investment that would last for years rather than needing constant replacement.
What I Absolutely Love About These Boots
Outstanding Ankle Support: The high ankle cuff and chassis system provide exceptional stability when carrying heavy loads. With my photography gear loaded in my pack, these boots give me confidence on technical terrain that budget boots never could.
Brilliant Waterproofing: The Gore-Tex membrane and high ankle cuff keep feet completely dry in conditions that would soak lesser boots. I’ve stood in ankle-deep water during stream crossings without a drop getting through.
Superb Build Quality: After extensive use, they show minimal wear despite being subjected to rough gritstone, boggy paths, and general mountain abuse. The construction feels like it’ll last for years.
Excellent Comfort (Eventually): Once properly broken in, they’re genuinely comfortable for long days. The SensiFit system holds your foot securely without pressure points or hot spots.
Perfect Fit System: The lacing system allows precise adjustment for different conditions and sock thicknesses. You can fine-tune the fit exactly to your preference.
Outstanding on Soft Terrain: The deep lugs provide excellent traction on loose dirt, scree, mud, and grassy slopes. They bite into soft surfaces brilliantly.
The One Massive Problem
Absolutely Terrible on Wet Rocks: This is where these boots go from brilliant to genuinely dangerous. On wet stone surfaces—which you’ll encounter on virtually every Lake District hike—they have about as much grip as wearing socks. It’s not just poor performance; it’s actively scary.
During a recent ascent of Striding Edge, what should have been straightforward stepping stones became genuinely treacherous. I found myself taking ridiculous detours to avoid wet rock sections, or moving so cautiously that other walkers were overtaking me constantly. For boots costing £200, this level of performance on such a common surface is frankly unacceptable.
Real-World Performance
The Good Stuff
These boots excel in most mountain conditions. The ankle support is genuinely impressive when carrying camera equipment across technical terrain. During a recent photography expedition to Snowdonia, loaded down with my Canon 5D Mark IV, multiple lenses, and my MSR Access 2 tent for wild camping, the boots provided confidence-inspiring stability throughout.
The waterproofing is absolutely brilliant. I’ve deliberately tested them in streams, bog crossings, and extended periods in driving rain whilst wearing my Rab Cinder Downpour shell system. My feet have remained completely dry in conditions that would flood lesser boots.
The comfort, once broken in, is excellent for long days. I’ve worn them during multi-day wild camping trips with my full kit, and they’ve never caused blisters or pressure points once properly adjusted.
The Massive Letdown
But then you encounter wet rocks, and everything changes. The Contagrip outsole, which performs brilliantly on soft surfaces, becomes virtually useless on wet stone. It’s not just a minor inconvenience—it’s a genuine safety concern when you’re carrying expensive camera gear or navigating technical terrain.
During one particularly memorable descent from Pen y Fan in wet conditions, I watched other walkers in different boots confidently stepping across wet rock surfaces whilst I was reduced to crawling or finding alternative routes. It’s genuinely embarrassing to own boots this expensive that perform so poorly on such a common surface.
Wild Camping Reality
For wild camping expeditions, they’re largely excellent. The waterproofing means you can confidently cross streams to reach remote camping spots, and the ankle support is invaluable when carrying a fully loaded pack including my Rab Mythic 600 sleeping bag and camping gear.
However, many of the best wild camping spots in places like the Lake District involve some degree of wet rock scrambling to reach them. These boots actively limit your options, forcing you to avoid routes that other walkers tackle confidently.
How They Work With My Kit
The Salomon Quest 4 boots integrate well with my outdoor photography setup. The ankle support is essential when carrying my Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L lens and other equipment across technical terrain. The secure lacing system works well with various sock thicknesses and my Mountain Equipment Ibex Mountain Pant.
For storage, they’re obviously not packable like other gear, but they’re robust enough to be thrown in my Karrimor SF Sabre 75 expedition pack when not being worn. The build quality means I’m not constantly worrying about damage during transport.
The waterproofing pairs perfectly with my complete weather protection system—Alpkit Vayper base layer, Rab Geon Pull-On fleece, and Rab Cinder Downpour shell. Having dry feet is essential when the rest of your system is working properly.
Alternative Options
Alternative Options
Hanwag Banks GTX (£210): These well-made European boots feature a Vibram Endurance Pro outsole specifically designed for reliable wet rock performance. They offer a slightly wider fit than many technical boots, accommodating a range of foot shapes, and their nubuck upper requires minimal breaking in. At approximately 1.2kg per pair, they’re lighter than the Quests while providing similar support. The wet rock performance is notably superior.
Scarpa SL Active (£250): A premium traditional leather hiking boot that offers excellent grip on wet rocks thanks to its Vibram Biometric Trek outsole. Though slightly heavier and requiring more breaking in, the single-piece leather upper provides exceptional durability. The wet rock traction is significantly better than the Salomon, making these ideal for British conditions.
La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX (£190): These technical boots combine lightweight design with impressive wet rock performance. The Frixion XF 2.0 rubber compound provides significantly more confident footing on wet surfaces. At just 940g per pair, they’re substantially lighter while still offering good ankle support. They tend to have a narrower fit, so may not suit wider feet.
Conclusion
These boots are genuinely brilliant at almost everything except the one thing that matters most in British conditions. The ankle support, waterproofing, build quality, and comfort are all excellent. But the wet rock performance is so poor that it overshadows everything else.
Would I buy them again? Absolutely not. Despite their many strengths, that one fatal flaw makes them unsuitable for the type of hiking I do regularly. It’s incredibly frustrating because they’re so close to being perfect.
The reality: For hikers who stick to dry trails or soft terrain, these could still work well. But for anyone regularly tackling British mountains where wet rock is unavoidable, this limitation is genuinely dangerous.
Bottom line: Sometimes one major weakness can completely undermine multiple strengths. These boots taught me that lesson the hard way. They’re staying in my kit for specific dry conditions, but I’m already researching replacements for serious mountain use.
It’s genuinely annoying because I want to love these boots—they’re excellent in so many ways. But in British mountain conditions, wet rock performance isn’t optional; it’s essential for safety and confidence.
SCORE