REVIEW: Salomon Forces Quest 4D GTX Navajo

We have already presented some flatter models of the Salomon Forces series: The XA Pro 3D and the Speedcross 3. Today, we are going a few centimeters above the ankles and showing you the Quest 4D GTX model. A few years ago, Salomon released the Quest 4D GTX boots. In the color "Absolute Brown," they were so popular in the military community that they quickly became unavailable. They were later reissued exclusively for the USA and distributed by Tactical Distributors. In early 2015, a specially military line was created due to high demand: Salomon Forces.

The footwear in the Forces series unfortunately does not come in the great "Absolute Brown" color, but in Black, Olive, and Navajo - a sand-colored tone.

The Quest 4D GTX was designed as a lightweight mountain shoe. It combines the grip and stability of a hiking boot with the weight and flexibility of a hiking shoe. This shoe can handle everything from flatland to moderate mountains, but not high alpine tours.

Salomon makes the Quest from Nubuck leather and uses the proven Ortholite insole. This is made of foam and provides cushioning and cooling, creating a pleasant foot climate. The Quest is additionally padded in the heel area and fits snugly around the ankle. Mesh material is used inside the shoe. To make the shoe waterproof, it is lined with Goretex.

Salomon shoe sizes are given in even sizes and 1/3 or 2/3. It's important to try them on to ensure a proper fit. Furthermore, the Quest is very slim in foot width - those with wide feet should also check if this model works for them.

Salomon uses their patented Contagrip™ system for the outsole. It is designed for moderate terrain and offers good traction. Whether on gravel or similarly slippery surfaces, the sole provides grip - comparable to Vibram™ soles from other manufacturers. The front and back of the shoe are rounded off with rubber toe and heel protection.

The boots are laced with 7 holes, with the first four eyelets made of textile and the top three made of metal for quick lacing. The tongue is sewn to the shoe, preventing dust and stones from entering.

In daily use, the shoes wear well, whether in the field or on asphalt. You can feel gravel in some areas since the sole is quite soft - but the boot feels almost like a sneaker. The overall breathability is also good, of course, the foot sweats in the toe area, as a rubber cap is used there. But this is the case with boots from other manufacturers as well.

The Quest 4D GTX is made in China.

CONCLUSION: A well-made and lightweight hiking boot - the selection and variety from various manufacturers is large. Salomon has created a good all-around shoe with the Quest 4D, which is in the middle price range. Whether the shoe fits and suits you always depends on the foot, but we can say that with the Salomon Quest 4D GTX, you definitely get a good piece of footwear that is high quality.

If something doesn't fit, Salomon's service is accommodating, and defective shoes due to material faults, etc. are exchanged without any problems.

This year, there are a few new models in the Forces series, and in addition to the existing colors Black, Olive, and Navajo, there is now Burro - a dark brown color.

Most models and colors of the Forces series, including the Quest 4D GTX presented here, are available at Marines Shop starting at €169 for the non-Goretex version of the Quest and €199 with Goretex.

The civilian Quest 4D GTX in Brown.