Boots Similar to the Salomon Quest 4D

[wagnon89]

I've been on the hunt for some high end boots for western hunting for several months now. Being from Alabama, there aren't any places around to actually try boots like this on. Danner is about as high quality as it gets around here.

I have learned a lot about my feet in the process. Apparently I have a very wide forefoot and a "regular" size heel. I see people on here complain of heel slip a good bit. I have never had a problem with heel slip, just sore toes. I always figured that's just the way it was and that I'd just live with it. Then I started looking into the higher end boots and I decided I didn't want to settle for "just ok". I've worn 12 or 13 (always felt like a 12.5 would've been perfect) in all my previous boots.

I was able to try a pair of Kenetrek Mountain Extremes while on a vacation a few months ago. They were size 12 regular and were way, way too narrow and too short also. Unfortunately they didn't have a wide or a 13 so I'm still unsure on those.

I bought a pair of Lowa Renegades off STP for real cheap. They are US size 13 (regular I'm assuming, not even sure if they come in wide) and they fit pretty good but still are just a little narrow. I can feel it pretty good in my toes after hiking a couple of miles.

I also bought a pair of Hanwag Mountain Lites in US size 13. These seem like awesome boots but are just too narrow for my feet. After wearing around them around the house a few times, trying to make them work out, I had to give up on them. Wish they had a wide version of these, but as far as I'm aware it's just standard. (They are for sale in the classifieds btw)

A few weeks ago I called and talked to Steve at Lathrop and Sons to get some help on the issue. He recommended the Lowa Tech Lite Cevedale but unfortunately my size 13 was gonna have to be back ordered. So he mentioned the Salomon Quest boot. I ended up ordering a pair of them in size 13 with the Synergy footbeds.

I said all that to say this. The Salomons fit my feet perfect. They are probably the most comfortable shoes I've ever laced my feet up in. The toe box is nice and roomy and my heel stays locked in place. I've put a good bit of miles on them in the last couple weeks and they seem to be getting even better.

My question for the guys that have ran this boot: Is there a mountaineering type boot out there like the Tibet or Mountain Extreme or Alaskan or whatever that compares to the fit of the Salomon? I think the Salomon is going to be fine for my early season Colorado elk hunt but I'm thinking I might want a boot with a little stiffer construction for future hunts in rougher terrain.

What do yall think? Sorry for the long post.

Justin

 

[Screamrider]

Hey Justin, my story is almost identical, and I found the Quest 4D to finally solve 20 years of heel slip. Unfortunately I've tried many mountaineering boots and stiff hikers, and have yet to find one that fits like the Quest. Please let me know if you come across anything.

I think that the combination of a wide forefoot, narrow/normal heel, and stiff mountain boot are hard to blend together. It seems like it is the flex that is inherent in the Quest 4D that allows the boot to move with your foot, preventing heel slip in the process...at least that's been my experience.

 

[eLightfoot]

I have the same feet. Most the time I wear 13's though sometimes a 12 fits a bit better in another shoe/boot. So I'm probably a 12.5 also. I've never had a terrible time with my feet, I can usually get fairly comfortable with most the boots I have tried. I always wore Merrils because I used to get a discount at the store I worked in. Two years ago I told myself to quit screwing around with my most important piece of gear and just buy a good pair of boots. So I went to REI and tried on a bunch of boots without price being a factor. When I put my foot in the Solomon Quest...... It was like music to my feet. They fit so well and had better ankle support than anything I have ever worn. I could almost feel the suction of air when my heel dropped into the cup and locked in. Those boots have been a part of my body ever since. Though they are pretty damn tired, I need a new pair bad. I wanted to try the cevedale's but I like the solomons well enough to the point I can probably do with out spending the extra $$$.

 

[westrnwild]

I don't think you will need anything but the Salomon's truthfully... I have worn salomans through hell and back..I've hiked over mt Whitney and in snow in Montana.. Done sections of the PCT and AT. Just get gaiters and some sno off for snow..they are the number one rated boot on REI that should tell ya something.

 

[wagnon89]

Thanks for the replies guys. I like these Salomons so much I'm thinking about buying a back up pair. REI has them on sale for $160 right now.

 

[wapitibob]

13's have been gone for a few days now. Renegades come in wide.

 

[69ChrisCraft]

I just got the Salomons a few weeks ago and am thrilled with them so far. I shredded a pair of Danners in just a few hunts and the UA Speed Freaks didn't last much longer. I believe the Quest 4D has much better support than either of those yet still allows plenty of comfort.

That being said, I no longer live in the mountains and am at a disadvantage in my training (nothing prepares you for hiking like hiking). I recently bought a surgical band and tied one end to my entertainment center and the other around my toes...... I pull taught and write the alphabet with my toes. I'm hoping this will help build up the muscles that support my ankles.

 

[wagnon89]

I'm going to get a pair of the green superfeet to try in them also, just to see how much support they might add.

 

[KMD]

Thanks for the replies guys. I like these Salomons so much I'm thinking about buying a back up pair. REI has them on sale for $160 right now.

Do IT.
I have two backup pairs now, like 'em that much. Hope Salomon never discontinues them, but don't wanna take a chance and might get a 3rd & 4th, LOL

 

[RosinBag]

The Salomon Cosmic is their beffiest boot, but the only big difference is how tall they are and the eyelet material. The Cosmics I don't think are made much anymore, but I got a pair from Aron several years back and they are just now wearing out.

They fit and feel just like the Quests.

 

[fulldraw1972]

I liked my Salomons so much I bought a second pair. I also wear my original pair I bought to work everyday. They have a great warranty as well.

 

[adirondak5]

I grabbed a pair of the Salomin Quests after reading about them here and on a few other threads , gotta say they are very comfortable right outta the box ,probably the most comfortable outta the box boot I've ever tried , gonna put some miles on them and see how they work out . I've got a pretty narrow heel , always pain to find a good fit , but these fit great .

They are pretty light weight too , will see how they hold up , might have found the boot for me .

 

[rodney482]

Use the Quest with a quality gaitor and some Darn Tough socks and you wont need anything else for hunting.

Huge fan of the Quest!!

 

[ozarkrambler]

I too have the same foot issues and run the quests in the summer, however they didnt seem to be stiff enough for heavy loads of elk meat in the rocks so on the advice of Steve Lathrop I tried the zamberlan vios plus...wonderful is all I can say. Most comfortable boot I've ever put on, and I've tried lots of brands, even a pair of VanGorkum custom made boots years ago. I liked the so much I bought a pair of the vios top insulated version for deep winter use. These boots will be on my feet in BC moose hunting this October. I dont think you'll be disapointed.

 

[Tiger Rag]

Here is another option, appears to be similar, maybe slightly lower. Salomon conquest. Even a better deal than the REI quests. $134 and they have 13's. http://www.backcountry.com/salomon-conquest-gtx-hiking-boot-mens?rr=t

 

[eLightfoot]

Just took my old pair back to REI. Bought them in Dec 2012. the soles were separating from the boot. I wore the piss out of them and they were almost unrecognizable. They asked my how often I wore them and lied, "only on the weekends, with a few backpacking trips". Got a shiny new pair for $23. Gotta love being an REI member, they will return most anything. I felt guilty, like I robbed the place lol....... almost

 

[Jay03]

Just took my old pair back to REI. Bought them in Dec 2012. the soles were separating from the boot. I wore the piss out of them and they were almost unrecognizable. They asked my how often I wore them and lied, "only on the weekends, with a few backpacking trips". Got a shiny new pair for $23. Gotta love being an REI member, they will return most anything. I felt guilty, like I robbed the place lol....... almost

Somehow I think they will manage to stay in business.. haha.

I got the quests 4D for summer/lighter weight backpacking or scouting. I am not sure if they are going to work for me. Too wide in the forefoot. And are they insulated? The fabric in the tongue looks like insulation between the goretex and leather. I had them on for 20-30 minutes around the house and my feet were very warm... It doesnt mention they are insulated anywere but they sure are warm compared to my full leather Lowa tibets. I was suprised by this.