Salomon Quest or Hanwag Mtn Lites?

[HellsCanyon]

Anybody handled these two boots? I have used the Hanwag Dakotas for a few seasons and they fit my foot phenomenal and aside from getting too close to the fire and releasing the rubber rand glue, had been my favorite pair of boots.

I know the Hanwags fit my foot shape the best, and am interested in the Mountain Lites as I assume they'll fit the same as the Dakotas, but I do NOT want a stiff mountaineering style boot. I like more flexible boots.... How stiff are the Mountain Lites? I've used the Asolo Sasslongs, the Kenetrek Mountain Extremes, and the Hanwag Dakotas over the last 5 years or so....

I'm also contemplating the Salomon Quest boots. Being a hiking style boot, they wouldn't be too stiff for me and I've heard nothing but good things about them and I'm not afraid to try something new! What do you think? Thanks all.

Mike

 

[Roy68]

I own the Hanwag mountain lites and i really have nothing bad to say about them. Purchased from lathrop's with the synergy foot beds. I will admit that these were my real first step into this type of boot for hunting. In the past it was always Irish setters, danner, and the like. I was between the mountain lites and lowa tibets. I live no where close to anyone that deals these. Talking to lathrop's convinced me to role the dice, and I haven't been disappointed. That was 5 years ago.

So with my limited 5 years experience with such boots I'm thoroughly happy. I'm an 11 1/2 with a normal foot other than I require a wide toe box. I sized up a half size and have been good to go there. Over the last 5 years I've used them on the plains as well and they are stiffer than my aforementioned cheaper boots. I haven't found them to be a hindrance though. They are not ski boot stiff. I would liken them to my keen steel toe boots.

I find it ironic that you brought this up as I'm trying to convince my wife to stop at REI tomorrow on our way through Denver on our way home from vacation, jus so I can look at the 4D quest boot.

 

[Ryan Avery]

I really like my Mt Lites. They are very comfortable right out of the gate for me. They are a lot more durable than the Salomon IME.

 

[Roy68]

Ryan Do you see any advantage to the Solomon's? I was considering them for a training hike boot vs putting miles on my Mt Lites. That's my only reason for interest in them.

 

[Ryan Avery]

I wear Solomons pretty much everyday. I really like them, very comforable. But for a hunting boots I really like the Mt lights. They give me a lot more support, Im a fat kid but put on a lot of miles, Solomons just aren't built as well. But I see no reason not to use Solomons for training...... FYI all of the Solomons I've had leaked rather quickly!

 

[HellsCanyon]

How stiff are the Mtn Lites for you Ryan? Have you worn either kenetreks or asolos?

Still let your feet move unhindered through their full range of motion? Can't stand boots that hinder my foots movement.

Mike

 

[Ryan Avery]

Mike, Kenetreks are the worse boot I've ever put on my feet. I have pretty damn tough feet and they blistered me quick! I don't understand the 50 mile deal. Wore them a season and a half, moved up a half size and they still where terrible. Never used the asolos. I also like the Lowa Tibet's, fit is similar to the MT Lites to me.

 

[pyroducksx3]

I don't think they even make mountain lites anymore. Closest think I found were the Yellowstone II GTX, maybe?

 

[Ryan Avery]

I bought 3 pairs over a year ago

 

[rodney482]

I love the Solomons. Ive had them a year and wear them quite a bit.
From Elk in the high country to Coues deer they have performed great.
I will buy another pair

 

[Riplip]

I have tried the Salomons and there a decent boot and I wanted to like them they just didn't feel right on my foot. I also don't think they compare to the quality of the Hanwags (I have a pair of Cheyenne GTX, which is a softer boot than the Mtn Lites). One thing that may help you in your decision is Lathrop (which is the only us dealer i am aware of) does not have any Mtn. Lites in stock and from my understanding I don't think they are bringing any more in. I just tried to order a pair last week. I am going to try the Cevedales instead.

 

[Roy68]

Sounds like the salmons are worth a look for a training shoe/boot.

That stinks about the Mt Lites not being available. Wish I had a second pair to replace mine when they finally give up the ghost.

 

[wagnon89]

I had a pair of the Mountain Lites that I tried my best to like. They just were too narrow for my foot. I ended up trading them off a couple months ago. I think they'd be a great boot for someone with the right foot. They were fairly stiff soled though. I ended up with the Salomon Quests and they seem to be custom made for my feet. They're the most comfortable footwear I've ever laced up. Also, they seem to have plenty of support for most situations. One thing I've learned over the last few years however, is that boots are a very individual purchase.

 

[Wapiti66]

I purchased the Salomon Quests last week at REI on my way to an elk scouting trip. I put about 20 miles on them and have no complaints so far. About half of those miles I had a 40lb. pack with camp in it, the rest of the time was day pack mode. Plenty of steep inclinces, declines, trails, and rocks. Didn't ever get them wet enough to try their waterproofness, so I have no comment there. For me they felt great out of the box and basically remained that way through the entire trip. Grip/traction was great on steep rocks, the right amount of flexibility and support for my ankles and liking, and I never had sore spots or blisters come on. I usually buy a hunting boot every year before archery elk season in the $140-$170 range and decided to move up a level this year, so for me they are a step above my past experiences, but may be a step below others. I need a wider boot for my foot and these fit great, but like said it's a personal preference/fit for everybody. I liked them enough that I ordered a lighter Salomon to try for work, the Conquest. We shall see how long these pairs last, I can be pretty hard on boots.

 

[Kotaman]

I have both of these boots and they are in completely different classes. The Salomen Quests are like a hiking shoe on steroids. The Mountain Lites are a serious mountain boot and are fairly stiff. I don't love my Salomen's, they are "ok" for what they are I guess. I pretty much echo Ryan Avery's comments.

Lathrop is no longer a Han Wag dealer, however, I do believe they have some stock left of various models. I see Scheels now carries Han Wag as does another retailer that escapes me at the moment.

 

[HellsCanyon]

I think I'm gonna order a pair of the Hanwag Cheyenne GTX's. Reason? The Hanwags I KNOW fit my narrow foot profile, and they are more lightweight and flexible than the Mountain Lites. I would try a pair of the Solomon's if I could try a pair on but I can't and it seems that I see people mention they fit their wide foot perfectly which is not what I need. I also don't mind buying a new pair of boots every 2-3 seasons. Kind of come to the realization that I just won't get much more than that out of a pair of boots!

Thanks for the help guys, as always the Rokslide advice is good stuff!

Mike

 

[bbrown]

I think you are on the right path - I have fairly narrow feel as well and I could not get the solomon 4Ds to fit. Sucked after all the good reviews and a good discount to use at REI.

 

[Rucker61]

Like bbrown, I couldn't get the highly rated Quests to fit my narrow foot. I'm using the Hanwag Banks from STP, which with the discounts was down to $110 when I bought them. STP still has some sizes in stock, but it's UK sizing, so order a whole size smaller than usual.

 

[pyroducksx3]

How the Cheyennes compare to the yellowstones? I haven't heard anyone say anything about them

 

[HellsCanyon]

How the Cheyennes compare to the yellowstones? I haven't heard anyone say anything about them

Not sure on that.

Anybody know if there's a Rokslide member/sponsor discount through Lathrop n Sons?
Gonna be ordering the boots this afternoon.

Mike