Salomon Quest 5 GTX Review: For the Long Haul
The Salomon Quest 5 GTX ($240) is a burly, high-support hiking boot built for demanding terrain and heavy loads. We tested it on a series of trips through Utah’s canyon country and found it delivered excellent stability, protection, and durability on rough, uneven desert trails. While it’s more comfortable than its stiff build might suggest, it’s still far from the lightweight, cushioned feel many hikers now prefer, and it can feel overbuilt on well-established trails or with lighter packs. But for those who prioritize support and confidence underfoot over shaving ounces, the Quest 5 remains one of the most capable boots in its class.
Comfort
Support and Stability
Traction
Durability
Foot Protection
Sustainability
Terrain
Rugged
Weight
2 lb. 10 oz.
Waterproof
Yes
Upper
Leather/synthetic
Pros
Cons
Salomon Quest 5 GTX
For this season's top models, see our guide to the Best Hiking Boots.
My first impression of the Salomon Quest 5 GTX was, “This is a serious hiking boot.” With its tall ankle, full lacing system, and burly outsole, it looks built to carry heavy loads over rough terrain. That said, I was pleasantly surprised by how comfortable it felt right out of the box. A short test hike on local trails in Southcentral Alaska—over a mix of snow, ice, and dirt—revealed a stiff, supportive midsole with a bit of flex under the ball of the foot, hinting at a design that balances structure with some natural movement.
I really got a sense of the boot’s comfort on a spring trip to the canyons of southeast Utah. Over several long days—including hikes and backpacks with a 45-pound pack—I found the Salomon Quest 5 consistently comfortable, especially under load. Hiking through river cobble, which can be particularly punishing on the feet, the boots did a great job absorbing impact. Much of that comfort comes down to the protective midsole and dense yet shock-absorbing EVA cushioning underfoot, which help take the edge off rough ground. I also found that the padded ankle collar and tongue contribute to a secure, cushioned fit without creating pressure points.
Was I excited to take my boots off at camp? Sure—that’s part of the deal with a boot this burly. These aren’t soft Hoka hikers or lightweight trail runners. But by the end of each day, my feet still felt good, which says a lot given the terrain and weight I was carrying. It’s not the softest or most flexible option out there, but for the level of support it provides, the Quest 5 delivers a comfortable ride.
Editor’s note: We’ve tested various iterations of the Quest over the years on a wide range of users, and a consistent trend has emerged: Hikers with larger frames tend to find the boot more comfortable than those with smaller builds. For lighter users—roughly 150 pounds and under—the stiffness can feel like overkill, while those carrying more body weight often benefit from the added structure and support. Of course, comfort is highly subjective, and there are always exceptions, but this pattern has held fairly steady across more than a decade of testing.
When my pack weight creeps past 25 pounds, I start reaching for hiking boots with real ankle support—and the heavier the load, the more I want underfoot. The Salomon Quest 5 GTX delivers in a big way here, landing just shy of a mountaineering boot in terms of overall support. The tall upper wraps fully around the ankle with a firm—but not overly rigid—collar (I’d give it about a 3 out of 5 in stiffness), and that structure carries through the heel, midfoot, and forefoot. It feels like a single, cohesive chassis built around your foot, offering consistent support for long days under a heavy pack.
I really put that to the test in southeast Utah, where I spent miles navigating loose river cobble with a 45-pound pack. It’s the kind of terrain that’s constantly trying to roll your ankles, but the Quest 5 handled it with confidence. The combination of a supportive upper, a well-shaped heel cup, and a stable platform underfoot helped keep my foot locked in place, even when the ground had other intentions. Over time, I found myself settling into a rhythm, able to move more efficiently without constantly second-guessing my footing.
A big part of that comes down to the lacing system, which does an excellent job securing the foot. You can actually feel it pulling everything into place, anchoring the heel and stabilizing the midfoot so the rest of the boot can do its job. Once dialed in, the Quest 5 offers a level of stability that inspires confidence on rough, uneven terrain—especially when you’re carrying more weight than usual.
Navigating up and around massive boulders with a heavy pack is rarely enjoyable, but it’s part of the deal in places like Utah’s Grand Gulch. On a recent trip through that maze of canyons, I found myself scrambling over steep sandstone slabs with a full pack, occasionally feeling a bit more exposed than I would’ve liked.
Fortunately, the Salomon Quest 5 GTX’s outsole held its own. It uses Salomon’s All Terrain Contagrip—a moderately firm rubber compound that the brand claims is its most versatile across a wide range of surfaces. It’s not as soft or sticky as an approach shoe, and the boot’s stiff platform means it doesn’t conform to rock like a trail runner, but paired with short, evenly spaced lugs, it still felt secure on sandstone slabs and predictable when edging across uneven surfaces. I never felt like the boots were slipping out from under me, even in more technical moments.
Beyond rock, the outsole proved impressively versatile. It handled loose sand, mud, wet rock, and even patches of snow and ice without any glaring weaknesses—conditions I also encountered while breaking them in around southeastern Alaska. While it’s clearly designed with typical trail use in mind, I didn’t run into terrain where it felt out of place.
I’m usually a bit skeptical of hiking boots that rely on a patchwork of materials stitched together—more seams can mean more potential failure points or places for moisture to sneak in. On paper, the Quest 5 GTX fits that mold. The upper combines burly leather, sturdy nylon, a secondary leather layer, and a thick synthetic lining, all held together with a fairly complex construction. That said, Salomon’s execution here is impressive. I didn’t notice any weak spots or inconsistencies in the build, and everything feels tightly put together.
After about 50 miles of use, the boots are holding up well. The leather uppers have picked up a few scuffs, but nothing beyond surface-level wear, and the outsole looks intact as well. There’s a substantial toe cap up front and plenty of high-density material around the heel, which goes a long way in protecting high-impact areas.
Given the terrain I tested them on—miles of abrasive river cobble in Grand Gulch—the lack of visible wear is notable. While my partner’s lighter boots showed clear signs of damage around the toes and sidewalls, the Quest 5 shrugged off the abuse. All signs point to a boot that can handle serious use and stay in the rotation for multiple seasons.
The Salomon Quest 5 GTX offers excellent all-around protection, starting with its high-density rubber outsole. There’s a partial toe cap covering about half the toe box and a substantial heel wrap that cups and supports the rear of the foot. The outsole rubber strikes a nice balance—it’s thick enough to deflect abuse without feeling overly bulky or clunky. While there’s no dedicated sidewall armor, the outsole extends slightly into the realm of the leather upper (dubbed the “mudguard”), which adds a bit of extra defense against midfoot rock strikes.
I really put that protection to the test over four days in Utah’s Grand Gulch, where miles of rugged gravel and river cobble make for relentless foot punishment. By the end of the trip, I’d lost count of the slips, stumbles, and toe stubs (all user error—I can assure you that the boot did everything it could to keep me stable and grounded) across uneven terrain—but none of them translated into pain. The impacts were noticeable, but never sharp or jarring.
That same confidence extends underfoot. Despite hours of walking over loose rock, I never felt what was beneath me—a testament to the boot’s stiff, protective platform. Having dealt with foot fatigue and bruising in similar terrain before, I can say this level of protection makes a real difference.
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Longevity
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Recycled Materials
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PFAS-Free DWR
Durable water-repellent (DWR) finishes can contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These highly persistent “forever chemicals” are used in outdoor gear for their strong resistance to water, oil, and heat, but are linked to environmental contamination and a range of health concerns. A green check mark indicates the product uses a PFAS-free DWR, while a red X means the DWR contains PFAS.
PFAS-Free Waterproof Membrane
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Responsible Leather
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Bluesign Approved
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Responsible Manufacturing
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Recycled and/or Reduced Packaging
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Resale and/or Recycling Services
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Annual Impact Report
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The Quest 5 GTX feels lighter on foot than its specs suggest, but at 2 pounds 10 ounces per pair, it’s not exactly light. That’s about 4 ounces heavier than a comparable model like the Oboz Sawtooth X Mid Waterproof, although that comparison only goes so far—the Salomon is a more substantial, supportive boot overall. If you’re considering the Quest 5, you’re likely prioritizing support and protection over shaving ounces and moving fast and light.
In practice, the weight never felt like a drawback in my testing. Even after long days hauling a heavy, water-loaded pack over sand and river cobble in Grand Gulch, I didn’t find myself noticing the boots on my feet. My legs were tired, sure—but the boots weren’t the reason. For a boot in this category, the Quest 5 strikes a reasonable balance between weight and performance.
Waterproofing & Breathability
My spring testing took place in the deserts of Nevada and Utah, which meant plenty of warm days and sweaty feet. As expected for a Gore-Tex-lined boot, the Quest 5 GTX prioritizes waterproofing over breathability. On a day hike in southern Nevada with temperatures in the high 80s, my feet and socks were definitely moist by the end of the day. It never felt excessive or led to hot spots, but I did find myself taking off my boots and socks during breaks to let things air out. The same held true on a multi-day trip in Utah—the boots never felt overly hot, just not especially breathable.
On the waterproofing side, performance was solid. I intentionally submerged the boots about halfway up the uppers and didn’t experience any leakage. In dry desert conditions, they also dried quickly afterward. Based on the build and materials, I have confidence they’ll hold up well in sustained wet environments—I’m looking forward to testing this more thoroughly in Alaska’s wetter conditions.
I’m a true US men’s 8.5, and that’s the size I tested here. Overall, the Salomon Quest 5 GTX fits true to size in both length and general volume, but the shape isn’t entirely straightforward. The heel fit is dialed—it locked in well for me, which is critical for stability and avoiding slippage on uneven terrain. The midfoot runs a bit snug, though I actually appreciated that, as it adds to the boot’s secure, supportive feel.
Up front, the toe box is nicely done: roomy without feeling sloppy. I don’t tend to be overly picky about toe box shape unless it’s too tight, but here, there’s enough space to avoid rubbing while still maintaining control. I was also able to comfortably run a two-sock system, which I prefer for long days under a heavy pack—especially in warmer conditions where moisture management becomes more important in a Gore-Tex boot.
Hoka Kaha 3 GTX ($240): Put Some Pop in Your Step
The Quest 5 GTX delivers serious protection and stability on rugged terrain, but that performance comes with trade-offs. Many hikers are now leaning toward lighter, more cushioned boots for long days on trail, and the Hoka Kaha 3 GTX fits that mold well. It pairs a plush, forgiving midsole with solid traction, Gore-Tex waterproofing, and a durable leather upper, making it a comfortable option for covering miles. It doesn’t offer the same level of structure or stability as the Quest 5, but for most hikers, it strikes a more forgiving and well-rounded balance. For more, read our review of the Hoka Kaha 3 GTX.
Lowa Renegade Evo GTX Mid ($280): Go Full Leather
Like the Quest 5, the Lowa Renegade GTX has long been a go-to for hikers seeking a durable, supportive boot in a rugged package. Its leather upper is a bit more supple and breaks in faster, making it feel more forgiving early on (it is a bit less supportive, however). Weight is nearly identical at around 2 pounds 9.6 ounces, and the Renegade’s polyurethane midsole is equally capable of handling heavy loads. That said, it’s not quite as cushioned as the Quest 5’s EVA setup, which may lead to a bit more foot fatigue over long miles. Durability is comparable between the two, and the Renegade’s Vibram outsole is well known for its reliable traction. In the end, the decision will likely come down to fit and price rather than performance gaps. For more, read our review of the Lowa Renegade Evo GTX Mid.
For the roughest terrain, the Quest is a burly, tough hiker with excellent waterproofing to match. That said, it’s heavy and can feel like overkill on well-established trails or when carrying lighter loads.
Comfort
Support and Stability
Traction
Durability
Foot Protection
Sustainability
If comfort is your end all and be all but you want the stability to back it up, the Kaha 3 is a strong candidate. A premium Vibram Megagrip outsole and Gore-tex membrane round out the list of high-end features. However, it’s not a weight leader.
Comfort
Support and Stability
Traction
Durability
Foot Protection
Sustainability
The Renegade isn’t the lightest boot out there and has a classic leather design, but remains comfortable and highly capable. For challenging day hikes and backpacking, it’s a practical choice.
Comfort
Support and Stability
Traction
Durability
Foot Protection
Sustainability
Is the Quest 5 GTX for You?
The Salomon Quest 5 GTX is built for hikers who prioritize support, protection, and long-haul comfort over saving weight. It’s a great match for backpackers carrying heavier loads or traveling through rugged terrain—think uneven trails, loose rock, and extended stretches of off-camber ground—where its stable platform and ankle support really shine. Over long days with a full pack, it delivers the kind of confidence and foot protection that lighter footwear simply can’t match. And while this is purely anecdotal, we’ve found it tends to suit hikers with larger frames better than lighter users, who may find it overly stiff.
Go for it if you want a burly, supportive boot for carrying heavy loads through rough terrain and value stability and protection above all else.
Pass on it if you carry lighter loads on well-maintained trails, run warm, or prefer a more flexible, trail-runner-inspired feel underfoot.
hit the trail
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