#6 on this list
Quest 4 GORE-TEX
Salomon
The Salomon Quest 4 GORE-TEX is built for demanding backcountry hunters, trail workers, and backpackers navigating punishing off-trail terrain with heavy expedition packs. While it shares styling cues with Salomon’s lighter trail shoes, the Quest 4 is a true high-cut backpacking boot engineered to lock the foot down and protect ankles from roll-overs. The centerpiece of the boot is Salomon’s 4D Advanced Chassis, which cradles the heel, wraps the midfoot, and controls torsional flex. This keeps the foot aligned on steep sidehill traverses and scree slopes, substantially reducing ankle strain when carrying over forty pounds. The full Gore-Tex bootie sits beneath a durable combination of nubuck leather and rugged textile, effectively sealing out water while maintaining respectable breathability for a boot of this size. The deep Contagrip lugs deliver dependable bite on slippery dirt, wet pine needles, and slick mud. This is not a boot for casual day hikes on groomed gravel paths. Its high cut and substantial weight feel overbuilt and clunky at low speeds, and the stiff chassis discourages a relaxed stride. If you happen to submerge the boot past its eight-inch collar, the thick padding holds water and takes a very long time to dry out completely in the field. **Highlights** - 4D Advanced Chassis delivers outstanding stability under heavy loads - High-cut ankle collar provides superior physical support and debris defense - Full Gore-Tex bootie ensures reliable, long-lasting waterproofing - Contagrip outsole offers aggressive traction on steep, muddy grades - Ergonomic lacing system allows independent forefoot and ankle tensioning **Watch-outs** - Heavy and overly rigid for easy, well-maintained day hikes - Takes considerable time to dry out once swamped from above - Premium price point requires serious backcountry use to justify
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#7 on this list
Zodiac Plus GTX
Scarpa
The Scarpa Zodiac Plus GTX is designed for technical alpine trekking, off-trail boulder fields, and steep ridge scrambles where traditional hiking boots feel too imprecise. Borrowing design cues from Scarpa’s technical approach shoes, the Zodiac Plus fits close to the foot, offering unmatched precision and control on exposed rocky terrain. The upper is crafted from premium Perwanger suede, lined with a Gore-Tex Performance Comfort membrane. Scarpa’s Sock-Fit DV construction replaces a traditional tongue with a single piece of elastic S-Tech fabric, eliminating bulk and wrapping the instep like a climbing shoe. The Vibram Drumlin outsole uses a firm, sticky rubber compound with an edging zone at the toe, allowing hikers to stand securely on small granite edges, wet slabs, and narrow scree shelves where standard lugged boots would shear off. However, this technical capability makes the Zodiac Plus less comfortable on flat, monotonous miles. The semi-rigid chassis has very little forward flex, which can cause foot fatigue if you are forced onto long stretches of flat road or smooth dirt double-track. The European fit is relatively narrow, especially through the midfoot and toe box, making it ill-suited for hikers with wide feet or those prone to heavy foot swelling. **Highlights** - Exceptional edging precision and traction on wet rock slabs - Premium Perwanger suede upper resists sharp rock abrasion - Sock-Fit DV elastic tongue creates an exact, blister-free wrap - Semi-stiff chassis provides stability on technical talus - Gore-Tex Performance Comfort lining prevents water intrusion **Watch-outs** - Rigid sole feels clunky on long, flat trail approaches - Narrow European fit does not accommodate wide feet - Premium price point aimed squarely at technical alpine users
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- $255 MSRP
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Quest 4 GORE-TEX | Zodiac Plus GTX |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 2 lbs 14 oz (1,310 g) per pair, US Men's 9 | 1 lb 3.2 oz / 545 g (half pair, size 42) |
| Waterproofing | GORE-TEX waterproof breathable membrane | — |
| Upper Material | Nubuck leather and durable textile mesh | — |
| Outsole | All Terrain Contagrip with reverse chevrons | Vibram Drumlin with Mont rubber |
| Chassis | Salomon 4D Advanced Chassis | — |
| Shaft Height | High-cut ankle collar (approx. 6.5 inches) | — |
| Upper | — | 1.8mm water-resistant Perwanger suede |
| Membrane | — | Gore-Tex Performance Comfort |
| Midsole | — | Multi-density EVA with PU heel insert |
| Last / Fit | — | European medium-narrow technical fit |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Quest 4 GORE-TEX
- Outstanding torsional rigidity and ankle support for heavy expedition packs
- Deep Contagrip lugs provide exceptional grip in wet mud, scree, and loose loam
- Independent upper and lower lacing allows precise, slip-free tension adjustment
- Significantly faster break-in period than traditional full-leather mountain boots
- Heavy build feels overbuilt and cumbersome on easy, well-groomed day trails
- Dense interior padding traps sweat in warm weather and dries slowly if submerged
- Standard last fits narrow to average; wide-foot hikers may experience hot spots
Zodiac Plus GTX
- Precise toe edging capability on small alpine rock features
- Heavy-duty Perwanger suede resists severe rock abrasion
- Sock-Fit DV tongue wraps the instep without bunching
- Stiff chassis provides outstanding stability across rough talus
- Rigid underfoot feel causes fatigue on flat, graded paths
- Narrow technical last does not accommodate wide forefeet
- Thick leather and waterproof lining overheat in summer heat
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