![]() ![]() ![]() We recommend ordering at least a half-size up from your street-shoe size. ![]() These hot spots diminished over time, but you should expect a longer break-in period with these, compared with some of our other picks. The only downside is that these boots do run a bit narrow all the way up several of our testers ended up with hot spots on their ankle bones. ![]() Paired with the substantial underfoot support, the lighter weight was especially noticeable after longer hikes, when we found our legs and feet were less sore than expected. The Breezes weigh (approximately) 2 pounds 2 ounces, depending on sizing, so they’re the lightest of our picks. We found ourselves gravitating toward these boots over other options. They formed to our feet as they broke in, so they became even more comfortable after weeks and months of use. Though they were comfortable right out of the box, these boots seemed to get better with wear. And the soles grip the ground, no matter the terrain. But the ankle support is substantial enough to support you when you’re carrying a heavy pack. The midfoot is flexible enough to allow you to drive, maneuver difficult terrain, and move quickly. The newly updated Vasque Breeze boots (in men’s and women’s sizes) offer the comfort of a trail-running shoe with the ankle support of a hiking boot. We’ve tested the Vasque Breeze hiking boot many times over the past few years, and we’ve found its most recent iteration to be the best yet. Despite their clunkiness, they’re surprisingly comfortable on shorter hikes, too. That said, the Quests are fairly bulky, so they’re best for folks carrying heavy packs or kids on their back. Though the new Quests had a slightly longer break-in time than the previous model, they also had the widest toe box of any of the boots we tested that means the boot is likely to fit most foot shapes right out of the box. These boots also have a flexible midfoot plate, which makes flexing your foot a bit easier. This was already the best boot for those carrying heavy loads a minor upgrade to the old model adds to that sturdiness, with increased ankle and heel support for carrying weight. Thankfully, the Quest 4 Gore-Tex boots still have many of the features we loved in the previous version, including ample toe and heel protection, solid traction and support, breathable and waterproof materials, and a gusseted tongue. Material rises high on the ankle giving great protection from wet and mud, and everything in that area is anatomically shaped and cushioned, with the result being decent levels of comfort and no blisters on our walks.In 2021, Salomon updated its popular Quest boots from 3D to 4 (in men’s and women’s sizes). The lower section runs so smoothly that it's super easy to tighten and there's a locking eyelet at the flex zone between the foot and ankle so the fit you've dialled in at the bottom stays the fit throughout your walk. The lacing system is a highlight - it's one of the best we've used. The toe box gives the toes room to comfortably splay and the heel is effectively locked into the boot, reducing chances of blisters. We didn't find these quite as narrow as other Salomon footwear but you definitely need to size up from your usual size by at least half - best to try before you buy. Grip across other terrain like mud and loose gravel is nothing short of confidence inspiring. Salomon's Contagrip outsole has lacked grip on greasy rocks and tree roots in the past, but the version on the Quest 4D 3 seems rock solid (excuse the pun) easily competing with most other walking boots. The Ortholite insole is also fairly well cushioned and does the job, but for more customised foot support our advice is always to go for an aftermarket insole. Having said that the balance between stability and feeling lithe and bouncy is just fine, and fatigue doesn't set in prematurely purely because of the boots. They feel pretty neutral to walk in, there isn't the pronounced roll that you feel in some boots and they aren't quite as springy as some of the more lightweight offerings. They loosen up a tad but still retain an element of stiffness across the sole which helps them to work excellently in challenging terrain including scrambling. In use the Quest 4D 3 GTX feels a little stiff to start with - which is to be expected. What they do perfectly is strike a middle ground between build and weight, making them suitable for most walkers - in fact the only people that won't appreciate them are fast and light converts who go dancing around the hills in trail running shoes and dog walkers who are just looking for something waterproof. ![]()
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