Boot recommendations please....

Heltrekker

Section Hiker
Anyone out there tried Salomon Quest 4d 3's? They get great reviews, but they're not the cheapest! I'm considering these as a replacement for my Salewa Mountain Trainers, which although very comfy with great ankle support, stripped out the soles too quickly this summer on hard surface and rocks (totally worn down on the heels after only 400km) and get too heavy in wet conditions with a full leather upper that soaks up water like a sponge. Any other recommendations would be welcome for a 3 season boot with decent ankle support.

Thanks guys
 

Shewie

Chief Slackpacker
Staff member
I really like my Salomon X Ultra Trek boots, they've done great for the last couple of years for 3/4 season stuff

I'll buy another pair when these are done
 

Whiteburn

Thru Hiker
I really like my Salomon X Ultra Trek boots, they've done great for the last couple of years for 3/4 season stuff
I'll buy another pair when these are done
I've used the Salomon X Ultra 3 Mids as shoulder season boot & can't fault them, not enough insulation for me in full on Scottish winter, comfort straight out of the box. I'd certainly buy the same again when they wear out.
 
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Robin

Moderator
Staff member
I’m another X Ultra user. Best boot I’ve found so far. Recently used Inov-8 Roclite 320s. Great boot. Very comfortable but leaked.
 

Balagan

Thru Hiker
I'd say the exact same about the X Ultra 3 Mids except for the fact that I also used them for snowshoeing without issues during a mild winter. I have a pair of Quest 4d's and they are very good (and a tiny bit more boot-like than the mids) but they've not seen a lot of use yet as they are sized for thick (real) winter socks. For 4d's, you want to ask @Gadget as he was a big user.
 
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Taz38

Thru Hiker
I have two pairs (bargain buys) and have walked many miles in them. For backpacking on rough terrain I prefer them to my trail shoes (salomon ultra) but they (obviously) seem heavy compared to the shoes. I get more support from the boots and keep feet dry.
 

Whiteburn

Thru Hiker
….. a 3 season boot with decent ankle support.
….. I get more support from the boots.....
The need for "ankle support" for walking/ backpacking is SOMETHING I JUST DON'T GET...….unless for medical reasons.
I've only damaged an ankle once in 50years & that was wearing high mountain boots (Sportiva Nepals) firmly laced up for climbing (normally I'd slacken off for walking) & 'went over'; I reckon the boots actually concentrated the damage rather that preventing it........5hrs hopping down the Ben in February:(
 

TinTin

Thru Hiker
I have a pair of Salomon Quest 4D GTX (earlier version) and have found them to be brilliant boots. In common with all GTX footwear they are quite warm and can get fairly sweaty. I've done a lot of miles in them and they are still don't leak in "normal" conditions but I have had them get pretty wet inside on very wet days when wearing waterproof trousers but no gaiters. I suspect the Goretex layer around the toe crease has broken. I still wear them for day hikes but I wouldn't set off for a multi day in them unless the weather was really set fair.

I need a big toe box and went a size up to accommodate wide feet and hiking socks. They were comfortable from day 1. Having said that I wore them up Ben Wyvis the other day, got very sweaty and my first blister for years, I suspect my feet have spread.

I'd go and try some on at a place where they take there time with fitting, I think you'll like them.

I recently bought a pair of Altberg Tethera (fitted at the factory shop in Richmond), very nice.

The Salomons, size 11 weigh about 750g each. The Altbergs 10.5 XW are about 820g each.
 

Taz38

Thru Hiker
The need for "ankle support" for walking/ backpacking is SOMETHING I JUST DON'T GET...….unless for medical reasons.

I really noticed the difference when switching from boots to shoes on hillwalks and backpacks. Im slowly getting used to wearing shoes by wearing them on all my day walks or short backpacking trips.
I have to be careful as my joints can be quite sensitive due to hormonal changes.

The salomon give support but are not super heavy. I wear dexshell socks and sometimes gaiters to keep feet dry, the liner is no longer "waterproof".
 

Teepee

Thru Hiker
I've been in boots again for a few years. I cant do the wet feet trainers thing anymore, they start falling apart.
Scarpa Marmolada Pro OD's have kept my wide feet mostly dry ( except in wet snow, where they stop breathing) when wading all day in bog.
Although I like them and the last pair have stayed leak free for 200 days use, the liner is wearing thin already and the soles certainly wont do 2000 miles like my old Scarpa sl's did.
 

Robert P

Thru Hiker
I'm another who uses the X Ultra Mids. Light, good grip, and the membrane seems to last a bit longer than some footwear. I'm happy to use them in winter, but then again I'm not sure I've ever had issues with cold feet when walking.
Keen footwear fit my feet well, and I've got some Feldbergs quite cheaply. Not quite as light, but as an all-leather option I have more confidence that they'll have longer functional water resistance.
 

Heltrekker

Section Hiker
The need for "ankle support" for walking/ backpacking is SOMETHING I JUST DON'T GET...….unless for medical reasons.
I've only damaged an ankle once in 50years & that was wearing high mountain boots (Sportiva Nepals) firmly laced up for climbing (normally I'd slacken off for walking) & 'went over'; I reckon the boots actually concentrated the damage rather that preventing it........5hrs hopping down the Ben in February:(
I think it's down to the individual. I know many people leap gazelle like from rock to rock in lightweight shoes, but I've cockled over on my ankle that many times in loose scree that I abandoned the trainer style and went back to boots some years ago. Maybe I need to work on my walking technique....;)
 

Heltrekker

Section Hiker
I've just tried on a few different models of Salomon in our local uber-pricey sports shops and was impressed with the overall feel, very comfy straight away in a decent sock for pretty much all varieties. I was moved towards the X Ultra Trek for being a bit lighter, but spotted a pair of X-Alps on the interweb at Hardloop.fr for the princely sum of 103.97€ with a discount code from Google.fr - irresistable at that price and a lovely shade of blue (won't stay that colour for long in our local yellow clay!) Thanks everyone for the help, will let you know how I get on with them. :happy:
 
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