Salomon Quest 5
Being featured in a top boot list suggests consistent positive experiences and solid performance across various conditions.
Consolidated from 26 cited sources across 19 outlets
Where the cited sources landed, as we read them
- 1 enthusiastic source
- 14 positive sources
- 10 neutral sources
1 of 10 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick.
Older model lacks the same waterproofing and has higher failure rates in long-term use.
Flagged 27 July 2026
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Pros & cons
- ✓ Sturdy build
- ✓ Good ankle support
- ✓ Best overall backpacking boot for weight-to-support ratio
- ✓ GORE-TEX locking laces
- ✓ Comfortable fit
- ✗ Higher failure rate over time
- ✗ No Gore-Tex waterproofing
The sources behind this ranking
We searched the web and YouTube for what has been published about this product, then read the articles, video transcripts and comments we found.
Evidence 18 articles, 7 video reviews and 1 community source
14 positive sources
The Salomon Quest 5 Gore-Tex offers an outstandingly great blend of weight to ankle support. They're heavier and bulkier than lightweight hiking boots, but the stability and overall ankle protection make them a top option for anyone who has suffered ankle sprains or other ankle injuries.Read T
So, we're now on the fifth version of the Quest, and it's staying true to those roots, that comfortable, good, stable boot, but making some improvements as well. So, what we're going to do is talk about the fabrics and materials first, then we'll get into some of the features as well.Watch P
The Salomon Quest 5 GORE-TEX® Hiking Boot is for those who want confidence and comfort with every step, no matter how long the journey. They are fully waterproof and breathable with a GORE-TEX® membrane, ready to take you on for multi-day adventures in varying conditions.Read T
And in terms of slight manufacturing design changes, as well as kind of aesthetic changes, as well, you've actually reduced the weight of the Salomon Quest 5 by 10% to the Quest 4, so you've got a lighter weight boot, which is perfect for multi-day treks, obviously when you're carrying a heavier load.Watch W
The Salomon Quest 5 boasts excellent foot and ankle protection. Thanks to moderately sturdy ankle collars and good torsional rigidity (resistance to twisting) in the soles, it provides more ankle support than most hiking boots.Read С
All these seemingly small details allowed the Quest 5 to lose more than fifty grams, and now weigh less than 600 g per shoe. And these are already numbers that a reliable and durable boot can be proud of.Watch G
While some boots offer either stability underfoot or strong ankle support, the Quest 5 delivers both, making it our top recommendation for anyone who's suffered from an ankle injury or is new to hiking through rugged terrain.Read M
But, if you want comfort, protection, and serious support, my overall score for the Quest 5 is an 8.7 out of 10.Watch O
Yes. This is where the boot is strongest. The structure, ankle support, outsole, and waterproofing all point toward loaded hiking.Read S
Uh, I think it's more true to my real size of my shoe. Um, they are also feel immediately comfortable, whereas the Quest 4 didn't for some reason. I don't quite understand what they altered, but I think they perhaps have gone back to a maybe their Quest 3 design internally. Um, so it comes in one color, sort of green and black. Uh, this is at 200 on uh Salomon's website. They came very quickly.Watch G
Compare the Quest 5 to other boots in our guide to the Best Hiking Boots.Read M
Quest 4 Comfort: 3 out of 5; Quest 5 Comfort: 4 out of 5; Winner: Quest 5Read T
If you’re going deep into the mountains or carrying weight—this wins.Read B
Best Hiking Boots for Ankle Support: Salomon Quest 5 GTXRead
10 neutral sources
Should you buy it? The Gore-Tex membrane is waterproof, but the breathability isn't the best on hot summer trails. After a few hours on warmer days, our feet started to heat up. Still, they're not any warmer than other leather boots, and they're often lighter, and the support is truly outstanding.Read M
But, there's still two comfort limits with this boot. One is the tongue. It's improved, but it could use a little bit more padding, especially on steeper descents. It really can dig into the top of your foot. And the other is the ride feel. I measured the heel-to-toe drop at 12 mm, which is high, but normal for a traditional backpacking boot.Watch M
The biggest drawback for wide-footed hikers is that there is no official wide-width option. The regular fit tends to run large, to those who are looking for a wider fit, I would actually not recommend moving a half size down but sticking with the normal size that tends to run slightly large.Read Y
Pros Higher collar to keep grit and trail debris out Available in a wide version Roomy toe box Great traction and grip Cons Not particularly breathable Some reviewers say it runs wideRead T THRYV THRYV · reviewer
Testers repeatedly flag heat build-up — the Quest 5 runs hot in warm weather and the Kaha 3's breathability is limited.Read M
Overall, the Quest 5 up this game when it comes to stability and support making it the top Salomon backpacking boots.Read H r/Hiking_Footwear_Info u/Financial_Ad_8565 · owner
But after wearing it for 3month indoor to test, breaking in made it feel very comfy. I mean, obviously haha.Read thread S
What we like: A heavy-duty and supportive boot ready to tackle demanding backpacking trips.Read S
What we like: Tough, protective, and supportive yet comfortable; excellent lacing system.Read B
Excellent support and stability for heavy packs and rugged terrain.Read
Frequently asked questions
It ranks #2 (S tier) on our consolidated hiking boots board, drawn from 26 cited sources across 19 outlets.
Higher failure rate over time. No Gore-Tex waterproofing.
Ranked nearby in Hiking Boots
S tier #1 Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX
S tier #3 La Sportiva TX Hike GTX
A tier #4 Salomon Quest Gore-Tex
A tier #5 Merrell Moab 3 Mid GTX
B tier #6 Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof
B tier #7 Scarpa Terra GTX
C tier #9 Altra Lone Peak Hiker 3
D tier #10 Hanwag Blueridge ES
D tier #11 Merrell Moab 3
F tier #12 5 of 6 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick.