Are Salomon Quest Element GTX Hiking Shoes Still High Quality?
The Salomon brand is one that many hikers have turned to over the years, so the Salomon Quest Element GTX Hiking Shoes are sure to catch the interest of a lot of prospective buyers.
The design looks great, with plenty of helpful features in a casual high-rise boot. There are also high expectations due to the materials used.
So, does it do enough to meet those expectations, or could it do more to provide comfort and protection for avid hikers?
Check Price and Availability Here
The Pros And Cons Of This Salomon Quest Element GTX Hiking Shoe.
Pros:
- Waterproofing from the combination of the leather and membrane inside.
- Some high-end components with the Gore-Tex, nubuck leather, and Contragrip TD sole.
- Comfort comes from the EnergyCell padded midsole and Ortholite insole.
- A padded high-rise fit for extra support and comfort.
- A nice selection of colours to choose from for a more vibrant look.
Cons:
- Heavier than some of the other shoes in their range.
- Some find that the weatherproofing elements wear off over time.
- There is a sense that Salomon has dropped in quality recently.
The Salomon Quest Element GTX Hiking Shoes Have Some Great Components For Comfort And Protection.
One of the most important selling points of this boot is the use of high-quality materials and components throughout. To start with, there is nubuck leather on the uppers to provide better structure and protection from the weather and rough terrain.
This looks great, especially with the different colour options available. You can go for a model with a brighter pop of colour to stand out, or stick with a more muted tone.
Further protection and support for bad weather come from the use of the Gore-Tex membrane and the Contragrip TD sole.
The former is pretty good for keeping the worst of the rain out and offering protection from puddles. It is also a better quality than membranes found in cheaper shoes.
The Contragrip sole also has a good enough tread to handle slippery ground and gravel if the paths get a little weather-beaten.
As for the comfort features, this shoe uses a nice dual system with the EnergyCell padded midsole and Ortholite insole.
This should ensure greater contouring and cushioning where it counts across the foot, allowing for less fatigue and blistering on longer walks.
Users also like the padding and support around the ankle of the high-rise design and the overall fit around the foot.
There are no comments about the shoes rubbing, or much need to break them in out of the box. This suggests you should be able to hit the trails almost straight away.
There Are Some Complaints About The Quality Of The Salomon Quest Element Shoe And The Brand More Generally.
One thing we need to be aware of when dealing with Salomon shoes is that some users are less than impressed with the quality.
There was a time when the brand was highly recommended for its long-lasting and well-made shoes. However, there are reviewers here saying they noticed a difference straight out of the box.
They feel a little cheaper and there is the fear that they won’t last as long as previous models. This concern is backed up by comments about the weatherproofing diminishing with time, and about the thickness of the sole.
Aside from that, most wearers are happy with the shoes while wearing them and can’t complain too much about the features offered.
This model is heavier than others in the range, most likely because of the leather and the high-rise shape, but it doesn’t seem to be uncomfortably heavy over long walks.
Should You Still Get These Salomon High-Rise Hiking Boots With These Factors In Mind?
As long as you are prepared for these shoes to not last as long as others, there isn’t too much to worry about.
Some wearers say they would rather have a pair of these for a shorter period than normal than switch to another brand. This shows that the quality is still there where it counts, with comfort, support, and basic protection.
The Salomon walking boots look great, feel great, and are still a hit even if they aren’t as durable as before.
Find more reviews about the Salomon Quest Element GTX Hiking Shoes on Amazon here.
