This April, I tested the Salomon Quest 5 GTX for the full 11.4 miles18.35 km from Altendorf to Neumannmühle, with a 26 lb11.8 kg pack and enough climbing and descending to make fit, support, and heat show up properly.
By the later descents, I had a clear read on it: stable, protective, and dry, but warmer than I’d want for an easy summer loop.
More on how this boot performed in the Salomon Quest 5 review below.
Quick Verdict – 4.6/5
The Salomon Quest 5 GTX
The Quest 5 GTX is a proper backpacking boot, in the good and slightly inconvenient ways. It gives you ankle support, a steady platform, a protective upper, and enough traction to stay composed on wet dirt, sandstone steps, roots, and loose trail. I trusted it most when the ground got rough and my foot placement stopped looking tidy.
I would take it again on a loaded route like Stage 4 of the Malerweg. I would not grab it for a hot, dry, quick day hike. That is the line for me. If the trail is wet, rocky, long, or pack-heavy, the Quest earns its weight. If the trail is smooth and fast, I’d rather wear a lighter option.
Highlights
| Feature | Salomon Quest 5 GTX |
|---|---|
| Weight | Weight 1 lb 5 oz585 g per boot; about 2 lb 9 oz1,170 g per pair. Heavy next to hiking shoes, fair for a waterproof backpacking boot with this much structure. |
| Water Resistance | Waterproof GORE-TEX membrane with a gusseted tongue; kept feet dry through wet grass, shallow puddles, muddy forest trail, and light rain during testing. |
| Traction | All Terrain Contagrip rubber outsole; official lug depth is not clearly published. The lug pattern felt secure on wet dirt, gravel, roots, and rough sandstone, but packed with sticky clay. |
| Comfort | EnergyCell EVA midsole, molded OrthoLite insole, 34 mm heel stack, 22 mm forefoot stack, and 12 mm drop. Firm underfoot, protective on rock and steps, not plush like a Hoka-style boot. |
| Adjustability | Traditional lacing with SensiFIT wrap through the midfoot. Heel lock was good after one retie; lace tension can be adjusted separately through the forefoot, midfoot, and upper hooks. |
| Breathability | Textile lining under a GORE-TEX membrane, with nubuck leather and ripstop fabric through the upper. Breathes well enough for a waterproof hiking boot, but runs warm on climbs and hot-weather hikes. |
| Durability | Nubuck leather, ripstop fabric, protective mudguard, protective toecap, and 4D Advanced Chassis. After the Malerweg test, scuffing stayed light, with no visible outsole separation or stitching damage. |
| Arch Support | Stable platform with 4D Advanced Chassis and molded OrthoLite insole. Better for hikers who want structure under a pack than for those who prefer a soft, flexible trail shoe feel. |
| Toe Protection | Protective toecap and mudguard wrap the front and lower sides of the boot. Handled repeated hits against sandstone steps and exposed roots without pressing into the toe box. |
PROS
CONS
Things We Tested When Reviewing The Salomon Quest 5 GTX
Traction
The outsole in the Quest 5 GTX hiking boot is All Terrain Contagrip rubber, with a lug pattern built for mixed ground rather than deep mud alone. On trail, the lug shape felt moderately deep: enough bite for wet dirt and forest trail, but not the kind of aggressive mud tread I’d want for deep clay all day.
The Quest 5 handled packed dirt with loose grit especially well. I could feel the surface shift under the boot, but the sole did not slide sideways or twist under my foot. Wet sandstone needed more attention. Rough stone felt secure. Smooth, worn steps were slicker, especially where damp leaves had collected.
Mud was decent until it got thick. On a normal, wet forest trail, the tread bit well and released cleanly enough. In sticky clay, soil started packing around the heel and outer channels. I knocked the boots clean twice during the hike. Overall, traction is one of the stronger parts of the Quest 5 GTX.
Durability
The Quest 5 starts to separate itself from lighter mids in the upper. It feels built for trail abuse, not just comfortable try-ons in a store. The nubuck leather gives structure around the high-wear areas, while the ripstop fabric keeps the boot from drifting into full old-school trek boot territory.
After 11.4 miles18.35 km on the Malerweg, I checked the toe cap, flex points, lace hardware, heel, and sidewall around the mudguard. The early wear signs were minor: light scuffing across the outer toe, dust pressed into the mudguard, faint creasing where the boot flexed, and no visible separation around the outsole.
The protective toecap earned its place on the sandstone steps. I clipped the front of the boot against rock edges and exposed roots more than once, and the upper absorbed those hits without folding into the toe box. The mudguard also helped when the trail turned wet and gritty, keeping the lower fabric away from the worst abrasion.
I would still watch the outsole bond and flex zones after 100 miles,160 km, especially if your regular terrain is sharp rock or soaked trail. Based on this day of testing, Quest 5 remains sturdier than most softer mid GTX boots.
Comfort
The Quest 5 is comfortable for what it is. The EnergyCell EVA midsole, with a molded OrthoLite insole sitting above it, felt protective on sandstone steps, but it never turned wobbly.
The first mile felt firm and controlled. Not harsh, but definitely boot-like. The midsole took the sting out of rocky forest trail, especially on the later descents. I liked that on angled sections, where too much softness can make a boot feel unstable.
Heel hold was one of the better parts of the fit. The heel cup kept my rearfoot secure on climbs and during steep descents, with no major lift after I adjusted the laces. Comfort improved after about four miles.six kilometers The upper softened, the flex point felt less box-fresh, and the boot started moving more naturally.
The Quest model is known for mixing backpacking support with a more athletic walking feel. That still comes through here. The new Quest 5 does not feel minimal, but it avoids the dead, blocky feel I usually dislike in heavier boots.
Weight
At about 1 lb 5 oz595 g per boot, the Quest 5 sits firmly in backpacking boot territory. It is not trying to compete with low hiking shoes or trail running footwear.
On the Malerweg, the weight felt reasonable with a 26 lb11.8 kg pack. I noticed the structure when stepping down sandstone stairs, edging through rooty forest trail, and descending late in the day with tired legs. On a casual day hike, the same weight would feel excessive.
If your route is dry, short, and smooth, a lighter GTX mid or low shoe will feel better. Even 4 ounces113 grams per foot starts to show up when you want to move quickly. This is where this Quest becomes a use-case question. The boot is light enough for a backpacker who wants stability. It is heavy for a hiker who wants speed.
If I were carrying overnight gear on wet trails, I’d accept the weight. If I were hiking a dry six-mile10-km loop with a small pack, I’d reach for the Salomon X Ultra 5 or another lighter model.
Waterproofing
The waterproofing comes from a GORE-TEX membrane, not a surface coating. That helps explain why the boot felt reliable through wet grass and standing water around the trail edges. The bellows tongue also helped keep water and debris from sneaking in through the front of the boot.
The collar height helps, though it has limits. Step into water above the collar and the boot will fill from the top. For normal wet trail use, the GORE-TEX liner blocks rain, mud splash, damp vegetation, and shallow standing water well. That is the kind of waterproof GORE-TEX build I want when the forecast looks uncertain.
The warm build showed up on the climb after Ostrauer Mühle. My feet ran warmer than they would in a non-waterproof boot. In cold rain, wet grass, muddy fall routes, and mixed mountain weather, I’ll take feet dry over airy and damp. It is one of those waterproof boots that feels right in bad weather and too much in heat.
Support
Support is the reason this boot exists. The Quest feels most at home when the trail gets uneven and the pack gets heavier. The ankle collar, midsole firmness, chassis, and secure lacing all work together to keep the foot centered.
With 34 mm under the heel, 22 mm under the forefoot, and a 12 mm drop, the Quest 5 feels more like a controlled backpacking boot than a flexible trail shoe. That gave me support and stability on roots, sandstone slabs, and narrow sidehill sections.
This rugged boot does not twist easily, which helped when the trail surface tilted or broke into uneven terrain. I felt the ankle support most on each descent, where the pack pulled me forward and the boot kept my heel and midfoot from drifting.
No boot replaces strength or balance, but this one reduces the loose feeling I get in low-cut hiking shoes when I’m tired and carrying a heavy load. For long days with overnight gear, that is the main reason I would choose it.
Breathability
Breathability is fine for a waterproof boot and limited compared with a mesh option. The build explains most of it: GORE-TEX membrane, textile lining, nubuck leather, and ripstop fabric. That combination protects well against wet trail, but it does not move air like open mesh.
On cool trail, I barely thought about it. On warmer climbs, I noticed heat building around the forefoot. In dry summer weather, I would rather use lighter hiking shoes unless I needed the protection.
Sock choice changed the feel. A lightweight merino hiking sock worked well on the Malerweg. A thicker sock would help with volume, but it would also make the boot warmer. If your feet run hot, test sock combinations before taking this boot on a long route.
Fit and Sizing
The Salomon Quest 5 GTX fit true to size in length for me, with a secure midfoot and a slightly roomier forefoot than I expected from Salomon. It is still a regular-width hiking boot, not a foot-shaped shoe.
The SensiFIT wrap helped once I found the right lace tension. I could lock the midfoot without over-tightening the upper cuff, which helped on descents. A sloppy fit on this trail would have turned quickly into toe bang.
The molded OrthoLite insole gives the footbed a familiar, slightly cushioned feel without making the boot sloppy. I kept the stock insole in for testing, and it worked fine for my foot. If you use custom insoles, check volume before committing, because the boot already has a fairly secure midfoot.
The toe box had enough room for normal swelling after 11.4 miles.18.35 km. It will not feel like an Altra-style forefoot, but it did not crush my toes on downhill sections. If you use thick socks or often hit your toes on descents, try a half size up.
How the Salomon Quest 5 Compares to Other Products
Salomon Quest 5 vs Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX
The Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid GTX is the one I’d consider if I wanted to stay in the Salomon family but cut weight. At about 16 oz454 g per boot with an 11 mm drop, it suits quicker single-day hikes better than loaded backpacking.
The Quest 5 gives you more boot around the ankle, a firmer platform, and better control when a pack starts pulling you forward on descents. On the Malerweg, with wet sandstone steps, roots, and a 20+ lb10+ kg pack, I’d pick the Quest. For a dry six-mile10-km loop with a light pack, I’d take the X Ultra.
We covered the Salomon X Ultra 5 Mid and the 5 Low in a single review. Check it out here for more.
Salomon Quest 5 vs Hoka Kaha 3 GTX
The Hoka Kaha 3 GTX goes in a softer direction. It weighs about 20 oz,567 g, has a 7 mm drop, uses Vibram Megagrip with 4 mm lugs, and feels more cushioned than the Salomon Quest. That extra softness can feel great on long, hard-packed trail, especially if your knees prefer a smoother landing.
The Quest feels firmer and more controlled under a pack. I would pick the Hoka for comfort-first hiking and rolling terrain. Quest works best for rougher trails where edging, ankle support, and a more locked-in platform feel more important.
Salomon Quest 5 vs Lowa Renegade Evo GTX Mid
The Lowa Renegade Evo GTX Mid feels more like the classic all-day hiking boot in this comparison. It has a nubuck leather upper, GORE-TEX lining, Vibram Rene Trac outsole, Double Injection DuraPU/DynaPU midsole, and comes in around 20.8 oz590 g per boot.
On trail, the Lowa suits hikers who want a familiar, steady boot for regular day hikes and mixed paths. The Quest is a little more athletic and more willing to carry weight over rough ground. I’d take the Quest for wetter, rougher backpacking miles where the pack is doing its best to ruin your posture.
Salomon Quest 5 vs Quest 4
Quest 5 vs Quest 4 comes down to fit and trail feel. The Quest 4 built its reputation on support, waterproofing, and a locked-in feel under a pack. The Quest 5 keeps that same backpacking role, but it feels a little more modern: smoother through the stride, slightly roomier up front, and less blocky on longer descents.
I would choose the Quest 5 in 2026 if buying new. If you already own the Quest 4 and love the fit, there is no urgent reason to switch unless the sole is worn or the upper has softened too much.
For more info, read our Salomon Quest 4 GTX review.
Where the Quest 5 GTX Performs Best
The Quest 5 GTX felt most useful when the trail stopped being tidy. Wet forest dirt, broken sandstone, roots, loose gravel, and muddy sections all gave the boot a reason to exist. On smoother stretches, I noticed the weight more. Once the trail tilted or got sloppy, the support started paying me back.
I liked it most with a pack on. The boot kept my heel seated on descents, and the midfoot stayed controlled when I stepped across angled rock or rooty side trail. That is where a lighter shoe can start to feel thin, especially late in the day when your steps get less precise.
I would use the Quest 5 GTX for shoulder-season backpacking, wet overnight routes, rocky national park trails, and cooler mountain hikes. It has enough protection for long days without feeling like a stiff mountaineering boot. For dry summer loops, I’d reach for something lighter.
Where the Quest 5 GTX Falls Short in Performance
The Quest 5 GTX is easy to overboot. On a dry, mellow trail, I noticed the weight before I noticed the support. The waterproof build also runs warm once the pace picks up, which lines up with the boot’s GORE-TEX, nubuck leather, and ripstop fabric construction. Great in wet weather. Less pleasant in heat.
It also does not give much ground feel. The 4D Advanced Chassis and protective upper keep the boot stable under a pack, but they reduce flex. That helped on uneven trail, but on smoother sections it made the boot feel firmer than I wanted.
Fit is the other thing I would watch. The Quest line has changed enough over time that I would not replace a worn Quest 4 blindly. Try the Quest 5 with your usual hiking socks and walk downhill before deciding.
Is the Salomon Quest 5 GTX Worth It in 2026?
If your hikes regularly involve wet ground, rough trail, or a pack heavy enough to make lighter footwear feel underbuilt, the Quest 5 has the right pieces for that job: GORE-TEX protection, a firm 4D Advanced Chassis, and an All Terrain Contagrip outsole. It gave me the most confidence on descents, where the boot kept my heel seated and the platform stayed steady under load.
I would not buy it as a casual summer hiking boot. On short, dry routes, the weight and warmer upper are more than I want. But for backpacking, wet shoulder-season miles, rocky trails, and long days with a pack, I think the Quest 5 is easy to recommend.
After Stage 4 of the Malerweg, I would use it again without hesitation for a wet overnight route or a rocky hike with weight on my back.
Where To Get It?
| WHERE TO BUY? | MEN | WOMEN |
| Amazon | See Pricing» | N/A* |
| Backcountry | See Pricing» | N/A* |
| REI | See Pricing» | N/A* |
| Salomon US | See Pricing» | N/A* |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. This is where the boot is strongest. The structure, ankle support, outsole, and waterproofing all point toward loaded hiking.
No. The Salomon Quest 5 GTX comes in a regular-width fit, not a true wide version. It felt a little roomier in the forefoot than older Quest boots, but wide-foot hikers should still try it on before buying, especially with thicker hiking socks.
Why can’t you find the Salomon Quest 5 in the US? Simply put, Salomon’s parent company (Amer Sports) is currently restructuring its global inventory.
According to their 2026 financial strategies, the brand is deliberately reducing wholesale inventory in the US and focusing on high-margin, fast-selling trail runners. Because the Quest 5 is a heavy-duty boot built to last for years, it doesn’t fit the rapid-turnover model Salomon is currently pushing in the North American market.
Until their US Direct-to-Consumer stock catches up, your best bet is sourcing them from European retailers.
Prices in this article are approximate and updated annually. Check the retailer for current rates.
