
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.
#SALOMON QUEST 4D 3 GTX VS FORCES UPGRADE#
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. In 2021, Salomon updated its popular Quest boots from 3D to 4 (in men’s and women’s sizes).
