Here are Salomon's new Quest 4D hiking boots. Salomon based the design on their best selling running shoe, the XA Pro 3D. The family resemblance is unmistakable when I picked the boot up and realized it weighed about as much as a sneaker. Operators will appreciate the usual Gore-Tex lining when combined with a new shaped last that extends up around the foot for support and protection from rocky outcroppings found high up in the Afghan landscape.
The Quest boot comes in 2 colors, gray and orange. Yep, orange. They are a European company, after all. It didn't take long for the international SOF outfitter RPT Tactical in Virgina Beach to see the operator appeal. They shrewdly bought every single one of the non-ugly boots and should have them in stock in March below the $220 MSRP. A few more details and a full GearScout photo recon after the break.
The "4D" isn't referring to a 4th dimension set aside for feet. Or, in this case, narrow feet. The Quest does feel narrow and runs a 1/2 size small in the other dimensions. Salomon uses 4 layers underfoot- the sole, then some padding, a shaped frame for support, and another layer of padding for protection from rocks.
Pre-production samples of the boots are on tour and Salomon was kind enough to provide some colorful remarks from three of their deployed field testers. I suppose the profanity adds credibility, but we are a family publication so I used some
"Here are some pics from the trip. The quests hard at work. Everything i have said about them is absolutely true. Thanks again for letting me try these out. I have told everyone about them and we are just waiting on ADS get them. They are going to be key for me when i go on my trip. i have
Available from:
RPT Consulting
757-963-0742
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