Salomon Quest Prime GTX

£130 / 1314g (pair, size 11)

light weight; aggressive sole lugs; rubber rand at toe

small heel breast; less durable upper; soft toe box, soft sole flex

The weight of just 1314g a pair is competively light. The upper uses suede leather and synthetic fabric panels with lots of stitching, and there is a Gore-Tex waterproof lining. The toe has a rubber rand but is softer than others. The outsole has deep lugs but these are not as well-spaced as others and it lacks the deep heel breast of others. Lateral stiffness in the sole is good, but the flex is soft from toe to heel. 3/5

Men’s sizes are 6½–12½ and women’s are 3½8½. This boot provides a good general fit with no problems. The ankle cuff is higher than some others but still fits neatly. The lacing extends towards the toe so I was able to adjust this area to refine the fit. There was a little more space in the forefoot than some boots offer. 5/5

This boot is very lightweight and the upper is quite soft, as is the toe-to-heel flex – and this all helps the boot feel more comfortable. The drawback is that on rougher ground the foot has to do more work as the boot will distort more easily. The upper is softer than others around the toe box so again on rockier ground it may not be as comfy as some others. 3/5

This is a good boot on level ground, making it great for good paths over moors or mountains. But the sole and upper flex make it more tiring to wear on really rocky ground compared to stiffer boots. The outsole lugs are not quite as aggressive as some, so grip on muddy slopes is not quite the best. Durability of the upper may become an issue when used on rockier ground compared to one-piece leather designs. 3/5

The price is very good as you get a very usable boot, and while higher prices bring even better performance this is a good-value option. 5/5

The Quest Prime’s weight and comfort are appealing on easier terrain, but on rougher ground other boots 3.8/5 have benefits.