Boot Review
Contributors to this thread:Elk
From: DONK
30-Jun-18
The pair on the left is from 2012, center pair 2014ish, and the new version
The pair on the left is from 2012, center pair 2014ish, and the new version
Since Elk Season is about two months out, I thought I would offer a review of a couple of boots I have been wearing. This seems to be the time of year when there are about five different threads for “Elk Hunting Boots.” Boots are a very subjective topic, and everyone’s feet are different. These are my experiences, and your feet may not like the same boots as my feet. If I say something is great, that means it’s great for me. You may have a very different experience. The main two boots I will be reviewing are the Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX. This is the updated Quest 4D that was released this spring. I will also be reviewing the Cabela’s Meindl Ultralight Uninsulated Hunter. The Salomon is a hiking boot, and the Meindl is a traditional taller hunting boot. I used both these boots throughout the spring for a two-week firearms course, an Idaho bear hunt, and for training hikes. I used the SOLE aftermarket insoles in both boots. The factory insoles in booth boots are OK, but I use aftermarket insoles in all my shoes due to high arches. First, I will start with the Salomon Quest 4D 3 GTX. I will start by saying I like these boots and these are my third pair of the Quest 4D. These are a great boot that balances support and flexibility. They are a good boot for covering ground, and they handle heavy packs well. They are stiffer than boots like the Merrell Moab but not nearly as still as the mountaineering-type boots. These boots are a favorite among hikers, military personnel, and hunters. The new sole on version 3 seems to be a little softer and tends to grip a little better than the previous version.
From: DONK
30-Jun-18
Basically 1 pound 14 ounces with insole (Size 14)
Basically 1 pound 14 ounces with insole (Size 14)
DONK's Link
It seems that companies are always trying to find ways to shave ounces of boots. This is a good thing. Rob Shaul over a Mountain Tactical Institute has a study on his webpage that talks about boot weight. Basically, he states 1 pound on your feet is equal to 5 pounds on your back. See link below.
I have never looked at the numbers. But I know this. I did a long hike last year in Idaho in heavy pac boots. Never again. I think we can all agree light boots are nice. I have posted the weight of both boots together for comparison below.
From: DONK
30-Jun-18
I like these boots, and the latest version is very nice. These boots can handle pretty much anything you throw are them in the early season or for spring bear hunts. The boots fit great and have enough volume to allow for pretty much any aftermarket insole. They have performed very well and have not leaked. From my previous experiences with the Quests I estimate they will not leak this year or in 2019. In 2020 they will most likely begin to leak. This is based on my experience with previous models. I think this is acceptable. Where I do my training hikes, there is a lot of sand and gravel. I am sure this contributed to the boots beginning to leak. A boot flexes thousands of times a day, for several hundred days a year. At some point, I think they will all fail. The pro’s -Almost no break-in -Comfortable middle of the road flex and support - Easy to find and readily available - Can handle most aftermarket insoles The con’s -The only one I can think of is sizing. I wear a 13 in most boots and had to order 14. This seems to be a common theme with Salomon.
From: DONK
30-Jun-18
Within a couple of ounces of the Salomon's at about two pounds.
Within a couple of ounces of the Salomon's at about two pounds.
The Cabela’s Meindl Ultralight Uninsulated Hunter is another great boot if you prefer the more traditional height hunting boots. I have had two pairs of the Meindle Ultralights. One pair is an 800 gram insulated version I use for the late season. They are a great late season boot. This is my second pair of the Meindl Ultralight Uninsulated version. The first pair I had separated near the toe during the first six months of use. Looked like they did not use enough glue to bond the sole. (Always keep your receipt on Cabela’s footwear, they have a lifetime warranty). The second pair has been great. Even though they are a taller boot, they weight close to the Salomon’s. The ankle support is top notch, and you can feel the support all the way up to the top of the boots. The sole on this boot is softer than the Quest 4D, and you can feel more rocks underfoot. This could be great in forest areas, maybe not so great on rocky terrain. I would describe this sole as having a lot of bounce. This boot is extremely comfortable! Both the insulated and uninsulated versions have a very roomy toe box. At first, they seemed almost to lose around the toes. But after wearing them, I really like this feature. I usually prefer hiking boots, but the taller boots do an excellent job of keeping debris out of your socks. I really liked this about the taller boots. If you want the taller hunting boots, I would suggest you give these a try. I think they are a little more boot that some of the other traditional options on the market. Pro’s -Cabela’s Warranty -Very Comfortable -Can handle any aftermarket insoles -Great all-around boot Con’s -Sole may be too soft for some terrains
From: Lost Arra
30-Jun-18
Thanks for the review and photos