I'm definitely a Salomon fanboy after trying the Quest 4 GTX for this year. Up here in northern Canada there is almost no such thing as a dry trail so I prefer a waterproof boot otherwise my feet would be soaked most of the day. There was no break in at all, I think I did close to 20km on the first trip through rugged terrain and my feet were dry and very comfortable all day. Nothing feels better on my feet. After spring, summer and now fall they've been a long ways and are still perfect. Will definitely be sticking with Salomon from now on.
@@NikhilNaik22N I did a couple hikes just below freezing. Warmth wise they're fine if you're moving. Traction wise they aren't very good on frozen ground. For real cold you would have to run pretty hot to be comfortable in them since they're not insulated.
The Salomon Quest 4D GTX are my hands down best choice for a tactical boot with perfect fit and features they also look really good, they should never stop making them..
Interesting comment about the break in. I have the exact same boots and had a different experience. I had them for a few months but it wasn’t until I wore them for multiple days in a row all day over a long weekend that finally broke in for me. Love them now, but at first didn’t. Again, just my experience. Glad it was instant for you. Never a bad thing.
I have the exact same boots. I have found that eventually the sole will become separated form the bottom of the shoe. Love those boots with the quick lace is awesome. great video
I have two pair of Salomon boots with the quick lace system and I can tell you that you definitely can not use bankline or paracord in place of their proprietary quick laces. The eyelets are very small and will not allow any cordage to pass through. They are also expensive to replace which I had to do twice on boot pairs. They are very good boots but I'm not a fan of the quick laces, if they break in the field like what happened to me you're screwed.
G'day Aaron, FYI; Saloman have a decent following here. I like these in particular for the reasons you've mentioned + not much to hang up on underbrush. Not cheap here, but not too outta line price wise for a good pair of multi use footwear. Cheers Duke.
The Salomon "tactical" boots are literally just subdued/full earth tone colored versions of their parent models. Loved my Quest 4D GTX Forces (even though they're a half size too small and have a tolerable pressure point on the inboard top side of my right foot). Looking to replace them with the XA Forces Mid GTX after 6+ years, including duty use. I will say, I have extremely low arches and I haven't ever needed an orthotic with any Salomon boots, so conversely if you have a particularly high arch these might not be right for you. Salomon has never let me down in the military, law enforcement, or EMS.
Just ordered my first pair...I work on my feet 10 hours a day and have been looking for a comfortable work boot. Heard good things about these boots so I'm looking forward to seeing how they hold up.
That’s all I buy are the tactical boots now because they’re more durable than all the other ones. The only issue is the rubber compound is really soft and it wears out quick but I don’t mind I love him.
Cool Video 👍 Thank U for the Info and the Links 👍 Bought them (GTX) love them 👍 Cause they have the same secure Features like a heavy Haix or Meindl Secure Boot
Since 2017 I have done all my hikes back home and treks in Nepal & Aconcagua with the Forces XA 3 MID GTX boots. I know my size, no break-in time, perfect.
Wish they made wide versions of literally any shoe Id be interested in.... and over the last couple years I've been hearing lots of reports of QC and product quality in general just not being what it used to be with newer pairs lasting less than half the time for the same version as older ones.
You beat me to the punch on this one. I'm a 4e width with a narrow heal. Just try and find ANY kind of footwear to fit. Impossible. I recently bought a how-to video on lastless boot making. I think custom is the only way to get good footwear, these days.
God bless you for having the ability to just put on a new pair of boots & going for a 10 mile hike ...... Theres no such thing un my world. I have to break boots in for a month or 2 before I can wear them all day.
Nothing mentioned in this video is specific to the tactical version of Salomon… all the pros equally applied to the regular XA with even better ventilation and lighter weight..
I could see myself get a pair of those for wildlife photography. No screaming orange, blue, red og yellow accents to make you stand out and they take a beating.
I have those in goretex lo. I've used them for trekking, in rain, and for work for about a year. It's not as comfortable as lowas but they're way more durable and significantly cheaper. However, my previous goretex salomons let in moisture when immersed in mud. These haven't yet.
I've used the salomon speed assault on a longer trip off-trail. First time using more of a trail runner and they worked great, felt lighter and had more energy to push through at the end of the day. Dried up quickly, lots of small cold streams to cross. Having to walk in wet shoes and socks isn't fun but you get used to it and I had no problem with blisters. But they don't really agree with my feet (arch) so not sure I can used them anymore. Had to take out the inner soles in the first day so walked the rest without them.
If you ever get a few hundred spare dollars to try a pair of Lowa hiking boots, I'd like to hear what you have to say about them after a hike. I'd trust your opinion.
I require prescription orthotics. I’m always looking for boots / shoes that can allow me to use my inserts and have strong stability in my footwear. I’ll try these on, because my Irish Setter Boots are made in China 🇨🇳. They’re good, but cheap.
Thanks for the review And videos as always i wonder how they will do long term, I have a pair of Salomon’s I have worn for many a hike, been looking for a new pair of something but just been hesitant to buy a pair of something worse because of the amazing experience I had with my current pair… these may be the ones
I've got the Nova 2's goretex and would agree with GT, they are not as heavy duty construction, still an awesome pair of boots, these salomans look a bit more beefier
Got a side question for you. What quick drying pants would you recommend for hiking? Would like them to have plenty of pockets and room for gear and be durable as well. I don't want to worry about rips in the field. The pant also can't be too heavy since I'm in the South, Louisiana swamp area East Texas maybe Mississippi too.
Anyone know the difference between XA FORCES MID GTX and XA FORCES MID Gore-tex EN. Or are they the same? I cannot find what "EN" means when I google it.
The new EN designation means that the soles on these boots have been tested and certified to be slip/oil resistant, puncture resistant (outsole), and have antistatic properties.
Cool review! Off the shoe subject, but what pack are you carrying the 45lbs in? Also what is the pouch set up on your chest? Thanks for doing what you do Brother!
The pack I was using is an osprey rook 65 I will be doing a video on in the next few weeks. The chess pack was a van quest dendrite waist pack that is easily modified for your chest.
In the end, tactical boots should be a step over hiking boot in my idea because of the use of them being military and paramilitary.. Don't want them having blisters every 3hours in every deployment.
2 things: 1- What color are these, they look like the green. 2- You stowed the laces wrong in the 'garage', it is actually easier than you made it look. After cinching the laches in place, hold the rubber piece at the top of the excess laces and roll it down toward the boot with the excess laces rolling up around it. When you are done, you should have the rubber piece at the 'garage' with the laces covering the rubber (twisted around it) and then you just push that small wad in the 'garage'.
Salomons are renowned for being small....0.5 to 1 size too small in my experience. These boots are pretty stiff and need wearing in to get them most comfortable. The heels are good but there's almost no padding under the front of the foot...just very thin foam....which is probably just as well as the foam retains so much water you need to wring them out if wet....they'll never dry on their own. The footbed is rock hard but the sole does grip well in nearly all circs...and is puncture resistant. The laces are fast but tighten too much around the ankle and not at all at front of foot....so the speed is slowed by the need to yank the laces tighter on the main body of the boot. The boot's not bad with good and bad points...nothing to shout home about...there are much better boots out there.
I hike in Lowa Zephyr desert military boots in southern Utah all of the time. They are the best hiking boot I've ever had. I keep buying them everyone I need new boots. I've never tried Salomon before.
Not knocking on the vid. But thousands of people go on long rucks/hikes all over the country every week wearing combat boots. People knock on boots and say that lightweight footwear is the way to go for hiking. But once you get a good pair of boots worn in they're extremely comfortable and capable.
I'm definitely a Salomon fanboy after trying the Quest 4 GTX for this year. Up here in northern Canada there is almost no such thing as a dry trail so I prefer a waterproof boot otherwise my feet would be soaked most of the day. There was no break in at all, I think I did close to 20km on the first trip through rugged terrain and my feet were dry and very comfortable all day. Nothing feels better on my feet. After spring, summer and now fall they've been a long ways and are still perfect. Will definitely be sticking with Salomon from now on.
You used them in winters?? How good are they?
@@NikhilNaik22N I did a couple hikes just below freezing. Warmth wise they're fine if you're moving. Traction wise they aren't very good on frozen ground. For real cold you would have to run pretty hot to be comfortable in them since they're not insulated.
"Why would you pick a tactical boot for 25 miles over a few days with 45 lbs. In different terrain?" What do you think the Infantry does? 😅
Petition to allow all MOSs to use personal purchase boots instead of regulation crap (especially USMC and Navy cause our regs suck)
The Salomon Quest 4D GTX are my hands down best choice for a tactical boot with perfect fit and features they also look really good, they should never stop making them..
It is a good boot too
Interesting comment about the break in. I have the exact same boots and had a different experience. I had them for a few months but it wasn’t until I wore them for multiple days in a row all day over a long weekend that finally broke in for me. Love them now, but at first didn’t. Again, just my experience. Glad it was instant for you. Never a bad thing.
Interesting you had to break them in. Glad you got them working. They are awesome, wearing them now as we speak 😀
I love Salomon; they wear very well, and have the best fit I've ever experienced.
I wish they made steel toed boots, but haven't found any.
Ya I am not aware for one this a steel toe
I have the exact same boots. I have found that eventually the sole will become separated form the bottom of the shoe. Love those boots with the quick lace is awesome. great video
Had the same with my Solomon's, had to glue them. Awesome boots though.
I'm a big fan of Salomon boots and owned them for years. I have also experienced "zero break-in time". Thanks for reviewing these!
Great review! I have a number of pair of Salomons and they're hands down the best boots I've ever owned. I wish I'd had them when I was in the Army!
I have two pair of Salomon boots with the quick lace system and I can tell you that you definitely can not use bankline or paracord in place of their proprietary quick laces. The eyelets are very small and will not allow any cordage to pass through. They are also expensive to replace which I had to do twice on boot pairs. They are very good boots but I'm not a fan of the quick laces, if they break in the field like what happened to me you're screwed.
The most Beautiful Places are always Found in the Toughest of Trails. Beautiful Scenery Bro, God Bless 🙏
Great work, always appreciate some field tested reviews! 👍
I wear them every single day for (military) work. They didn’t start to fall apart until after a year of hard use daily.
Excellent!
G'day Aaron, FYI; Saloman have a decent following here. I like these in particular for the reasons you've mentioned + not much to hang up on underbrush. Not cheap here, but not too outta line price wise for a good pair of multi use footwear. Cheers Duke.
Great review, always rated saloman boots, had a goretex pair that lasted 6 years no faults except the sole wore down, fitted like a glove
Great review thanks! I’m looking at a brand new pair for $100 for a goretex pair size 14!!! Hiking was just what I was wondering.
The Salomon "tactical" boots are literally just subdued/full earth tone colored versions of their parent models. Loved my Quest 4D GTX Forces (even though they're a half size too small and have a tolerable pressure point on the inboard top side of my right foot). Looking to replace them with the XA Forces Mid GTX after 6+ years, including duty use. I will say, I have extremely low arches and I haven't ever needed an orthotic with any Salomon boots, so conversely if you have a particularly high arch these might not be right for you. Salomon has never let me down in the military, law enforcement, or EMS.
Just ordered my first pair...I work on my feet 10 hours a day and have been looking for a comfortable work boot. Heard good things about these boots so I'm looking forward to seeing how they hold up.
That’s all I buy are the tactical boots now because they’re more durable than all the other ones. The only issue is the rubber compound is really soft and it wears out quick but I don’t mind I love him.
Cool Video 👍
Thank U for the Info and the Links 👍
Bought them (GTX) love them 👍
Cause they have the same secure Features like a heavy Haix or Meindl Secure Boot
I love the quick lace system. I was very surprised at how incredibly strong the small laces are.
Mine broke
Great mate. Getting a pair today.!
And they stay nice and snug on your feet? No flopping around or readjusting?
Not from my use! Still have this pair!
Since 2017 I have done all my hikes back home and treks in Nepal & Aconcagua with the Forces XA 3 MID GTX boots. I know my size, no break-in time, perfect.
Wish they made wide versions of literally any shoe Id be interested in.... and over the last couple years I've been hearing lots of reports of QC and product quality in general just not being what it used to be with newer pairs lasting less than half the time for the same version as older ones.
You beat me to the punch on this one. I'm a 4e width with a narrow heal. Just try and find ANY kind of footwear to fit. Impossible. I recently bought a how-to video on lastless boot making. I think custom is the only way to get good footwear, these days.
heard the same with decreasing quality, sadly
I've been wearing versions of these for a few years and they are great. Gorgeous trip man.
Nice!!! And thanks it was epic
А як підошва, не відклеїлась?
God bless you for having the ability to just put on a new pair of boots & going for a 10 mile hike ......
Theres no such thing un my world.
I have to break boots in for a month or 2 before I can wear them all day.
Nothing mentioned in this video is specific to the tactical version of Salomon… all the pros equally applied to the regular XA with even better ventilation and lighter weight..
I could see myself get a pair of those for wildlife photography. No screaming orange, blue, red og yellow accents to make you stand out and they take a beating.
I have those in goretex lo. I've used them for trekking, in rain, and for work for about a year. It's not as comfortable as lowas but they're way more durable and significantly cheaper. However, my previous goretex salomons let in moisture when immersed in mud. These haven't yet.
I've used the salomon speed assault on a longer trip off-trail. First time using more of a trail runner and they worked great, felt lighter and had more energy to push through at the end of the day. Dried up quickly, lots of small cold streams to cross. Having to walk in wet shoes and socks isn't fun but you get used to it and I had no problem with blisters.
But they don't really agree with my feet (arch) so not sure I can used them anymore. Had to take out the inner soles in the first day so walked the rest without them.
I am sorry to hear that.
@@gideonstactical that's OK. I picked up a pair of altra lone peak mids on sale, I think they'll work better being flat with zero drop and big toebox.
Looks like the "lost lake" on the Sangre de Christo mountain in New Mexico
Nice! Wyoming in this video
If you ever get a few hundred spare dollars to try a pair of Lowa hiking boots, I'd like to hear what you have to say about them after a hike. I'd trust your opinion.
Great video! Fun to watch and very informative.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Greetings from Greece! These are great boots but the price has gone really high..
Good review. I use SALOMON QUEST 4D GTX FORCES2. Great shoes. For low shoes i recommended XA V8.
I JUST ORDERED A PAIR... HOLIDAY SPECIAL TOO.... THANKS
I like their cross trainers and runners.
Does this replace your favorite shoes, Vasque Juxt?
Anyways, great review as always. :)
I have the Gortex version of those boots and love them. Even with the Gortex I don't think they are too hot.
I require prescription orthotics. I’m always looking for boots / shoes that can allow me to use my inserts and have strong stability in my footwear. I’ll try these on, because my Irish Setter Boots are made in China 🇨🇳. They’re good, but cheap.
Great boots!! I wear these boots on duty.
Thanks for the review And videos as always i wonder how they will do long term, I have a pair of Salomon’s I have worn for many a hike, been looking for a new pair of something but just been hesitant to buy a pair of something worse because of the amazing experience I had with my current pair… these may be the ones
These are impressive and a little heavier duty then just regular hiking boots but still very light.
@@gideonstactical thanks bro for the reply... God bless you guys and GT Army
Does the non-GTX model guarantee that it is waterproof?
My understanding is that the Gore-Tex are waterproof, and the non-Gore-Tex are not. But I would double check that.
Do these have a shank?
Thanks for the review. How does this compare to the Merrell nova 2. Good day and God bless.
The Novas are nice and light but these are much heavier duty but not much heavier weight.
I've got the Nova 2's goretex and would agree with GT, they are not as heavy duty construction, still an awesome pair of boots, these salomans look a bit more beefier
in terms of sizing do you recomend true fitting or a size or half?
True to size for me 👍
See, im the stupid one here with my Belleville tr102 boots. They are like the only true minimalist boot I could find in an 8inch, though.
Got a side question for you. What quick drying pants would you recommend for hiking? Would like them to have plenty of pockets and room for gear and be durable as well. I don't want to worry about rips in the field. The pant also can't be too heavy since I'm in the South, Louisiana swamp area East Texas maybe Mississippi too.
I have these as my station boots. The biggest con is that they are hot due to GoreTex. I’d love a version without.
These are not the gore-Tex version. Checkout the Link in the video and see all the designs without gore-Tex 😀👍
Anyone know the difference between XA FORCES MID GTX and XA FORCES MID Gore-tex EN. Or are they the same? I cannot find what "EN" means when I google it.
The new EN designation means that the soles on these boots have been tested and certified to be slip/oil resistant, puncture resistant (outsole), and have antistatic properties.
Cool review! Off the shoe subject, but what pack are you carrying the 45lbs in? Also what is the pouch set up on your chest? Thanks for doing what you do Brother!
The pack I was using is an osprey rook 65 I will be doing a video on in the next few weeks. The chess pack was a van quest dendrite waist pack that is easily modified for your chest.
@@gideonstactical I will look for the review to be sure! Thanks for the heads up on the Vanquest pack! 2A compatible by chance?
Salomon is best choice for Special Forces. And lowa
What are the initials after forces in the model of boot you have in this vid? There’s a lot of options on every website!
Thanks 👍
Thank you😺
Even though the tongue let's you tuck in the laces, I still don't understand why it has to be so high and big and obnoxious
In the end, tactical boots should be a step over hiking boot in my idea because of the use of them being military and paramilitary.. Don't want them having blisters every 3hours in every deployment.
Dod Salomon have wide versions of this? I always pick Keen over it just because the run wide
Are these the Earth Brown color?
Can u do a video comparing these and the quest forces model
I have 2 pair xa forces gtx shoes and I love um I want to get a pair of mids next for hiking
what is that chest rig you're wearing in the intro shot right at the beginning of the video? (10 second mark)
Vanquest Dendrite fanny pack. It can be modified easily to a chest pack.
@@gideonstactical that's very handy :)
Great boots and shoes I have a few pairs of them … the only thing I hate is the big and bulky part of the tongue..
i wear size 44
should i buy it 44 or 44,5 or 45 ??
Salmon quest best boot I’ve ever used. I can’t wear them out.
What’s the size wise like ?
True to size
It's not fair you have better feet than I do!😳😳
What color way are these?
Merrell has a similar shoe. I can't decide. Merrell vs Salomon. Help!
2 things: 1- What color are these, they look like the green. 2- You stowed the laces wrong in the 'garage', it is actually easier than you made it look. After cinching the laches in place, hold the rubber piece at the top of the excess laces and roll it down toward the boot with the excess laces rolling up around it. When you are done, you should have the rubber piece at the 'garage' with the laces covering the rubber (twisted around it) and then you just push that small wad in the 'garage'.
Salomons are renowned for being small....0.5 to 1 size too small in my experience.
These boots are pretty stiff and need wearing in to get them most comfortable.
The heels are good but there's almost no padding under the front of the foot...just very thin foam....which is probably just as well as the foam retains so much water you need to wring them out if wet....they'll never dry on their own. The footbed is rock hard but the sole does grip well in nearly all circs...and is puncture resistant.
The laces are fast but tighten too much around the ankle and not at all at front of foot....so the speed is slowed by the need to yank the laces tighter on the main body of the boot.
The boot's not bad with good and bad points...nothing to shout home about...there are much better boots out there.
Piece of junk boots. Went trough two pairs in little over a year.
Interesting 🤔
You seem really happy about these boots. Excellent review and nice watch brother 🤙🏽
I just bought these for a training event I’m about to attend. I’m stoked.
Nice!! 1 1/2 years later still going strong
I have read they are narrow. Is that true?
I hike in Lowa Zephyr desert military boots in southern Utah all of the time. They are the best hiking boot I've ever had. I keep buying them everyone I need new boots. I've never tried Salomon before.
Wearing Soloman Quest for years, glad you had fun.
Not knocking on the vid. But thousands of people go on long rucks/hikes all over the country every week wearing combat boots.
People knock on boots and say that lightweight footwear is the way to go for hiking. But once you get a good pair of boots worn in they're extremely comfortable and capable.
I’ve had Salomon boots for about 3-4 years and they have been awesome. Use them hiking and in the field for work and they’re amazing