Product · Salomon
Salomon Quest Element GTX: leather, fabric lined
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The Quest Element GTX is the leather member of Salomon's Quest family in our guides. Amazon's title promises waterproofing, all-terrain stability and outdoor essentials, and the specs list a leather upper, a fabric lining, a foam insole, a rubber sole and Gore-Tex in the model name. It appears in our hill path shoe guide and our Salomon comparison, and it suits walkers who like Salomon's trail-shoe approach but want leather on the outside.
- Upper
- Leather
- Membrane
- Gore-Tex
- Outsole
- Rubber
- Cushioning (listed)
- Foam insole
In its favour
- The title states waterproof and all-terrain stability, with Gore-Tex named.
- A leather upper with a fabric lining is listed.
- A foam insole is listed for everyday cushioning.
Good to know
- One listing field says not water resistant, which conflicts with the title, so check the maker's page.
- The listed weight of 319 g looks low for a leather shoe, so treat it with care.
Our take
Reading the listing carefully
Several fields disagree with each other. The shaft height and height map both say high top, the item type is the German term for trekking and walking shoes, and the water resistance field says not water resistant, even though Gore-Tex is in the name and the title says waterproof. A 319 g weight is listed, which would be very light for a leather boot, so it may refer to something else.
The safest reading is a leather walking shoe or boot with a Gore-Tex lining. Check the product photos for the cut before ordering, because the listing alone cannot settle it.
Leather plus fabric lining
A leather outer protects against rock and heather and can be treated to shed water. A fabric lining beside the membrane keeps the shoe cooler and faster drying than a leather lining, which suits spring and summer, the seasons the listing gives.
Clean the leather after muddy walks, dry it at room temperature, and use a leather care product that suits membrane footwear.
Quest Element against the Quest 4 GTX and Moab 2 GTX
The Salomon Quest 4 GTX, also in our Salomon guide, lists moderate to high cushioning, a supportive arch and a 655 g weight. It is the more cushioned trekking option. The Quest Element looks like the lighter, simpler leather sibling.
The Merrell Moab 2 GTX uses leather and mesh with minimal cushioning. It breathes more, while the Quest Element offers a fuller leather upper.
Who might choose another shoe
Walkers who need certainty about height and weight should pick a model with a clearer listing, such as the Quest 4 GTX. Those with wide feet should look at the Hanwag Torsby Low SF Extra GTX, which our guide lists with a roomy last.
Verdict
The Quest Element GTX suits walkers who want a Salomon with a leather upper, a fabric lining and Gore-Tex for hill paths, provided they confirm the cut first. For more cushioning choose the Salomon Quest 4 GTX, and for a more breathable leather and mesh shoe the Merrell Moab 2 GTX is the alternative.
Compared with alternatives in: Best walking shoes for hill paths, Salomon hiking boots compared
Amazon listing title: Salomon Quest Element Gore-Tex Men's Outdoor Shoes, Waterproof, All-terrain stability, and Outdoor essentials