Salomon is a French outdoor brand with deep roots in alpine sport — skiing, trail running, and mountain footwear. At Dwights, Salomon is our secondary trail running brand (behind La Sportiva) and a strong option for hiking boots, particularly the Quest series for multi-day NZ tramping. Salomon footwear is known for its Contagrip outsoles, precise fit, and technical construction suited to variable terrain.
The Salomon Range at Dwights
- Quest series (hiking boots): The Quest 4, Quest 5, Quest Element, Quest Echo, and Quest Rove cover mid-cut and high-cut GORE-TEX waterproof hiking boots for multi-day tramping. Structured, supportive, and well-suited to NZ's variable backcountry terrain. Available in both mens and womens fits.
- X Ultra 360 GTX (hiking shoes): Low-cut GORE-TEX trail shoe for experienced trampers and day walkers who prefer a more agile, lighter option. Strong Contagrip outsole with good NZ trail performance.
- Trail running: The XA PRO 3D v8 is Salomon's proven all-terrain trail runner — Contagrip outsole, protective chassis, and a reliable all-rounder for NZ trails. Available in limited sizes.
- Accessories: Quicklace Kit — replacement lacing system for Salomon footwear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Salomon boots good for NZ tramping?
Yes — the Quest series is well-suited to NZ multi-day tramping. GORE-TEX waterproofing, Contagrip outsoles, and structured support make them a reliable choice for loaded packs on variable NZ terrain. Salomon boots tend to run narrower than some alternatives — if you have wider feet, try them on before buying or consider Asolo or Crispi for a better fit. For most trampers with standard-width feet, the Quest series is a competitive option at a practical price point.
What's the difference between the Salomon Quest 4 and Quest 5?
The Quest 5 is the current generation update to the Quest 4 — improved lug pattern on the outsole, refined upper construction, and updated lacing system. The Quest 4 remains a solid boot where available. If choosing between them, the Quest 5 is the better current buy. The Quest Element and Quest Rove are slightly lighter variants within the Quest family — worth comparing if you want a bit less weight without fully dropping to a low-cut shoe.
How does Salomon footwear fit?
Salomon boots and shoes tend to fit snugly — they're designed for a precise, locked-down feel that suits technical terrain but can feel tight for wider feet. If you're between sizes, go up half a size. The lacing system is Salomon's proprietary Quicklace — a single pull-cord that cinches evenly and tucks into a small pocket on the tongue. Some trampers prefer traditional lacing; replacement Quicklace kits are available if the original wears out.