You missed [misunderstood?] a few key points. One, the plastic 'shield' on the inside is meant to provide abrasion protection when fast roping. It is placed in the correct location. And the 'fabric loops' are meant to keep the metal hooks from snagging on the rope. And two, the closed top hooks are MUCH faster to lace up. You do NOT unlace them at all. You simply loosen them enough to get your foot out and just pull them tight when lacing up. Beautifully simple! I have boots with both open and closed hooks and MUCH prefer the closed type. Otherwise, good review.
The Quest 4D GTX are the most comfortable and responsive boots I have ever wore. I have not tried on the Forces boots yet. Spent many years in the army so this is saying a lot.
I used the regular hiking boots for few years and the laces hooks are the only issue that makes me prefer the Forces: 1. The quick release laces hook are problematic and the laces tend to slip off the top hooks frequently under intense activity (like military). Hence the closed hooks are better to my view. 2. In oppose to what you say, the first plastic lace hooks (lather in the Forces) are not comfortable when kneeling, crouching or putting your weight on the side of the boot. when doing that, you can feel them through the boot. Hence for military, the lather hooks are better. Thanks for the review.
There are some important differences between the Forces and regular version of the Quest 4D, as military use often asks for specific details. The lace hooks have been replaced with loops. This ensures no wires, ropes or lines can snag into the boot’s laces . The mesh polyester on the regular version has been replaced with 1000D Cordura, a tougher and more water-resistant nylon variant.
thanks for the extra info, any other models you would suggest in terms of durability? i have the 4d gtx forces but want something different thats just as or more durable
I've had both the GTX hiking and the GTX Forces. As a winter boot in ice and snow the Forces are noticeably more grippy and stable. Also, the captive laces IMO are preferable. To remove the boots, you should grasp the laces as they run through the locking eyelets and give them a tug to unlock them. I have also had other boots where the riveted on eyelets broke and pulled off. That can't happen with the Forces leather eyelets. I also DON'T like the bright color accents on the consumer version - again a preference issue. I wear a liner sock under a polartech bootie which in winter is notably warmer than the GTX Hiking boots. I don't have to deal with shale, scree and abrasive environments and so have found the Forces wear better than the hikers and take longer to look like you beat the hell out of them than the hikers. I still occasionally wear Merrell boots but really prefer the feel of the standard width Salomon foot model over other brands.
I have been using the regular ones for about a year for backpacking and hiking. I do about 35 miles a week on both rough and paved terrain. I love them. I'm actually waiting for a delivery from UPS for the brown Forces gen 2's ... can't wait.
Glad I saw this video. I thought the boots were exactly the same but just in a military compliant color. I need uniform compliant colors and was hoping to get the forces version.. now I'm not so sure. I have the regular ones in the same color as this video, in the 11.. but if the forces aren't as comfortable.. I dunno. Guess I'll keep looking :/
correction for you... with a pair of mountaineering socks theyre good down to 0 degrees... in the snow... i use them for 4 seasons unless im somewhere with EXTREME and i mean EXTREME COLD...
@@Luke-eg1gn might depend on the person... the more you feet sweat... the higher the temperature your feet would get cold.... ive worn then down to 0.. and at about 10 to 15 my feet just start to feel cold...at around 0 it gets to the point it starts to bothers me.... im a traveler... I bounce around all over the country for different high paying seasonal jobs... and I live outdoors 90% of the time... so maybe I'm just more acclimated?🤷♂️
the lacing on the regulars had me trinnig countless times, they have been with me since 2016, still going strong after many long tough hikes in nothern Russia and all seasons everyday use. But now I'm gonna try forces
It is hard to really compare 2 pairs of boots when you don’t understand most of the reasons that go into the design alterations for the “operator” user. Hands down forces for military operator use, for anything short of that personal preference so good review for that use.
Salomon is such a good quality brand, that they use top notch material for civilian version as well. As a result, the prices difference is always almost negligible between two versions. The only reason I would go with SOF version is: they look better. The SOF version will always have heavier weight, more durability, correct color, and most likely less breathability.
There are some important differences between the Forces and regular version of the Quest 4D, as military use often asks for specific details. The lace hooks have been replaced with loops. This ensures no wires, ropes or lines can snag into the boot’s laces - important during fast roping, parachuting or rappelling. The outsole has been slightly altered to make such activities easier. The mesh polyester on the regular version has been replaced with 1000D Cordura, a tougher and more water-resistant nylon variant.
Have these regular version so far well made shoes not the same like mine 20 years ago in army near Russian borderline. Military shoes it's just option and marketing cheat for someone on daily use so no point where regular version it's really well made.
and after watching your video... and with 8 years of experience using the regular versions... id like to try the forces... they look slightly better built... and a problem ive ran into hiking MANY times... the regulars are slick as snot on wet rocks... id like to see how the slip resistant soles would perform on wet rock... i do agree that they shouldve gone with the same sizing and padding on both boots... BUT... in a survival situation... end of the world etc... id want the more durable thicker slip resistant soles.... if the rubber is thicker... and stiffer... they should wear down more slowly... one factor people considering end of the world scenarios never seem to think about... is that if that were the case... there would be no more rei's to go pick up a new pair... the longer your gear will last... the better off you will be in the long run... if that means sacrificing 3% maneuverability and comfort.... then i think going with the more durable gear is the smarter move... but then... im not the turn and run like a btch type... to each their own😜
Another great video. I'm leaning towards tie X ULTRA 4 MID for daily use, sprinkler work and hiking rough terrain in wet conditions.. What do you think.? I wear around a 12 wide.👍🤔
Hey brother, I use my Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX for range days. They are comfortable for rucks too. You can even more combat oriented and get Salomon Forces, either these or mid size. I always though full size is a bit too bulky, but might be worth depending on the conditions, wet lands, etc.
Thank you for taking time to show your appreciation! If you are looking for a good Salomon pair for tactical purposes the XA Forces are the most versatile out of the ones you checked out. I recently switched to Speedcross 6 GTX. They are low rise and are designed for trail running, but is a great combat well rounder, minus the ankle protection.
Does the sizing of the Forces vary from the newer regular Quest 4 GTX? I am going to pick up both and test them, but want to get the correct size first.
Take into consideration the terrain and your own weight. If the load is over a third of your weight and if the terrain involves changes in elevation, I would recommend going with a backpacking boot like any of these Salomon full size boots. These type of boots typically feature an extra layer in the heel to reduce the energy from the impact, which becomes more apparent if the load is heavier. You might also consider to opt in for lighter, hiking shoe or mid size boot, less protection, less energy absorption in the heel, but if terrain and weight load permits. I would also consider the distance traveled each day. To cover longer distance in a shorter amount of time I would opt in for mid size shoes or hiking boots. Personally, I like Salomon stuff and for my rucks I always wore my Salomon X 3 Mid GTX. I have recently switched to Speedcross 6 GTX, which are trail running shoes and would not be ideal for heavier loads, but are great if your priority is distance and speed.
truly blows my mind that this man runs in boots, i wear basic running shoes for a treadmill maybe sidewalk. i wore underarmor training shoes on the treadmill once and my feet overheated. now i know he is saying the boots are very breathable and for a boot i believe him, but i also think if i had to run in any boot XD my feet would be killing me for it :|
I LOVE ULTIMATE SURVIVAL GEAR. MERRY CHRISTMAS,,, IM A RUNNER HERE IN LUKBAN PROVINCE OF QUEZON PHILIPPINES IM ALBERTO ALVERIO MONDILLA JR OF YRENE STREET MIRAMONTE LUKBAN PROVINCE OF QUEZON Philippines,,,
Not the same- the forces boot work well “only on pavement” after that good luck The hiking boot provides more comfort for “un-even” terrain. And both are not waterproof. With enough of a downpour of heavy rain. Or walking through plenty of water creeks and streams. Need to stop to dry out either pair- if not (you’ll deal with soggy feet)
@@itstheadventureimtalkingab4016 let's be honest here as long as you keep them from going more then 6 inches into water they're gonna keep your feet dry but that's not how the real world works sometimes you will go into more then 6 inches of water and if even a few drops gets into gortex you're gonna feel it. He could easily stand in a stream 5 inches high for weeks without a leak but if he stepped in a 6 and a half well he's in for a bad day.
