On Running vs Salomon: A Comprehensive Review
On Running vs Salomon: When it comes to trail running, two brands stand out from the pack: On Running and Salomon.
Both are renowned for their high-quality, performance-driven shoes that can tackle even the toughest terrain.
On Running, with its sleek designs and innovative technology, has gained a loyal following among runners who crave speed and agility.
On Running vs Salomon: A Quick Overview
On Running:
- Known for their sleek, minimalist designs and innovative technology
- Focus on speed and agility, making them a popular choice for faster paced trail running
- Features like CloudTec and Speedboard provide a responsive, cushioned ride
- Generally more expensive than Salomon, with prices ranging from $130-$180
Salomon:
- Renowned for their rugged, dependable shoes that can withstand demanding trails
- Emphasize comfort, support, and protection, making them a great choice for longer, more challenging runs
- Technologies like Contagrip and Sensifit provide excellent traction and fit
- Prices range from $100-$160, making them a more affordable option for many runners
Design and Style: On Running’s Sleek Look vs Salomon’s Rugged Appeal
On Running’s Sleek Look:
- Clean lines and minimalist aesthetic: On Running shoes feature a streamlined design with a focus on simplicity and elegance.
- Sleek color palette: On Running’s color scheme is often characterized by a mix of neutral tones, such as black, white, and gray, with occasional pops of bright colors.
- Premium materials: On Running shoes often feature high-quality materials, such as mesh panels and sleek synthetic overlays, that give them a premium look and feel.
- Attention to detail: On Running shoes often feature subtle design elements, such as reflective accents and debossed logos, that add to their sleek and sophisticated look.
- Urban appeal: On Running shoes are often designed with urban runners in mind, making them a great choice for those who want a stylish and performance-driven shoe for city running.
Salomon’s Rugged Appeal
- Aggressive design language: Salomon shoes feature a more aggressive design language, with bold lines, chunky soles, and a generally more rugged aesthetic.
- Earth-toned color palette: Salomon’s color scheme often features earthy tones, such as olive green, brown, and tan, that evoke a sense of outdoor adventure.
- Durable materials: Salomon shoes are built to withstand the rough and tumble world of trail running, with durable materials and construction that can handle rough terrain.
- Functional design elements: Salomon shoes often feature functional design elements, such as gusseted tongues and aggressive tread patterns, that are designed to help runners tackle challenging terrain.
- Trail-ready: Salomon shoes are designed for the trails, with a rugged appeal that’s perfect for runners who want a shoe that can keep up with their outdoor adventures.
Cushioning and Comfort: On Cloud vs Salomon’s Contagrip Technology
On Cloud Cushioning and Comfort:
- CloudTec cushioning: On Cloud’s proprietary technology features a unique cushioning system that provides superior shock absorption and rebound.
- Zero-Gravity Foam: A lightweight, responsive midsole material that provides excellent cushioning and energy return.
- Speedboard: A flexible, molded plate that encourages a natural rolling motion of the foot during running, promoting a smooth and efficient stride.
- Breathable mesh upper: Allows for excellent airflow and moisture management, keeping feet cool and dry.
- Comfortable fit: On Cloud shoes are known for their comfortable, snug fit that provides support and stability without feeling constricting.
Salomon Contagrip Technology:
- Contagrip rubber compound: A unique rubber blend that provides exceptional grip and traction on various surfaces, including wet and slippery conditions.
- Lug pattern design: Aggressive lug patterns on the outsole provide excellent grip and traction, while also allowing for efficient mud and debris release.
- Premium EVA midsole: Provides excellent cushioning and shock absorption, while also being lightweight and responsive.
- Endofit tongue: A seamless, one-piece tongue construction that provides a comfortable, snug fit and reduces pressure points.
- Ortholite footbed: A breathable, moisture-wicking footbed that helps keep feet cool and dry.
Key differences:
- On Cloud shoes focus on providing a comfortable, cushioned ride with a focus on road running and everyday training.
- Salomon Contagrip technology is designed for trail and off-road running, with a focus on grip, traction, and durability in challenging terrain.
Trail Performance: On Running’s Speed vs Salomon’s Agility
On Running’s Speed Technology:
- Lightweight and responsive: On Running’s Speed technology is designed to provide a fast and responsive ride, ideal for trail runners who want to move quickly and efficiently.
- Segmented rocker design: A unique rocker design that encourages a natural rolling motion of the foot, promoting a smooth and efficient stride.
- CloudTec cushioning: On Running’s proprietary cushioning system provides superior shock absorption and rebound, allowing for a more comfortable and efficient ride.
- Breathable mesh upper: Allows for excellent airflow and moisture management, keeping feet cool and dry even in challenging trail conditions.
- Grip and traction: On Running’s Speed technology features a grippy outsole with strategically placed lugs for traction and control on various trail surfaces.
Salomon’s Agility Features:
- Premium Wet Traction Contagrip: A specialized rubber compound that provides exceptional grip and traction on wet and slippery surfaces, allowing for confident and agile trail running.
- Agile and responsive midsole: A lightweight and responsive midsole design that provides excellent cushioning and energy return, allowing for quick and agile movements on the trail.
- Sensifit upper: A comfortable and secure upper design that provides a snug, supportive fit and allows for quick and agile movements.
- Endofit tongue: A seamless, one-piece tongue construction that provides a comfortable, snug fit and reduces pressure points.
- Quicklace system: A convenient and easy-to-use lacing system that allows for quick and easy adjustments on the fly.
Key differences:
- On Running’s Speed technology is designed for faster, more efficient trail running, with a focus on speed and responsiveness.
- Salomon’s Agility features are designed for more technical and challenging trail running, with a focus on grip, traction, and agility.
Weight and Durability: On Running’s Lightweight Advantage vs Salomon’s Toughness
On Running’s Lightweight Advantage:
- Ultra-lightweight design: On Running shoes are designed to be incredibly light, with some models weighing as little as 230g (8.1oz) per shoe.
- Lightweight materials: On Running uses advanced materials and construction techniques to minimize weight while maintaining performance and durability.
- Efficient energy return: On Running’s CloudTec cushioning system provides excellent energy return, allowing runners to maintain a fast pace with less effort.
- Improved running economy: The lightweight design and efficient energy return of On Running shoes can help improve running economy, allowing runners to go farther and faster with less fatigue.
- Increased agility: The lightweight design of On Running shoes makes it easier to change direction quickly and make sharp turns, making them ideal for trail and mountain running.
Salomon’s Toughness and Durability:
- Rugged and durable design: Salomon shoes are built to withstand the toughest trail and mountain conditions, with a focus on durability and longevity.
- Premium materials: Salomon uses high-quality materials that can withstand the rigors of off-road running, including rugged outsoles and breathable, water-resistant uppers.
- Contagrip technology: Salomon’s Contagrip technology provides exceptional grip and traction on a variety of surfaces, including wet and slippery conditions.
- Endurance-oriented design: Salomon shoes are designed to handle long, demanding runs and hikes, with features like comfortable, breathable uppers and supportive midsoles.
- Durable construction: Salomon shoes are built to last, with a focus on durability and longevity that can withstand the demands of frequent, high-mileage running.
Key differences:
- On Running’s lightweight advantage is ideal for runners who prioritize speed and efficiency, particularly in shorter, faster runs.
- Salomon’s toughness and durability are better suited for runners who need a shoe that can withstand the demands of long, rugged trail and mountain runs.
Support and Stability: On Running’s Stability Features vs Salomon’s Sensifit
On Running’s Stability Features:
- CloudTec cushioning: On Running’s proprietary cushioning system provides excellent shock absorption and rebound, while also providing a stable and comfortable ride.
- Speedboard: A flexible, molded plate that encourages a natural rolling motion of the foot, promoting a smooth and efficient stride.
- Segmented rocker design: A unique rocker design that encourages a natural rolling motion of the foot, promoting a smooth and efficient stride.
- Comfortable fit: On Running shoes are known for their comfortable, snug fit that provides support and stability without feeling constricting.
- Supportive midsole: On Running’s midsole design provides excellent support and stability, particularly in the heel and midfoot areas.
Salomon’s Sensifit Technology:
- Sensifit upper: A comfortable and secure upper design that provides a snug, supportive fit and allows for quick and agile movements.
- Endofit tongue: A seamless, one-piece tongue construction that provides a comfortable, snug fit and reduces pressure points.
- Ortholite footbed: A breathable, moisture-wicking footbed that helps keep feet cool and dry.
- Premium materials: Salomon uses high-quality materials that provide excellent support and stability, including rugged outsoles and breathable uppers.
- Customizable fit: Salomon’s Quicklace system allows for quick and easy adjustments to the fit, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit.
Key differences:
- On Running’s stability features are designed to provide a comfortable, supportive ride for runners who prioritize comfort and efficiency.
- Salomon’s Sensifit technology is designed to provide a secure, supportive fit for runners who need a shoe that can handle more technical and challenging trail conditions.
Breathability and Ventilation: On Running’s Mesh vs Salomon’s Air Mesh
On Running’s Mesh:
- Lightweight and breathable: On Running’s mesh upper is designed to provide excellent airflow and moisture management, keeping feet cool and dry.
- Engineered mesh: On Running’s mesh is engineered to provide targeted ventilation and breathability, with strategically placed holes and perforations to maximize airflow.
- Moisture-wicking properties: On Running’s mesh is designed to wick away moisture and dry quickly, reducing the risk of blisters and discomfort.
- Seamless construction: On Running’s mesh upper is constructed with minimal seams, reducing the risk of irritation and discomfort.
- Comfortable fit: On Running’s mesh upper provides a comfortable, snug fit that allows for a full range of motion.
Salomon’s Air Mesh:
- Advanced ventilation: Salomon’s Air Mesh technology provides exceptional ventilation and breathability, with a focus on maximizing airflow and moisture management.
- Lightweight and flexible: Salomon’s Air Mesh is designed to be lightweight and flexible, providing a comfortable and responsive ride.
- Quick-drying properties: Salomon’s Air Mesh is designed to dry quickly, reducing the risk of blisters and discomfort.
- Breathable tongue: Salomon’s Air Mesh features a breathable tongue that provides additional ventilation and airflow.
- Endofit construction: Salomon’s Air Mesh is constructed with an Endofit design, providing a seamless, one-piece construction that reduces irritation and discomfort.
Key differences:
- On Running’s mesh is designed to provide excellent airflow and moisture management, with a focus on comfort and efficiency.
- Salomon’s Air Mesh is designed to provide exceptional ventilation and breathability, with a focus on maximizing airflow and moisture management in challenging trail and mountain conditions.
Traction and Grip: On Running’s Rubber Outsole vs Salomon’s Contagrip
On Running’s Rubber Outsole:
- Durable and grippy: On Running’s rubber outsole is designed to provide excellent traction and grip on a variety of surfaces, including roads, trails, and sidewalks.
- Segmented design: On Running’s outsole features a segmented design that provides flexibility and adaptability on different terrain.
- Strategically placed lugs: On Running’s outsole features strategically placed lugs that provide traction and grip on a variety of surfaces.
- Wet traction: On Running’s outsole is designed to provide excellent traction and grip on wet surfaces, reducing the risk of slipping and falling.
- Durable construction: On Running’s outsole is constructed to be durable and long-lasting, withstanding the demands of frequent running.
Salomon’s Contagrip Technology:
- Premium grip: Salomon’s Contagrip technology provides exceptional grip and traction on a variety of surfaces, including wet, muddy, and slippery terrain.
- Aggressive lug pattern: Salomon’s Contagrip technology features an aggressive lug pattern that provides excellent traction and grip on challenging terrain.
- Wet traction: Salomon’s Contagrip technology is designed to provide excellent traction and grip on wet surfaces, reducing the risk of slipping and falling.
- Self-cleaning design: Salomon’s Contagrip technology features a self-cleaning design that helps to remove debris and dirt, maintaining traction and grip.
- Durable construction: Salomon’s Contagrip technology is constructed to be durable and long-lasting, withstanding the demands of frequent trail and mountain running.
Key differences:
- On Running’s rubber outsole is designed for road and trail running, with a focus on comfort and efficiency.
- Salomon’s Contagrip technology is designed for trail and mountain running, with a focus on grip, traction, and durability in challenging terrain.
Price and Value: On Running’s Premium Pricing vs Salomon’s Affordable Options
On Running’s Premium Pricing:
- High-quality materials: On Running shoes feature high-quality materials and construction, justifying a premium price point.
- Innovative technology: On Running’s shoes feature innovative technology, such as CloudTec cushioning and Speedboard, which adds to the cost.
- Performance-oriented design: On Running shoes are designed for high-performance running, which requires advanced materials and construction, increasing the price.
- Brand reputation: On Running is a premium brand with a strong reputation for quality and performance, which is reflected in the price.
- Limited distribution: On Running shoes are sold through a limited number of retailers, which can drive up the price due to exclusivity.
Salomon’s Affordable Options:
- More affordable materials: Salomon shoes often feature more affordable materials and construction, making them more accessible to a wider range of runners.
- Value-oriented design: Salomon shoes are designed to provide excellent value for the price, with a focus on performance and durability.
- Wide distribution: Salomon shoes are widely available through various retailers, which can drive down the price due to competition.
- Entry-level options: Salomon offers entry-level shoes at a lower price point, making them more accessible to new runners or those on a budget.
- Discounts and sales: Salomon shoes are often discounted or on sale, making them an even more affordable option.
Key differences:
- On Running’s premium pricing is justified by the high-quality materials, innovative technology, and performance-oriented design.
- Salomon’s affordable options provide excellent value for the price, with a focus on durability and performance.
FAQs
Q: What is On Running’s CloudTec cushioning?
A: CloudTec is On Running’s proprietary cushioning system that provides excellent shock absorption and rebound.
Q: What is the difference between On Running’s Cloud and Cloud X shoes?
A: The Cloud is a more cushioned and comfortable shoe, while the Cloud X is a more responsive and performance-oriented shoe.
Q: Are On Running shoes suitable for trail running?
A: While On Running shoes are designed for road running, some models, such as the Cloudventure, are suitable for trail running.
Q: What is Salomon’s Contagrip technology?
A: Contagrip is Salomon’s proprietary grip technology that provides excellent traction and grip on various surfaces.
Q: What is the difference between Salomon’s Speedcross and Speedcross GTX shoes?
A: The Speedcross is a more lightweight and breathable shoe, while the Speedcross GTX is a more waterproof and durable shoe.
Q: Are Salomon shoes suitable for beginners?
A: Yes, Salomon offers a range of shoes suitable for beginners, including the Speedcross and Sense Ride models.
Q: Which brand is better, On Running or Salomon?
A: Both brands have their strengths and weaknesses. On Running is known for its comfortable and cushioned shoes, while Salomon is known for its grippy and durable shoes.
Q: Which brand is more expensive, On Running or Salomon?
A: On Running shoes tend to be more expensive than Salomon shoes, especially the high-end models.
Q: Can I wear On Running shoes for trail running?
A: While On Running shoes are designed for road running, some models, such as the Cloudventure, are suitable for trail running. However, Salomon shoes are generally more suitable for trail running due to their grippy and durable design.
Mia Smith is the founder of Shoe Storyteller, a blog that celebrates the art and stories behind shoes. With a passion for fashion and a flair for storytelling, Mia brings a unique perspective to the world of footwear.