When it comes to reliable and high-performing footwear for runners and outdoor enthusiasts alike, two brands stand out as top contenders: Brooks and Salomon.
Both offer a wide range of shoe models designed for comfort, support, stability and responsiveness to meet the needs of various activities and terrains. But how exactly do they compare when looking at key factors like fit and feel, durability, style and overall performance? Let’s break it down.
Comparison Table Between Brooks And Salomon:
| Category | Brooks | Salomon |
|---|---|---|
| Founded In | 1914 | 1947 |
| Comfort & Fit | Signature cushioned and supportive fit | Precise anatomical fit, snug heel |
| Color Options | Wide range of colorways | More limited color options |
| Durability | Highly durable, long-lasting | Durable, long-lasting |
| Performance | Optimized for road running | Optimized for trail/outdoor activities |
| Design & Style | Classic running shoe look | Athletic, outdoor-inspired style |
| Popularity | Very popular, top running shoe brand | Popular among trail runners and hikers |
| Best Selling Model | Adrenaline GTS | Speedcross 6 |
Brooks Overview
Brooks running shoes originated in 1914 in Seattle, Washington when the Brooks Shoe Company was founded. Though it started as a specialty shoe brand, Brooks eventually pivoted to focus on athletic and performance footwear in the 1970s.
Some of the long-running iconic features of Brooks shoes include:
- BioMoGo DNA: An adaptive midsole foam that provides soft landings followed by firm toe-offs for propulsion.
- GuideRails: An engineered support system around the midsole to limit excess pronation or inward foot rolling.
- Flextra: Outsole rubber strategically placed for flexibility where the foot needs to move.
- Ideal Pressure Zones: Designated cushioned zones on the outsole positioned under important areas.
- Adjustable saddle: A structured component that customizes midfoot support and fit.
- HydroFlow: Shock-absorbing cushioning units in the midsole for plush softness.
In addition to catering to regular neutral runners, Brooks offers stability, trail, walking, and casual shoes. Some of their most popular models through the years include the Ghost, Adrenaline GTS, Glycerin, and Ravenna.
With over 100 years of experience, Brooks uses proven technologies and innovations to create high-performance shoes suited for runners of all types.
Salomon Overview
Salomon was founded in 1947 by François Salomon in Annecy, France.
Originally a metalworking shop, the company transitioned into ski and outdoor equipment in the 1990s.
Today, Salomon produces high-performance shoes and boots designed for activities like trail running, hiking, and skiing. Some key technologies include:
- Sensifit system: Designed to cradle the foot for a secure, snug fit
- Endofit technology: Interior sleeve hugs the forefoot for customized comfort
- Contagrip outsole: Provides durable traction on varied terrain
- EnergyCell midsole: Offers responsive cushioning that retains bounce over time
Salomon shoes have an athletic, outdoorsy style with bright color options. They’re built to handle tough terrain while providing foot-hugging comfort and support features to aid stability. The brand is especially popular among trail runners and hikers.
Major Differences Between the Brands:
When it comes to Salomon vs Brooks, there are a few key distinctions that set them apart. Let’s explore some of the major differences.
1) Comfort & Fit
While both brands excel at comfort, they achieve it through different approaches. Signature Brooks technologies like cushioned BioMoGo midsoles and GuideRails support provide soft, pillow-like landings designed to adapt to each runner’s pronation needs. This results in a highly padded, custom fit embraced by runners logging daily miles.
Salomon shoes take a more precise anatomical approach with a tighter, responsive feel. The EndoFit inner sleeve and SensiFit wraps cradle the foot for a secure grip while cushioning layers absorb shock.
Salomon users describe the fit as ergonomic and hugging. This close control lends itself well to adapting to unpredictable trail conditions but may feel too snug for some seeking maximal cushioning.
2) Durability & Performance
You can rely on both Brooks and Salomon shoes to be durable allies for your active pursuits, yet performance optimization differs.
Ballistic rock shields, rubber outsole pads and durable midsole foams allow Brooks shoes to maintain structural integrity over hundreds of pavement miles.
The emphasis stays on catering to biomechanics for injury-free road running through each shoe’s full lifespan.
Meanwhile, Salomon loads their shoes with features to grip terrain, channel moisture and maintain stability through demanding outdoor usage rather than pure mileage.
Protective toe caps, weather-resistant fabrics and rugged Contagrip outsoles equip you to traverse trails and hike farther off-road over time. Adaptability takes center stage rather than catering to a specific foot pronation need.
3) Price
Given the advanced technologies and premium materials used in both brands, their shoes fall within a similar price range. On average, you can expect to spend around $100 – $200 for flagship models from Brooks and Salomon.
However, Salomon trail running options tend to start lower (around $80) while Brooks road shoes barely dip below $100. At the higher end, Salomon hiking boots can exceed $300 while most Brooks max out around $250.
Ultimately Brooks caters a bit more towards mid-range budgets compared to Salomon’s wider spectrum.
4) Design & Style
Brooks sports classic running shoe style with layered mesh fabrics, segmented midsoles and reinforcements that look fast and athletic while prioritizing function over flash. You get pops of color to choose from but designs stay quite traditional.
Meanwhile, Salomon echoes adventure with reinforced ripstop fabrics, rugged lacing systems and aggressive lug patterns inspired by equipment for climbing, hiking and the outdoors. They channel more of an athletic aesthetic blended with their outdoor heritage.
5) Popularity
When comparing popularity, Brooks edges out Salomon due to strong marketing towards everyday runners combined with their widespread availability in retail locations.
They’ve earned feature placement in footwear sections both in-store and online, emerging as a household name for running. It’s easy to select Brooks as a reliable go-to brand.
While less ubiquitous, Salomon enjoys an extremely loyal following among trail runners, hikers and endurance athletes who applaud the durability and traction.
Those venturing off-road gravitate towards Salomon for versatility across activities like hiking, fastpacking and mountain sports. But the average pavement runner may overlook Salomon due to lower mainstream presence.
6) Target Market
As the details above suggest, Brooks and Salomon each cater towards slightly differentiated markets. Brooks positions itself strongly towards traditional road runners seeking supportive, cushioned shoes to meet training goals and race distances.
Their target demographic spans dedicated beginners to seasoned marathoners looking to maintain healthy biomechanics mile after mile.
Meanwhile, Salomon orient themselves toward rugged outdoor athletics and unpredictable terrain. Trail runners, hikers, climbers and mountaineers comprise their core users who value traction, protection and lightweight maneuverability to keep them powering over mixed surfaces and conditions.
While adaptable and durable enough for roads, Salomon shoes really shine when the pavement ends and the trails begin.
Final Verdict:
At the end of the day, whether you land on Brooks or Salomon comes down to the type of performance and use case you want from your shoes.
For road runners logging daily miles or training for races, Brooks reigns supreme for unparalleled cushioning, support and a deep understanding of injury prevention through biomechanics. Signature technologies cater exactly to neutral, overpronated and underpronated running styles.
For adventurers traversing rugged mountainous, wet or winter terrain, Salomon equips you for the long haul with protective and adaptive features to scramble up trails while staying surefooted. Don’t let unpredictable conditions stop your hike or run when you lace into Salomon’s athletic-inspired kicks.
While Brooks encourages pavement mileage and Salomon dominates off-road endurance challenges, both brands construct shoes built to last through repeated wear. Dedicated athletes swear by each for comfort, reliability and achieving personal records.
Ultimately the right choice depends on the type of surfaces you plan to conquer and the fit you prefer lacing into. Analyze the unique strengths of each brand against how you plan to use your next pair of shoes.