On Running vs Saucony vs Salomon: Which Running Brand Should You Choose?
As authorised stockists of all three brands, we handle On, Saucony, and Salomon daily. We fit them. We hear the feedback. We see which shoes come back and which ones runners buy a second pair of. This is the honest comparison no brand will write — because no brand sells all three under the same roof.
On Running is Swiss precision engineering. Saucony is 128 years of American running heritage. Salomon is French Alps outdoor DNA. Each does certain things brilliantly — and certain things less well. Here is exactly where each brand excels, where it falls short, and which one is right for you.
1 | Quick Comparison: Brand DNA
Before diving into specifics, here is what defines each brand at its core. Understanding the philosophy behind the shoe explains why they feel, fit, and perform differently on your feet.
On Swiss Engineering
Founded 2010 in Zurich. Youngest of the three by decades. Patented CloudTec cushioning, Helion superfoam, and Speedboard propulsion plate. Backed by Roger Federer. NYSE-listed (ONON). 7+ million athletes worldwide. Known for innovation, premium pricing, and a distinctive visual identity you can spot from across the street.
Saucony American Heritage
Founded 1898 in Pennsylvania. Named after Saucony Creek. The deepest running shoe heritage of the three. Five different foam technologies. The only brand here offering Wide and Extra Wide fittings. PWRRUN PB delivers 88% energy return. SPEEDROLL propulsion tech. 128 years of purpose-built running shoes.
Salomon French Outdoor
Founded 1947 in the French Alps. Started with ski bindings, expanded to trail running in 2002. Contagrip outsoles, quickLACE systems, and the Speedcross sold over 10 million pairs. Now a lifestyle icon too — XT-6 collabs with Palace, Kith, and Atmos. The trail authority that crossed over into fashion.
Why This Guide Exists
- On Running's website only compares On shoes to other On shoes
- Saucony's UK site has minimal technology content compared to the US version
- Salomon's tech pages are surface-level — they sell the lifestyle, not the engineering
- No other UK retailer stocks all three and can write an objective comparison
2 | Technology Compared: CloudTec vs PWRRUN vs Contagrip
Each brand's core technology tells you everything about what they prioritise. On engineers cushioning geometry. Saucony engineers foam compounds. Salomon engineers grip. Here is how the three flagship technologies stack up.
Cushioning Systems
| Feature | On | Saucony | Salomon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core Foam | Helion superfoam (proprietary) | PWRRUN PB (PEBA beaded foam) | EnergyCell+ (enhanced EVA) |
| Energy Return | Not publicly stated | 88% energy return | Not publicly stated |
| Signature System | CloudTec pods (multi-directional compression) | SPEEDROLL (elevated cushion + stiff forefoot) | Contagrip outsole + sensiFIT cradle |
| Propulsion Plate | Speedboard (flexible to carbon, per model) | Nylon or carbon plate (Endorphin series) | advancedCHASSIS (stability, not propulsion) |
| Number of Foam Types | 2 (Helion, Helion HF) | 7 (PWRRUN, PB, +, HG, IncrediRUN, VersaRun, VersaFoam) | 2 (EnergyCell, EnergyCell+) |
What This Means in Practice
On Running: CloudTec + Helion
CloudTec's hollow pods compress in multiple directions — horizontally and vertically — adapting to your foot strike. Combined with Helion foam, it creates what On calls "soft landings and explosive take-offs." The sensation is distinctive: a cushioned, rolling ride that feels different from any other shoe. Three CloudTec variants (standard, Phase, Connect) tailor the feel for running, walking, or trail.
Saucony: PWRRUN PB + SPEEDROLL
Saucony publishes what others won't: 88% energy return, half the weight of EVA, consistent across all temperatures. SPEEDROLL technology propels you forward with continuous momentum — "run faster, not harder." With 7 foam compounds, Saucony fine-tunes cushioning by model more precisely than any other brand here.
Salomon: Contagrip + sensiFIT
Salomon's innovation is underfoot grip, not cushioning foam. Contagrip rubber compounds are terrain-specific — different variants for mud, rock, mixed ground, and road. sensiFIT wraps the foot from sole to laces for a locked-in feel. The advancedCHASSIS controls lateral movement on uneven terrain. This is trail-first engineering.
The Honest Take
If foam technology is your priority, Saucony leads. If cushioning geometry and innovation matter, On leads. If grip on technical terrain matters most, Salomon leads. None of them is "better" — they are engineered for different priorities.
3 | Best for Road Running: On vs Saucony
This is where On and Saucony go head to head. Both brands build serious road running shoes. Salomon has road options — the Aero Glide and INDEX series — but road running is not their core territory.
Daily Training
| Model | Brand | Foam | Weight | Drop | Our Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cloudmonster Void | On | Helion + CloudTec + Speedboard | ~280g | 6mm | £160 |
| Ride 19 | Saucony | PWRRUN+ (TPU beaded) | 255g | 8mm | £140 |
| Triumph 23 | Saucony | PWRRUN PB (88% energy return) | 266g | 10mm | £85 |
| Cloudswift 4 AD | On | Helion + CloudTec + Speedboard | ~270g | 6mm | £150 |
| Aero Glide 4 | Salomon | EnergyCell+ | ~260g | 8mm | £145 |
Race and Speed
| Model | Brand | Foam | Weight | Drop | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Endorphin Speed 5 | Saucony | PWRRUN PB + nylon plate + SPEEDROLL | 237g | 8mm | £180 |
| Endorphin Pro 5 | Saucony | PWRRUN PB + carbon plate + SPEEDROLL | 212g | 8mm | £250 |
Our Verdict: Road Running
- Best all-round daily trainer: Saucony Ride 19 (lighter, proven foam, great value at £140)
- Best for runners who want cushion + style: On Cloudmonster Void (distinctive ride, head-turning design)
- Best for racing and speed work: Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 (SPEEDROLL + PWRRUN PB is a proven race combo)
- Best for stability: Saucony Guide 19 or Hurricane 25 (On and Salomon don't make dedicated stability shoes)
Shop Road Running Shoes
4 | Best for Trail Running: Salomon vs Saucony
Trail running is where Salomon dominates and Saucony competes fiercely. On has trail shoes — Cloudvista, Cloudsoma, Cloudrock — but trail is not their primary engineering focus. This is a two-horse race between French Alps heritage and American performance engineering.
Trail Shoe Comparison
| Feature | Salomon | Saucony | On |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trail Icon | Speedcross (10M+ pairs sold) | Peregrine (16th generation) | Cloudvista 2 |
| Outsole Tech | Contagrip (terrain-specific variants) | Vibram MegaGrip (4mm lugs) | Missiongrip |
| Lacing | quickLACE (single-pull, tuck-away) | Traditional laces | Traditional laces |
| Rock Protection | 3D Chassis (XA PRO) | E-B-0 forefoot shield (Peregrine) | Not specified |
| GORE-TEX Options | Yes (XA PRO, Speedcross, Ultra Glide) | Yes (Peregrine GTX, Ride TR2 GTX) | Limited |
| Ultra-Distance | Ultra Glide 4, S/LAB Ultra Glide | Xodus Ultra 4 | Not in range |
| Best Terrain | Mud, soft ground, mountains | Mixed terrain, moderate trails | Light trails, road-to-trail |
Our Verdict: Trail Running
- Best for mud and mountains: Salomon (Contagrip + quickLACE is unbeatable in technical terrain)
- Best for mixed trails: Saucony Peregrine 16 (Vibram MegaGrip + rock guard + lighter weight)
- Best for ultra-distance: Salomon Ultra Glide 4 or Saucony Xodus Ultra 4 (both excellent, different philosophies)
- Best for light trails / road-to-trail: On Cloudvista 2 (Missiongrip is capable, but not in the same league as Contagrip or Vibram on technical ground)
Shop Trail Running Shoes
5 | Best for Lifestyle and Fashion: All Three
All three brands have crossed from performance into everyday fashion — but they attract very different audiences.
On Minimalist Premium
On's lifestyle play is the Cloudtilt (CloudTec Phase for all-day comfort) and Cloudzone. Clean Swiss design that pairs with tailored trousers or smart-casual outfits. Roger Federer's influence is clear — this is understated, premium, grown-up. The Cloudtilt at £150 is the most popular lifestyle runner we sell from On.
Saucony Retro Heritage
Saucony Originals — ProGrid Triumph 4, ProGrid Omni 9, ProGrid Guide 7 — tap into retro sneaker culture. Heritage reissues from the early 2000s with period-correct materials and chunky proportions. Strong on collaborations. Different aesthetic to On or Salomon — warmer, more nostalgic. The ProGrid Omni 9 at £150 is a stand-out.
Salomon Outdoor Gorpcore
Salomon dominates gorpcore. The XT-6 with Palace, Kith, and Atmos collaborations made Salomon a streetwear icon. The Speedcross 3 was reissued explicitly for fashion — Salomon's own website says it is "no longer intended for running on trails." Salomon is the fashion-forward choice here.
Shop Lifestyle Picks
6 | Price Comparison: Real Prices from Our Shop
These are genuine current prices from our Shopify store — not RRP estimates. Price is one of the biggest differences between the three brands.
| Category | On | Saucony | Salomon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Road Trainer | £140 (Cloud X 4) | £85 (Triumph 23)* | £125 (Aero Blaze 3) |
| Daily Road Trainer | £150 (Cloudswift 4 AD) | £140 (Ride 19) | £145 (Aero Glide 4) |
| Max Cushion | £160 (Cloudmonster Void) | £165 (Hurricane 25) | N/A (not their focus) |
| Race / Speed | From £180 | £180 (Endorphin Speed 5) | N/A (limited road racing) |
| Trail (GTX) | £180 (Cloudhorizon 2 WP) | £160 (Peregrine 16 GTX) | £160 (XA PRO 3D V9 GTX) |
| Trail (Ultra) | N/A | From £165 | £135 (Ultra Glide 4) |
| Lifestyle | £150 (Cloudtilt) | £75-150 (ProGrid range) | £72-125 |
| Hiking Boot | £210 (Cloudrock Mid WP) | N/A | £160 (XA PRO 3D V9 GTX) |
* Triumph 23 at £85 reflects current sale price. RRP is £165.
Price Verdict
Saucony offers the best value across the range — particularly for serious runners who need multiple shoes (daily trainer, speed shoe, trail shoe). On commands a premium for design and engineering innovation. Salomon's trail shoes are competitively priced; their lifestyle pieces are the most affordable entry point of the three brands.
7 | Sizing and Width Compared: Which Brand Fits Widest?
This is one of the most important — and least discussed — differences between the three brands. If you have wide feet, this section alone could decide which brand you choose.
| Sizing Feature | On | Saucony | Salomon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Width | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Wide (2E) | No | Yes | No |
| Extra Wide (4E) | No | Yes | No |
| Fit Character | Sleek, precision fit. LightSpray models are snug ("second-skin"). | Accommodating. FORMFIT cradle adapts to foot shape. Wide options on most performance models. | Secure, wrapped. sensiFIT cradle locks foot from sole to laces. Trail models snug in midfoot. |
| True to Size? | Yes (standard width) | Yes (all widths) | Yes (check size chart) |
| Best for Wide Feet | Try in-store first | Best choice — dedicated wide and extra-wide options | Try in-store first |
Our Recommendation for Wide Feet
- Saucony is the only brand here offering Wide and Extra Wide fittings. Models with wide options include Guide 19, Hurricane 25, Triumph 23, Echelon 10, and Peregrine.
- On and Salomon are standard width only. If you have wide feet and want to try either brand, visit us in-store at 44 Barrow Street, St Helens for a proper fitting.
- Salomon's quickLACE system does allow some adjustment — useful for higher insteps — but the shoe width itself is fixed.
8 | Sustainability Compared
All three brands publish sustainability commitments. Here is where they genuinely differ — not what they promise, but what they have actually built.
On
CleanCloud: Materials made from captured carbon emissions. Entirely new supply chain pioneered with LanzaTech, Borealis, and Fairbrics. Cyclon: Circular subscription programme since 2022 — return shoes for recycling or resale. LightSpray: 75% less CO2 vs other On racing shoes. Annual Impact Progress Report published.
Saucony
"Run For Good" platform covering planet and community. Less headline-grabbing than On's circular programmes, but Saucony's focus on durable foam technology (PWRRUN PB is "dramatically more durable than EVA") means fewer shoes in landfill through longevity rather than recycling.
Salomon
INDEX recyclable shoe: Fully recyclable running shoes since 2021 (INDEX.01 = 44% CO2 reduction). VISION: Recyclable trail sole (2024). Green Wolf: Repair partnerships. Target: 100% of key products eco-designed or circular by 2030. 30% absolute carbon reduction vs 2019. ISO 50001 + ISO 14001 certified. Most transparent reporting of the three.
Sustainability Verdict
On leads in innovation (carbon-capture materials, robotic manufacturing). Salomon leads in circularity (recyclable shoes actually on sale, repair programmes, transparent targets). Saucony leads in durability (making shoes that last longer in the first place). Different approaches, all genuine.
9 | Our Recommendation: Which Brand for Which Runner
We sell all three. We have no incentive to push one over the other. After years of fitting customers, hearing feedback, and running in them ourselves, here is our honest recommendation.
Choose On Running If You...
Want the most innovative cushioning geometry on the market. Value Swiss engineering and premium design. Run primarily on roads. Don't need wide fittings. Are happy to pay a premium for distinctive technology. Want shoes that look as good with jeans as they do on the treadmill.
Choose Saucony If You...
Want the widest range of foam technologies and the most race-proven performance shoes. Need Wide or Extra Wide fittings. Prioritise energy return data (88% from PWRRUN PB). Need a stability shoe (Guide 19, Hurricane 25). Want the best value for performance across road, trail, and speed. Are a serious runner who needs different shoes for different workouts.
Choose Salomon If You...
Run primarily on trails, mountains, or mixed terrain. Want Contagrip — the gold standard in trail traction. Love the quickLACE system (once you go single-pull, you don't go back). Want a shoe that crosses from trail to street fashion. Are interested in hiking as well as running. Want the brand with the strongest circularity and recycling programme.
The Cheat Sheet
- Road running + innovation: On Running
- Road running + performance + value: Saucony
- Trail running + hiking: Salomon
- Wide feet: Saucony (only option)
- Lifestyle / smart-casual: On Running
- Lifestyle / gorpcore: Salomon
- Lifestyle / retro sneaker: Saucony Originals
- Stability shoes: Saucony (only option)
- Racing: Saucony Endorphin series
- Sustainability: All three are genuinely committed — choose your preferred approach
10 | Shop All Three Brands at OD's
Every pair below is in stock, authentic, and shipped from our store in St Helens. As authorised stockists of all three brands, every purchase comes with full manufacturer warranty.
On Running
Saucony
Salomon
Not Sure Which Brand or Shoe Is Right for You?
Visit us at 44 Barrow Street, St Helens (Mon-Sat 9am-5pm) and try all three. We stock On, Saucony, and Salomon in-store so you can compare them side by side. Call 01744 730985 to check size availability before visiting.
11 | Frequently Asked Questions
Is On Running better than Saucony?
Neither is objectively "better" — they are engineered for different priorities. On Running leads in cushioning innovation (CloudTec geometry, Helion foam) and premium design. Saucony leads in foam technology range (7 different compounds), energy return data (88% from PWRRUN PB), and width options (Wide + Extra Wide). For pure road running performance, Saucony's Endorphin series is race-proven. For innovation and lifestyle crossover, On has the edge.
Are Saucony better than On Running for long-distance running?
For marathon and long-distance road running, Saucony's Endorphin range (Speed 5, Pro 5, Elite 2) with SPEEDROLL technology and PWRRUN PB foam has the stronger track record. On's Cloudmonster and Cloudsurfer are excellent daily trainers, but Saucony's dedicated racing shoes with carbon plates and published energy return data give them the edge for competitive distance running.
Saucony vs Salomon for trail running — which is better?
For technical trails, mountains, and mud: Salomon. The Speedcross has sold 10+ million pairs for a reason — Contagrip rubber and chevron lugs are unbeatable on soft, wet ground. For mixed terrain and moderate trails: Saucony Peregrine 16 with Vibram MegaGrip is lighter and has a forefoot rock guard. Salomon's quickLACE system is also a significant advantage on trails where you need fast adjustment.
What is the best running shoe brand in the UK?
There is no single "best" — it depends on what you need. On Running is the premium innovator. Saucony is the most versatile for serious runners. Salomon is the trail authority. For road running in the UK, where pavements dominate, On and Saucony are the strongest choices. For fell running, trails, and wet conditions, Salomon leads. All three are available at OD's Designer Clothing in St Helens.
On Running vs Hoka — how does On compare?
While we don't stock Hoka, the comparison is common. On's CloudTec pods offer a firmer, more responsive feel than Hoka's max-cushion marshmallow ride. On shoes tend to be lighter and more visually distinctive. Hoka generally offers more stack height and a softer, more plush sensation. If you're choosing between them and want to try On in person, visit us in-store.
Which brand offers wide-fitting running shoes?
Of the three, only Saucony offers Wide (2E) and Extra Wide (4E) fittings. Models with wide options include the Guide 19, Hurricane 25, Triumph 23, Echelon 10, and Peregrine 16. On Running and Salomon are standard width only. If you have wide feet and prefer On or Salomon, we recommend trying in-store before purchasing.