Salomon vs On Running for Trail Running
Brand DNA — Trail Specialist vs Road-to-Trail Innovator
Salomon — Born on the Mountain
Salomon was founded in Annecy, France in 1947, in the heart of the Alps. The brand started with ski edges and bindings before expanding into footwear, and every shoe it builds carries the DNA of mountain sport. Salomon does not adapt road shoes for trails — it engineers trail shoes from the ground up, using decades of data from elite athletes competing in events like the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB).
The XA Pro 3D, Speedcross, and Sense Ride are among the most recognised trail shoes globally. Salomon’s approach is technical: deep lugs, proprietary rubber compounds, reinforced toe caps, and features like the Quicklace system that eliminate the weak points of traditional lacing on wet, muddy terrain.
On Running — Swiss Engineering Meets the Trail
On Running was founded in Zurich in 2010 by former professional triathlete Olivier Bernhard, alongside friends David Allemann and Caspar Coppetti. The brand made its name on the road with CloudTec cushioning — hollow pods on the outsole that compress individually on impact, creating a soft landing and firm push-off. On’s trail range adapts this technology for off-road use.
On approaches trails differently. Rather than building the most aggressive trail shoe possible, On builds trail shoes that feel natural for road runners stepping onto dirt. The transition is smooth, the ride is comfortable, and the learning curve is almost zero. This has made On the fastest-growing trail brand among recreational runners who do not want a specialist shoe they only use for one type of run.
Grip — Contagrip vs Missiongrip
Salomon Contagrip
Salomon develops multiple Contagrip compounds for different terrain types. Contagrip MA (mixed all-terrain) is the most versatile, with multi-directional lugs that grip mud, rock, and loose gravel. Contagrip TD (trail dry) uses a harder compound for rocky terrain. The Speedcross uses deep, chevron-patterned lugs designed specifically for soft, muddy ground — they bite into clay and peat like cleats. On wet Lake District slate, in Peak District peat, or on slippery Welsh mountain paths, Contagrip is the benchmark for UK trail grip.
On Running Missiongrip
On’s Missiongrip rubber is designed for versatility rather than extremes. The lug depth is shallower than Salomon’s, and the pattern prioritises multi-surface traction — tarmac, packed earth, grass, gravel, and light mud. On wet rock, Missiongrip is competent but not as confident as Contagrip. In deep mud, the shallower lugs clog faster. On’s strength is that Missiongrip works well on every surface without excelling on any single one — the definition of a crossover outsole.
The Honest Assessment
If you run primarily on technical trails — fell paths, rocky scrambles, muddy bridleways — Salomon’s grip is objectively superior. If you run on mixed surfaces including road sections, canal paths, and parkland with occasional trail, On’s grip is more than adequate and more versatile across surface types.
Cushioning — EnergyCell+ vs CloudTec
Salomon EnergyCell+
Salomon’s midsole foam is dense and responsive. It provides consistent cushioning across long distances without bottoming out on rocky terrain. The feel is firm compared to road shoes — by design. On technical trails, you want to feel the ground beneath you for stability and foot placement precision. EnergyCell+ gives enough protection to absorb sharp rocks and root impacts while maintaining the proprioception that keeps you upright on uneven surfaces.
On Running CloudTec
CloudTec pods compress independently under impact, creating what On describes as a “soft landing, firm take-off.” On trail, this means each footstrike is cushioned individually — if you land on a rock with the ball of your foot, only the pods in that zone compress. The sensation is noticeably softer than Salomon, especially on flat or mildly uneven terrain. On longer runs (15km+), this cushioning reduces fatigue in ways that matter.
The trade-off is ground feel. CloudTec creates a layer between your foot and the trail that reduces proprioception compared to Salomon’s firmer platform. On smooth trails, this is irrelevant. On technical terrain where foot placement is critical, it is a measurable difference.
Cushioning Summary
Salomon: firm, protective, connected to the trail. Best for technical terrain and experienced trail runners. On Running: soft, responsive, forgiving. Best for mixed-surface runs and road-to-trail crossover. Neither is wrong — they prioritise different things.
Waterproofing
Both brands offer GORE-TEX options across their trail ranges, and in UK conditions, this matters more than almost any other feature.
The Salomon XA Pro 3D V9 GTX is one of the most popular waterproof trail shoes in the UK market. Its GORE-TEX membrane keeps water out while the Contagrip outsole grips wet surfaces. The combination makes it the default choice for Lake District fell runners, Pennine Way hikers, and anyone who runs through British winters.
On Running offers select GORE-TEX models in its trail range. The waterproof performance is equivalent — GORE-TEX is GORE-TEX regardless of which brand uses it. The difference is in how each brand handles water drainage and ventilation around the membrane, which is why fit and comfort vary.
UK Waterproofing Reality
- October to April: waterproof (GTX) versions are essential for UK trails
- May to September: non-waterproof versions breathe better and dry faster
- If you only buy one pair: GTX is the smarter investment for year-round UK running
Beyond Shoes — Trail Apparel
Both Salomon and On Running produce trail-specific apparel, and we stock both ranges at OD’s. This is where the brands’ different philosophies become most visible.
Salomon Apparel
Salomon’s Bonatti range is the standout. The Bonatti Pro jacket uses AdvancedSkin technology — a waterproof, breathable membrane that weighs under 200g and packs into its own pocket. It is designed for mountain running where weather changes in minutes and every gram counts. The brand’s trail shorts and half-zip layers use targeted ventilation zones mapped to high-heat areas during running.
On Running Apparel
On’s Weather jacket and Trek range sit at the premium end of trail outerwear. The Weather jacket is a clean, minimalist design that works on trails and in town — reflective details are subtle, zips are concealed, and the fit is tailored rather than athletic-baggy. On’s Core range offers everyday trail layers at more accessible prices. The overall aesthetic is Swiss restraint — technical without looking technical.
| Category | Salomon | On Running |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproof jacket | Bonatti Pro — £260 | Weather Jacket — from £200 |
| Tracksuit set | SHKout Fly — £210 | Core Jacket & Pant — £285 |
| Trail shorts | SHKout Core — from £65 | Performance Shorts — from £75 |
| Puffer jacket | Mountain Flex — from £120 | All-Day Puffer — £430 |
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Salomon | On Running |
|---|---|---|
| Heritage | 1947, Annecy, France | 2010, Zurich, Switzerland |
| Trail pedigree | Decades of elite trail/ultra | Road-first, trail-adapted |
| Grip strength | Best-in-class | Good — crossover focus |
| Cushioning feel | Firm, connected | Soft, forgiving |
| Best for mud | Excellent (Speedcross) | Adequate |
| Best for rock | Excellent | Good |
| Road comfort | Acceptable | Excellent |
| Lacing | Quicklace (single-pull) | Traditional laces |
| Style off-trail | Technical, sporty | Clean, contemporary |
| Shoe price from | £160 | £140 |
| Apparel price | Mid-premium | Premium |
Shop Both Brands at OD’s
Salomon
On Running
Our Verdict
We sell both brands because they serve different runners, and we see this every day in store.
Choose Salomon If…
You run primarily on trails. You need confident grip on mud, rock, and wet surfaces. You value technical performance over aesthetics. You run fell races, mountain ultras, or train on the Pennines, Lakes, or Snowdonia. You want the Quicklace system that eliminates soggy, dragging laces.
Choose On Running If…
You split your running between road and trail. You want one brand that covers both with minimal compromise. You value comfort and cushioning on longer runs. You want trail apparel that looks good off the mountain. You are new to trail running and want a smooth transition from road shoes.
The honest truth: most UK runners do not run exclusively on extreme terrain. If your typical run is 60% path and 40% trail, On Running handles that split better than any other brand. If your typical run is 80%+ trail with mud, rock, and elevation, Salomon is the proven choice. We stock both because the answer depends on where you run, not which brand has better marketing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Salomon better than On Running for trail running?
Salomon is the stronger technical trail brand with superior grip on mud and rock. On Running is better for mixed road-trail running where comfort and versatility matter more than aggressive traction. For pure trail performance, Salomon wins. For overall versatility, On Running wins.
Can you wear On Running shoes on trails?
Yes. On Running makes dedicated trail shoes with Missiongrip outsoles designed for off-road surfaces. They perform well on packed earth, grass, gravel, and light mud. For extreme mud or very technical rocky terrain, Salomon offers more aggressive traction.
Which brand is better value for money?
Salomon trail shoes start from around £160 for the XA Pro 3D V9 GTX, which includes GORE-TEX waterproofing. On Running shoes start from around £140 for non-waterproof models. Salomon’s apparel is generally more accessibly priced than On Running’s premium outerwear range.
Do I need different shoes for road and trail?
Ideally, yes. Trail shoes have deeper lugs that wear quickly on tarmac, and road shoes lack the grip for off-road surfaces. However, if you only want one shoe, On Running’s trail range handles both surfaces better than most. Salomon’s trail shoes are less comfortable on long road sections.
Where can I try Salomon and On Running in store?
We stock both Salomon and On Running at OD’s Designer Clothing, 44 Barrow Street, St Helens, WA10 1RY. Visit us Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm, and our team will help you find the right fit and model for your running terrain.