Salomon vs Merrell: a sole that wears out in months or one that lasts 25 years

Salomon or Merrell: the sole that lasts months or the one that holds up 25 years

A walk through the city on a rainy day is enough to discover that not all trail shoes are fit for asphalt. One participant says he bought a pair of Salomon XA 3D Ultra thinking they would be the ultimate shoe and ended up on the ground twice, the second time with a fall that could have been much worse. The brand boasts about its Contagrip sole, but several users agree that it is a slipping hazard in the wet. And not only in the wet: certain urban pavements also give it trouble, according to another account.

The problem is not just grip. The durability of the materials leaves a lot to be desired in some models, according to several participants. One buyer says that in less than six months the sole wore through, the laces broke and the seams gave way. Another claims his Contagrip sole disintegrated and that the openings at the seam joints destroyed the waterproofing. Against this, one user says his Bestard boots with a Vibram sole from 25 years ago are still intact. The conclusion is repeated among several forum members: for many, the Contagrip sole is pure and simple planned obsolescence.

Merrell comes across as the sensible alternative for several participants. Several wear them daily around the city and highlight their lightness and comfort. A frequently mentioned model is the Merrell Bare Access 4, which in black passes for a discreet sneaker to wear with jeans, according to one owner. Another regular Merrell wearer for city walking describes his as "a antiestéticather": a single layer of mesh that is the best thing in summer, though useless in winter. The catch, according to another participant, is that the brand has a wide range and not all models are equally durable. Some have had mixed experiences: some pairs have turned out well and others have fallen apart within weeks.

Things get more complicated when real-world use comes into play. One forum member argues that Salomon shoes are designed for soft terrain, loose dirt, grass and some mud, and that using them on tiles or stone is taking a gamble, with the lugs wearing off in two days. The minimalist Merrell models, on the other hand, are conceived for light running and walking, which makes them more versatile for everyday urban life. But beware: if you are looking for a shoe for real mountain use, neither one nor the other. That is where Bestard, La Sportiva, Scarpa, Garmont or Salewa come in, with prices that skyrocket, according to several participants.

Price also makes a difference. Salomon shoes have gone up in price and material quality has not kept pace, according to one user. Merrell shoes are usually cheaper, and if bought on sale they can be had for 45 euros, which for one participant is a great deal. At the opposite end, some defend the 20-euro Decathlon shoes for the basics, though for adult technical boots things change. The Spanish brand Joma appears as a quality option at half the price, and the Saucony Excursion TR8 sneak in as an alternative with grip that some consider better than Vibram's or Contagrip's.

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Is it worth paying more for a technical brand?

It depends on the use. For long treks and demanding terrain, several participants believe the investment in brands like Bestard or La Sportiva pays off over years. For walking around the city, on the other hand, almost any comfortable footwear will do, as the debate shows. The mistake, some point out, is buying a trail shoe thinking it will be an urban panacea. The lugged sole wears out quickly on asphalt and wet grip can be treacherous. If the goal is the city, better to look for models with a flatter sole and a softer compound, even if that sacrifices durability.

Sizing, another headache

Several voices warn that Salomon shoes run small and recommend ordering half a size up. Merrell shoes, on the other hand, are usually truer to your usual size, though some need an extra size due to toe issues. The general recommendation is to try them on whenever possible, and if buying online, make sure returns are easy. Specialized brick-and-mortar stores still have the advantage for a proper fit, according to one participant.

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In the end, the decision comes down to an uncomfortable question: how long do you want your footwear to last? If the answer is years, the Vibram sole of a pair of Bestards or well-chosen Merrells is the safe bet, according to several forum members. If the answer is a couple of seasons and you prioritize looks, any brand with a good fit will do. What does not fly, for several participants, is paying 90 euros for shoes that fall apart in six months. That is not responsible consumption, it is throwing money away.