Keen and Salomon are two well-known brands in outdoor footwear. They both work hard to create high-quality shoes for their customers.
In this article, we’ll look at the important differences between Keen and Salomon shoes. If you need new outdoor shoes, I’ll explain everything you need to know about these brands. So, Let’s start.
Comparison Table Between Keen and Salomon:
| Keen | Salomon |
|---|---|
| Founded in 2003 | Founded in 1947 |
| Made of hydrophobic lining, leather, EVA insoles, rubber outsoles and water-repellant materials | Made of patent and faux leather, wool, polyester, linen, fabric, fleece, denim and durable rubber |
| Shoes, sandals and boots | Boots, shoes, sandals, mules and sneakers |
| Good for climbing, hiking, skiing, snowboarding and hunting | Good for trail running, hiking, climbing, racing, skiing, mountaineering and snowboarding |
| Lightweight | Heavy weight |
| Less breathable | More Breathable and sustainable |
| Less costly | More costly |
| More practical look | More technical look |
| 1-year warranty | 2-year warranty |
Overview of Keen
Keen is a famous American company for all types of footwear and other accessories.
It was established in 2003 by Rory Fuerest and Martin Keen who were unsatisfied with the hiking and running boots for outdoor activities. The company is famous because of its manufacturing of outdoor boots, hiking and sports shoes, and casual sandals.
All footwear is equipped with the latest toe protection technology called Keen Toe. Also, keen prefer sustainability so all the materials used in manufacturing are eco-friendly and support environmental and human innovations.
In the start, its headquarter was in California. But after three years, in 2006, the company moved its headquarters to Portland.
In 2004, keen invested a $1M budget in the tsunami disaster which made this brand more famous. After that, the company introduced many footwear such as Alliance, No Trace, City Mountaineers, keen Utility and more.
The company offers quality products not only in America but also globally. All products are of supreme quality and offer support and durability. Some items are made of animal products so these are vegan-friendly.
Shoes of Keen brand are manufactured in different countries which include:
- Mexico
- Thailand
- China
- Europe
- Vietnam
- USA
- Cambodia
Among different types of Keen footwear, the most famous and best seller product is Keen Targhee III hiking boots.
These boots are made of waterproof and breathable membrane which gives an insulated effect and keeps your feet warm in the cold seasons. With the sticky outsoles, these can easily stick to icy trails and provide you stability.
Also, these boots are comfortable, fit, durable and sustainable to preserve the environment so they are the number 1 choice of all outdoor activists.
Overview of Salomon
Salomon is a French company that was established in 1947 in the heart of the Alps, specifically in Annecy, France. Initially, Salomon gained immense fame in the skiing industry by producing top-quality ski edges with innovative designs.
Over time, the company expanded its product range and introduced various new items, including running shoes, boots, backpacks, apparel, and other accessories.
Salomon is famous because of its latest and technical expertise and high commitment to performance in the footwear industry.
The most famous technologies used in all shoes of this brand are Gore-Tex, waterproof membrane, Quicklace system, protective toe cap and some others. That is why products of this brand are the favorite of all runners, hikers, skiers and mountaineers.
Francois Salomon is a host and sponsor of many shows and races such as the Golden Trail series. Also, Salomon is running a channel and uploads inspirational stories of athletes and other people who love outdoor activities, running and skiing.
The current CEO of the Salomon brand is Franco Fogliato and the headquarter of this company is in Finland, France. While the US operations are in Utah. Though the headquarter is in France and almost 50% of shoes are made there so, they are identified as “Made in France.”
Besides France, these shoes are made in some other countries such as:
- Hungary
- Romania
- China
- Vietnam
- Morocco
- USA
- Canada
As Salomon has introduced many boots and shoes but the best seller product is Speedcross 5 Trail Running Shoes, made of nylon material.
This shoe is not only for walking but also for trail running. The secret of fame is the outer sole with heavy-duty toes to provide more support on uneven surfaces. So you can go to any rough and edgy surfaces with these speed cross shoes to get a better and fast experience.
Major Differences Between The Brands
Though both brands are famous and offer almost similar products, there are some differences that make one brand superior to the other according to your needs. So, let’s talk about these differences:
1) Comfort
When you have to choose the best boots for outdoor activities, the first thing that comes to mind is comfort and the right fit.
Obviously, no one wants a boot that injures their feet on a challenging trail. So both brands of our article offer a comfortable experience.
Salomon is the right shoe for comfort and fits that make it the popular choice of all hikers and enthusiasts.
These boots are not too tight that cause suffocation nor too loose that your feet come out again and again. Also, all the Salomon boots utilize Energy Cell Midsole foam to absorb shock.
On the other hand, keen boots have enough space for wide feet which need some space to move. Also, Keen boots have an EVA footbed for a light and comfortable feel.
Also Check Out: Merrel VS Salomon: Which is Better?
2) Popularity
Keen and Salomon are the best brands in terms of quality footwear, advanced features, and technologies which make them popular among all outdoor activists. That is why both brands break sales records each year.
When it comes to the popularity of Salomon, it is one of the most famous brands all over the world because of its durability, comfort, stylish design and the use of many latest and innovative technologies such as:
- Gore-Tex membrane
- Vibrant outsoles
- Ortholite footbeds
- Aerotherm and Thinsulate insulation
- Ortholite sock liners
On the other hand, Keen also has earned a lot of fame in the footwear industry due to its waterproof, sustainable, durable, comfortable, versatile, reliable and insulated shoes. That is why many professional outdoor activists and weekend enthusiasts prefer wearing boots of this brand. Also, these boots are equipped with the latest technologies such as:
- Keen Dry technology
- All Terrain Traction outsoles
- Metatomical footbeds
- Keen Warm insulation
- Keen Hybrid Care
- Cleansport NXT odor control technology
Also Check Out: Hoka VS Salomon: Which Is Better?
3) Target Market
Keen is one of the most reliable brands of all time offering quality products for all ages and genders.
Whether girls or boys, men or women or kids want to go running, skiing, snowboarding, or hunting, these boots are what they need the most. Also, all the styles, sizes and colors of Keen boots are the perfect choice for every foot.
On the other hand, Salomon’s sleek and unique boots are also for all ages and genders including men, women and kids.
So anyone who wants shoes and boots for skiing, climbing, racing and mountaineering, reach out to this brand and explore different styles, sizes and colors.
Also Check Out: Lowa VS Salomon: Which Is Better?
4) Price
The price range of both brands is no more different. Keen offers shoes, boots, and sandals at the average price of $70-$150.
While Salomon is more expensive because of the latest features with a price range of almost $30 to $1500.
5) Design
Design is what makes the boots look stylish and popular. Salomon boots are stylish with sleek designs and super-quality material so these are comfortable and breathable for the summer season.
With synthetic mesh and outsole technology, these boots give the utmost support to your feet. Also, the use of Gore-Tex technology helps to go for challenging hiking areas. On all shoes and boots of this brand, an “S” monogram and “Salomon” logo is present.
On the other hand, Keen boots are durable, breathable, and rigid with waterproof technology, rubber leather, and mesh outsole. Also, the Toe protection feature provides extra protection to the toes against injuries.
Also Check Out: Oboz VS Salomon: Which Is Better?
Conclusion: Which Is Better?
We have discussed all differences and unique features of Keen and Salomon. Both brands are only different in terms of technologies and your preference too. So it is difficult to say who is the winner of this battle.
If you love to buy a durable, technical, breathable, comfortable and versatile hiking shoe then Salomon is the right option to go for. It will not only offer the above benefits but will also make your feet look stylish and elegant.
If you want to get stability and support at a time then Keen must be your choice. These boots are also the perfect fit for hunting which makes them superior to Salomon.
Don’t go for the most reputable brand, search out your needs and choose the brand that best fits your needs.