Avia and Salomon are competitors in the trail running market for men's and women's shoes. While the shoes manufactured by both companies share some common features, they are also different in construction, weather-proofing, range of available models and overall price range. Salomon offers a wider range of trail running shoes than Avia, particularly in women's models. Also, some Salomon shoes are fully waterproof, unlike comparable Avia shoes. However, Avia trail runners are less expensive overall than Salomon shoes.
Construction
Salomon and Avia offer variations in the construction of their trail running shoes. Avia's 2050 Trail shoe features a lugged outer sole for traction on trails and a patented Cantilever sole designed to boost stability and keep the runner in an upright position. The Avia Men's 5577 Trail shoe features "lite trail" design which keeps the overall weight of the shoe to a minimum.
Salomon shoes feature a dual mesh upper, rather than Avia's synthetic single mesh. The lacing eyelets of Salomon shoes are also different from Avia's; Salomon shoes use friction-reducing eyelets through which laces pass more quickly. Salomon trail running shoes also feature protective toe caps, heel caps and mudguards.
Price and Selection
During Fall 2010, Avia offers some cheaper trail running shoes than Salomon but with a limited range of styles to choose from. Salomon offers 11 different models of mens' trail running shoes, and eight models for women. Salomon also offers a trail running shoe for kids, the XA Pro K. Avia offers a total of 12 different trail running shoes, four for women and eight for men. Avia's list prices for men's running shoes range from $60 to $130 per pair; Salomon's trail running shoes for men are listed between $100 and $140.
Weather-Proofing
Avia's trail running shoes are desribed as water-repellent rather than waterproof. Salomon offers both water-repellent and waterproof trail running shoes, and many models are also available in Gore-Tex versions. Salomon's Gore-Tex shoes feature waterproof booties to protect the shoe and your feet from wet trail conditions.
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