Salomon is the creator of specialty running shoes and hiking boots for every type of weather. But not all of its shoes have the same level of protection against the cold and wetness. In fact, some of them are more durable than others. Read on to see our Salomon Climashield vs Gore Tex comparison review.
This is because various types of materials are used to fulfill a shoe’s purpose. Some Salomon shoes are created with this Climashield technology. They are referred to by using the acronym ‘CS’ within the model name. On the other hand, for the Gore-Tex shoe, Salomon uses the acronym ‘GTX’.
Both the Climashield and the Gore-Tex shoes are said to be fully waterproof. But is this just a clever marketing ploy? Well, not quite. There are varying degrees of protection and durability that these shoes provide. And with different materials come different material properties.
To understand them, we must look at what these two technologies are actually known for. We will also take a look at how they stack up against each other when it comes to Salomon’s shoes.
Related: Salomon Speedcross 3 vs 4: For Runners and Hikers
Salomon Climashield vs Gore Tex Technologies
Comparing Salomon’s Climashield and Gore-Tex Technologies
Climashield is often used in jackets and pants to provide a breathable layer against the skin and the elements. For instance, Climashield has been used in shoes for every kind of climate; especially cold climates. This is because it helps protect against cold weather.
That being said, Gore-Tex also provides protection against the cold. Gore-Tex is also traditionally known as being very waterproof and is found in four-season shoes.
In comparing the two technologies, it has been found that Gore-Tex is generally more durable than Climashield. This is because its main component is Teflon, and since Teflon is hydrophobic, it is non-reactive. As a result, if any harmful chemicals should get onto your shoes, will not be damaged chemically.
Salomon Climashield vs Gore Tex: Which is Best?
So, you may be wondering… If Gore-Tex technology does everything that Climashield does and more, why would anyone choose Salomon Waterproof vs Gore-Tex?
The biggest deciding factor for people purchasing a Salomon Climashield vs Gore Tex is the price. Salomon Gore-Tex shoes generally cost more because it is a more advanced technology.
However, some say that Climashield shoes have kept their feet slightly warmer than their Salomon Gore-Tex shoes. But there is no real way to verify this, as this is really all subjective. But you should know that there have not really been any complaints from people running in the Winter and getting cold with their Gore-Tex shoes. As a matter of fact, Salomon Gore-Tex shoes are meant to provide as much protection against the cold as Climashield.
Climashield shoes was Salomon’s answer to the demand for waterproof shoes that were not as expensive as the Gore-Tex models. Salomon’s Climashield shoes are essentially the answer to having a fully waterproof shoe that is affordable to most people.
Despite the fact that Climashield is meant to be more affordable, there is no dramatic difference in price. It is noticeable, but not very substantial. To see current prices for Salomon CS and GTX shoes, please follow the links below.
Weatherproofing: Salomon Climashield vs Gore Tex
The Salomon Climashield shoes are advertised as being fully waterproof. But it should be noted that the Salomon Gore-Tex shoes actually provide a superior level of waterproofing. In fact, Gore-Tex shoes let you go through puddles and snow without ever having to worry about anything getting through. After all, Gore-Tex is especially meant for this purpose.
Durability
Salomon Gore-Tex are also more durable than the Climashield shoes. In fact, Salomon rates their Gore-Tex shoes as 5/5 durable. However, Salomon rates their Climashield shoes as being 3/5 durable. Furthermore, Gore-Tex is made of Teflon, which does not react to harsh chemicals. Thus, this helps maintain the Integrity of the materials of the shoe.
Salomon Climashield vs Gore Tex: Pricing
Salomon Climashield vs Gore Tex: Verdict
It is clear that the Salomon Gore-Tex provide better protection and your ability than the Salomon Climashield shoes. Certainly, Gore-Tex offer a more robust technology. Because of this, it will simply withstand more strenuous use. On the other hand, the Climashield shoes are less expensive. In addition, they may even keep your feet warmer than the Gore-Tex shoes.
While we are partial to the Gore-Tex shoes for the fact that they will keep our feet fully protected, Salomon Climashield shoes are also highly popular and well-liked. If you are not going to be using your shoes in harsh climates, choose a Gore-Tex shoe instead.
Now that you’ve read our final thoughts, the choice is yours. Which of these shoe technologies do you prefer? Please let us know by leaving a comment below.
In termas of durable I would expect also a comparison with the regular salomon Speedcross material. I had 2 Salomon SpeedX and would say they are rate 3 durability less will be a handicap for a trail shoe i guess.
I own 4 pairs of Salomon boots and shoes with a 5th on its way. My first pair of Salomons were Disovery GTX and they leaked pretty bad. Just walking through wet grass my toes would get wet. I called up Salomon and a couple weeks later I had a new pair. The new pair never leaked but my feet did freeze one morning while bird watching. It wasn’t frostbite bad but I was in pain. My XA Pro 3d’s with ClimaShield have been my everyday shoe for the past 3 years with no problems. The tread has wore flat and there are pieces of rubber peeling off, but they are still waterproof. They’ve been such a great shoe I just had to buy another. A friend of mine has a pair of Salomon winter boots with ClimaShield that he has had for 4 years with no complaints.
I would say there are two downsides to both GoreTex and Climashield, one is once you do get water inside they can take a long time to dry.
And the other is hot weather usage sucks. GoreTex claims they’er material breaths when hot but it doesn’t. I’m not sure what ClimaShield says but they are just as bad. But hot swampy feet beats out cold wet shoes any day.
I have owned several pairs of Salomon GTX trail running shoes and one pair of Salomon shoes with Climashield over the last 10+ years (the Climashield pair was probably 4-5 years ago), and I can attest that the Gore-Tex shoes kept me drier longer. I wish Salomon offered more shoe styles and colors within a given style with Gore-Tex. The Gore-Tex shoes will eventually start to leak (2+ years maybe with moderate use), but they still keep me drier than any other running shoe.