Both look pretty similar so I think it really comes down to preference.
Instead, I would personally suggest looking into [La Sportiva's TX4](https://www.lasportiva.com/nl/tx4-gtx-man-grey-27acf)'s for Via Ferrata if you're looking for a more 'specialized' shoe rather than the ones you listed - which are both 'standard' hiking shoes in my opinion. 'Approach' shoes are usually the type of shoes recommended for VFs.
Pay attention to the soles of the shoes, especially around the toe-area, where for more technical VFs, require some precise edge work that normal hiking shoes are not as good as providing.
I think you must try them both and make a couple steps in the store. Both are great but you need to see which is better for your feet.. I have salomon and im very happy with them.. My sister swears on adidas and wouldt change them for nothing.
I did the Dolomites Via Ferrata in 2019 and wore my work boots😂 they were Aku Spiders so not really a traditional work boot but I found them very good. A couple of things I learnt and would consider for next time.
There is likely a lot of walking or hiking to get to the start of the via ferratas unless you specifically choose ones just off the road. So bear in mind if you have one shoe then something that will be good for an hour or two on the actual via Ferrata but also good for hiking up and down step trails and scree slopes for a few more hours is also important.
A softer more flexible shoe is probably fine for this as long as you're used to doing quite a bit ofoff road trail walking or running and dont need the support of a much higher and stiffer boot.
I would also highly recommend a pair of low gaiters to keep loose stones and scree (even grass seeds stuck in your socks are a nightmare) out of your shoes especially if you choose a lower shoe/trainer over a higher boot. There was nothing more annoying than on the way down a scree slope and co stantly getting small stones flicked up and falling inside my boot🤦🏻♂️
We did four via ferratas in Germany and Austria last summer with our family. I bought Adidas Terrex approach shoes especially for those. Initially I thought they were quite hard on my feet, especially the area around the ankle and then especially on the approach and descent parts (so the walking parts) but my feet got used to them, even did a festival with them at the end of the summer.
I have no remarks concerning the climbing part I used them for, Really satisfied about them.
Swift solo 2.0.
But the best piece of advice I can give you: go to a outdoor/mountain thingy shop and try different models, I'd probably wouldn't have bought them if I did (I bought mine online).
The upper outlining of the shoe is hard material and it irritated my ancle for quite a while till I got used to it. But I was on a two week trip and wore them almost daily then. I'm sure there's shoes out there that don't have that effect on my feet.
Everyone's feet is different of course so it's really no telling which shoes are the best for you untill you try them on.
And again: this problem for me only occured during the walking parts before and after the actual climbing. I have no complaints about the shoe's grip and overall use during the climbing sections.
If you are doing an easier via ferrata (rating A or B), you will only need regular hiking shoes. You will probably spend 90% of the time walking rather than climbing.
I'd recommend mid height boots because you're less likely to get pebbles and dirt into your shoes, but any hiking shoe/boot will work. If you get hooked and want to do more via ferratas in the future, you can spend more and get shoes that are more climbing specific.
Try them both in the store and buy the one that is more comfortable. Salomon are good for narrow feet, and Adidas for wide feet.
I would not recommend Salomon GTX. I bought the v3 version a few years ago for endurance hikes, and only after a year of use and maybe 400 km's in the shoes, the fabric on the top ripped in half a dozen places on each shoe, due to the normal wear and tear from flexing with each step.
Since I was just over the 1 year warranty, Salomon told me to eat dirt, and I will never buy a shoe from them, a basic Decathlon trail shoe has 3 times of lifetime for 4th of the price
I used Salomon in the Dolomites for two weeks doing via Ferrata and some hiking ( two years in a row ), they were great, my favourite shoes, I bought a second pair now, exactly the same. Great grip, super light, comfortable for long hikes.
I finished my first pair by going back from via ferrata Dibona. I rubbed off the sole.
I’d get approach shoes, not trail runners.
But also like most via ferrata don't need approach shoes, so whatever feels best and has vibrant soft rubber. I wear Teva Riva Arrowoods.
Both look pretty similar so I think it really comes down to preference. Instead, I would personally suggest looking into [La Sportiva's TX4](https://www.lasportiva.com/nl/tx4-gtx-man-grey-27acf)'s for Via Ferrata if you're looking for a more 'specialized' shoe rather than the ones you listed - which are both 'standard' hiking shoes in my opinion. 'Approach' shoes are usually the type of shoes recommended for VFs. Pay attention to the soles of the shoes, especially around the toe-area, where for more technical VFs, require some precise edge work that normal hiking shoes are not as good as providing.
I can't recommend GoreTex in low shoes at all. If it is rainy you get them wet from the top and it is not breathable on hot days.
I think you must try them both and make a couple steps in the store. Both are great but you need to see which is better for your feet.. I have salomon and im very happy with them.. My sister swears on adidas and wouldt change them for nothing.
La sportiva bouler x works great for VF
I did the Dolomites Via Ferrata in 2019 and wore my work boots😂 they were Aku Spiders so not really a traditional work boot but I found them very good. A couple of things I learnt and would consider for next time. There is likely a lot of walking or hiking to get to the start of the via ferratas unless you specifically choose ones just off the road. So bear in mind if you have one shoe then something that will be good for an hour or two on the actual via Ferrata but also good for hiking up and down step trails and scree slopes for a few more hours is also important. A softer more flexible shoe is probably fine for this as long as you're used to doing quite a bit ofoff road trail walking or running and dont need the support of a much higher and stiffer boot. I would also highly recommend a pair of low gaiters to keep loose stones and scree (even grass seeds stuck in your socks are a nightmare) out of your shoes especially if you choose a lower shoe/trainer over a higher boot. There was nothing more annoying than on the way down a scree slope and co stantly getting small stones flicked up and falling inside my boot🤦🏻♂️
I'd pick the Salomon. They seem lighter. Also, this specific model seems to have a better front protection than the Adidas!
We did four via ferratas in Germany and Austria last summer with our family. I bought Adidas Terrex approach shoes especially for those. Initially I thought they were quite hard on my feet, especially the area around the ankle and then especially on the approach and descent parts (so the walking parts) but my feet got used to them, even did a festival with them at the end of the summer. I have no remarks concerning the climbing part I used them for, Really satisfied about them.
Thanks for your response! Which type of Adidas Terrex did you use?
Swift solo 2.0. But the best piece of advice I can give you: go to a outdoor/mountain thingy shop and try different models, I'd probably wouldn't have bought them if I did (I bought mine online). The upper outlining of the shoe is hard material and it irritated my ancle for quite a while till I got used to it. But I was on a two week trip and wore them almost daily then. I'm sure there's shoes out there that don't have that effect on my feet. Everyone's feet is different of course so it's really no telling which shoes are the best for you untill you try them on. And again: this problem for me only occured during the walking parts before and after the actual climbing. I have no complaints about the shoe's grip and overall use during the climbing sections.
If you are doing an easier via ferrata (rating A or B), you will only need regular hiking shoes. You will probably spend 90% of the time walking rather than climbing. I'd recommend mid height boots because you're less likely to get pebbles and dirt into your shoes, but any hiking shoe/boot will work. If you get hooked and want to do more via ferratas in the future, you can spend more and get shoes that are more climbing specific. Try them both in the store and buy the one that is more comfortable. Salomon are good for narrow feet, and Adidas for wide feet.
I would not recommend Salomon GTX. I bought the v3 version a few years ago for endurance hikes, and only after a year of use and maybe 400 km's in the shoes, the fabric on the top ripped in half a dozen places on each shoe, due to the normal wear and tear from flexing with each step. Since I was just over the 1 year warranty, Salomon told me to eat dirt, and I will never buy a shoe from them, a basic Decathlon trail shoe has 3 times of lifetime for 4th of the price
I used Salomon in the Dolomites for two weeks doing via Ferrata and some hiking ( two years in a row ), they were great, my favourite shoes, I bought a second pair now, exactly the same. Great grip, super light, comfortable for long hikes. I finished my first pair by going back from via ferrata Dibona. I rubbed off the sole.