Anyone who has spent any time on the mountains in recent years will have spotted the ubiquitous Wedze brand. From ski jackets, goggles and gloves to actual skis – Wedze do appear to be everywhere.
For those not immediately in the know, Wedze are the in-house ski and snow wear brand of Decathlon.
And for those on the hunt for budget ski jackets or affordable ski wear in general, you might be asking ‘is Decathlon a good brand?’ and should you spend out on Wedze gear this winter?
Quick note: There are some affiliate links in this post, which simply means we earn a commission if you do buy from them. At no extra cost to you.
Where is Decathlon from?
Let’s start with the basics: the origin story. Decathlon was born in Lille, France, in 1976. Formed by Michel Leclercq, the brand was initially established as a sporting goods retailer catering to a wide variety of sports. Over the years, Decathlon branched out, creating sub-brands for different sporting categories. One of these, Wedze, launched in 2006 as Decathlon’s brand dedicated to skiing and snowboarding.
Today, Decathlon is a global presence, with over 1,600 stores worldwide including in the UK and numerous countries across Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Chances are, if you need budget sports gear, you’ll find a Decathlon near you (or at least in the same country).
Decathlon owes much of its success to its ethos of affordability, and accessibility. Their focus is on creating products that are designed in-house, using their own branding, which allows them to manage quality and costs effectively.
What’s more, Decathlon gears tends to blend technological trends and advances with user-friendly designs to generate sports products that aim to serve beginners and enthusiasts alike.
In short, Decathlon often uses the production methods of higher cost brands, at much lower prices.
Is Decathlon ski wear good quality?
One thing that can be said about Decathlon is that they do have great pride in their products, and a strong focus on best quality. This isn’t just based on a web search by the way, I actually met someone who worked for Decathlon a few years back and they were both very proud of their job and quite gushing about the focus in quality.
In fact, each Wedze product is developed with in-depth research and development at their Mountain Store in the heart of the French Alps. They are then carefully tested in real-life conditions, as Wedze products go through iterative improvements before they hit the market.
In terms of material quality, Wedze uses technologically advanced fabrics like the water-resistant and breathable Novadry. They also incorporate insulation using materials like down, or synthetic fillers for warmth.
That being said, it’s crucial to remember that Wedze offerings are not typically premium products. You might notice a difference in the feel of a Wedze jacket compared to, say, an equivalent from pricier brands. Yet, in terms of functional quality—protection against the elements, effective insulation, breathability, and adequate performance—Wedze does stand its ground.
It provides what it promises: reliable, budget-friendly ski and snowboard equipment.
Browse Decathon’s full range of ski and snow wear.
How much does Wedze ski wear cost?
Yes, skiing and snowboarding equipment can cost an arm and a leg. But Decathlon’s Wedze is one of the budget ski brands that actually delivers reliable quality at a lower cost.
In fact, one of Wedze’s largest selling points is its affordability. A beginner can suit up—ski jacket, ski pants, gloves, goggles, hat – even skis, poles, boots—for significantly less than what’s usually spent on big-name branded gear.
Of course, the price varies depending on the product type, design, and technology. Within the Wedze ski wear range, there are options at price points from very cheap to relatively premium.
For instance, a Wedze jacket can range from around £50 for a basic, beginner model to well over £300 for a more specialized, high-performance ski jacket.
- Check out Decathlon’s cheapest mens ski jacket.
- Check out Decathlon’s stylish budget snowboard jacket.
- Check out Decathlon’s stylish womens ski and snowboard jacket
The same applies to ski pants, goggles, gloves, or helmets where you can find products fitting a wide price range.
So, Decathlon’s Wedze might just be the budget-friendly solution many winter sports enthusiasts are looking for. But cheap doesn’t necessarily equate to shoddy. Which brings us to our next two questions…
Is Wedze a good brand for skiing or snowboarding?
The question what is a good brand actually requires a few different questions asked first.
First of all, is Wedze snow sports gear good quality?
Decathlon, and Wedze as a brand, places a strong emphasis on user comfort and protection. Their apparel is designed to protect against the cold and wet weather common to winter sports. In fact, a lot of effort goes into crafting ergonomic, adjustable fittings, and materials that ensure breathability, maximizing comfort during long hours in the snow.
So here, we can agree that Wedze does offer good quality products. Are they the best? Not necessarily. But you do get what you pay for – and you can easily pay three, four, or even five times the price for a product that is only marginally better quality.
Next up – is Wedze gear technically functional?
In terms of performance, Wedze aims for inclusivity. They have something for everyone, from beginners who need forgiving gear to seasoned skiers or snowboarders looking for high-speed precision.
To add to this, their skis and snowboards come in a broad range of sizes, levels, and styles (freeride, freestyle, racing, etc.), all tailored to suit different needs.
So when considering durability, you need to remember Wedze’s principle of affordability. Given the price points, you might not get the premium, lasting durability you’d expect from higher-end brands. However, based on user reviews and our own experiences, Wedze products tend to hold up surprisingly well for a few seasons of use—an excellent trade-off considering the cost.
Overall, Wedze finds a fine balance between performance, comfort, and price, making it a good brand option for winter sports enthusiasts. Yet, this doesn’t give the entire picture…
Is Wedze a cool ski brand?
So far, we’ve established that Decathlon’s Wedze is affordable and covers a wide range of skill levels while promising comfort. So does it fall into the cool ski wear category?
Well, that depends on what you perceive as cool.
Generally speaking, if you’re hanging with the cool snowboarders at the snow park, they’re all gonna be wearing brands like Burton, Arcteryx and Volcom – which are very much on the cooler side of the snowboard and ski wear spectrum.
Wedze is a budget ski brand, and most people know it as such. While their clothes are comfortable, practical, stylish and for the most part pretty durable, they don’t really fall under the ‘cool’ heading.
But the bottom line is going to be, does anyone care? Probably not.
Is Decathlon a good place to buy ski gear?
To sum it up, when it comes to kitting out for your favorite winter sport, Decathlon and Wedze provide an attractive, affordable alternative to more prominent, pricier brands. While refusing to rub shoulders with high-end gear, these brands carve their niche quite securely by offering a balanced trade-off between price and quality.
If you’re an occasional skier or snowboarder, a first-timer looking to explore, or even a regular rider on a budget, Decathlon and Wedze might just be the right choice for you. However, do recognize that one glove does not fit all. Always consider your individual needs, skill level, and intensity of usage before making a purchase.
Remember, it’s not always about owning the most prestigious brands; it’s about finding gear that matches your needs, fits your budget, and genuinely makes your adventure a memorable one. Here’s to hoping this review helps you carve your journey wisely!
Check out Decathlon’s full range of ski wear.
Looking for more premium gear? Read our guide to the best ski pants and salopettes, or check out our pick of luxury ski goggles.
And check out our ski jacket buyers guide.
