If it helps, I have quite a bit of experience with Salamon and Merrells.
I had a pair of Salamon approach shoes which I wore regularly for a few years for mixed use, then wore them for a week of trekking in Dogon Country in Mali, covering about 10 miles per day on soft ground and some rocky ascents, in temperatures in the low 40s. I found the Salamons excellent, comfy, supportive and excellent grip with a stiffened sole for climbing / scrambling. I wear a 12 wide and was very happy.
Since then I have switched to Merrells for an approach shoe and don't have a bad word to say about them - I just threw out a pair that had seen use almost non-stop since 2008 that were falling apart and it was a sad day! What did I replace them with? More Merrell approach shoes - but my walking boots are Salamons.
I think as you say you need to try on a few. As ever, there is no such thing as a free lunch, so personally I always avoid the cheap look-a-like brands, and instead look for a pair of last season's Merrells in the sale.
Good luck!