When it comes to trail running, having the right gear can make all the difference. The Salomon Genesis makes an attempt to be a versatile and reliable option for various types of trail runs. Let’s dive into what makes this shoe a compelling choice for both everyday jogs and more demanding trail adventures.
Technical Specs
- Weight – 9.5oz or 269g for a US Men’s 9, 8.55oz or 242g for a US Women’s 7
- Cushion – 34mm of cushion and a 8mm heel/toe drop
- Pricing – $150 USD
- Colors – 3 colors
First Impressions and Fit
Right out of the box, the Salomon Genesis captures attention with its sleek yet functional design. The styling is slightly more traditional than its S/Lab counterpart, featuring a more padded and comfortable heel collar and tongue. The Matryx upper, which is durable and offers a snug fit, contours well to the foot, providing a good balance between comfort and security. The toebox, although slightly more accommodating than the S/Lab version, retains a more traditional shape. This offers enough room for long-distance comfort and toe splay.
Initial wear suggests true-to-size fitting, although some might find the shoe a bit long in the toe area. For those who prefer a snug fit, sizing down may be an option, but sticking to one’s usual size is likely the safer bet.
Upper
The Matryx upper in the Genesis is robust, providing enhanced durability and excellent foot-hold. Security is a standout feature, ensuring no movement even on steep, technical, or off-camber terrain. The reinforced toe cap adds a layer of protection, smoothly integrated with the rest of the upper. This makes the Genesis suitable for various weather conditions, though it remains to be seen how breathable it will be during the summer. The padded heel collar and gusseted tongue offer additional comfort and ankle support.
Midsole and Platform
The midsole of the Genesis utilizes Energy Foam, an EVA Olefin copolymer blend. This provides a cushiony, plush feel without sacrificing stability or agility. With a stack height of 30mm at the heel and 22mm at the forefoot, the cushioning strikes an exceptional balance between softness and ground feel. Whether on rocky terrain or flat trails, the Genesis handles it well. It isn’t a racing shoe per se, but it offers enough responsiveness for faster efforts.
Outsole
Featuring Salomon’s new Contagrip all-terrain rubber with 4.5mm multi-directional chevron-shaped lugs, the outsole excels in providing traction across various surfaces. Whether running on wet rock, mud, or packed snow, traction remains reliable. The lug design enhances mud-shedding capabilities, although extreme sticky clay might still pose a challenge. The additional lug coverage not only boosts grip but also adds underfoot protection, making the Genesis a solid choice for unpredictable terrain.
Overall Performance
In terms of ride quality, the Genesis offers a smooth, lively experience. It’s versatile enough to handle anything from daily training to more technical trail runs. The shoe is well-cushioned and stable, providing ample protection without feeling bulky. Quicklace systems ensure a secure fit, although some might need to snug them up after a bit of running. This shoe is adept at both slower recovery runs and faster tempo efforts, making it a reliable all-arounder.
Conclusion
Overall, the Salomon Genesis proves to be an excellent trail running shoe that balances comfort, stability, and versatility. It handles a wide range of terrains and distances without compromise, making it a great option for those looking for a go-to shoe for their trail running needs. Whether tackling everyday training runs or embarking on more technical paths, the Genesis delivers reliable performance at a competitive price point.
Learn more on the Salomon website
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Check Out Other Reviewers Thoughts
As always, we gather together some of our favorite reviewers so you can get a well-rounded view of the shoe. Here are our favorites.
