Salomon Genesis trail running shoes

The Salomon Genesis trail running shoe is a versatile trail running shoe that can handle the toughest terrain. Not to be confused with the S/Lab Genesis trail running shoe, which is the premium version of the Genesis. Its versatility is most evident in the fact that it is suitable for shorter runs and even longer ultra runs. It also ranks in the middle when it comes to cushioning, shock absorption and dynamics, which makes it a popular choice among a wide range of runners. Good news is that it has the same Matryx upper as the premium S/Lab shoes, which is lightweight, durable and has good breathability. If you don’t want to keep different running shoes for different trail runs, the Genesis could be a good ultimate. It has neither a carbon plate nor a rock plate so it’s not stiff, it doesn’t have a very high midsole so it’s stable (though its shock absorption is therefore only average), and the upper is halfway between super comfortable and performance oriented.

Salomon Genesis upper

Salomon Genesis trail running shoe upper

The Salomon Genesis trail running shoe upper is made from the Matryx mesh material familiar from S/Lab shoes. Matryx is a thin mesh material with Kevlar fibers woven into it, making it more durable and providing more protection, with a slightly rougher surface. Despite the mesh material being covered by additional rubber layers in several places, the breathability of the shoe is good. The front of the shoe has an elastic material to protect the toes from debris, which also protects against moisture. The tongue of the shoe is fixed on both sides, thicker than average, more comfortable and longer. At the end of the tongue, there is a small garage where you can hide the buckle of the speed lacing system so that it doesn’t get in the way while running. This thicker tongue and the quick laces provide a very good and secure grip on the foot and protect against debris. The heel collar is stiff and well cushioned for excellent foot support. The upper has a plastic cover on either side of the heel section, called Active Chassis, which helps to provide a more stable foot hold. This plastic sheet continues into the midfoot, so it also plays a role in midfoot stability

Salomon Genesis midfoot

Salomon Genesis trail running shoe midsole

The midsole of the Salomon Genesis trail running shoe is made of Salomon’s well-known Energy Foam, a blend of EVA and olefin. This foam is moderately soft, softer than a plain EVA foam, and also has more energy transfer, making it more dynamic. The heel section has a midsole height of 34 mm, which is enough to give the shoe good shock absorption and also protection from larger rocks. The midsole does not have a rock plate to protect against sharp edges, so the midsole is particularly flexible compared to other trail running shoes. The midfoot is durable, even for distances over marathon, but not so dynamic that you can achieve the best times in it. The Active Chassis plates, mentioned in the upper section, make the shoe more stable, which is crucial for longer runs. You can run fast stretches or shorter fast runs in them, but the Genesis is designed more for everyday runs.

Salomon Genesis Outside

The outsole of the Salomon Genesis trail running shoe is made with a softer Contagrip rubber compound than ever before. The rubber spikes are 4.5 mm thick on the outsole, have different orientations and a different pattern on the outsole than on the insole. The outsole has very good grip on almost all surfaces, whether mud or wet rock. Mud doesn’t get stuck between the rubber spikes, it rolls off the outsole well, which Solomon solves by having the area between the rubber spikes also serrated and patterned. Because the rubber compound is softer for better grip, it wears a little faster than average, but it also depends on the surface you’re using, your weight and your running motion.

Summary

Overall, the Salomon Genesis trail running shoe is a versatile running shoe for running on heavier terrain. You can run both longer and faster distances in them. The upper holds the foot securely, the outsole has very good grip, and the midsole provides adequate cushioning and dynamics (if not maximum). An all-purpose trail running shoe that you can wear for any of your trail running workouts. If you want to run a race in safety and your goal is not to get a time result but to run the distance, the Genesis will be your partner in that too.