SALOMON GENESIS Review: Super high-tech trail running shoes that combine tank-like toughness with the lightness of a sports car

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Salomon 's S/LAB series is known as a premium shoe made for elites who aim to break records in high-level, one-off races, but the S/LAB GENESIS is a new concept high-performance shoe that is suitable for a wide range of mountain running, not just races.

However, I've heard that these shoes are indeed amazing, but I'm sure many people thought that this was a big hit for a casual runner like me. Good news for everyone like that. This season, GENESIS has been released, with an adjustable S/LAB GENESIS In short, this latest GENESIS is a shoe that "has a high level of agility and lightness that can be used for tough races, but is sturdy enough to withstand adventures that run through the mountains, and is comfortable to not accumulate damage even after long periods of action."

Many people will want to say that there's no way that such dream-like shoes exist. However, anyone who has learned about these shoes will probably think that such shoes are not possible in general. That's how shocking this time. It can even be said that this is the most harmonious trail shoe I've ever run with speed and kindness. I'd like to start a thorough review of this shocking performance.

GENESIS is adapted for general runners, generously introducing cutting-edge technology.

Key Features of SALOMON GENESIS

Salomon's Genesis is a new era of trail running shoes that combine the lightweight, highly durable, highly breathable upper, Matryx® material, a midsole that combines the high-cushion, high-rebound Energy Foam with the Active Chassis™ that supports stable landing, All Terrain Contagrip® outsole that provides grip performance over a wide range of terrain terrain with cutting-edge technology. It is a sibling model with a number of adjustments to add versatility through the S/LAB GENESIS It features a platform's comfortable fit, slightly wider than the S/LAB version and designed to fit more foot shapes, an increased heel collar and tongue padding, more ample midsole cushioning, and a new lug patterned Contagrip® outsole that is now adjusted to accommodate more diverse terrain . While maintaining the high performance of S/LAB GENESIS on high speed and long distance travel, it provides excellent performance to a wide range of mountain runners and high-speed hikers, including beginners.

Recommended points

• Excellent fit with EndoFit™
• Flexible and moderate padding for comfortable wear
• Matryx® material makes it both light, breathable and durable
• Active Chassis™ provides outstanding comfort and stability on downhill and uneven terrain
• All Terrain Contagrip® outsole with a 4.5mm lug that provides stable grip for a wide range of purposes, from road to muddy
• Versatile and suitable for a wide range of applications regardless of distance, terrain or road surface

Points that interest me

• The forefoot and base of toes may feel slightly narrower depending on the person
• It is extremely breathable, so it's a bit cold when worn under low temperatures such as winter.

Main Specifications and ratings

Detailed review

An upper that combines durability, breathability and fit

When talking about the new GENESIS, the first thing you can't help but touch on is the high-performance fabric "Matryx®", which continues to be used in the upper from the S/LAB

This is a blend of individually coated high-tonic polyamide and Kevlar, and by intimately weaving fine fibers, it is lightweight and supple, yet extremely abrasion resistance and breathability.

In fact, this shoe weighs 269g, which is relatively lighter than other Salomon models, but despite this, it has extremely high rigidity and wear resistance compared to conventional synthetic fabrics, making it extremely reliable on rocky and off-road areas.

MatryxⓇ material is extremely thin, yet boasts excellent durability due to Kevlar fiber.

On the other hand, despite its sturdy nature, the fabric is extremely thin and supple, and there is a visible mesh-like gap between the fiber bundles, making it breathable so high that it can directly feel the outside air on your feet. As shown in the photo below, it's so emptied that you can see through the other side when you hold it up over the sky.

The thickness of the back allows for extraordinary breathability and incredible lightness

The tongue uses "EndOFit™" integrated into the upper (photo below). An elastic knit is sewn to the bottom, enveloping the entire instep from the arch of your foot. The tongue is padded with moderate thickness, so the laces will not dig into the instep of your foot.

"EndOFit™" is an integrated shoe tongue that fits around the instep of your foot.

When you put your feet in, the first thing you can feel is the toned, secure fit. The fabric itself is soft, so it supple and snugs close to you, like you're tracing the lines of your feet. However, the fabric is almost non-stretchable, so your feet will not shift or move in your shoes without any unnecessary wear and tear when they are fitted. This may be easier if you run slowly and relaxed and flat, but if you move faster and more, it may be easier to run if you keep your feet firmly in place, making it easier to run, which is a good feature for these shoes, which are designed to be tough situations.

The overall size, as seen when worn, is almost the same as the usual Salomon. The lack of elasticity makes the area around the base of the toes feel a little narrower, but the wider adjustments than the S/LAB version have plenty of fun, allowing space for free movement of the toes.

A toebox with excellent fit and ample room for toes

The heel circumference is a higher heel counter and plenty of padding compared to the S/LAB version, providing a more orthodox opening. This gives you a better heel hold and comfortable fit, stability and protection.

The heel cup is thick and durable, and is comfortable even for long periods of action

The shoelaces are the familiar Quicklace™ racing system. It is easy to use, such as tightening and loosening, and it is safe to store excess shoelaces in the garage. For me, it's especially convenient to be able to tighten the ball tightly each time, such as before running on technical trails or downhills.

As always, it's easy to use and reliable quick shoelaces system

An excellent midsole that combines flexible, rich cushioning and outstanding stability

The midsole is equipped with the EnergyFoam™, which is often used in the latest Salomon mid- and long-distance shoes. This is a lightweight foam containing olefin [OBC], which is lighter and has better durability and resilience than traditional EVA, and not only has excellent shock absorption power, but also maintains performance without sagging even after long periods of action, reducing fatigue and springs when stepping on. The heel is especially well placed at 34mm, so you can feel the high cushioning of this shoe even before you run right after wearing it.

Active Chassis™ that prevents sideways despite the exquisite cushioning

However, this cushion and rebound are not the only things that GENESIS excel. Both sides of the heel have built-in support parts made of TPU material called "Active Chassis™" (photo above), which firmly supports the shaking when landing, which is common with thick-soled foam, providing sufficient stability to accommodate quick movements on unstable trails.

This way, EnergyFoam™ provides ample cushioning and moderate rebound, while Active Chassis™ provides stable support, allowing you to ride comfortably and safely over long, rough off-roads.

Although not officially stated, the sole of this shoe also has a rocker geometry shape with a slightly curved rocker geometry from the heel to the toes (photo below), and is thought to have a high thrust that allows the foot to naturally carry forward.

The rocker shape with a smooth, raised heel and toe guides natural stride and improves forward propulsion

All Terrain Contagrip® compound that can be used for versatile lug patterns

GENESIS's outsole has a finer, multi-directional lug pattern. It is clear that the car is sharp enough to grip on loose roads, versatility that is not affected by the direction of travel or the terrain, and smoothness in the way that it can be removed from the mud.

The versatile rug pattern is studded with fine, deep rugs, so it can be used not only on mud and gravel roads, but also on flat lands such as roads.

The lug depth is 4.5 mm, even though it is intended to provide reliable grip on technical terrain such as mud and steep gravel slopes, but the spacing between the lugs is not that wide, so it does not cause shaking on roads. In that sense, it can be said to be a very balanced lug pattern and depth.

In this version, a V-shaped lug is attached to the center to ensure good mud removal.

Try running the trail

This time I tried running on GENESIS on Hakuba's short trail, mixed with gravel and remaining snow. When I drove on forest trails and tracks with intense ups and downs, I felt the "loss of love" that all the aspects necessary to seriously ride tough trails, such as the balance between cushioning, grounding and rebound force, the balance between protection and breathability, and the balance between flexibility and stability, are at a high level. This is amazing to me, who is exposed to some new Salomon product every year, and I can't find any other shoes that have a sense of balance.

In particular, it is so moving that you can feel the comfort of your feet and the unshakable movement of your feet in the descent with intense foot movements and speed, and the feeling of the foot shaking inside your shoes. A flexible and stable midsole, a high-fit and fixed upper, a deep heel cup that fits the heel in the correct position, and a quick lace that allows you to quickly fine-tune it, so even on unstable uneven terrain or steep slopes, the landing does not shaking left or right, or shifting back and forth, and always locks your feet in the exact position. As a result, my toes didn't hit the front of my shoes while I was on the descent.

The thick-soled 8mm drop cushioning allows you to keep up with confidence even when landing your heel on a downhill slope. The rocker-like sole shape allows for a smooth and dynamic transition from heel to toe on stride. Plus, even after a few hours of riding, the ride feels completely the same, and the incredible breathability keeps your feet stuffy. It also makes sense for its high durability and long-lasting comfort.

Summary: High-performance shoes that combine speed, toughness and comfort, "you can do it all with this one"

The new GENESIS is a shoe that provides a safe and smooth ride while still providing no issues in tough environments, so to speak, making it easy to get you closer to the ideal mountain running in the shortest possible distance. Furthermore, fine-tuning has been made to fit in a wider range of scenes, making it an all-rounder that can match any distance, any terrain, or any pace, and I think it can satisfy most trail runners and speed hikers.

What's more, it packs surprisingly excellent performance that is never inferior to the traditional S/LAB version, and you can get it at a low price as a popular model. From people who want to run quickly, active, and fun, to those who want to run slowly every day, to lighter, lighter hiking, from trail running first-timers to serious ultra runners, GENESIS is open to everyone. If you're looking for high-performance shoes that "do it all with just one thing", this shoe will surely not betray you. Let's enjoy the breeze of the forest with your favorite shoes this season.

Details and purchase of "SALOMON GENESIS"

For information on the latest models' arrival information and product details, please check the official online store