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Salomon 's S/LAB series is known as a premium shoe designed for elites aiming to break records in high-level, one-shot races, but the S/LAB GENESIS is a high-performance shoe with a new concept that is suitable for a wide range of mountain running, not just races.
However, while I've certainly heard that they are amazing shoes, I'm sure there are many who have thought that they are out of reach for casual runners like me. I have good news for all of you. This season, a "non-S/LAB version" of the S/LAB GENESIS has been released, adjusted to suit a wider range of runners. Simply put, this latest GENESIS is a shoe that "provides a high level of agility and lightness to handle tough races, yet is durable enough to withstand mountain adventures, and is comfortable enough to prevent damage from accumulating even during long periods of activity."
Many people would be tempted to say that such a dream shoe could never exist. However, anyone who has experienced these shoes would probably think that such a shoe might not be impossible. That's how shocking it was. I would even go so far as to say that out of all the Salomon shoes I've ever run in, these are the trail shoes that best combine speed and gentleness. I would like to immediately provide a thorough review of this shocking performance
GENESIS is a shoe that incorporates cutting-edge technology and is tailored for the average runner
table of contents
Main features of SALOMON GENESIS
Salomon's Genesis is a new-generation trail running shoe that offers everything you need for fast, deep runs on rocky terrain and mountainous terrain. Its cutting-edge technology includes an upper made with lightweight, durable, and highly breathable Matryx® material, a midsole that combines high-cushioning, high-rebound Energy Foam with Active Chassis™ for stable landings All-Terrain Contagrip® outsole that provides grip over a wide range of terrain. It's a sibling model to the already available S/LAB GENESIS , with several adjustments to add versatility. Compared to the S/LAB version, it features a slightly wider platform for a more comfortable fit designed to fit a wider range of foot shapes, increased padding in the heel collar and tongue, more generous midsole cushioning, and a Contagrip® outsole . While maintaining the high performance of the S/LAB GENESIS for high-speed, long-distance runs, it offers excellent performance for a wide range of mountain runners and high-speed hikers, including beginners.
Recommended points
- EndoFit™ for a superior fit
- Flexible and moderately padded for comfortable wear
- Matryx® material is lightweight, breathable and durable
- Active Chassis™ for exceptional comfort and stability on descents and uneven terrain
- All Terrain Contagrip® outsole with 4.5mm lugs for stable grip on a wide range of surfaces, from road to mud
- Versatile enough to handle a wide range of distances, terrain, and road surfaces
Points of interest
- The forefoot and the area around the base of the toes may feel a little narrow depending on the person
- It has excellent breathability, so it can be a little cold when worn in cold weather such as winter
Main specifications and evaluation
| item | SALOMON GENESIS |
|---|---|
| weight | 269g |
| Stack Height | 34mm/26mm |
| drop | 8mm |
| upper |
|
| Midsole |
|
| Outsole | All Terrain Contagrip® (4.5mm lugs) |
| Outdoor Gearzine Review | |
| Comfort | ★★★★☆ |
| weight | ★★★★☆ |
| grip | ★★★★☆ |
| protection | ★★★★★ |
| cushion | ★★★★★ |
| stability | ★★★★★ |
| Versatility | ★★★★★ |
Detailed Review
An upper that perfectly combines durability, breathability and a comfortable fit
When talking about the new GENESIS, the first thing that comes to mind is the high-performance fabric "Matryx®," which continues to be used in the upper from the S/LAB
It's a blend of individually coated, high-tensile polyamide and Kevlar, with fine, tightly woven fibers that make it lightweight and flexible, yet extremely abrasion-resistant and breathable
In fact, this shoe weighs just 269g, which is relatively light compared to other Salomon models, but despite this, it has extremely high rigidity and abrasion resistance compared to general synthetic fabrics, making it extremely reliable on rocky terrain and off-road
Matryx® material is extremely thin yet boasts excellent durability thanks to its Kevlar fibers
Despite its strength, the fabric is extremely thin and flexible, and there are visible mesh-like gaps between the fiber bundles, making it highly breathable, allowing you to feel the wind directly on your feet. As shown in the photo below, it is so thin that you can see through it when you hold it up to the sky
See-through thinness provides exceptional breathability and incredible lightness
The shoe tongue is integrated into the upper and uses EndoFit™ (see photo below). Elastic knit is sewn to the bottom, providing a snug fit that wraps around the entire top of the foot from the arch. The shoe tongue is padded with just the right amount of thickness, so the laces won't dig into the top of your foot
EndoFit™, an integrated shoe tongue that hugs the instep
The first thing you feel when you put your feet in is the tight, secure fit. The fabric itself is soft, so it flexibly conforms to the contours of your feet. However, the fabric has almost no stretch, so your feet won't move around or slip around unnecessarily inside the shoe once it's snug. While a certain amount of stretch in the fabric may be more comfortable when running slowly and relaxed on flat ground, when moving faster and carrying a heavier load it's often easier to run with your feet firmly secured, and this characteristic is well suited to these shoes, which are designed for such tough situations
The overall fit feels almost the same as the usual Salomon shoes. The lack of elasticity makes the area around the base of the toes feel a little narrow, but the toe box is wider than the S/LAB version, so there is plenty of room for the toes to move freely
Toe box provides excellent fit and ample room for toe movement
The heel area has a higher heel counter and more padding than the S/LAB version, providing a more conventional opening, which gives better heel hold, comfort, stability and protection
The heel cup is thick and durable enough to provide comfort even during long periods of activity
The shoelaces are the familiar Quicklace™ lacing system, which is easy to use and allows you to tighten and loosen them easily, and any excess laces can be safely stored in the garage. For me, this is especially convenient as I can tighten the laces as needed, especially before running on technical trails or downhill
The quick lacing system remains as easy to use and reliable as ever
An excellent midsole that combines flexible, rich cushioning with outstanding stability
The midsole is equipped with "EnergyFoam™," which is widely used in Salomon's latest mid- and long-distance shoes. This lightweight foam combines traditional EVA with olefin (OBC), which is lighter, more durable, and more resilient. It not only excels at shock absorption, but also maintains performance even over long periods of activity, reducing fatigue and providing a spring when stepping in. The generous amount of foam (34mm) is especially distributed in the heel, so you can feel the high cushioning of these shoes even before you put them on and start running
Active Chassis™ provides superior cushioning while preventing lateral movement
But the GENESIS isn't just about cushioning and rebound. It also has built-in support parts made of TPU material called "Active Chassis™" on both sides of the heel (see photo above), which act as a solid foundation to support the foot and eliminate the wobbling that often occurs with thick foam soles, providing enough stability for quick movements on uneven trails
EnergyFoam™ provides ample cushioning and just the right amount of rebound, while Active Chassis™ provides stable support, allowing you to cover long, rugged off-road journeys in comfort and safety
Although it is not officially stated, the sole of this shoe also has a rocker geometry shape that curves slightly from heel to toe (see photo below), which is thought to provide high propulsion power that naturally moves the foot forward
The rocker shape with a smooth rise in the heel and toe guides a natural stride and improves forward propulsion
All-Terrain Contagrip® compound with versatile lug pattern
The GENESIS outsole features a finer, multi-directional lug pattern, which provides a sharper grip on loose surfaces, versatility regardless of direction or terrain, and smooth mud shedding
The versatile lug pattern, with its fine, deep lugs, is suitable for muddy and gravel roads as well as flat surfaces like roads
The lug depth is 4.5 mm, which is deep enough to ensure reliable grip on technical terrain such as muddy or steep gravel slopes, but the lug spacing is not so wide that it will not wobble on the road. In that sense, it is a very balanced lug pattern and depth
This version features a V-shaped lug in the center to allow for better mud drainage
Try running the trail
This time, I tried running in the GENESIS on a short trail in Hakuba that was a mix of gravel and remaining snow. Running on forest paths and tracks with lots of ups and downs, I immediately noticed how perfectly balanced the shoes were in all the aspects needed for serious running on tough trails: the balance of cushioning, ground contact and rebound, the balance of protection and breathability, the balance of flexibility and stability. This was surprising even for me, who uses a new Salomon product every year; I've never experienced such a high level of balance in any other shoe
It's hard to emphasize enough how incredibly impressive it is that the shoes hold your feet securely and keep them still, even during intense footwork or speedy descents. The combination of a flexible yet highly stable midsole, a secure upper with a high level of fit and stability, a deep heel cup that keeps your heel in the correct position, and quick laces that allow for quick fine-tuning all combine to keep your feet locked in the correct position, preventing them from swaying left and right or shifting forward or backward when landing, even on uneven terrain or steep slopes. This means that your toes never hit the front of the shoes while descending
The thick sole and 8mm drop cushioning give you confidence when landing on your heels on downhill slopes. The rocker-like sole shape allows for a smooth and dynamic transition from heel to toe during your stride. What's more, this ride doesn't change even after several hours of running, and the incredible breathability keeps your feet dry. This also explains the high durability and lasting comfort
Summary: A one-of-a-kind performance shoe that combines speed, toughness, and comfort
The new GENESIS provides a safe and smooth ride while remaining resistant to tough environments, making it the quickest way to achieve the ideal mountain running shoe. It has also been fine-tuned for a wider range of uses, making it an all-rounder that can be worn at any distance, on any terrain, and at any pace, and I think it will satisfy most trail runners and speed hikers
What's more, it's packed with amazingly superior performance that rivals the previous S/LAB version, yet it's available at a low price comparable to a mainstream model, making it a great value that can't be overlooked. From those who want to run fast, active, and have fun, to those who do leisurely daily training and light hiking, from those new to trail running to serious ultra runners, the GENESIS offers effortless precision and comfort for everyone. If you're looking for a high-performance shoe that can do it all, this shoe won't disappoint. Feel the forest breeze in your favorite shoes this season
For more information and to purchase "SALOMON GENESIS"
Please check the official online store for information on the latest model arrivals and product details
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