Review: Salomon Genesis Trail Running Shoes

When I’m asked about my favorite trail running shoes, Salomon is always on that list. This year, Salomon has stepped up their game with the all-new Genesis trail running shoe. The complete package features all the things that make for a great trail running shoe and, in the end, sets this shoe easily atop the field of Salomon’s trail running lineup.

Salomon Genesis Features:

• Energy Foam midsole
• Durable Matryx uppers
• Quicklace fit system
• Contagrip outsoles with 4.5mm lug depth
• Weight: 10.7 oz (size 11.5, actual)
• Stack: 34/26mm (8mm drop)
• MSRP: $150

Just the right mix

While runners have their own preferences for fit, comfort and performance, there are elements that are agreed-upon by everyone. I’d say those elements are fit, comfort and traction. Other features are icing on the top of that three-pillared cake. I now have been testing Salomon’s trail shoes for over 25 years and these just might be their best yet, so let’s dig into why.

Most recently, I’ve found the Salomon Thundercross to be outstanding, but not breathable enough. And, the Pulsar Trail Pro 2 is fast, with a great fit and a smooth stride, but could use a little more comfort. When it comes to the Genesis, it breathes well, fits great and provides just the right amount of cushioning and rebound into each step.

The uppers are made from Matryx mesh, which breathes well and offers added durability not found in other mesh materials. I still wear The North Face VECTIV Infinite trail runners and their Matryx uppers still look brand new after two years of use. Brush and rocks just get laughed off without so much as a scratch. And, while it’s not quite as flexible as the mesh found on the Craft Nordlite Ultra’s, it’s infinitely more durable.

Lacing them up, it’s no surprise that the Quicklace system has once again, won me over. I love how easy it is to find the prefect fit by pulling the laces up and locking the toggle in place. Just tuck that toggle into the tongue and the rubber puller into the lower laces and you’re good-to-go. The thin laces can move slightly through the eyelets to allow for your foot to flex through each stride. As a result, I never had any tight spots or problem areas — just smooth, even pressure. Occasionally, I would have to loosen or tighten the laces just a teen bit and it’s always easily-done wherever you are.

This new last and upper shape differs from previous designs and eliminates any excess toe box height. I’ve noticed that the uppers do narrow just ahead of the forefoot. It’s not constricting, but does a great job of locking my feet into place — particularly on technical descents. Speaking of going down, I love the snug feel and precise fit they provide on rocky and off-camber descents because my feet are always locked-in. Braking traction is excellent with the 4.5mm lugs.

When moving along at a moderate pace, each step is met with excellent cushioning and rebound and a smooth stride. The smooth-rolling outsoles allow me to step forward with added confidence and comfort. Each step is met with solid traction and stability and the natural rebound of the Energy Foam midsole. On both the soft trails of the Pacific Northwest and the rocky, loose trails here in Utah, the Salomon Genesis has been a winner. They aren’t the fastest shoes, but allow me to run for hours in comfort.

I do appreciate the smooth feel of the midsoles, but just know that there isn’t a rock plate hidden there. For the most part, the trail feel is outstanding, but pointy rocks can be felt. And, in the middle of one run, I felt something poking the ball of my foot. I thought a small pebble had gained entry, so I pulled the shoe off to inspect and nothing. I then looked underneath and found a sharp spike had penetrated all the way through the forefoot and was poking into the insole. Thank goodness for those 4.5mm lugs because they kept it from poking further into the ball of my foot.

Fit: I’m wearing my usual size 11.5 that I always wear in Salomon shoes, so these  are true-to-size.

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