Salomon Genesis im Test | RUNNER’S WORLD

The new Salomon Genesis is predestined for trails with a depth of 4.5 millimeters. The foot is flat and well placed in the shoe. Grip is excellent even on steep downhill trails. And the flexible sole also allows for high speed – for lots of fun off-road.

Genesis is a new model that has been further developed on the Genesis platform of S-Lab. There is a difference in the fit of the upper and lower materials with a smaller fit.

Also new is a revision of the upper material and – perhaps most importantly for trail runners – a new Contagrip outsole with a 4.5mm deep profile. A slightly reinforced toe cap provides more protection – and, with padding in the shaft area, weighs less than its predecessor. “The boot sits more easily on the foot,” said a test runner who was able to compare both models.

Quicklace and Matryx

The top material with the familiar Matryx features from the S-Lab Genesis remains, but has been slightly modified and now slightly enhanced. Aramite-based materials are very durable, but unlike mesh fabric, they are not stretchy. But this part of the material has proven itself in hiking shoes because it is strong, does not trap moisture or dirt and is also easy to maintain (it is also used by other manufacturers in hiking shoes). The Quicklace lacing system including the garage lacing has also remained and is characteristic of Genesis.

This means that tightening the lacing is very fast, and the lacing is stored in the compartment on the tongue, the lacing garage, so that it does not swing back when running and is protected from dirt.

Midsole ready for high-end trails

The midsole is not changed, which can also be seen with a height of 30 millimeters under the heel (drop 8 mm). The EVA sole provides excellent comfort, although measured by trail shoe standards, it doesn’t quite reach the comfort of a push shoe. Pavement passages are possible without any problems, also because the outsole moves well even on asphalt. The sole area is flexible and adapts well to the surface, which increases traction. At the same time, the foot is well protected from the ground.

Grip through Contagrip

Traction is excellent: the profile and its lugs contribute to this, but also the large contact surface. The “Contagrip” system shows the balance of the profile studs to exclusively provide support during impact and when performing a push. The sole is only weak if it is wet and when the traction surface is reduced, such as stones or roots, where you have to walk more carefully. “Although this was more surprising for the original model,” says one test runner, “only the new rice provides more support.”

Fit offers more space

The shape is perhaps a little more aggressive – that is, more conventional than the S-Lab version of its predecessor. The TPU reinforcement on the midsole of the shoe is amazing; Although the Genesis is primarily designed for training and normal training speed, it provides enough power for high speed running – or for fast descents “The shoe is very fun here because I can rely on the sole and good grip of the shoe,” the tester says happily.

• Good fit of the shoe
• Very safe rolling comfort
• Very good tension

Cons:

• The outsole loses grip in the wet

Conclusion: All-round monitor with a wide range of uses

Compared to its predecessor, the Genesis S-Lab, which is lighter and less flexible, the affordable Genesis offers more protection. The higher the better, the toe box offers more room in width and height. It is ideal for medium-width foot shapes and for light to medium-weight runners. Genesis is the shoe of choice for all. Great for technical passages and suitable for long distances, and thanks to the high-supporting material, it is also a safe companion for downhill passages.

Salomon Genesis in numbers:

Weight: 269 grams (men’s sample size)