The Salomon Genesis 2 is a trail running shoe that prioritizes stability, control, and secure foot placement over maximum softness and cushioning. It’s best suited for shorter, technical trails where a good feel for the ground and precision on uneven sections are key. It’s a fairly stiff construction, but this provides a lot of control and works well when the trail demands extra attention. The Genesis 2 thus offers a different approach to the modern trail running shoe—instead of pampering the runner with softness, it gives them greater control over what’s happening underfoot.
Basic Info
Tech Specs
Best For
The Salomon Genesis 2 is a trail running shoe designed primarily for technical trails, where stability and control are more important than maximum cushioning. It performs best on forest trails, rocky paths, and more demanding terrain where secure foot placement is crucial. The fairly stiff midsole makes good ground feel possible and makes the shoe well-suited for shorter runs. On runs over 20 km, its stiffer construction may be less comfortable than in more cushioned models. These are great options for runners looking for a reliable and stable shoe for technical terrain, rather than an ultra-soft trail shoe designed for covering long distances.
Pros
- excellent grip and confidence on technical terrain
- good stability and reliable handling
- versatile outsole
- breathable and durable Matryx upper
Cons
- less protection for the sole on sharp rocks
- lacks the springy, “foamy” feel found in other models
- limited performance
Key Features – What’s New in the Latest Edition
| GENESIS 2 | GENESIS | |
|---|---|---|
| Stack height | 33.5/25.5mm | 33.5/25.5mm |
| Drop | 8mm | 8mm |
| Weight men’s | 281g | 268g |
| Weight women’s | 241g | 242g |
| Upper | Matryx | Matryx |
| Midsole | optiFOAM (EVA) | ENERGY FOAM (EVA) |
| Outsole | contaGRIP, 4mm lugs | contaGRIP, 4.5mm lugs |
Salomon Running Shoes – Lineup
The Genesis 2 is positioned in Salomon’s lineup as a versatile yet distinctly technical trail running shoe. It’s more focused on stability and control than the Ultra Glide 4, which prioritizes greater cushioning and comfort during longer runs. The difference is also noticeable in the feel underfoot—the Genesis 2 is stiffer and provides a better sense of ground contact. The Ultra Glide 4, on the other hand, is the better choice when long distances and a softer ride are the priority.
On the other hand, the Genesis 2 isn’t yet a typical racing construction. Above it is the S/Lab Genesis 2, which utilizes more advanced technology and is designed for runners seeking maximum precision on challenging mountain trails. The Genesis 2 can therefore be considered its more accessible, training-oriented version.
As a result, the Genesis 2 fills a fairly specific niche: it’s more technical and stable than a typical comfortable trail shoe, but less performance-oriented than the S/Lab models. That’s exactly why it’s best suited for shorter and medium-distance runs on demanding trails, where control and stability are more important than maximum comfort over long distances.
Want to know more? Be sure to check out our shoe guide for Salomon trail running shoes.
Miejsce w rotacji butów biegowych
The Salomon Genesis 2 serves as a versatile, stable shoe in your rotation for everyday trail running on challenging, technical terrain and for shorter- to medium-distance runs. It’s perfectly complemented by shoes you’ll use in situations where the Genesis falls short. Aero Blaze 4 is definitely a better choice as a lightweight, agile road-and-gravel shoe for daily easy runs and runs in the park. On the other hand, Ultra Glide 4 is a maximally cushioned platform for long runs and ultra races, where leg protection and comfort over high mileage are the top priorities. All three models have a similar heel-to-toe drop (6–8 mm), which makes it easy to transition smoothly between them, while they differ significantly in sole design, weight, and outsole pattern, making each one optimal in its own segment.
| AERO BLAZE 4 GRVL | GENESIS 2 | ULTRA GLIDE 4 |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
| daily running on road/gravel | daily trail | ultra trail |
Similar to Salomon Genesis 2
The Salomon Genesis 2 stands out from today’s trail running shoes with its fairly firm and stable ride. It doesn’t try to compete with “maximalist” models that offer a lot of soft foam underfoot. If you’re primarily looking for comfort over long distances, you’re better off with the Asics Trabuco Max or the Hoka Mafate. The Genesis 2, on the other hand, offers more ground feel and a more pronounced foot guide.
In terms of intended use, its natural competitors include models such as the Asics Trabuco, Brooks Cascadia, and Nike Wildhorse. All of these are versatile trail shoes that can be used on both forest paths and more demanding trails. The Genesis 2, however, stands out from the rest with a stronger emphasis on stability, control, and a low profile relative to the ground. Its character is closer to that of technical mountain shoes than to soft trail shoes designed for covering long distances.
| MODEL | STACK HEIGHT (mm) | DROP (mm) | WEIGHT MEN'S (grams) | WEIGHT WOMEN'S (grams) | REGULAR PRICE (€) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asics Trabuco 14 | 35/27 | 8 | 281 | 249 | 150 |
| Brooks Cascadia 20 | 38/32 | 6 | 306 | 275 | 150 |
| Hoka Challenger 8 | 31/26 | 5 | 266 | 232 | 160 |
| Hoka Speedgoat 7 | 37/33 | 5 | 275 | 235 | 160 |
| inov-8 Trailfly V2 | 28/22 | 6 | 281 | 281 | 160 |
| Nike Wildhorse 10 | n/a | 8 | 300 | n/a | 150 |
| Salomon Genesis 2 | 33,5/25,5 | 8 | 281 | 241 | 150 |
| Saucony Peregrine 16 | 33/29 | 4 | 294 | 246 | 150 |
The Midsole: Firm, Stable, and Controlled
The midsole of the Salomon Genesis 2 uses optiFOAM foam. It has a height of 33.5 mm at the heel and 25.5 mm at the forefoot, resulting in an 8 mm drop. For a trail shoe, these are quite solid specs, but the foam height alone doesn’t necessarily mean the shoe is very soft. The Genesis 2 is a rather firm shoe that makes a balanced level of cushioning and good ground feel available. This is what sets it apart from many modern, high-top trail shoes designed for maximum comfort. It feels solid and responsive underfoot, and while running, it gives you a sense of good control over how the shoe behaves on uneven terrain.
The construction does not include a carbon fiber plate or an additional layer to protect the foot from sharp rocks. The Genesis 2 therefore remains a relatively simple design in terms of sole construction. This doesn’t mean, however, that it’s very soft or flexible. The stiffer foam and distinctive geometry make the shoe flexible enough to navigate the trail efficiently, but it doesn’t offer particularly much performance. The springiness of optiFOAM is noticeable, but this isn’t a model designed for quick push-off or long-distance racing. The Genesis 2 definitely prioritizes control over speed. This is best demonstrated on shorter, more technical trails, where its stiffer construction becomes an advantage.
An important element of the entire construction is the Active Chassis. This system is located on the side of the sole and acts as an additional frame to stabilize the foot. Its purpose is to limit excessive side-to-side foot movement and improve control when running on uneven terrain. In practice, this is particularly useful on rocks, roots, or when traversing slopes. As a result, the Genesis 2 provides a very good sense of stability, even though it isn’t a classic stability shoe designed to correct pronation. The Active Chassis doesn’t try to change anything. Its primary purpose is to keep the foot on the platform when the terrain becomes unpredictable.
It is precisely this combination of stiffer foam, a stable platform, and the Active Chassis that defines the character of the Genesis 2. It isn’t the most comfortable trail shoe on the market, and I wouldn’t choose it as my first option for very long runs. In return, you get a shoe that provides a lot of control and confidence when tackling technical sections.
The Outsole: Traction Where You Need It
The Genesis 2 features All Terrain Contagrip rubber and an outsole with 4-millimeter lugs. It’s a versatile design that complements the overall character of the shoe. The lugs aren’t aggressive enough to limit the Genesis 2 exclusively to soft trails, but they make sure there’s sufficient grip when running on more demanding terrain. They’ll perform well on hard, stony, and rocky trails, as well as on forest roads, paths, and gravel.
This outsole is particularly well-suited to the technical nature of the Genesis 2. On uneven terrain, it makes a good sense of contact with the surface available and allows you to take advantage of the shoe’s stable construction. However, it is not a typical mud outsole. In deep, wet mud, the 4-millimeter lugs may not be aggressive enough to shed mud and provide adequate traction. Therefore, the Genesis 2 is best considered a shoe for hard and mixed terrain, rather than a specialized construction for very soft and muddy trails.
The Upper – or Matryx – Makes All the Difference
The upper of the Salomon Genesis 2 uses Matryx, a thin synthetic material reinforced with Kevlar fibers. This is one of the most interesting features of this shoe. The material is noticeably thinner and lighter than the typical mesh used in many trail running shoes. It has an open structure, which makes very good breathability possible while maintaining adequate stiffness and resistance to damage. In my opinion, this is one of the Genesis 2’s strongest features.
The heel counter, on the other hand, is much more classic. Here, you’ll find standard internal reinforcement surrounded by a layer of foam, which improves comfort and stabilizes the heel. This is a simpler solution than in the S/Lab Genesis 2, which features a more unconventional construction with a flexible collar. The Genesis 2 also features a traditional tongue and a classically finished upper. This makes the shoe more versatile in terms of fit and should appeal to a wider range of runners.
I’d describe the space in the forefoot as moderate. The upper is about 104 mm at its widest point—slightly wider than the previous version, but this model still isn’t designed for very wide feet. At the same time, the thin and flexible Matryx material makes the forefoot feel roomier than it actually is. It’s worth trying them on yourself before buying.
The front part of the upper is additionally protected by a TPU guard, which forms a classic trail “bumper.” It isn’t overly bulky, but it should provide sufficient protection for your toes against accidental impacts with rocks or roots. The shoe should withstand contact with demanding terrain.
The well-known QuickLACE system is responsible for the fit. Instead of traditional laces, a thin cord is used that can be tightened around the foot with a single motion. The system works quickly and allows you to easily adjust the tightness. The cord slides relatively freely through the loops, ensuring that pressure is distributed along the entire length of the upper. Excess cord can be tucked away in a small pocket located in the tongue. QuickLACE is also a very durable solution. It’s one of those features that Salomon has been using for years, and it’s hard to find a reason to do away with it here.
Weight: A Reasonable Compromise
According to the producer’s data, the men’s Salomon Genesis 2 weighs 281 grams, and the women’s version weighs 247 grams. In my measurement, a size 12 US shoe weighs 344 grams. This is very close to the average weight of the trail running shoes tested on the blog, which is about 338 grams. The Genesis 2 is therefore only a few grams heavier than the average trail shoe. So while it isn’t a particularly lightweight construction, it’s hard to call it heavy either. The weight fits well with the shoe’s character, which prioritizes stability, protection, and control rather than making the construction as light as possible.
Summary
The Salomon Genesis 2 is a more classic and versatile alternative to the S/Lab Genesis 2, but its character differs significantly from what you might expect from modern, heavily cushioned trail shoes. Instead of maximum softness, it offers a stiffer sole, excellent stability, and plenty of control on technical terrain. It’s a shoe that performs particularly well on shorter and medium-length, technical trails, where confidence is more important than maximum comfort. On long runs exceeding 20 km, its stiffer character may be less pleasant. So the Genesis 2 isn’t just another soft “cushion” for clocking up the kilometers. It’s a stable, precise, and well-protected trail running shoe that provides plenty of control when the trail starts to demand more from the runner.
