My trail running journey began in the late 2000s, and Salomon shoes, particularly the Salomon XT Hawk 2 (circa 2009), were my go-to choice. Over the years, I’ve explored other brands like Hoka, New Balance, and Dynafit, each earning a place in my rotation. Yet, Salomon has always held a special place in my heart. As I survey the mountain of shoes in my garage, it’s clear that Salomon remains a favorite. The Salomon Genesis upholds this tradition of excellence, boasting supportive foam, a comfortable fit, and a superb upper, making it a fantastic daily trail running shoe.
Outsole and Midsole: A Perfect Balance
The Genesis features moderately aggressive lugs, similar to the Sense Ride, striking a balance between technical trail performance and road-to-trail versatility. I tested it in wet and muddy Pacific Northwest spring conditions and encountered no traction issues. The foam is where this shoe truly excels. I prefer a firm, responsive shoe, and the Genesis delivers that responsiveness while being noticeably softer than other shoes in its category. This makes it an excellent choice for runners seeking a blend of responsiveness and cushioning.
Fit and Upper: Comfort and Adaptability
The Genesis offers a wider fit than typical Salomon shoes, placing it in the middle of the road in terms of width. As someone with narrow feet who prefers the snug fit Salomon is known for, I was initially skeptical, but during my testing I never had issues with sloppiness or instability. Runners who have found Salomon shoes too narrow in the past should definitely try the Genesis.
Salomon utilizes a material called Matryx for the upper, which was a standout feature for me. Matryx is comfortable, breathable, and appears to be quite durable. The upper’s comfort was particularly noticeable during longer runs—I never encountered blisters or discomfort, and the shoes dried remarkably quickly, even after running in wet conditions.
Versatility and Performance
The Salomon Genesis is an exceptional choice for runners seeking a versatile shoe that can handle various terrains, from muddy trails in Forest Park to a long loop around the Timberline Trail. It maintains Salomon’s heritage of performance while incorporating features that enhance its versatility, such as a wider fit and softer sole.
The Salomon Genesis successfully combines the brand’s performance legacy with enhanced comfort and adaptability, making it a versatile trail running shoe suitable for a wide range of runners and conditions. If you’re looking for a reliable and comfortable trail companion, the Salomon Genesis is definitely worth considering.