Salomon
Genesis 2
Product Judgment
Strong
8.3
Category: Technical Trail
Release year: 2026
Evidence base: Extensive
Reviewers consistently praise grip, stability, and value; minor fit and comfort differences.
Price Judgment
Buy
Common retail price: ~$150
Availability: Widely Available
Description
Technical trail workhorse positioned below Salomon’s S/Lab tier. Prioritizes stability, grip, and durability for mountain running. Widely regarded as a high-value, dependable option for technical terrain.
Firm, responsive ride with excellent ground feel and control. Secure fit and wide platform enhance confidence on uneven surfaces. Traction and durability stand out, while comfort and protection are adequate but not plush.
Ideal for technical trail and mountain runners seeking stability and grip over maximum cushioning. Excels in rugged, rocky, and wet conditions where control and durability matter most. Less suited for runners needing soft cushioning or frequent road-to-trail transitions. Delivers strong value for demanding trail training and adventure runs.
Performance Scores
Comfort
7Moderately firm ride with improved toe box but limited plushness and moderate breathability.
Energy Return
7Responsive midsole provides adequate propulsion for training but lacks race-level bounce.
Stability
9ActiveCHASSIS and wide platform deliver outstanding control on technical terrain.
Durability
9Matryx upper and ContaGrip outsole show minimal wear after rugged use.
Grip
9Redesigned ContaGrip outsole offers excellent traction on wet, loose, and rocky surfaces.
Run Fitness
Daily
8Stable and durable build suits regular technical trail training.
Long
7Sufficient cushioning for long outings, though underfoot protection is only moderate.
Light Trail
6Performs best on technical ground; less efficient on smoother, less demanding trails.
Technical Trail
9Excels in technical terrain with secure fit, grip, and control.
Door to Trail
5Firm ride and aggressive outsole make it less comfortable on pavement or hardpack.
Pros & Cons
- Outstanding grip
- Excellent stability
- Durable upper and outsole
- Improved toe box fit
- Great value for features
- Quicklace durability issues
- Moderate underfoot protection
- Average breathability
ContaGrip outsole delivers class-leading traction on wet, loose, and rocky terrain.
ActiveCHASSIS and wide platform provide exceptional stability on technical trails.
Matryx upper and robust outsole construction ensure strong durability over rugged use.
Wider toe box and secure fit accommodate more foot shapes and swelling on long runs.
Offers premium trail features at a lower price than Salomon’s S/Lab models.
Quicklace system may fray or loosen during runs, requiring occasional retightening.
Underfoot protection is less substantial, leading to discomfort on sharp rocks for sensitive runners.
Breathability is only moderate, with some heat buildup on warm days.
Specifications
Best for paces
6:00–8:30 min/km
Drop
8 mm
Stack height
33.5 mm heel / 25.5 mm forefoot
Weight
285 g
Drop
8 mm
Stack height
33.5 mm heel / 25.5 mm forefoot
Weight
285 g
Pronation
Neutral
Width
medium
Terrain
Technical Trail
Technologies
Matryx upper, activeCHASSIS, ContaGrip outsole
Plate
no
Best for paces
6:00–8:30 min/km
Comparable Models
Salomon S/Lab Genesis 2 emphasizes aggressive traction and low-volume technical precision, while Genesis 2 favors a wider, durable training platform.
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Salomon Ultra Glide 4 supplies plush, energetic long-run cushioning, addressing Genesis 2's modest underfoot comfort while giving up its firm ground connection.
View details
Brooks Cascadia 20 emphasizes plush protection and secure lockdown, addressing Genesis 2's limited sharp-rock shielding at the cost of bulkier handling.
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Hoka Speedgoat 7 combines protective cushioning with aggressive technical traction, while Genesis 2 favors firm feedback and a more grounded trail feel.
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Inov8 Trailfly Pro offers nimble, flexible movement and lively rebound, while Genesis 2 emphasizes firm, durable control without resolving the Inov8's rock-protection limitation.
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