Stats
Weight: males’s 9.63 oz / 273g (US9)
Samples: males’s 9.63 oz / 273g (US 9) , 9.79 oz / 279g (US 10)
Stack Top: males’s 30 mm heel / 22 mm forefoot ( drop spec)
Genesis Platform Width: 85 mm heel / 70 mm midfoot / 115 mm forefoot
S/Lab Genesis Platform Width: 80 mm heel / 65 mm midfoot / 115 mm forefoot
$160 Obtainable Feb 1, 2024
First Impressions, Match and Higher
Jeff V: Whereas the Genesis is a little more typical in appears to be like vs. the S/Lab model (which is a little more stripped down and “race” trying), I discover the general styling to be higher, a few of which is because of the distinction within the very seen adjustments to the TPU Lively Chassis inserts.
They’re now extra glossy and streamlined trying on the lateral aspect and considerably camouflaged on the medial aspect as as an alternative of being glued in they’re molded as a part of the midsole (vs. the very blocky look within the S/Lab model).
After all I’m splitting hairs right here, as both means, the Lively Chassis offers a really good little bit of extra stability and may be very worthwhile irrespective of the look.
The Matryx higher may be very safe and sturdy, as within the S/Lab model, offering a really compliant, comfy and foot conforming match.
The toebox for the brand new Genesis is described as extra accommodating than the S/Lab model and I might agree that it’s barely extra so, significantly because it has just a little extra ceiling top, roomy sufficient for lengthy distance consolation, foot swell and toe splay, however with a barely extra conventional form.
Safety is superb and I’ve completely no trepidation or extra motion irrespective of how steep, technical or off camber the terrain could also be. The Matryx materials is barely thicker than that of the S/Lab, so I’m not certain if they are going to be as cool and breathable in the summertime. For winter use, I might say I really feel some cool draft, however wouldn’t say they’re significantly breezy or ethereal.
The bolstered toe cap may be very protecting and sturdy, integrating seamlessly with the Matryx higher.
The extra typical heel counter is beefed up over the S/Lab model, with extra substance and padding general and across the heel collar.
Heel maintain, stability, consolation and safety are all excellent.
As talked about earlier, the design of the Genesis is a little more conventional, with a well-recognized padded collar, gusseted tongue (vs. booty model of the S/Lab model and stripped down heel collar/counter).
The Quicklace system may be very safe and simple to make use of, as is the lace storage. I do discover myself snugging the quicklace, operating for a bit, then having to comfortable them just a little extra. Possibly the padding across the tongue simply wants to interrupt in, or I have to turn into higher practiced on how comfortable I have to get them on the primary strive. I do like my footwear fairly cranked down for the technical trails that I run and significantly on the descents. I can obtain that desired safe snugness although, it simply takes me an additional strive.
General match is true to dimension, however just like the S/Lab model, a contact lengthy within the toe. I’d be capable to go down a half dimension and nonetheless have sufficient size, however surprise if the shoe would possibly really feel a bit comfortable. I’ll keep that true to dimension is the best way to go right here.
Midsole & Platform
The midfoot medial Lively Chassis is now molded similar as midsole vs glued in S/Lab
Jeff V: The midsole is similar Power Foam EVA Olefin copolymer mix as used within the S/Lab model (and most different current Salomon, with a 30/22 stack top. As I stated with the S/Lab, I discover cushioning to be very comfortable, plush and forgiving, however have seen no compromise in stability, agility or management, even when operating in technical terrain.
The mix of cushion, safety and floor really feel right here is superb, top-of-the-line balances of those 3 parts of any shoe I can recall and equal to the S/Lab model. Whereas the S/Lab has ProFeel movie, I’m not constructive if that’s the case right here with the Genesis. Regardless, I discover safety to be at the very least pretty much as good, if not higher in rocky, technical terrain.
I wouldn’t describe the Genesis as a brilliant zippy race shoe, however it’s definitely mild and responsive sufficient to deal with quick efforts on the paths, particularly given all the safety and stability that they provide.
Outsole:
Jeff V: The Genesis has a very new outsole, that includes Salomon’s new Contagrip all terrain rubber, referred to as out as their most sticky rubber to this point.
The lugs are multi directional chevron formed, 4.5mm that’s extra ample in protection than the S/Lab model.
The lugs have a “mud shedding” design and between the lugs. You’ll be able to see a grooved floor within the image above that’s supposed to assist shed mud and which maybe offers just a little further maintain within the hardest circumstances.
I’ve had ultimate circumstances to place this outsole to the take a look at, with melting snow from a earlier storm, warming temps (a variety of temps from 20’s to 50’s). There was a whole lot of mud, slush, packed snow, ice, and many others… the place the outsole of the shoe is moist, gritty or muddy for the whole run. Grip is confidence inspiring on all of these surfaces and even on moist rock, water bars, logs and steep grades, I’ve not had any slips.
After all, on true hardened easy ice, you want spikes, however on laborious frozen icy granular surfaces, they’ve held surprisingly properly.
Mud shedding actually appears good, however have solely examined in “regular” mud, vs. the tremendous sticky clay mud which just about sticks to something.
The added lug protection not solely helps with grip in snow and free off path, but in addition offers a bit of additional safety underfoot.
I’ve not put in sufficient miles to actually choose sturdiness, however am not seeing any put on regardless of every week of very tough operating and if the S/Lab model is any indicator, I’m assured they may final a really very long time.
Trip, Conclusions and Suggestions
Jeff V: The Genesis presents a really easy experience.It’s fairly energetic, enjoyable, secure, properly cushioned and properly protected. They’re an important lower cost, extra typical choice to the S/Lab model and I believe for many, they’re a no compromise, versatile shoe that may simply fulfill these in search of a one shoe quiver, because the Genesis performs superb properly for almost any distance, any terrain and at any tempo. They’re fast, energetic and enjoyable to run, adept in technical terrain, but they’re equally at dwelling at slower on a regular basis coaching paces, restoration runs, mountaineering, door to path or any day by day coaching. Consolation, cushioning, stability, traction, safety and sturdiness are all excellent and I might extremely advocate the Genesis to only about anybody for almost any run.
Jeff V’s Rating: 9.6/10
Trip: 9.5, Match: 9.5, Worth: 10, Fashion: 9, Traction: 10, Rock Safety: 9.5
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11 Comparisons
Index to all RTR critiques: HERE
Salomon S/Lab Genesis (RTR Overview)
Jeff V: In contrast all through. The S/Lab is lighter and barely extra nimble, however you save $40 with the Genesis and it is a little more protecting, general extra conventionally padded, with a barely extra accommodating toe field and higher traction.
Salomon Ultraglide 2 (RTR Overview)
Jeff V: The Genesis has softer cushioning, is extra responsive and dynamic and general extra protecting with superior traction. Should you are likely to do extra highway miles although, the UG2 could be an important choice.
Salomon Sense Trip 5 (RTR Overview):
Jeff V: I actually just like the SR5, an important on a regular basis coach or for on a regular basis use, however the Genesis has a a lot softer and extra compliant midsole and is lighter, faster, extra dynamic and responsive, with superior stability and traction.
Salomon Glide Max TR (RTR Overview)
Jeff V: Whereas not as mild, the Glide Max TR feels very mild and dynamically quick, with gobs of sentimental, however responsive cushioning. With 8 extra mm of stack, the Glide Max is ideally suited to lengthy miles on much less technical terrain, though can deal with some reasonably technical terrain with some finesse. The Genesis nevertheless is way superior on technical trails, off path and for all mountain use, with superior rugged safety, traction, stability and agility.
Merrell Agility Peak 5 (RTR Overview)
Jeff V: Each are fast, properly cushioned and responsive, with superb cushion, safety and traction. The Agility is $20 much less, however weighs about 1 oz /28g extra. The Genesis is extra secure in technical terrain and thus a better option for all mountain use, however the Agility is nice too.
Topo MTN Racer 3 (RTR Overview)
Jeff V: The MTN Racer 3 has a bit extra cushion, however it’s firmer than the Genesis and never fairly as responsive or as plush feeling. The Topo undoubtedly has extra room within the forefoot and is almost an oz. heavier. Whereas the Topo has nice traction, the Genesis is superior and likewise has higher safety.
Brooks Catamount 3 (RTR Overview):
Jeff V: Shut in weight and stack top, the Catamount has a extra snappy response with Sky Vault propulsion plate and is a a lot quicker shoe over extra mellow terrain and for my part a greater choice for shorter distances. The froth within the Catamount may be very agency and personally, I favor a softer midsole such because the Genesis’s for longer distances. For shorter, quicker operating on much less technical terrain, the Catamount could be a better option, however for all mountain, technical operating or longer distances, sustained downhills or wherever traction and stability are paramount, the Genesis is a better option.
Brooks Cascadia 17 (RTR Overview)
Jeff V: Sadly, the Cascadia is constant to creep up in weight, roughly 3 extra ounces / 85g per shoe than the Genesis, which may be very noticeable. The Genesis has a extra accommodating higher, but safe match, superior traction, softer extra responsive cushion, is extra secure and cozy general.
Norda 002 (RTR Overview)
Jeff V: The 002 is similar weight, however has much less stack/cushion, is extra versatile and fewer protecting underfoot. The Genesis is best suited to longer distances and technical terrain with higher safety, extra cushion and higher general traction.
Hoka Speedgoat 5 (RTR Overview)
Jeff V: Each are very properly cushioned and adept on technical terrain, nice for lengthy distances, each are sturdy and a prime decide for tackling nearly any path. The Genesis is barely lighter and has a bit extra room within the forefoot.
Saucony Peregrine 13 (RTR Overview)
Jeff V: Shut in stack and weight, the Peregrine is a best choice for throughout path use and technical trails with a safe higher, nice safety, traction and stability. The Genesis feels just a little softer underfoot and has an edge in relation to traction general, primarily in moist.
Tester Profile
Jeff Valliere likes to run and discover the mountains of Colorado, the steeper and extra technical the higher. He has summited all the 14ers within the state and might be discovered on mountain trails day by day, irrespective of the climate, season, circumstances or whether or not there may be daylight or not. On the aspect he likes to ski (all varieties) bike and hike, typically along with his household, as he introduces his 12 12 months previous daughters to the outside. Jeff was born and raised in New Hampshire, however has referred to as Colorado dwelling for over 25 years. He’s 5’9” and 145 lbs.
The Salomon Genesis will likely be accessible February 1, 2024
