Article by Sam Winebaum and Jeff Valliere
S/Lab Genesis Backbone ($250)
Introduction
Sam: The S/Lab Genesis Backbone is a excessive high model of Salomon’s high of the road extremely shoe, the S/Lab Genesis. Meant for operating and quick mountain climbing in moist and chilly circumstances, it provides water and chilly resistance and particles/mud safety by its increased sealed higher for tough circumstances to what’s an excellent underfoot platform.
The outer higher, similar to what Salomon makes use of for his or her S/Lab traditional nordic ski race boots, options an interior layer water-resistant membrane whereas the interior “shoe” with Fast Laces will not be a Matryx materials as in common Genesis however a extra typical and open mesh with in depth overlays.
The underfoot platform and outsole is similar to the “summer time” S/Lab Genesis.
Whereas not run shoe “mild” as a result of higher, their weight at 12.75 oz / 361g US9 is affordable for a excessive high path runner/hiker with climate safety.
Let’s get into the small print as Jeff and I examined this fall in Colorado and Utah with full on winter testing and replace to come back.
Professionals:
Wonderful all seasons (however for warmest days) quick mountain climbing shoe: Sam/JeffNo compromises to run efficiency (past weight) because of excellent underfoot platform: Sam/JeffWinter prepared. Different seasons helpful (mud and water safety): Sam/JeffWonderful construct high quality and general safety: JeffTraction: Jeff
Cons:
As a substitute of a water-resistant membrane within the combine, want shoe simply had a water-resistant/extra breathable outer shell materials for prolonged temperatures/seasons versatility: SamHeel counter could possibly be considerably extra substantial for added rear assist, and to make them simpler to drag on: SamAt true to measurement entrance match might not favor wider forefoot runners or winter socks: Sam
Most comparable sneakers
Xodus Extremely Ridge GTX
La Sportiva Blizzard GTX
La Sportiva Cyklon Cross GTX
Scarpa Ribelle Run Kalibra G
Stats
Approx. Weight: males’s 12.75 oz / 361g US9
Pattern Weight: males’s 12.5 oz / 354g US 8.5 , 12.25oz /345g US 10
Stack Top: males’s 33 mm heel / 25 mm forefoot ( 8mm drop
$250 and obtainable now together with at our accomplice Working Warehouse US HERE
First Impressions, Match and Higher
Sam: As quickly as I noticed the Genesis Backbone I believed: Salomon put the higher of their S/Lab nordic traditional race boots on the Genesis. And certainly it is extremely just like that higher with a closed and pliable outer zip shell and with an interior shoe with Fast Laces. Whereas the interior shoe of the ski boot is a neoprene like extra insulated materials and its cuff is increased, Salomon clearly chosen an outer shell materials that’s confirmed in winter and moist circumstances for the Backbone in addition to a much more open mesh interior shoe materials.
The blue interior aspect of the outer higher has the water-resistant membrane. The outer higher is extra pliable and softer than the everyday Gore-Tex path shoe higher whereas the interior shoe is supportive and stout. Whereas to date my runs and hikes have been in dry circumstances, I’ve little question this higher will present strong water resistance with out overheating. They actually have whole safety from mud and particles getting inside as proven beneath after a ten mile hike in largely wonderful mud and sand.
I’ve worn them within the mid 60’s F / 18 C with low humidity with no overheating points if after all hotter than a standard path shoe. These temperatures perhaps as much as the decrease 70’s had been my consolation restrict. They had been a contact moist on the interior blue floor however no discomfort on the go in anyway, so for me, they’re past a winter solely shoe.I do want that as a substitute of together with the membrane Salomon had used the outer layer alone for elevated seasonal versatility
The outer shell has a sealing zip closure and a pleasant large and straightforward to make use of metallic snap. No finicky velcro right here.
The interior “shoe” is dense however breathable typical mesh with in depth underlays and isnot the Matryx materials discovered within the common Genesis.
The tongue has a closed material on each side and is reasonably padded.
In fact, we’ve got Salomon’s Fast Laces. No want for a pocket right here. Simply tuck them between the shoe and outer shell and you’re good to go
There’s much less heel counter right here than in common Genesis past a inflexible vertical rear factor. There isn’t any plastic heel cup within the heel counter or if there may be one it is extremely versatile with the assist offered by the assorted layers of higher (outer and interior) and a few over the skin overlays and the Lively Chassis foam which isn’t agency so we’ve got a softish rear of the higher.
The Lively Chassis wings that stand up on both aspect present rear assist however for extra technical terrain going quick I feel a extra substantial considerably extra inflexible heel counter could be a great add.
Sizing is true to measurement though on first strive I believed the toe field was a bit pointy and slim.
After just a few runs and hikes they stretched significantly and so they now can accommodate (and wish) thicker socks than initially the place I used skinny socks .
Jeff V: My first impression of the Genesis Backbone was just like Sam’s, as if Salomon had fused a nordic ski higher to an S/Lab Genesis. Having acquired them in mid September, I simply couldn’t wait to get them out in some snow and winter circumstances!
As I run mountains day by day 12 months spherical, these are proper up my alley for the chilly, snowy and diversified circumstances that I encounter, be it my day by day runs in Boulder or increased summits and snowshoeing.
Whereas the Genesis Backbone is in no way a light-weight, at 12.25oz/345g in my US 10, I discover the load to be greater than affordable and a good commerce off for the extent of burly safety that they provide. Sam sums up the mechanics of the higher, so as a substitute of repeating, I’ll give attention to match and efficiency.
The match for me is true to measurement in my standard US 10 and whereas the match general is efficiency oriented, I’ve sufficient area and leeway for a thicker midweight wool sock that I sometimes put on in cooler temperatures. Foothold is superb general, with nice lockdown from the Quicklaces and the booty fashion Endofit/Sensifit interior shoe.
Whereas I’ve not but had the chance to run them in very chilly, moist, winter circumstances, I’ve been in a position to soak them in creeks and so they appear to remain dry fairly nicely. I may also inform that they are going to be fairly heat on chilly days, as even on some morning runs within the excessive 30’s and low 40’s, my toes felt very heat.
The inbuilt gaiter is sweet and tall, snugging nicely round my skinny ankle and zippers/snaps simply. The gaiter is versatile, pliable and cozy when mountain climbing or operating.
The toe bumper could be very protecting and blends seamlessly with the 360 diploma rand.
Midsole & Platform
Sam: The midsole is Salomon’s Vitality Foam. Included, as within the common S/Lab Genesis is a ProFeel rock safety layer. My sense is that it’s an ever so barely softer foam than the low high S/Lab Genesis.
Forgiving, deeply cushioned sufficient with a reasonable 33 mm heel / 25 mm forefoot stack to soak up shocks over many hours on the run and at mountain climbing paces, but additionally not so deeply cushioned to lose all path really feel and a few agility the midsole is appropriate for nearly any path run and even laborious surfaces reminiscent of street.
Jeff V: The Vitality Foam midsole is created from light-weight energetic OBC (Olefin Block Copolymer), which feels very nicely cushioned, but nicely structured, secure and supportive. The ProFeel layer helps present an added degree of safety, smoothing out rocky, tough terrain and making them a fantastic possibility for lengthy days on tough terrain (whereas not making them really feel in any respect stiff or inflexible).
Whereas the Genesis Backbone will not be a responsive speedster, it rolls alongside properly anyplace from mountain climbing paces to reasonable paces. I’ve even put in some quick, uptempo efforts and so they had been in a position to rise to the problem. The unknown issue is how the midsole will change (or not) when the temperatures dip nicely beneath freezing, whether or not they can preserve the good cushioned really feel and compliance.
The Lively Chassis wings are similar to the common S/Lab Genesis and assist present a pleasant degree of stability to the midsole.
Outsole
Sam: The Contagrip outsole is similar to the S/Lab Genesis with 4.5 mm lugs. Traction was wonderful on all trails with the lugs affordable in profile and firmness to be used on firmer and smoother terrain.
Jeff V: As Sam mentions, the Contagrip Outsole is identical because the S/Lab Genesis. As I described beforehand, Traction is excellent!
The 4.5 mm lugs are a bit deeper and extra aggressive than different Salomons, other than the extra aggressive “Cross” line of sneakers and supply excellent grip on all kinds of terrain and surfaces.
I’ve run up/down quite a lot of steep rocky technical trails in dry/moist, on snow, free off path up and down, slabby rock scrambles, dry gravel singletrack, typically quick and have felt assured with no slips or trepidation. So far, sturdiness is proving to be excellent, with basically no indicators of damage. Over the previous 2 years now of sporting the S/Lab Genesis, outsole sturdiness has confirmed to be excellent.
Journey, Conclusions and Suggestions
Jeff V: The Genesis Backbone is a strong, protecting, easy and predictable coaching shoe for chilly winter snowy and moist circumstances. They’re in no way quick, largely as a result of general weight of the shoe however that added weight could be very a lot justified for all the safety that’s provided right here. That stated, I discover the load at 12.25 oz in my US 10 is fairly affordable and really a lot aggressive with comparable sneakers.
I extremely advocate them for winter operating, mountain climbing and snowshoeing in winter and moist circumstances. I discover them to be a bit too heat for any actions over 50 levels, however to me that offers me confidence that they are going to be comfortable when the temps drop into the kids and single digits.
Jeff V’s Rating: 9.5/10
Journey: 9.5, Match: 9.5, Worth: 9, Fashion: 9, Traction: 9.5, Rock Safety: 10
Sam: The Backbone is a winter and moist circumstances shoe/boot that may cross over to three seasons for me in temperate circumstances. I used to be snug into the mid 60’s F / 18 C throughout quick hikes just lately in Utah. The Backbone is a superb alternative for quick mountain climbing and operating n moist circumstances the place cushioning, traction, rock safety and a few agility is fascinating.
They had been a bit damp on the interior aspect of the upper areas of the higher membrane as it’s not actually lined to soak up sweat however they had been by no means uncomfortable. In dry circumstances with a lot of mud on the paths nothing penetrated the shoe. Winter testing is coming however I count on the Backbone to be a wonderful winter snow run and snowshoe possibility..
My mountain climbing expertise with some slower operating on evenly technical terrain was strong with the identical energetic considerably bouncy trip because the common Genesis and S/Lab Genesis a trip that may crossover to street. I do suppose the Backbone could possibly be improved with a extra substantial heel counter and as a substitute of a full water-resistant membrane within the higher with a extra breathable increased gaiter (no membrane only a water-resistant shell) with on the “shoe” degree the membrane if even that.
Off path I feel the styling is smooth and trendy making them a fantastic possibility for a winter “boot” that may for certain go “exterior” in winter sloppy but additionally match very nicely round city and out and about
Sam’s Rating: 9.1 /10
Deductions for want for a extra strong heel counter and need for a extra versatile and breathable but nonetheless water-resistant outer shell to assist higher justify the value by extending multi seasons utility additional.
5 Comparisons
La Sportiva Cyklon Cross GTX (RTR Assessment)
Jeff V: I have to measurement up in La Sportiva, particularly in a winter shoe, so evaluating a ten.5 to true to measurement 10 in Salomon. Weight is identical (10.5 Cyklon / 10 Salomon).
These are very comparable sneakers, however I discover the Cyklon to really feel a bit of bit extra compact, nimble, agile and adept at operating in robust circumstances and technical terrain, the place the Backbone general feels a bit extra relaxed and informal.
As simple as the fast laces are within the Backbone, the BOA match system within the Cyklon is an actual benefit, as it is extremely simple to regulate within the chilly and with mittens/gloves. Whereas the Backbone has excellent traction, the Cyklon is even higher and the lugs are set as much as accommodate La Sportiva hobnails (offered individually for $50).
Hoka Speedgoat 6 GTX Mid (RTR Assessment Upcoming)
Jeff V: The Speedgoat is lighter, with higher plush deep cushioning that retains its properties in chilly temps and is way more responsive (a few of that as a result of lighter weight mixed with the extra dynamic midsole). The Speedgoat has wonderful traction, is sturdy and waterproof, although is a Gore Tex membrane with uncovered laces, vs. the Backbone with a pleasant zip up outer booty/gaiter that retains all the pieces protected and contained significantly better.
The Speedgoat is mid peak (a lot decrease than the Backbone gaiter) and has a velcro closure that except you could have a really thick ankle, does not likely comfortable up and can let snow and moisture down the collar.
The Speedgoat is maybe higher for sooner operating if excessive ankle gaiter is much less of a priority and the Backbone perhaps higher for slower paces and extra snowy, tough circumstances. The Backbone can also be $70 extra, so an enormous issue.
Scarpa Ribelle Run Kalibra G (RTR Assessment)
Jeff V: One other very shut comparability, the place general match, really feel, safety, trip and goal are comparable, although the Scarpa is greater than 1.5 oz heavier and I discovered over time that they don’t seem to be fully waterproof and finally soak by when circumstances are actually moist. Traction is fairly comparable, as is worth (Scarpa is $10 much less).
La Sportiva Blizzard GTX (RTR Assessment)
Jeff V: The Blizzard can also be over 1.5oz heavier, however they run lighter and really feel fast and agile for a winter shoe. They’ve a cosy efficiency match and sock like stretch gaiter, however what units the Blizzard aside is the inbuilt studs for further traction when circumstances get icy. Just like the Cyklon, I wanted to measurement up a half measurement.
Saucony Extremely Ridge GTX (RTR Assessment)
Sam: With virtually similar stats of weight and stack peak, the Saucony with a Gore-Tex higher is $70 lower than the Salomon. Whereas it’s not fairly as excessive snow proof with gaiters it will get there and in hotter temps it’s cooler and extra snug. Its EVA body and central supercritical foam core midsole is a little more secure and firmer than the Salomon bouncier and softer trip with extra of a boot really feel. That stated, the power to extra loosely lace the Extremely Ridge’s higher with the decrease lacing run shoe comfortable makes it as runnable because the Salomon. Rock safety and traction is equal with a slight benefit to the Salomon’s Conagrip rubber. Given worth and elevated seasonal versatility the Extremely Ridge is a more sensible choice except full on winter use is your sole focus.
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Samples had been offered at no cost for evaluation functions. RoadTrail Run has affiliate partnerships and should earn fee on merchandise bought by way of purchasing hyperlinks on this article. These partnerships don’t affect our editorial content material. The opinions herein are fully the authors’.
Tester Profiles
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, many 13ers and different peaks in Colorado and past, plus, he has summited his native Inexperienced Mountain over 2,100 instances prior to now 20 years. He could 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 types) bike and hike, typically along with his household, as he introduces his twin daughters to the outside. Jeff was born and raised in New Hampshire, however has referred to as Colorado house for over 25 years. He’s 5’9” and 145 lbs.
Sam is the Editor and Founding father of Street Path Run. He’s in his 60’s with 2024 Sam’s 52th 12 months of operating roads and trails. He has a many years previous 2:28 marathon PR. Nowadays he runs halves within the simply sub 1:40 vary if he will get very, very fortunate. Sam trains 30-40 miles per week largely at reasonable paces on the roads and trails of New Hampshire and Utah be it on the run, mountain climbing or on nordic skis. He’s 5’9” tall and weighs about 160 lbs, if he’s not having fun with too many wonderful New England IPA’s
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