Salomon Genesis 2 Review
Author: Trekitt Gear Team
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I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not exactly an experienced trail runner. I’m much more at home climbing and scrambling, so heading out for a run isn’t usually my first choice of outdoor activity. However, I was curious to see what the Salomon Genesis 2 had to offer, especially as it’s designed for more technical terrain.
With a durable Matryx upper, supportive cushioning and Salomon’s All Terrain contaGRIP outsole, there’s plenty going on with these shoes. But impressive features on paper don’t always translate to a great experience outdoors, so I took them out for a run to see how they actually performed.
First Impressions
Straight out of the box, I thought the Genesis 2 looked pretty good. It has that familiar Salomon styling, with a streamlined shape but a more rugged construction than your average running shoe. The Matryx upper feels substantial without being particularly bulky, and the abrasion-resistant material seems well suited to rough terrain.
The first thing I noticed when putting them on was the fit. I’ve got very narrow feet, which can make finding secure footwear a challenge, but the Genesis 2’s snug construction worked well for me. The endoFit sleeve wraps around the foot nicely, particularly through the midfoot, although I could see it feeling restrictive for someone with wider feet.
Then there’s the Quicklace system. I’ll admit, I’ve never been a fan. I know plenty of people love the convenience, but I’ve always found it a bit fiddly. Having to tuck the excess lace away feels like an unnecessary faff when traditional laces do the job perfectly well.
Where I’ve Used Them
I took the Genesis 2 out for a trail run, focusing on how they handled changing terrain rather than worrying too much about pace or distance. The route gave me a chance to assess the grip, cushioning and stability, particularly on uneven sections where foot placement becomes more important.
As I’m not a particularly experienced trail runner, I was interested in how comfortable and intuitive the shoes felt. What became apparent was that the Genesis 2 has quite a distinct character. It’s not especially soft or bouncy, instead offering a firmer, more structured feel that prioritises stability.
Whether that’s a positive will largely depend on what you prefer from your running shoes.
Performance & Comfort
Comfort & Fit
The Genesis 2 uses Salomon’s optiFOAM midsole, which provides cushioning but feels noticeably firmer than some people might expect. I found this worked well on uneven ground, where the shoe felt controlled and stable. However, on flatter, less technical sections, I did find myself wishing for a little more softness underfoot.
Fit-wise, I got on with these pretty well. As someone with narrow feet, I often find shoes too roomy around the midfoot, but the Genesis 2 held my feet securely without excessive movement. The close-fitting construction was particularly reassuring when changing direction or negotiating awkward ground.
However, if you’ve got wider feet or prefer a roomier toe box, I’d definitely recommend trying them on before committing.
Durability & Build Quality
The Genesis 2 feels well made, with a robust upper that doesn’t add unnecessary bulk. Salomon uses Matryx fabric, incorporating abrasion-resistant fibres, including Kevlar, to help protect against wear from rough terrain. The reinforced construction feels reassuring without being overly stiff.
That said, there’s only so much you can tell about durability from a relatively short period of use. I didn’t notice any immediate concerns, but I’d want to spend considerably more time in them before commenting on how they’ll hold up over hundreds of kilometres.
Breathability & Weather Protection
The Genesis 2 isn’t waterproof, which could be a drawback depending on when and where you plan to use it. I found the breathability perfectly adequate during my run, and my feet didn’t feel excessively warm despite the substantial upper.
Of course, wet grass, puddles and persistent rain will eventually leave your feet damp. Personally, I don’t necessarily see that as a disadvantage, as waterproof membranes can sometimes make footwear feel warmer during more energetic activities. It’s simply a case of deciding whether breathability or weather protection matters more to you.
Grip & Stability
Grip was one of the stronger points for me. The Genesis 2 uses Salomon’s All Terrain contaGRIP outsole with 4 mm lugs, designed to handle a variety of surfaces. I found the traction particularly reassuring on rocky and loose ground, where the outsole provided plenty of grip without feeling overly aggressive.
However, I’d be more cautious in deeper mud. The lugs are versatile, but they’re not particularly aggressive, so I wouldn’t expect them to perform as well as a dedicated fell running shoe in boggy conditions.
Stability was another area where the Genesis 2 performed well. The updated activeCHASSIS system provides additional support, and I found the shoes felt controlled when moving across uneven ground. That extra structure does make them feel a little less flexible than some lighter trail shoes, but I didn’t mind that on more technical sections.
Ease of Use
Right, the Quicklace system. I know it’s one of Salomon’s signature features, but I’ve never particularly liked it. In theory, it’s simple enough. You pull the lace, lock it into place, tuck the excess away and off you go.
In practice, I just find it a bit of a faff.
Having to tuck the lace away every time feels fiddly, and I prefer being able to adjust the tension in different areas of the shoe. Traditional laces give you more control over the fit, particularly if you want a secure midfoot without tightening the forefoot too much.
To be fair, once everything was adjusted, the system did its job. I’d just personally choose traditional laces if I had the option.
Best For…
I think the Genesis 2 makes the most sense for trail runners who regularly encounter mixed or technical terrain and prefer a secure, supportive feel underfoot. If your runs involve rocky paths, loose gravel and uneven trails, there’s a lot to like about the combination of grip and stability.
They’re also worth considering if you’ve got narrower feet, as I found the snug fit worked particularly well for me.
However, if most of your running takes place on smoother trails, the firm cushioning and structured feel might be more than you need. Similarly, those who prefer a roomy toe box, very soft cushioning or regularly tackle deep mud may want to consider other options.
Standout Features
What I Liked
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Secure Fit for Narrow Feet: The snug construction held my feet securely without excessive movement.
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Grip on Mixed Terrain: The contaGRIP outsole felt dependable on rocky and loose surfaces.
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Supportive Construction: The activeCHASSIS system provided a stable, controlled feel on uneven ground.
What I Wasn’t So Keen On
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Quicklace System: I still find it fiddly, particularly having to tuck the excess lace away.
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Firm Cushioning: Supportive on technical terrain, but I would have liked a little more softness on easier sections.
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Snug Fit: Great for my narrow feet, but potentially restrictive for those who prefer more room.
Final Thoughts
After spending some time in the Salomon Genesis 2, I can see what Salomon was aiming for. It’s a trail running shoe that prioritises stability, grip and durability rather than an exceptionally soft or bouncy ride.
There were definitely things I liked. The snug fit worked particularly well for my narrow feet, the outsole felt dependable on rocky sections, and I appreciated the supportive feel when the terrain became more technical. However, I wasn’t completely sold on everything. The cushioning felt a little firm on easier sections, and I’m still not a fan of the Quicklace system.
None of those things makes the Genesis 2 a bad shoe. They just mean it’s better suited to certain preferences and types of running.
Would I use them again? Yes, particularly for runs involving varied and technical terrain. However, I wouldn’t automatically reach for them every time I headed out.
Overall, I think the Genesis 2 is a capable trail running shoe with some clear strengths and a few compromises worth understanding before buying.
FAQs
The Genesis 2 has a fairly snug, secure fit, particularly through the midfoot. I found this worked really well for my narrow feet, but if you’ve got wider feet or prefer a little more room around your toes, I’d recommend trying them on before buying. I wouldn’t necessarily suggest sizing up without trying your usual size first. 
Yes, this is where I think the Genesis 2 really comes into its own. The combination of the All Terrain contaGRIP outsole, supportive activeCHASSIS system and secure upper makes it well suited to rocky paths, loose ground and uneven trails. I particularly appreciated the stability on more technical sections.
No, the Genesis 2 isn’t waterproof. It uses a breathable Matryx upper, which helps with ventilation but allows water to enter in wet conditions. I didn’t find the lack of a waterproof membrane particularly concerning, although it’s worth considering if you regularly run through wet grass or persistent rain.
Yes, although I think it depends on the type of running you’re planning to do. I’m not a particularly experienced trail runner myself, and I found the Genesis 2 secure and supportive on uneven terrain. However, the relatively firm cushioning and structured feel might not appeal to someone who mainly runs on smoother, less technical trails.
It can handle some mud, but I wouldn’t choose it specifically for very boggy conditions. The 4 mm lugs provide versatile traction across mixed terrain, although they’re not as aggressive as those on dedicated fell running shoes designed for deep mud.
That will depend on your preference for cushioning and fit. I found the firmer midsole supportive on technical terrain, but I would have appreciated a little more softness on flatter sections. I haven’t tested them over particularly long distances, so I wouldn’t want to make a definite judgement about all-day comfort.
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