{"id":22356,"date":"2026-11-04T10:27:57","date_gmt":"2026-11-04T10:27:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tkt\/?p=22356"},"modified":"2026-11-04T10:27:58","modified_gmt":"2026-11-04T10:27:58","slug":"salomon-genesis-2-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/tkt\/salomon-genesis-2-review\/","title":{"rendered":"Salomon Genesis 2 Review"},"content":{"rendered":"

Salomon Genesis 2 Review<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Author:<\/strong> Trekitt Gear Team
We’ve spent plenty of time outdoors in cold, wet and unpredictable British weather, so we know how important the right kit and preparation are when winter camping. In this guide, we share practical advice for beginners, covering everything from choosing the right tent and sleeping system to staying warm, packing essential gear and avoiding common mistakes. Our aim is to help you feel more confident, comfortable and prepared for your first winter camping adventure.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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BUY NOW<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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First Impressions <\/strong> <\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Where I’ve Used Them<\/strong> <\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Whether that’s a positive will largely depend on what you prefer from your running shoes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Performance & Comfort<\/strong> <\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Comfort & Fit<\/strong> <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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However, if you’ve got wider feet or prefer a roomier toe box, I’d definitely recommend trying them on before committing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Durability & Build Quality<\/strong> <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Breathability & Weather Protection<\/strong> <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Grip & Stability<\/strong> <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Ease of Use<\/strong> <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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In practice, I just find it a bit of a faff. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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To be fair, once everything was adjusted, the system did its job. I’d just personally choose traditional laces if I had the option. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Best For…<\/strong> <\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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They’re also worth considering if you’ve got narrower feet, as I found the snug fit worked particularly well for me. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Standout Features<\/strong> <\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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What I Liked<\/strong> <\/h4>\n\n\n