CONFIDENCE ON TECHNICAL TRAILS. The Genesis 2 feels just as happy cruising flowing woodland singletrack as it does picking its way across rocky mountain terrain. Where it really shines is when the trail becomes rough and unpredictable. The Active Chassis adds confidence on loose descents and uneven ground, while the secure fit lets you concentrate on your line rather than your footing.
Salomon Women's Genesis 2 Overview
Some trails demand a little more from your footwear. Loose rocks, uneven ground, steep climbs and fast descents can all test your confidence, which is exactly where the Salomon Women's Genesis 2 comes into its own. Designed for runners who enjoy exploring technical terrain, it strikes an impressive balance between comfort, stability and protection without feeling cumbersome underfoot.
A hardwearing Matryx upper stands up to rough trails, while the cushioned OptiFOAM midsole softens repeated impacts during longer runs. The updated Active Chassis adds confidence across uneven ground, and Salomon's Quicklace system works with the EndoFit internal sleeve to create a secure, precise fit. At just 241g per shoe, it also feels impressively light considering the level of protection it provides.
Best For
- Technical trail running
- Mountain running
- Rocky terrain
- Mixed trails
- Long-distance trail runs
- Training runs
- Adventure running
- Everyday trail running
Materials
Kevlar-Reinforced Matryx Upper
The Salomon Women's Genesis 2 uses a Matryx upper, one of the most advanced materials you'll find in trail running footwear. Rather than relying on traditional mesh covered with stitched reinforcements, Matryx is a woven fabric that combines high-tenacity technical yarns with individually coated Kevlar fibres. Because the strength is woven directly into the material, the upper resists tears, scuffs and abrasion without needing heavy or bulky overlays.
The result is an upper that feels remarkably light and flexible while standing up to repeated contact with rocks, roots and rough mountain trails. The open weave also allows plenty of airflow, helping your feet stay cooler during long runs. Matryx absorbs very little water too, so the upper won't become unnecessarily heavy after stream crossings, wet grass or unexpected rain. It's a clever combination of low weight, breathability and long-lasting protection that makes the Women's Genesis 2 particularly well suited to technical trail running.
OptiFOAM Midsole
Underfoot, the Women's Genesis 2 features Salomon's OptiFOAM midsole, a lightweight EVA foam that balances cushioning with responsiveness. It provides enough softness to take the sting out of rocky trails and repeated impacts, while still feeling lively enough to keep your stride moving naturally.
Rather than feeling excessively soft or unstable, OptiFOAM provides a controlled and supportive ride. This helps reduce fatigue during longer runs without completely separating you from the terrain beneath your feet. It's a versatile level of cushioning that feels equally at home on all-day mountain adventures and shorter, faster sessions across technical trails.
All Terrain Contagrip Outsole
The Women's Genesis 2 is equipped with Salomon's proven All Terrain Contagrip outsole, a rubber compound developed to perform consistently across the wide variety of surfaces you may encounter on a trail run. From dry rock and hard-packed paths to loose gravel, muddy sections and damp woodland trails, it provides dependable grip without feeling excessively aggressive.
The rubber has been formulated to balance traction with longevity, helping it maintain reliable grip after plenty of miles across abrasive terrain. Combined with the 4mm lugs, the outsole provides confident braking on descents, secure footing on climbs and dependable control when the ground becomes rough or unpredictable.
Features & Technologies
EndoFit Internal Sleeve
EndoFit is an internal fit sleeve that wraps around the foot to create a secure, glove-like feel. It helps reduce unwanted movement inside the shoe and improves stability when running across technical or uneven terrain.
Active Chassis
The updated Active Chassis increases guidance and stability while still allowing the foot to move naturally. It helps the Women's Genesis 2 feel composed across uneven trails without making the shoe feel overly stiff or restricting your agility.
Quicklace System
Salomon's Quicklace system uses a minimalist, high-strength lace that tightens evenly with a single pull. It allows you to adjust the fit quickly and provides a secure hold without the need to stop and retie traditional laces during a run.
Soft Protective Cushioning
The Women's Genesis 2 provides soft, protective cushioning while maintaining useful feedback from the trail. This creates a comfortable ride over longer distances without sacrificing control when running across rocks, roots and uneven ground.
Technical Trail Geometry
With a 33.5mm heel stack, 25.5mm forefoot stack and an 8mm drop, the Women's Genesis 2 provides a well-balanced combination of cushioning, stability and efficient forward movement. The generous stack protects your feet from repeated impacts, while the 8mm drop creates a familiar and versatile running position for training sessions and longer trail adventures.
High Foot Protection
Designed for demanding terrain, the Women's Genesis 2 provides a high level of foot protection against rocks, roots and uneven ground. Despite this protective construction, the shoe remains flexible and agile enough for natural movement through technical sections of trail.
4mm Lug Pattern
The 4mm lugs provide a dependable balance of grip and rolling efficiency. They are deep enough to bite into loose and uneven ground without making the shoe feel slow or awkward on firmer woodland tracks and hard-packed trails.
Lightweight Performance
Weighing just 241g per shoe, the Women's Genesis 2 feels impressively light considering the cushioning, stability and protection it provides. This helps the shoe remain agile on technical terrain and comfortable enough for longer-distance trail runs.
Regular Fit
Designed with Salomon's Regular fit, the Women's Genesis 2 offers a secure and comfortable feel suitable for a wide range of foot shapes. The EndoFit sleeve and Quicklace system allow you to fine-tune the hold around the foot for improved confidence on uneven terrain.
Features Summary
- Lightweight Matryx upper
- Kevlar-reinforced construction
- All Terrain Contagrip outsole
- Active Chassis stability system
- OptiFOAM EVA midsole
- EndoFit internal fit sleeve
- Quicklace one-pull lacing system
- Soft protective cushioning
- High foot protection
- 4mm lugs
- 8mm drop
- 33.5mm heel stack
- 25.5mm forefoot stack
- 241g per shoe
- Regular fit
- Breathable construction
Explore More Trail Running Shoes
Discover our full range of trail running shoes, trail running packs and running accessories to build the perfect kit for your next adventure.
You can also visit our Trail Running Knowledge Centre for expert advice, buying guides and gear recommendations from the Trekitt team.
Trekitt Review What impressed us most is just how composed the Genesis 2 feel when trails become unpredictable. Loose rock, awkward cambers, and rough descents never seem to unsettle the shoes, yet tehy don't feel overly stiff or bulky. They are one of those trail shoes that quietly build confidence the further into technical terrain you go.
Is the Genesis 2 Good for Long Trail Runs? Yes. The combination of OptiFOAM cushioning and a lightweight Matryx upper helps reduce fatigue over longer distances while still providing enough trail feel for technical mountain running.
How Durable Is the Matryx Upper? The Kevlar-reinforced Matryx fabric is built specifically for demanding trails. It resists abrasion from rocks, roots and scree while remaining lighter and more breathable than many traditional reinforced trail shoe uppers.
FAQ
Who is the Salomon Genesis 2 best suited to?
The Genesis 2 is designed for runners tackling technical terrain such as rocky mountain trails, uneven paths and long trail adventures where stability and protection are just as important as comfort.
Is the Genesis 2 suitable for beginners?
Yes. Although it's designed for technical terrain, its stable ride and predictable grip make it an excellent choice for runners looking to build confidence off-road.
How does the Genesis 2 compare with the Salomon Speedcross?
The Genesis 2 is designed for mixed and technical terrain, offering a more balanced ride across rock, gravel and hard-packed trails. The Speedcross focuses more heavily on deep mud and softer ground with a more aggressive outsole.
Is the Genesis 2 waterproof?
No. This version uses a highly breathable upper that dries quickly after wet conditions, making it a better choice for regular trail running than a waterproof shoe.
Can I use the Genesis 2 for hiking?
Yes. Many fast hikers and mountain walkers choose trail running shoes like the Genesis 2 for lightweight day hikes, although they are primarily designed for running.
How much cushioning does the Genesis 2 have?
The Genesis 2 offers soft, protective cushioning that absorbs repeated impacts while maintaining good ground feel and control on technical trails.
Does the Quicklace system stay secure during long runs?
Yes. Salomon's Quicklace system is designed to tighten evenly across the foot and remain securely in place throughout long trail runs.