Salomon S/Lab Genesis First Impressions: A Race Day Shoe With More Substance

Introduction

When the Salomon S/Lab Genesis first appeared, it divided opinions. Pastel yellow detailing, a built-in gaiter system around the ankle, and a strange-looking medial protection pad made it unlike any other S/Lab shoe in recent memory. But slip it on and that scepticism fades quickly: the Genesis is comfortable, hugs the midfoot exceptionally well, and brings the aggressive outsole you would expect from Salomon’s race-focused range.

Unlike most S/Lab products, which tend to be stripped-back, ultra-lightweight race day specialists, the Genesis has a bit more substance. It has been designed as a high-performance race day shoe that can still offer comfort and protection over longer distances.

Design and Construction

S/Lab products typically use the latest technology and go through extensive development with Salomon’s elite runners, and the Genesis is no exception. In the UK it retails for £180, which sounds steep until you remember it is around £100 cheaper than the S/Lab Genesis Otter 001 collaboration shoe, putting it in perspective in today’s running shoe market.

Weight comes in at 278 grams in a UK 9.5, which is impressively light for the amount of shoe you get. The platform runs an eight millimetre offset, with 30 millimetres of stack height under the heel and 22 millimetres under the forefoot.

The upper uses Salomon’s patented Matrix technology, a material that weaves aramid fibres through the fabric for comfort, efficient foot mapping, support, and durability. A built-in gaiter system at the ankle keeps debris out of the shoe, while the Endo Fit internal sleeve construction delivers a precise feel and lockdown. Printed overlays run from the heel down past the midfoot, around the lace eyelets, and wrap around the toe box.

Protection is where this shoe gets interesting. There is a very substantial toe bumper, plus dedicated protection pads: one on the medial side of the midfoot and a smaller one on the lateral heel. These are designed to shield the foot on rocky terrain, a feature that is genuinely uncommon on trail running shoes.

Fit and Sizing

Tested in a UK 9.5, the Genesis runs true to size for length. The width, however, is a different story: this is a very narrow fit in shoe, and that observation comes from someone with a naturally narrow foot shape. For narrow-footed runners, the fit is excellent, locking down the midfoot beautifully and creating a strong sense of connection and support.

If you have any real width or volume to your foot, you will likely struggle with the Genesis. This narrow fit is a consistent trait across S/Lab shoes, so it is worth factoring in before buying.

The quick lace system is simple to use: pull the nylon cord tight around the midfoot, slide the lock mechanism into place, and you are ready to run. The tongue pocket for stowing excess lace is arguably the best quick lace pocket design Salomon has produced on a current trail shoe, placed perfectly and sized just right, a big improvement over the poorly designed pocket on the Ultra Glide.

Grip and Traction on the Trail

Out on a varied Cornish coastal route, the Genesis was tested across steep descents, sharp climbs, wet rock, mud, loose gravel, and rooty woodland trails. The all-terrain Contagrip rubber outsole features chunky 4.5 millimetre lugs that bite into mud and soft ground, and the rubber compound delivers confident grip on everything from wet rock to hard-packed trail.

Across the whole test route, traction was strong on muddy sections and secure on wet and dry rock alike. There was one moment on a steep technical rocky descent, when a particularly greasy type of rock caused a brief slippage, but that was the only instance. As a rough comparison, the Genesis offers more grip than the Ultra Glide but perhaps not quite the rocky-trail confidence of Vibram Mega Grip equipped shoes, sitting somewhere in the middle. Relative to Salomon’s own range, it is grippier than the Ultra Glide but shy of the S/Lab Cross 2.

Midsole, Protection and Ride Feel

The midsole uses a generous helping of Salomon’s Energy Surge foam, a lightweight compound combining EVA and olefin for long-lasting cushioning and bouncy energy return. Anyone who has run in the Ultra Glide or the road-focused Glide Max will already know this foam’s character.

On the trail, the Energy Surge midsole handled everything well: enough cushioning on firmer compacted trails and tarmac sections, with a slightly firmer feel than the same compound in the Ultra Glide. That firmness is not a bad thing; it creates a greater sense of connection to the trail while still being genuinely comfortable. Runners who prefer a very plush, soft ride should stick with the Ultra Glide, but those wanting more feedback will appreciate the Genesis.

A ProFeel film laid on top of the midsole acts as a flexible plate, adding stability and underfoot protection. Combined with the firmer foam, the toe bumper, and the protection pads, the Genesis offers very good levels of protection underfoot on rocky terrain.

The ankle gaiter system worked flawlessly, wrapping the foot comfortably and keeping debris at bay. The upper’s Endo Fit booty construction is stripped back on padding to save weight, but the tongue padding is judged just right: plush across the top of the foot while still allowing a precise lockdown around the midfoot.

Buying Advice

The Salomon S/Lab Genesis makes sense for narrow-footed trail runners who want the lightweight, foot-hugging feel of an S/Lab race shoe but with more cushioning, protection, and substance for longer days out. At £180 in the UK, it sits firmly in the premium tier, though it undercuts Salomon’s own collaboration shoes by a wide margin.

If you have wide or high-volume feet, look elsewhere; the fit is unforgiving. If you want maximum plushness, the Ultra Glide remains the softer option. But if you want a race-ready shoe that can genuinely handle a big mix of terrain, wet, dry, loose, or hard, the Genesis is a compelling proposition.

Conclusion

The Salomon S/Lab Genesis is a refreshing take on the S/Lab formula. It keeps the precise fit, low weight, and technical innovation the range is known for, then adds real cushioning, thoughtful protection features, and confident all-terrain grip. This was a very positive first outing on a demanding, varied route, and the shoe handled everything thrown at it. With more miles to come, early impressions suggest this could become a firm favourite for long, technical trail days.