Salomon  S/Lab Genesis Trail-Running Shoes

During the climb (and especially the descent) to Mt. Pico sole almost fell apart, making the descent very difficult and slippery.

Bought these for ultras but found them way too sketchy on wet UK rocks and slabs. Very fast with plenty of energy return, I used them in a recent muddy 5k race and worked fine for a fast pace. I'm the same size in all Salomons 9.5 UK but for some reason these give me blisters on a couple of little toe ends. Not a bad effort but wet rock and also mud grip needs improving I know there not a mud shoe but ran in other shoes with only a 4mm lug that have gripped better. Fine for bone dry conditions but keeping these now for short road to trail fast runs. Please bring some nice looking ones out next time. Please test in wet UK conditions more.

I absolutely love these shoes! Finally found the perfect model for my ultra races (100 miles). Somehow they cushion my feet very well yet are very light - the perfect combination! I finish my long runs with fresh feet. Not to mention the tough fabric and well designed lacing system that literally gets rid of loose ends and seals from debris. They even seem great on mud with generous lugs, unlike another top/niche brand that I use that has very thin lugs that makes them uunsuitable for mud and snow. Even my slightly wide feet, which don’t fit other Salomon shoes, fit very nicely in the S/Lab Genesis! Careful if you have narrow feet because even I find the shoes a bit too loose sideways on some technical terrain. But I love these!

I usually wear S-LAB Ultra shoes. Based on rave reviews I decided to try Genesis. Huge mistake! When I tried the shoes on, the first thing I noticed was the cushioning which is nice for my plantar fascia. However, when I went for a first run, my plantar fascia started screaming in the first mile. I tried to loosen up the shoes, but it didn’t help. It felt like my feet are in Louboutins (ladies will understand). The sizing was normal, there was plenty of room in the front, but the sides are too snug. In the end I had to buy a new Ultra 3 shoes again. Now I’m stuck with the Genesis shoes that I wore for a mile and can’t even return.

Since Hoka redesigned the Mafate I have been looking for something else. Started my trail running years ago using nothing but Speed Crosses. Decided after hours of YouTube research and having gone on Salomon sponsored group run where they had loaner Genesis to give them a shot. So tight in the mid foot and fore foot had trouble getting them on. Did some hill repeats (400’ up, 400’ down, 3 times, 5 miles). Found them light and agile, especially compared to the Hokas I’ve used for the last five years. Afterwards while driving home had to take them off, way too uncomfortable. Will try to stretch them a bit and hope they grow a bit. If not I better start liking the Mafate 5.

Have you ever purchased an item that was so perfect you, you've considered buying multiple pairs so you never run out? That's how I feel about this shoe. The terrain around us is rocky and sticks and debris are aplenty. It is quite common to cop a stick right through the front or side of the shoe. I also wear holes in the side of the toe box where the material scrunches up with every step. Both of these issues have been combatted with the S/Lab genesis. Plenty of cushioning and plenty of stability, more so than older models. Just the right amount of grip for the terrain - so far. Perfect shoe for me.

Absolutely phenomenal trail running shoe! Whether it’s a 5K, a half marathon, or an ultra, climbing steep ascents or bombing down technical descents—through dirt, rocks, or mud—this shoe handles it all effortlessly. I usually rotate between Salomon, Brooks, and Terrex, but the S/LAB Genesis stands in a league of its own. It strikes the perfect balance: a slightly roomy toe box for natural movement, combined with a secure lockdown in the midfoot and heel. Light and responsive, yet impressively tough and durable. After logging 150 miles in my first pair, I didn’t hesitate to order a second.

Been a fan of the Speed-cross syle for a long time. This is my first purchase of a pair from the SLAB edition . They are amazingly comfortable and provide support where needed in my feet.

I really, REALLY wanted to like these, but just couldn’t make them work. I wish the drop was either 4 or 6 mm. I tried to look past that, but Salomon has just gone really downhill. The only thing I can say I like is the wrap around the foot. I really wish they would focus on the grip, because it used to be much better, but not so much anymore. I really miss the old Salomon. Bring back the sense pros, it literally any of the old stuff. I’m going to go back to the other guys. I just can’t do this new Salomon stuff. Also do NOT use this on wet rock, be warned!

Feels like I've been waiting forever for this shoe to arrive. Lost track of the number of Salomon shoes I've ordered as someone said they are a bit wider than normal... had to send every pair back. Don't get me wrong, these do not fit wide, but they are notably wider than the typical Salomon shoe and fit me like a glove. My normal go to shoe is a Hoka Speedgoat or Tecton X(2), so if you like the width of those, these might be worth a go. Love the cushion, fit and tread, great for a variety of terrain and seasons. So happy to see this model carried forward into the 2024 line-up. This shoe is now a staple in my quiver and will not be my only pair I'm sure. I've got around 200K on this pair and they are holding up well. No complaints here.