Our verdict

The Salomon Genesis truly stands out as a versatile trail workhorse in our lab, effortlessly managing everything from easy runs to ultra marathons. We found its MATRYX upper sets a high standard in both breathability and durability, paired with a stable midsole and a grippy—though not the most enduring—outsole. Finally, we believe its pricing is justified, especially with its superior fit over previous Salomon offerings.

zapatillas de running Salomon hombre trail constitución fuerte talla 45.5 Pros

  • Premium MATRYX upper
  • Great for summer adventures
  • Comfortable for long distances
  • Perfect for heel strikers
  • Reasonably priced
  • Smooth and flexible ride
  • Super stable

zapatillas de running Salomon hombre trail constitución fuerte talla 45.5 Cons

  • Con cordones Salomon
  • Outsole wears quickly
  • Drop too high for some

Audience verdict

92
Superb!

Who should buy

After thorough testing, we're convinced the Salomon Genesis is an outstanding choice for:

  • zapatillas de running Salomon niño niña entrenamiento maratón talla 45.5.
  • Ultra-distance runners who value a more forgiving ride over the stiffness of carbon-plated options, ensuring comfort mile after mile.
  • Fans of Salomon in search of a shoe with a more generous and accommodating fit, making long sessions on the trails more enjoyable.

Salomon Genesis

Who should NOT buy

The Salomon Genesis doesn't quite meet the mark for heavier forefoot strikers or those who prefer the plush feel of maximalist trail shoes. We've observed that its cushioning could be lacking for these groups. Consequently, we suggest the ASICS Trabuco Max 3 or the Salomon S Lab XT-4 ADV sneakers zapatillas de trekking Salomon impermeables talla 33.5.

Moreover, we've concluded that the Genesis falls short in XT-6 the high energy return that many seek, especially when compared to shoes equipped with a carbon plate. For those in pursuit of that stiff, propulsive feel, we recommend the Nike Ultrafly or the Salomon ADV Skin 8 Set Woman reppu. Our testing has shown that these models offer a more satisfying energy return.

Salomon Genesis parts

zapatillas de running Salomon hombre trail constitución fuerte talla 45.5 | Cushioning

Heel stack

The Genesis heel boasts a 33.5 mm height, striking a perfect balance between the plushness of maximalist models and the agility of sleeker designs like the zapatillas de running Salomon ritmo medio rojas.

This strategic choice keeps the Genesis somewhat light and cushy, perfectly suited for long runs and ultras. After all, it's the shoe Courtney Dauwalter wore to clinch victory at the UTMB, which speaks volumes about its capabilities.

Salomon Genesis Heel stack
Test results
Genesis 33.5 mm
Average 32.0 mm
Compared to 132 Salomon Recovery Reelax Break 5.0 Mens Slides
Number of shoes
19.6 mm
Heel stack
42.4 mm

Forefoot stack

The forefoot stands at a moderate 24.5 mm, offering a comfortable cushion without venturing into maximalist territory—a solid choice for those seeking a balanced yet slightly cushioned feel.

Salomon Genesis Forefoot stack
Test results
Genesis 24.5 mm
Average 24.5 mm
Compared to 132 Salomon Recovery Reelax Break 5.0 Mens Slides
Number of shoes
13.4 mm
Forefoot stack
33.9 mm

Drop

The Genesis boasts a notable 9.0 mm drop, placing it on the higher end of the spectrum among Salomon Recovery Reelax Break 5.0 Mens Slides. This design is particularly beneficial for long-distance runners prone to Achilles or calf issues, as it helps relieve stress in these areas.

On the flip side, runners who prefer a more moderate drop might not find the Genesis to their liking. For those individuals, we recommend the Zrównoważony Salomon socks Sonic Skarpety 2 Pary YVES SALOMON QUILTED DOWN VEST WITH HOOD Altra Timp 5 for those seeking the ultimate zero-drop experience.

Test results
Genesis 9.0 mm
Average 7.5 mm
Compared to 131 Salomon Recovery Reelax Break 5.0 Mens Slides
Number of shoes
-0.1 mm
Drop
17.3 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

Exploring the midsole, we encountered Salomon's Energy Foam—a mix of EVA and OBC (Olefin Block Co-Polymers). While it might not rival top-tier foams like ZoomX or Lightstrike Pro, it significantly outperforms standard EVA foam in terms of energy return.

With a softness score of 22.4 HA, the feel is remarkably balanced, not overly plush but comfortable, ideal for trail running. And given our familiarity with the typically firmer feel of Salomon shoes (like the 34.4-HA Speedcross 6) salomon supercross blast goretex vs salomon effect gtx!

Salomon Genesis Midsole softness
Test results
Genesis 22.4 HA
Average 22.7 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 108 Salomon Recovery Reelax Break 5.0 Mens Slides
Number of shoes
9.1 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
39.0 HA

Midsole softness in cold (%)

Blending EVA with Olefin not only enhances energy return but also boosts cold-weather performance. Unlike standard EVA that often stiffens in the cold, Salomon's Energy Foam impressively only became 13.9% firmer, a remarkable achievement.

Salomon Genesis zapatillas de running Salomon mujer mixta talla 46.5
Test results
Genesis 14%
Average 26%
Compared to 108 Salomon Recovery Reelax Break 5.0 Mens Slides
Number of shoes
5%
Midsole softness in cold
68%

zapatillas de running Salomon hombre trail constitución fuerte talla 45.5 | Insole thickness

The Genesis comes with a slightly thinner footbed than usual (4.0 mm), but it raises no issues whatsoever and still contributes an added layer of comfort.

Salomon Genesis Insole thickness
Test results
Genesis 4.0 mm
Average 4.7 mm
Compared to 131 Salomon Recovery Reelax Break 5.0 Mens Slides
Number of shoes
2.1 mm
Insole thickness
7.3 mm

Size and fit

Size

Salomon Genesis is true to size (32 votes).

salomon moc 3 0 advanced?

1 size small ½ size small True to size ½ size large 1 size large
Compared to 110 Salomon Recovery Reelax Break 5.0 Mens Slides
Number of shoes
½ size small
Slightly small
True to size
Slightly large
½ size large

Salomon XT-6 Women's

Кроссовки salomon размер 36 Altra by preferring a snugger fit and tighter toeboxes. However, the Genesis, designed for ultra marathons and long workouts, offers a more accommodating toebox width of 98.5 mm, which we found to be suitable for a wide range of foot sizes.

Salomon Genesis Toebox width at the widest part
Test results
Genesis 98.5 mm
Average 98.9 mm
Compared to 122 Salomon Recovery Reelax Break 5.0 Mens Slides
Number of shoes
92.0 mm
Salomon XT-6 Women's
104.9 mm

Toebox width - big toe

The area around the big toe tapers off in a common fashion, providing sufficient room for toe splay.

Salomon Genesis upper
The MATRYX upper looks really different from everything else.

This design meets the basic requirements for ultra distances and we find it quite satisfactory. For those accustomed to tighter-fitting shoes, this model will likely feel surprisingly spacious, even though it's actually quite standard in width.

Salomon Genesis Toebox width at the big toe
Test results
Genesis 77.5 mm
Average 79.3 mm
Compared to 84 Salomon Recovery Reelax Break 5.0 Mens Slides
Number of shoes
70.5 mm
Toebox width - big toe
90.1 mm

Stability

Lateral stability test

Having examined the foam, we now turn our attention to stability—a crucial element for Salomon Recovery Reelax Break 5.0 Mens Slides designed for the long haul. Your ankles will surely thank you for this feature.

The Genesis features Salomon's Active Chassis technology, which incorporates two plastic elements on either side of the shoe, serving as supportive guides. Picture these as substantial sidewalls, yet positioned on the shoe's exterior rather than integrated into the midsole.

Salomon Genesis Active Chassis

Thanks to these TPU pieces, combined with a balanced midsole and secure heel grip, we believe the Genesis suits those with mild stability needs, though it's still primarily aimed at neutral runners.

Torsional rigidity

Salomon Hidratação Sacs à eau road daily trainer—not overly flexible like a barefoot shoe, yet it possesses a certain level of rigidity. This led us to view it as a moderate option, earning a solid 3/5 in our assessment.

Test results
Genesis 3
Average 3.6
Compared to 126 Salomon Recovery Reelax Break 5.0 Mens Slides
Number of shoes
1
Torsional rigidity
5

salomon speedcross 4 gtx mens trail running shoes

During our test runs, the heel hold of the Genesis was impressively secure, although occasionally feeling a tad too rigid.

This observation was backed by our hands-on evaluation, where the Genesis earned a 4/5. It leads us to wonder if Courtney experienced any heel slippage in the initial prototypes!

Test results
Genesis 4
Average 3.1
Compared to 124 Salomon Recovery Reelax Break 5.0 Mens Slides
Number of shoes
1
salomon speedcross 4 gtx mens trail running shoes
5

Midsole width - forefoot

We took again our calipers to measure the midsole, beginning with the forefoot.

There, we recorded a thickness of 112.3 mm—a standard figure that doesn't particularly distinguish sneakers from the crowd.

Salomon Genesis Midsole width in the forefoot
Test results
Genesis 112.3 mm
Average 112.4 mm
Compared to 132 Salomon Recovery Reelax Break 5.0 Mens Slides
Number of shoes
102.1 mm
Midsole width - forefoot
124.3 mm

Men's Salomon S Pro Alpha 110

Upon taking a second measurement at the heel, we recorded a width of 92.8 mm—slightly more generous than what's typically seen.

This further solidifies our view that this shoe is an excellent pick for heel strikers, boasting a rigid heel counter, a notable drop, and a broader landing area in the heel zone.

Salomon Genesis Midsole width in the heel
Test results
Genesis 92.8 mm
Average 89.7 mm
Compared to 132 Salomon Recovery Reelax Break 5.0 Mens Slides
Number of shoes
77.2 mm
Men's Salomon S Pro Alpha 110
106.0 mm

Papuci și șlapi bărbați Salomon

The absence of a rock or carbon plate in this shoe ensures it maintains a high level of flexibility, a feature many distance runners value on the trails, enhancing ease in navigating turns as a side benefit.

During our 90-degree bend test, the force gauge showed a minimal resistance of just 21.2N, highlighting the shoe's flexibility.

Test results
Genesis 21.2N
Average 27.2N
Salomon Motxilles i maletes Motxilles.
Compared to 132 Salomon Recovery Reelax Break 5.0 Mens Slides
Number of shoes
10.5N
Flexibility <> Stiffness
54.5N

SALOMON Reflective High Cut (%)

To gauge how the shoe's stiffness might vary in cold conditions, we placed it in the freezer for 20 minutes. Upon retesting with the force gauge, we discovered a mere 12.6% increase in stiffness—a remarkably positive result.

Test results
Genesis 13%
Average 33%
Compared to 129 Salomon Recovery Reelax Break 5.0 Mens Slides
Number of shoes
3%
SALOMON Reflective High Cut
90%

Weight

At 9.9 oz (282g), Salomon impressively managed to keep the shoe under the 10 oz mark!

The feather-light MATRYX upper deserves a good share of the praise for this achievement, without which the Genesis might have tipped the scales a bit more.

Salomon Genesis Weight
Test results
Genesis 9.95 oz (282g)
Average 10.26 oz (291g)
Compared to 132 Salomon Recovery Reelax Break 5.0 Mens Slides
Number of shoes
7.51 oz (213g)
Weight
12.66 oz (359g)

Breathability

The Salomon Genesis truly shines with its MATRYX upper—a marvel of technology that blends exceptional ventilation and remarkable lightness. This ingenious mix of synthetic yarns and a specialized fibers, including Kevlar, positions it as a standout in the world of engineered meshes.

Our initial smoke test revealed its ventilation, earning a solid 4/5—surpassing most trail shoes, despite its reinforced toecap with TPU overlays.

Intrigued by the upper, we held it up to the light. The toebox, to our amazement, showed up almost transparent. This level of thinness is rarely seen in our lab.

Salomon Genesis microscope

Eager for a closer look, we turned to our microscope. The MATRYX mesh's unique structure was evident—ultra-thin yet airy, XT-6 excellent breathability.

Salomon Genesis MATRYX microscope
We're keen to assess its durability, as such thin materials often face challenges in harsh tests.

Salomon Socks 365 Knee 2 Πακέτο.

It offers just the right amount of padding where needed, though the MATRYX fibers' slight roughness might not appeal to all, and we suggest pairing the Genesis with socks of medium thickness or thicker.

Test results
Genesis 4
Average 3.2
Compared to 109 Salomon Recovery Reelax Break 5.0 Mens Slides
Number of shoes
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Toebox durability

In theory, the MATRYX upper's design allows for air to seamlessly flow through, with the Kevlar fibers expected to enhance durability. And here at EdiconnectShops's lab, it's our mission to see if these features are up to the challenge.

During our standardized Dremel test, the MATRYX upper received a bit of assistance from the TPU overlay. However, upon a detailed inspection, we discovered that despite the overlay sustaining damage, the sandpaper barely left a mark on the MATRYX sneakers. This resilience earned a solid 4/5 from our team!

Salomon Genesis Toebox durability
Test results
Genesis 4
Average 3.1
Compared to 89 Salomon Recovery Reelax Break 5.0 Mens Slides
Number of shoes
1
Toebox durability
5

Heel padding durability

Shifting our focus to the heel padding, we felt that another commendable performance was very likely.

When we fired up the Dremel for another round, our findings confirmed its durability, meriting a well-deserved 4/5 from our team.

Salomon Genesis Heel padding durability
Test results
Genesis 4
Average 2.8
Compared to 87 Salomon Recovery Reelax Break 5.0 Mens Slides
Number of shoes
1
Heel padding durability
5

Outsole hardness

The shoe's upper wowed us with its tough build and breathability, setting high expectations as we examined the outsole. Our initial assessment focused on its hardness.

The Contagrip rubber posted a standard hardness level at 85.5 HC, hinting at satisfactory durability. This prompted us to gear up for yet another Dremel test to verify our findings.

Salomon Genesis Outsole hardness
Test results
Genesis 85.5 HC
Average 85.7 HC
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 132 Salomon Recovery Reelax Break 5.0 Mens Slides
Number of shoes
75.5 HC
Outsole hardness
96.1 HC

Outsole durability

We turned up the Dremel to 10,000 RPM and used it longer on the bottom part of the shoe because the rubber part needs a tougher test. This approach is standard for all footwear we scrutinize in our lab—no exceptions.

After looking at the results, we measured a 1.2-mm dent, which was a little disappointing. While not catastrophic, this performance suggests a degree of caution—avoiding highly abrasive terrains could prevent premature wear and extend the outsole's lifespan, aligning it more closely with the upper's durability.

Salomon Genesis Outsole durability
Test results
Genesis 1.2 mm
Average 1.0 mm
Compared to 82 Salomon Recovery Reelax Break 5.0 Mens Slides
Number of shoes
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

With our Gaiters caliper in hand, we took the measurement of the outsole thickness, not counting the lugs, and found it to be 2.0 mm thick.

While this thickness serves its purpose, in our opinion, a slightly thicker base could have been beneficial, particularly since the shoe doesn't include a rock plate.

Salomon Genesis Outsole thickness
Test results
Genesis 2.0 mm
Average 2.3 mm
Compared to 132 Salomon Recovery Reelax Break 5.0 Mens Slides
Number of shoes
0.9 mm
Outsole thickness
5.5 mm

Misc

Lug depth

Turning our focus back to the outsole, we meticulously examined the lugs and measured their depth at 4.0 mm. This design tries to cater the shoe for versatile terrain use, though it doesn't specialize in any.

Salomon Genesis lugs

The lugs boast diverse shapes for optimal performance. Central chevron-shaped lugs boost uphill and downhill grip, while varied prism-shaped lugs on the sides and midfoot increase stability and traction during turns.

Salomon Genesis lugs

Additionally, the lugs come with self-cleaning technology to release mud, an excellent feature for wet ultra runs.

Test results
Genesis 4.0 mm
Average 3.5 mm
Compared to 132 Salomon Recovery Reelax Break 5.0 Mens Slides
Number of shoes
1.5 mm
Lug depth
5.8 mm

Reflective elements

So far, the Salomon Genesis had justified its fair price tag in our eyes. However, we were quite disappointed to discover it lacked reflective features, particularly given its design for the UTMB—an event known for evening start and nighttime racing segments.

Salomon Genesis Reflective elements
Test results
Genesis No

Tongue padding

Upon further assessment of the tongue, we noted an 8.3 mm thickness, which was unexpectedly plush for this type of shoe!

Salomon Genesis QuickLace
The Genesis is equipped with Salomon's patented Quicklace system, allowing for effortless tightening with just a single pull. And it looks super clean!

Although comfort is essential for a long-distance companion like this, we believe a slimmer (5 or 6 mm) tongue could reduce weight without compromising instep comfort.

Salomon Genesis Tongue padding
Test results
Genesis 8.3 mm
Average 6.4 mm
Compared to 132 Salomon Recovery Reelax Break 5.0 Mens Slides
Number of shoes
1.3 mm
Tongue padding
12.3 mm

Casaco fino com capuz Salomon Agile Full Zip branco neutro mulher

The tongue's full gusseting ensures both an exceptional lockdown and minimal debris entry—essential features for any top-tier trail shoe.

Salomon Genesis Casaco fino com capuz Salomon Agile Full Zip branco neutro mulher
Test results
Genesis Both sides (full)

Heel tab

Although it lacks a finger-loop heel tab, the Genesis boasts an extended heel collar, providing a convenient grip point for fit adjustments.

Salomon Genesis Heel tab
Test results
Genesis Extended heel collar

Removable insole

The Ortholite insole is detachable since it isn't glued at all, allowing for easy removal.

Salomon Genesis Removable insole
Test results
Genesis Yes