Salomon 2026 Fall Shoe Guide

Salomon has built its reputation on creating footwear capable of handling the world's toughest trails. From mountain racing to everyday trail training, the brand continues to refine its lineup with innovative cushioning systems, premium materials, and trail-specific technologies designed to keep runners moving confidently across any terrain.

For Fall 2026, the S/Lab Ultra Glide 2 and Genesis 2 highlight two different approaches to trail performance. One prioritizes comfort and long-distance efficiency, while the other focuses on stability, security, and dependable grip. Together, they represent two of the strongest trail options in Salomon's lineup.

Salomon S/Lab Ultra Glide 2

The Salomon S/Lab Ultra Glide 2 is built for runners who demand maximum comfort without sacrificing performance. Designed for long-distance trail running and ultramarathon racing, the shoe combines premium cushioning, exceptional stability, and a completely redesigned upper to create one of the most refined trail-running experiences available today.

While many ultra-distance shoes sacrifice responsiveness in favor of comfort, the S/Lab Ultra Glide 2 strikes a rare balance between plush protection and energetic performance. The result is a shoe that remains fun and capable whether you're tackling your local trails or racing deep into ultra-distance territory.

The S/Lab Ultra Glide 2 might just be the most well-rounded, complete and dare I say "fun" trail shoe I've tried.

First Impressions

The first thing testers noticed was the comfort. The redesigned upper immediately stands out with its secure, sock-like fit and exceptional breathability. Despite the shoe's high stack height, it feels surprisingly stable and confidence inspiring from the first run.

Testers also praised the smooth transitions and energetic ride. The combination of cushioning, stability, and traction creates a shoe that feels comfortable during easy miles but still responsive when the pace increases.

Things We Liked

The upper design received overwhelming praise. Testers repeatedly highlighted the comfort, secure fit, and breathability, calling it one of the best trail shoe uppers they have ever experienced.

The cushioning system also stood out. Despite offering significant protection for longer distances, the shoe remains lively and responsive. Combined with dependable traction and impressive stability, the S/Lab Ultra Glide 2 feels equally capable on technical trails and smoother terrain.

Areas for Improvement

The premium pricing may be difficult for some runners to justify, although multiple testers felt the performance largely matched the investment.

Some runners may also wish to see a plated option in the lineup, particularly given the shoe's position at the top of Salomon's trail range. Others may find the overall weight slightly higher than dedicated race-day trail models.

Specs:

• Drop: 6mm
• Weight: 8.4 oz (Women's); 10.5 oz (Men's)
• Price: $250
• Category: Cushion
• Type: Running - Trail
• Fit: True to Size
• Ideal for: Long-Distance Trail Running, Ultras, Trail Racing

Final Thoughts

The S/Lab Ultra Glide 2 successfully delivers on its goal of maximizing comfort without compromising trail performance. The shoe feels exceptionally refined, bringing together secure fit, long-distance cushioning, and dependable traction into one complete package.

Unlike many highly cushioned trail shoes, it remains stable and confident on technical terrain while maintaining enough responsiveness to keep runners feeling fresh as the miles accumulate. The redesigned upper alone makes this model a significant step forward from previous versions.

For trail runners prioritizing long-distance comfort, durability, and all-day trail performance, the S/Lab Ultra Glide 2 stands among the best shoes in Salomon's current lineup.

Buy:

Shop S/Lab Ultra Glide 2

Salomon Genesis 2

The Salomon Genesis 2 is designed for trail runners who want confidence, control, and durability across a wide variety of terrain. Built around a stable platform and secure fit, the Genesis 2 focuses on helping runners tackle technical trails without distraction.

Rather than overwhelming runners with aggressive geometry or excessive cushioning, the Genesis 2 emphasizes dependable trail-running fundamentals: grip, support, stability, and comfort.

They just work.

First Impressions

The Genesis 2 immediately feels supportive and secure. The upper wraps comfortably around the foot while maintaining a confident lockdown through the midfoot, creating a stable feeling from the first stride.

The cushioning provides a soft yet responsive ride that feels protective without becoming overly bulky. Testers appreciated the balance between comfort and terrain awareness, especially on challenging trails.

Things We Liked

Traction was one of the shoe's strongest attributes. The Genesis 2 delivered excellent grip across a variety of trail surfaces, helping runners feel confident on loose gravel, rocky terrain, and technical descents.

The shoe's overall stability also stood out. The secure fit, comfortable cushioning, and supportive platform worked together to create a consistent and predictable ride over long distances.

Areas for Improvement

Runners with wider feet may appreciate slightly more room in the forefoot. While the fit feels secure, some testers wished for additional toe box space during longer efforts.

The shoe prioritizes stability over excitement, so runners looking for a highly energetic or race-focused experience may gravitate toward more aggressive models.

Specs:

• Drop: 8mm
• Weight: 241 g (Women's); 281 g (Men's)
• Price: $190 CAD
• Category: Stability
• Type: Running - Trail
• Fit: Secure, Slightly Narrow
• Ideal for: Trail Running, Technical Terrain, Long-Distance Training

Final Thoughts

The Genesis 2 delivers exactly what many trail runners want from an everyday trail shoe. It is comfortable, dependable, and capable across a wide range of trail conditions without trying to be overly complicated.

The combination of grip, stability, and cushioning helps the shoe remain comfortable during longer efforts while still providing enough precision to navigate technical terrain confidently.

For runners seeking a trustworthy trail companion that excels through consistency rather than flashy innovations, the Genesis 2 is a strong option that lives up to Salomon's trail-running reputation.

Buy:

Women's | Men's

Our Comprehensive Testing Process

To bring you this guide, our expert team of runners, hikers, coaches, and fitness enthusiasts conducted extensive real-world testing on each product featured. Every shoe was evaluated based on actual use in training, racing, recovery, hiking, gym workouts, and daily wear to provide honest feedback that goes beyond manufacturer specifications.

Each tester spent time evaluating fit, comfort, responsiveness, stability, durability, breathability, and overall ride quality. Testers were encouraged to provide both positive feedback and areas for improvement to ensure balanced and transparent reviews.

Key Evaluation Criteria

• Comfort: We evaluated step-in comfort, long-term wearability, cushioning, and overall comfort during extended use.
• Fit: Testers assessed sizing accuracy, heel lockdown, midfoot security, toe box space, and overall foot hold.
• Responsiveness: We evaluated how efficiently the shoe returned energy and performed across a variety of paces and activities.
• Stability: Each shoe was assessed for support, balance, and confidence across different surfaces and movement patterns.
• Breathability: Upper materials were tested for airflow, heat management, and overall comfort in varying weather conditions.
• Durability: Testers evaluated outsole wear, upper construction, and overall build quality throughout the testing period.
• Overall Ride: The most important category. Testers considered how the shoe performed as a complete package, including comfort, protection, efficiency, and versatility.