Salomon's Genesis 2 Line: Refined for Every Trail

TL;DR: Salomon has launched two new trail running shoes, the S/Lab Genesis 2 and Genesis 2, both built on the proven Genesis platform and refined with updated cushioning, improved grip, and redesigned stability systems. The S/Lab Genesis 2 targets elite runners on technical terrain; the Genesis 2 suits versatile, all-condition trail running.

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Trail running has a way of exposing a shoe's weaknesses fast. Loose gravel, wet rock, steep climbs, every surface demands something different from the footwear beneath you. That's precisely why Salomon's Genesis line earned such a devoted following: it offered a consistent, confidence-inspiring ride when conditions got rough. Now, Salomon is pushing that platform further with two new iterations: the S/Lab Genesis 2 and the Genesis 2.

These aren't redesigns from scratch. They're deliberate refinements, targeted improvements to cushioning, chassis design, upper construction, and outsole geometry, built on a foundation that trail runners already trust. Here's what's new, what's changed, and which shoe belongs on your feet.

Why Trail Running Footwear Design Matters More Than You Think

Technical trail running places unique demands on footwear. Stability, grip, and durability aren't luxury features, they're essential for runner safety and performance over long distances. A shoe that fails to guide the foot on uneven ground forces the runner to compensate, which accelerates fatigue and increases injury risk.

At the same time, overly rigid shoes sacrifice natural movement. The best trail shoes strike a balance: protective enough to handle demanding terrain, responsive enough to let the foot move the way it was designed to. Salomon's Genesis platform has always aimed for that balance, and the second generation takes it further. For a broader look at what else is on the market, see this roundup of the best trail running shoes across categories.

S/Lab Genesis 2: What Makes It an Elite Trail Running Shoe?

The S/Lab Genesis 2 is designed for runners who push into rough, remote, and unpredictable terrain, those who need every technical advantage they can get.

What Is the optiFOAM² Midsole in the S/Lab Genesis 2?

At the core of the shoe sits an updated dual-density optiFOAM² midsole. This refined foam platform combines lightweight cushioning with high energy return, compressing smoothly on impact and recovering quickly to support fluid transitions across varied terrain. The result is a midsole that keeps runners efficient and consistent deep into long efforts, without sacrificing the underfoot feel that technical trails demand.

Stack height is 31mm/25mm with a 6mm drop, keeping the shoe close enough to the ground for precision while providing meaningful protection.

How Does the Reengineered activeCHASSIS™ Improve Stability on Technical Terrain?

The activeCHASSIS™ has been fully reengineered. Its job is to provide guided stability without restricting natural movement, improving foot alignment on uneven ground while preserving the agility needed to adapt instantly to changes in pace, direction, or surface. On technical descents or unstable ground, this system keeps the foot tracking correctly without locking it in place.

What Makes the Matryx® Micro Upper Different From Standard Trail Shoe Uppers?

The upper uses a new Matryx® Micro construction, woven from individually coated Kevlar® and technical fibers. This delivers high resistance to abrasion from rocks and roots while remaining breathable and lightweight, a combination that supports long efforts in demanding conditions without added bulk or heat buildup.

Inside the shoe, Profeel Film adds a protective layer that filters sharp ground elements, smoothing the ride while preserving precise ground feel. For technical trail running, that balance is critical.

Underfoot, the All-Terrain contaGRIP® outsole features 4.5mm lugs with revised lug geometry, improving traction on wet rock, loose gravel, steep climbs, and fast descents. The outsole is designed for consistency across mixed terrain, reinforcing confidence when conditions shift mid-run.

The shoe weighs 10oz and is built for runners who know exactly where they're going, and need their footwear to keep up.

Compared to the first version, the Genesis 2 feels more dynamic and more comfortable, especially thanks to the updated cushioning. On technical terrain, it strikes a great balance between precision and comfort, which is key in the mountains

Genesis 2: Why Is It the Best All-Condition Trail Shoe for Versatile Runners?

The Genesis 2 takes a different approach. Rather than optimizing for elite performance on the most technical terrain, it's engineered for confidence, comfort, and performance across a wide variety of conditions, making it the go-to choice for runners who cover diverse trails and extended days outdoors.

How Does the Genesis 2 Midsole Compare to the S/Lab Version?

The Genesis 2 uses an updated optiFOAM midsole delivering cushioned landing and energetic rebound, paired with improved rocker geometry. That rocker promotes smoother transitions and a more dynamic stride, helping runners maintain rhythm and efficiency across varying surfaces and changing elevations.

The stack height is 33.5mm/25.5mm with an 8mm drop, offering slightly more cushioning and a more forgiving platform than the S/Lab version. This makes the Genesis 2 particularly well-suited for longer outings where comfort over distance matters as much as precision.

How Does the Genesis 2 activeCHASSIS™ Support Runners on Uneven Ground?

Like its elite sibling, the Genesis 2 features a redesigned activeCHASSIS™ system integrated into the midsole. It provides guided support and stability while preserving freedom of movement, allowing runners to move naturally through technical sections, rocky descents, and unstable ground without feeling restricted.

What Terrain Conditions Is the Genesis 2 Built For?

The All-Terrain contaGRIP® outsole on the Genesis 2 features 4mm lugs with revised lug geometry, delivering reliable traction across all conditions. The upper uses a lightweight and breathable Matryx® construction, woven with durable technical fibers that resist abrasion while maintaining airflow and flexibility.

This combination makes the Genesis 2 especially suited for warm weather, humid conditions, and extended days on trails. Available in men's (10oz) and women's (9oz) versions, it's a shoe built to handle whatever the trail throws at it. If you're newer to the sport, this beginner's guide to trail running covers the basics of gearing up and getting started.

Key Improvements Shared Across Both Models

Both the S/Lab Genesis 2 and Genesis 2 share a set of meaningful upgrades over their predecessors:

• Enhanced grip on complex surfaces: revised lug geometry on both outsoles improves traction on wet rock, loose gravel, steep climbs, and fast descents
• Refined uppers: Matryx® constructions across both models offer better protection and breathability without added weight
• Advanced cushioning: updated foam technologies deliver improved comfort and energy return over long distances
• Better chassis guidance: fully redesigned activeCHASSIS™ systems in both shoes offer improved stability while preserving natural movement

These aren't incremental tweaks, they reflect a deliberate effort to address the demands of modern trail running on a proven, trusted platform.

Choosing Between the S/Lab Genesis 2 and Genesis 2

The decision comes down to where and how you run.

Choose the S/Lab Genesis 2 if you're tackling rough, remote, and technical terrain where precision, protection, and durability are non-negotiable. Its Kevlar®-reinforced upper, Profeel Film layer, and dual-density optiFOAM² midsole are built for elite-level demands.

Choose the Genesis 2 if you want a versatile, all-condition shoe that performs reliably across varied terrain, extended outings, and warmer conditions. Its updated optiFOAM midsole, rocker geometry, and breathable Matryx® upper make it an adaptable everyday trail companion.

Hit the Trail With Confidence

Both the S/Lab Genesis 2 and Genesis 2 represent Salomon's continued commitment to trail running performance, not by reinventing the wheel, but by refining what already works. The Genesis platform earned its reputation for a reason. These second-generation iterations make it sharper, more dynamic, and more capable across the full spectrum of trail running.

The trails aren't getting any easier. Your footwear should be.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the S/Lab Genesis 2 and the Genesis 2?

The S/Lab Genesis 2 is designed for elite runners on technical, demanding terrain, featuring a dual-density optiFOAM² midsole, Kevlar®-reinforced Matryx® Micro upper, and Profeel Film for enhanced ground protection. The Genesis 2 is a more versatile all-condition shoe with a standard optiFOAM midsole, improved rocker geometry, and a breathable Matryx® upper, built for varied terrain and extended trail days.

How heavy is the Salomon S/Lab Genesis 2?

The S/Lab Genesis 2 weighs 10oz (approximately 283g). It has a 6mm drop and a stack height of 31mm/25mm.

What drop does the Genesis 2 have?

The Genesis 2 has an 8mm drop, with a stack height of 33.5mm/25.5mm. It is available in men's (10oz) and women's (9oz) versions.

What is contaGRIP® and how does it perform on wet terrain?

contaGRIP® is Salomon's proprietary outsole rubber compound, designed for consistent traction across mixed terrain. Both Genesis 2 models feature an updated All-Terrain contaGRIP® outsole with revised lug geometry, 4.5mm lugs on the S/Lab Genesis 2 and 4mm lugs on the Genesis 2, improving grip on wet rock, loose gravel, and steep descents.

Is the Genesis 2 suitable for warm weather trail running?

Yes. The Genesis 2's lightweight Matryx® upper is specifically built for breathability and airflow, making it well-suited for warm, humid conditions and extended days on trails.