ATRA gear wrangler Sarah Barber provides the following test and review of Salomon’s Genesis 2 S/LAB trail running shoe. Product was provided at no cost for the test and review. Salomon is a corporate member of ATRA.
“What fascinates me the most is what I’m going to invent tomorrow.”
–Georges Salomon
The man credited with building the Salomon brand left this earth eleven years ago at age 85, but his legacy lives on as the once snow-sports-only company is now a thriving leader in the trail shoe industry. And with a quote like that, it’s only logical that this innovative outdoor org named one of their most popular shoes Genesis. Suggestive of origin or coming into being, the Salomon Genesis was born about four years ago and has evolved at warp speed. Newsflash: the updated Genesis 2 S/LAB is also built to run at warp speed.
I had mixed feelings about the original Genesis, but my sentiments toward its younger sibling are decidedly favorable. Fresh from the box, the stealthy black colorway on the Genesis 2 S/LAB won my immediate approval. (Side note: why does ANYONE make white trail shoes? Well, probably because SOMEBODY buys them and wears them. Who are you? We need to talk.)
Lacing system
I’ve also been a long-time fan of Salomon’s patented and minimalistic quickLACE system which eliminates the tedium of tying regular shoe laces and the risk of having to re-tie mid-run. Sure, there’s always the risk of a broken string, but in my experience, the quickLACE system outlasts the integrity of the shoe (meaning, I’ll retire the shoe from active use long before the lacing mechanism gives up the ghost). The slightly thickened tongue of the upper prevents pressure-borne hot spots and features a tiny garage in which the lace pull tab can park. An integrated ankle collar acts as a mini-gaiter to seal out grit and seal in secure footing.
Firm, agile ride
To me, the midfoot EnergyFoam of the original Genesis felt soft and forgiving, but these days, I don’t want forgiveness. I want unapologetic aggression. I need to be able to send it on the downhills, and the Genesis 2 S/LAB confidently delivers. Its optiFOAM overlays an integrated activeCHASSIS, leading to a firmer, more agile ride. The relatively low-stack maintains connection to the earth without letting you feel every rock underfoot. Meanwhile, its grippy outsole bites into technical terrain like a shark in blood-infested waters.
There’s nothing sloppy about the fit of the Genesis 2S/LAB either; although my toes appreciate wiggle room, my forefoot is on the narrow side, so the glove-like wrap suits me well. The comfy upper also has Kevlar fibers woven into it for added durability and protection against all that nature has to offer. Abrasion-resistant and water-draining qualities turn river crossings into splashy little trail-party moments—thrilling, not chilling.
Evolution
In short, the Genesis 2 S/LAB feels less like a polite update and more like a full-send evolution. It keeps the secure, dialed-in Salomon DNA I already liked, then adds the firmness, precision, and confidence I want when the trail turns steep, loose, rocky, or just a little unhinged. It might not be the shoe for runners who prefer plush comfort or a roomier fit, but for those who want a nimble, aggressive trail shoe that grips hard, moves fast, and practically dares you to attack the descent, this one earns its name. Genesis, indeed.
Genesis 2 S/LAB Specs
Drop Value: 6 mm (Forefoot Stack Height: 25 mm; Heel Stack Height: 31 mm)
Foot Support: Neutral
Lug Depth: 4.5 mm
MSRP: $200
