The details that matter.
- Use
- Mixed and technical trails
- Upper
- Matryx
- Heel-to-toe drop
- 8 mm
- Listed weight
- 272 g
- Reference
- Men’s model · manufacturer-listed weight
- Outsole
- All-Terrain contaGRIP
Specifications from Salomon. Listed weights vary by size and configuration.
Why we’d shortlist it
- A purposeful outsole for mixed trail surfaces.
- Matryx upper construction targets abrasion resistance.
- A trail-specific design that gives a road rotation another role.
Worth considering
- Match the tread to your actual trail conditions.
- The linked listing is the original Genesis, not the Genesis 2.
Buy for the ground beneath you
Trail shoes make the most sense when the route calls for them. We shortlist the Genesis for runners regularly heading onto mixed, rocky, or technical paths. Start with the ground you actually cover, rather than the scenery in a campaign image. A shoe suited to your local trail matters more than a feature you will rarely use.
A distinct off-road specification
Salomon pairs a Matryx upper with an activeCHASSIS construction and an All-Terrain contaGRIP outsole. Together those details describe a shoe designed around trail protection, guidance, and surface contact. We use that specification to explain its role, rather than claiming that any outsole can guarantee traction on every wet rock or loose descent.
Fit and lockdown deserve time
Try the shoe with your usual trail socks and check that the foot stays secure without uncomfortable pressure. Pay attention to space at the toes when moving downhill, and compare how the fastening system distributes tension. The right length on level ground is only one part of a good trail fit. If you are between shapes, compare another model before making a concession on comfort.
The right companion to a road shoe
A trail model is a practical second pair for a runner whose week genuinely includes off-road sessions. It can serve a separate purpose from the Ghost, Nimbus, or Clifton. If your routes are almost entirely paved, we would start with the road shoe instead. The useful rotation is the one that reflects the running you do.
Check the version
This review covers the original Genesis, reference L49137700 in the pictured listing. Genesis 2 is a different model. The shop link opens Salomon’s UK store, where color, size availability, and terms should be checked before purchase. Compare the exact product name and reference when shopping a sale so a similar-looking listing does not become an accidental substitution.
Your questions, answered.
Is this the Genesis or Genesis 2?
This page covers the original Salomon Genesis, with reference L49137700 in the pictured listing.
Who should shortlist it?
Runners whose routes include mixed, rocky, or technical trails and who want a purpose-built alternative to a road trainer.
Is there a MileTested discount code for Salomon Genesis?
We do not currently list a confirmed MileTested code for Salomon. Check the official store for current pricing and offers.
Product reference: Salomon official model information. Source checked October 19, 2026. Read how we evaluate gear.
