Salomon S/Lab Genesis Reviews

Likes the S/Lab Genesis's precise fit, which keeps their foot connected on challenging terrain.

The S/Lab Genesis fits them much better than the regular Genesis.

Raced a mountain 50-miler in the S/Lab Genesis straight out of the box in a downpour: it fit perfectly with great grip while others struggled on the descents.

A year and over 1,000 km in them, including ultra-distance mountain races and a two-day fastpacking trip. They call the fit among the most comfortable they have had, with no hot spots or blisters once they went half a size up. The heel feels bouncy on easy trails and the forefoot stable on technical descents. The lugs wore from about 5 mm to 2 mm, too little for loose ground, so they retired the pair from racing, and the quick-lace sheath frayed.

Basically everything a trail runner needs: light, responsive, comfortable and secure, with a durable Matryx upper and resilient outsole. Recommended for all trail types from 50K to ultras. He'd like a bit more bounce, and the price is a sticking point.

A dependable all-round trail shoe for long, easy mixed-terrain runs: stable, comfortable, durable, with great ground feel. Its 4.5 mm lugs struggle in thick mud, protection is questionable on sharp rock, and it's not a PB shoe.

Early impressions including a 12.5-mile run. The shoe feels very rigid in the hand, yet they found it light and lively with strong energy return, true to size with an average-width toe box. Rock protection is excellent, but that dulled their feel for the ground and they rolled their ankle more often. Grip was good on varied terrain, and a little excess fabric where the tongue is sewn in is worth checking.

About 70 miles on mixed terrain, including a wet, boggy long run. They found the upper plush, with a secure midfoot and heel hold, and a cushioned, bouncy midsole that still feels connected to the ground. Grip took a few runs to convince them and they slipped around a bit in the muddy bog. Very little wear so far, just slight wear on two heel lugs. Suits long-distance race days.