Salomon - GENESIS GORE-TEX

Interesting. I run with the Genesis GTX since May 2025 and don't enjoy it very much. The shoe feels heavy and pretty mushy.\ I chose the Genesis as a more road/trail mix alternative to my very old, beloved Speedcross 2.

I bought the Salomon _Genesis GTX_ (EU: 42 / US: 8.5) in April, actively use it since May (ran 132.5 km so far with this shoe).\ Bought it for mostly road running and occasional light trail running (in wet conditions).\ Well, I wish I could say something positive about it. Unfortunately this shoe feels quite heavy/chunky. Also the Goretex material isn't very breathable, my feet feel quite sweaty even after a quick 5k run. At least it is water tight. Which brings me to another contra: the outsole feels very slippery when I run on wet gravel or even worse on wet tarmac. Did I mention that I don't like its thick/chunky midsole? For heavier runners the thick padding/cushioning might be beneficial, but for me it isn't (I weigh around 68 kg). I prefer a shoe with a lower drop (like the good old Speedcross 2).\ The toe box feels kinda narrow, the heel feels very soft. Does not provide a lot guidance for the heel I think.

I've been running with Salomon Genesis since March.\ Encountered heel slip as well (weirdly on the right side like you). I've been through 3 pairs of socks until I found one which pairs well with the shoe in terms of material/material thickness.\ I'm wearing EU 42.

These are some cheap ones I got from a local store in my city (Salzburg, Austria). I'd say the fabric thickness is about 2x the thickness of typical sneaker style socks.\ I personally think the Genesis were the wrong choice for my foot anatomy/style of running anyway. My other pair (Brooks Catamount 3) literally fits like a glove.

I have the Catamount 2 and I really like it (ran in them today), but actually prefer the Cascadia. Also, another vote for skipping GTX. You probably don't need it (or want it) for most runs.

Nike Pegasus 39 for road. Nike Pegasus trail 4 and Asics Trabuco 10 for trail when its dry, otherwise some gtx Salomons for wet. Just ordered Nike InfinityRN gtx for rainy road season.

I walked the Portuguese trail from Lisbon in Salomon GTX shoes and didn't get any blisters. Definitely helped walking in the rain. The socks are key in whatever shoe you choose.

I used to rock a pair of GTX trail runners from Solomon during walnut harvest... They stopped making them (boo), and I couldn't find any existing pairs that weren't stupid-overpriced. I went on a deep dive and tried every GTX model from Solomon, hoping for a replacement. They all fit differently. It was infuriating. So, a warning to all: Try all models of a given brand, because you can't rely on equivalent fit. I currently rock a pair of Altra lone peaks in blue for travel shoes, and they're the only shoes I've bought where I did not have to replace the insoles with my Soles. I was blown away.

FYI: I’m a very wide boy, but the Salomon Speedcross and Genesis both fit very comfortably. None of their other shoes do, but those are both great shoes you might want to try. Hoka also has nice wide options across their lineup. If it‘s grip you want, I find the Speedgoat is second only to VJ Shoes - but VJ run narrow.

Yeah I’ve been through 2 pairs and they only have about 100-200 good rocky US northeast running miles in them. I'm chonky for a trail runner though (190lb). The wet rock grip is atrocious anyway so I’ve moved on, however they are the still the comfiest shoe I’ve worn so it’s a shame about the outsole. Have a look at the Genesis for a more modern outsole.

[SalomonGenesis Trail-Running Shoes ](https://www.rei.com/product/230683/salomon-genesis-trail-running-shoes-womens?redirect-pup=false)\-- I have pretty high arches and had struggled with posterior tibialis syndrome and plantar fasciitis in the past with less supportive shoes, and these seem to have resolved those issues. Great balance between being grippy enough for technical trails yet cushiony enough to wear on concrete if needed for a few miles. For my summertime trailrunning I like On Cloudsurfer trail shoes but not as good with the slippery mud.

Was mine too... Then I found the Genesis!

I use my old trail running shoes for hiking and grocery shopping. I don’t see why you couldn’t combine all that into one pair. What you’re describing can easily be done with something like the Salomon Sense or Genesis.

I second the Salomon Genesis and I went with the men’s size because I live in Asia and I got big feet here, I get pretty tired feet and these have been great.

The Salomon Genesis is like a better version of the Sense Ride. I commute on pavement and trail and these shoes are my workhorse. They are not rockered or highly cushioned though, which works great for me but might not work for everyone. Speedgoat lugs would likely wear out too quick on the road as they are relatively sharp and pointy. Look for lugs that are flatter and wider.

SLab was too narrow in the midfoot for me, it has quite a high arch. The Genesis is still a wonderful show in its own right, very capable, but the SLab feels a little more premium and slightly bouncier in the midsole.

Last year I've used S/Lab Genesis and normal Genesis. I've changed shoes in Courmayer. The normal Genesis are a bit more stable than the S/Lab version so I thought it was better to use them in the second part. You need to consider that you'll walk pretty much half of the time of the race. The only real technic dowhill is at the end (Col du Bechar, before the last uphill to La Flegere), I've did a 25min/km split there.

Salomon are just synonymous with narrow shoes. I have a pair of Genesis' and love them but I work at a running store and if anyone has any hint of a normal to wide foot, they just don't work for them.

The Salomon's you bought are more in their low hiking shoe type realm and therefore usually a bit stiffer. I can highly recommend the Salomon Genesis as a pure Salomon trail runner that is nice and soft. My wife also has a pair and she uses them mostly to walk around our city and she loves them. I would also recommend to stay away from the GTX versions of shoes unless you really need it. Often due to the extra material or proofing needed in the uppers, the shoes gain weight and rigidity.

Salomon Genesis is an excellent all-mountain shoe. Zegama 2 even more cushioned, but maybe a bit bulky. The Prodigio Pro should drop real soon too.

It's not really the shoe's job to prevent ankle rolls. However, some shoes are inherently more stable. I think the Salomon Genesis is an excellent shoe for that and it has these weird plastic pieces - these are actually stability elements. Rock solid heel. Norvan LD4 is another, but less cushioned.

Recommend something more general purpose like the Salomon Genesis or Terrex 3 from your list. Hokas are too clunky for short distance. Tomir 2 is overbuilt for your trails. If you run a lot of gravel you might be able to get away with the Aero Blaze 3 GRVL.

Basically only the Genesis is worth looking at. Will be some new Pulsar shoes later in the year.

You should tell us what conditions you want them for and what your experience level is. Sense Ride is like an all rounder, but I would recommend the Genesis over it. Agravic speed is more speed orientated with good response from the foam, but the lack of upper structure and padding limits it's use to shorter distances and less technical trails. Also consider the Peg Trail 5 if you want a trail daily trainer/ entry shoe.

Ah then scrap that peg suggestion, Genesis would be perfect though.

Closest thing to a 'stability trail shoe' is the Salomon Genesis - it has some plastic support elements which make for a bomb-proof heel. Arc'teryx Norvan LD4 also has a pretty stable heel.

I have Salomon gore-tek trail runners. I bought these 5 years ago and used them all over Australia and hike regularly with them. If you want a bit of ankle support go for the hiking boots but on the trails around here you will be fine in trail runners. I found the gore-tex to be worthwhile just because the trails can get muddy after winter and you are able to just step thru them. Took them to do the overland trail in Tassie and held up fine as well. Salomon currently have a sale on.

Salomon Gore Tex sneakers. My second choice are Saucony Gore Tex sneakers.

I did the W earlier this year and used my Salomon goretex trail runners and they were amazing! They were light and comfy. Just bring an extra pair of socks in case it rains and your feet get wet. I also had my tevas to wear at night and walking around camp which was a must to give your feet a breather.

Solomon’s are great. The mud doesn’t pack up op the sole, super waterproof. The tread is ultra durable. $120-$150 but I play 300 days a year and they lasted about 18 months.

I hike in waterproof Salomons (Soles are not stiff and flex just enough with the ground) and wear “loose” wool socks and have no problem in single digits on packed or loose snow. Having air pockets is key. Don’t wear tight socks or have boots that are tight, go a half size up if they fit “just right” with thick socks.

Really liking the Salomon Genesis.

I actually find that making sure you have a good fit around ankle and midfoot does more to 'save your toes', especially where moving forward downhill is an issue. For example, I recently discounted the Nnormal Tomir due to excessive forward slip, even when trying on. I've never experienced excessive 'swelling' in the forefoot per se either. Does it actually happen to you? My only consideration in forefoot is width to splay, and then a thumbs width gap at the end of the toes. I do have a slim ankle/midfoot so getting a shoe that doesn't move around has been difficult at times, as I always need mine to feel more like a running shoe than a specific 'ultra' shoe. The best one recently is the Salomon Genesis, as well as the La Sportiva Prodigio. Proper locked in feel at the back, comfy in the front.

Best shoe for mixed UK terrain in terms of grip is the La Sportiva Mutant in my opinion. Sticks to wet Lake District rock and is decently lugged. Would be perfect for the ultra. Of the ones you mention, I’ve raced the Thundercross and the Genesis and got on fine. The sense ride would be less grippy than those 2 although a great shoe in itself. What didn’t she like about these? I’ve not ran in it but apparently one of the best shoes for UK out there at the moment is the new Inov8 Trailtalon. Looks great.

For what it’s worth I have a pair of Salomon Genesis that I got the Key Cobbler in Keswick to resole with Vibram Litebase. Specifically used them for Lakes Sky Ultra at the weekend. Super technical/steep and wet race and they were brilliant.

I have the same problem as you and the shoes that block my heel best are the NNormal Kjerag and various Salomon models such as the Genesis

Given your experience with Salomon and Brooks combined with the desire for stability: Try Salomon Genesis or Brooks Catamount 3. The Genesis is one of Salomon's most stable trail running shoe I've had, while the Brooks Catamount runs incredibly well and stable on moderate trails. The Genesis is softer and has better grip, while the Catamount is more responsive. Horses for courses, really. Since you also have La Sportivas: I can recommend looking at the Prodigio, which is a well rounded shoe that I like picking up for versatility in terrain that is mixed.

Definitely not waterproof and I wouldn't want that for an ultra because I'd rather have quick drying feet than water stagnating inside the shoe when I inevitably cross a stream. I also feel like they would be really bad at being everyday shoes but YMMV.

Salomon Genesis are my favourite running shoes, never had any issues with them and love the quick laces.

Trail version of the brand you already like. But if that doesn't work, Salomons are usually a good bet if they fit. Ultra Glide, Sense Ride, or Genesis are all sort of all-rounders that for me feel close to road shoes.

I haven't tried any of those, but did try an earlier Peregrine (10 maybe), and didn't like it. Too "dead" and heavy for my liking. But the newer versions are better from what I've read. It could be worth a try, given how popular they are. I do have all three of the Salomons I mentioned, but also have and like the Merrell Long Sky 2 and their Agility Peak, which I'm wearing more these days because they have a wider toe box.

Salomon Genesis has been my go to all around shoe. Just killed my first pair at 370 miles with 161K Vert. Outsole and upper are still good shape, but I collapsed the midsole with heel striking and pronation.

I have good experiences with the Nnormal Kerag. A bit lower listed stack than the Sylan. I can't comment on how they run in humid Asian summers but they were fine with thin socks in a dry desert summer. These are more of a 25-30K shoe for me. I have taken these kinds of shoes out to distance but tend to regret it because my feet get sensitive. I usually do medium-high stack shoes. Might be different for you. The Kerag 2 has been announced and it has a few mm extra stack so if you go this route might be good to wait until they're released and use something else in the meantime. I also like the Salomon Genesis.

Salomon Genesis Dauwalter edition. Built in gaiters.

The norvan ld3 were great all rounder shoes. Haven't tried the ld 4 and don't know if I will know that I don't have my pro discount anymore. The Genenis are tried and tested shoes that work great in a variety of conditions. The Matryx upper is an upgrade over the Arcteryx's upper. I would personally go for the Genesis.

Look at Solomon Genesis. I was wanting the same thing and these are perfect in between. I think you will be disappointed in approach shoes with the type of terrain you do.

South Sister is pretty mild technically, just recommend some gaiters to keep the scree out. Ive been a huge fan of the Salomon Genesis, Topo Mountain Racer, but what fits your foot is the individual question.

I have similar feet (appointment with a podiatrist upcoming). The genesis is the first shoe I've owned that doesn't have a crease in the upper from my flat foot hanging over the medial side of the insole. It is relatively straight but I think the support pieces in the heel are what is doing the work. Now if they'd make a "genius max" or similar id be set. I just tried on the north face altamesa 500, the north face vective enduris 4, and puma voyage 4. All have cool tech, but all have curve and/or a cutout in the midfoot that removes them from consideration. You may need to try different sock thicknesses to dial in the fit with the genius (or fill in the volume with an insole). Lete know if you find something. There aren't a lot of shoes for us lol.

Have a look at the Sauce xodus ultra, new Salomon genesis (not the s/lab version), Salomon ultra glide and the NB fuel cell trail shoe (Supercomp trail) . I have all those and have been quite happy with them

I also live in the Alps. I'd give a try with La Sportiva Lycan. They are basically like soft sneakers, but with the excellent La Sportiva sole. Snuggy but very comfortable. La Sportiva Jackal II are similar but a little more roomy in the forefoot and from what I understand from their website they are designed for hiking/running on rocky terrain and longer distances, while the Lycan are more for dirt, mud, snow. I only own the Lycan, I tried the Jackal II but there wasn't my size available. The brand has more shoes I didn't try but I know are very loved, like Akasha and Prodigio. They are from the Italian Alps so they should be perfect :) I also own Salomon Genesis but I find them even a bit too comfortable – which may actually make them what you're looking for from your post. I guess it's subjective. I like some room for my toes, but also love a snuggier feel around my heels and to feel my foot is firmly wrapped and supported, and while the Genesis have a very good grip and a sturdy sole (and a very good protection around the forefoot ) the feel under and around the foot is like having a squishy comfy shoe and it doesn't make me feel as secure and agile as the La Sportiva shoes do. But again it may be subjective and I also have very thin feet. Maybe it's exactly what you need. In Salomon, I much prefer the XA Pro for the snuggier, a little more firm feel, but I'm not sure they would be good for you if you want a very cushioned shoe. They are more a hybrid between a trail running shoe and a low ankle hiking shoe. But they are very reactive nonetheless. I ran down a very hard and steep terrain of dirt, wet leaves and rocks just a couple weeks ago and I felt super safe with the XA Pro. I have the GTX version and my feet were completely dry even after crossing two streams of water and walking across a field that had a couple inches water from a recent flood. They may be too rigid for you, but you may try them in a store. I also suffer from plantar fascitis and had to return a pair of Garmont Pulse shoes recently because my feet were crying after a 2 hours test walk. I am totally ok with full day hikes and runs with the Xa Pro and Lycan. In case you want to go for one of these brands, La Sportiva is usually a little shorter than Salomon in the same size. I am a EU 41 in urban shoes, a 42 in Salomon and a 42.5 in La Sportiva.

Agree, it really depends on how fast, how far, the ratio of road to trail etc. my Saucony Tempus are pretty good on park run trails and “fire track” style roads. Puma shoes with their Puma Grip are great in the rain or on slightly uneven terrain. Then you have what some call Commuter shoes - road to trail shoes with lower lug depth and softer midsole. Hoka’s Challenger ATR isn’t bad, and the Tecton X and X2 had proper gravel lugs that worked well, along with shows like the Saucony Xodus Ultra, Nike Terra Kiger or Pegasus Trail. Personally I’ve just run in road shoes if it’s dry, and I trust my trail shoes (currently Salomon Genesis and Hoka Mafate 5) in the wet or more technical terrain.

Hello. As a lot of people say, a good road shoe will be good on the hard packed trails as well. But if you want a bit more traction and security, go with something that has a good foam and a smaller lugs. Options I’ve run in and like include: - Hoka Mafate Speed 4 / Tecton X - Salomon Genesis / Ultra Glide - La Sportiva Prodigio Pro - Merrell Agility Peak 5 - Brooks Catamount 4 - Saucony Xodus Ultra 1 / 2 (avoid the 3) For reference I am 85kg and usually run 30km / week.

Hoka Mafate 5 is comfy and fun. Mafate Speed 4 is still good but a little narrower and not quite so bouncy. I used to run in Speedgoats a lot but think the 5 & 6 are missing some comfort and the foam isn’t returning the energy of newer shoes. Salomon Genesis or Ultra Glide are both good if you can accommodate a narrower fit. I prefer the protection of the Genesis over the Ultra Glide. Prodigio Pro is also fun and bouncy, but much lighter, less protection around the ankle and so a bit more stripped back. Everyone I know loves them though. Hoka Tecton X 3 is a similar proposition to the Prodigio but both are spendy. Hoka is slightly more stable and bouncy but there is very little in it. If you want the best outsole rubber money can buy, look at the VJ Ultra 3. Seriously, the lugs and rubber is like glue. Finally, the Saucony Xodus Ultra is a good shoe for distances like this. It’s also comfy and protective. Just avoid the 2 or 3 and go for the latest version 4.

Also, the two Salomon models I have on rotation right now (Sense Ride and Genesis) have stood the test just as fine. SR in lower altitudes/arid soil and Genesis in the Pyrinees. They two give confidence, the former less "comfort" than the latter but obviously are two shoes for different tasks.

Depends.on many factors. I retired back then my Saucony Xodus with almost 700km and had this guy in the gym who brought the same model to pieces in just 200 bc he punished them over blade-like granite ridges. So far, the Salomon Genesis is my go-to shoe and it's behaving excellent.

I do have both (the S/Lab was cheaper due to a sale) and used them for about the same mileage in purpose. Ive read mixed takes on the midsole, but somehow i feel the S/Lab version is "cushier" yet a bit more responsive than the regular version. Also lockdown is a tad bit better on the slab. Outsole i havent noticed any differences or have concerns, pretty good at all conditions/terrains.

There is no such thing as "the best" running shoe. Every running shoe company is making great shoes right now, and they all have a wide range of options. Like, Hoka ain't the only brand making cushy shoes, and Brooks isn't the only one with daily trainers. What matters is what fits your feet and body and goals. I've found Saucony consistently fits me well. I have their Triumph 21 for a daily trainer. Endorphin Speed 3 and Kinvara 13 for speed work outs. Hurricane 24 for recovery. I also have Asics Superblast 2 for long runs, and Salomon Genesis for trails

I went for the regular genesis as they seemed almost as good and probably better value. I can't remember who I watched but they mentioned the lack of grip, so did some salomon website reviews and I believe runrepeat also talked about the grip, so I decided against them but the genesis have been great so far. Comfy, fast and very good even on road/gravel

Yes heel striking on the road. Road and trail shoes have a drop difference of only 1mm. And prior to this run I only put 15 miles on these trail shoes- all hiking. So yea, a long first run in them.

Salomon Genesis. Evo SL and NB5 on road.

I'm about 6'1" 170. I'll add Salomon Genesis to the mix. It's got nice deep, grippy lugs and lots of folks like it for ultra distances. Not as narrow as a LaSportiva, but still suits narrow feet better. I use it for hiking and running.

Salomon Genesis and Caldera 7.

I have about 100 miles on my pair of Genesis's and I ran 400+ on Peregrine 12's and Xodus Ultra 2's. I like the Genesis midsole a lot better than the Peregrines but not as much as the Xodus Ultras (I don't think I like anything as much as Saucony's Powerrun PB). It's thick enough to absorb stepping on a protruding rock or root without feeling like you're on stilts. The lockdown is way better than either Saucony for me, though I find I have to fiddle with the quick laces still at the beginning of a run. My only gripe with the fit has to do with the toe box. It is wide enough in area for me to splay a bit, but the volume on the pinky side isn't quite enough and I'll feel some discomfort if I do more than 10 miles or do a lot of descending. I run on a fair bit of road to get to my trail heads and I haven't noticed any appreciable wear on the outsole. The grip is better than Powertrac. We have a lot of wet wooden bridges in the PNW that stay slippery all winter, but I don't find them to be an issue with the Genesis. I haven't been able to test it on any amount of ice, but the lugs have enough bite to handle a decent bit of mud. Ultimately, I love the shoe and it's perfect for my use case for runs of 15 miles or less, hill/speed workouts, and just most of my weekly trail miles. I know a lot of folks use it for much higher mileages, but I go for something with a lot more foam underfoot for my 50ks or 50 milers.

I have the Genesis. They’re a great shoe. The upper is very durable and breathes well. They do have a lot of cushion, but it doesn’t seem to compromise stability. They’re also surprisingly light. I picked them up on sale after seeing how well they performed during testing on [runrepeat.com](https://runrepeat.com/salomon-genesis).

I like them. A bit better grip and more technical than the ultra glide 2. But they are way too warm. Like almost gore tex warm. And that made me skip them a lot of days in the summer.

Fit and feel are very personal for shoes. I’ve never had good fit with the Norvan LD. Tried them for gen 1 and 3. Didn’t work well. For that reason I’d go with Salomon.

Salomon Genesises for hiking and trail running. I'm on my third pair and basically use my last pair for road running (I don't do a lot of it) while the newer pair is for hiking/trail.

I like the Salomon Genesis for that. Saucony Peregrine is serviceable but that is definitely the upper end of the range I use it for.

I second the Genesis. I live in the mountains in Colorado and these are my favorite shoes I've ever had for trail running. I'm a 5'4 woman, but still 😅

Salomon Genesis work as good road to trails, deal with mud well and i've used up to marathon with no issues as they're well cushioned. Saucony ultra or peregrines - ultras are more cushioned and great road to trail but peregrines are find for short road sections and have a slightly deeper lug and deal with mud and wet grass really well. Peregrines are also my choice of mountain shoe so work well, did a 100k in them and only had some foot pain from minimal cushioning at 50ish miles in! Just got the Nike Zegama 2 and they are fab so far! Managed well in mud, snow, slush and are really cushioned. Need to try them out on more technical terrain but all good so far. They have the react foam so they give a lot of bounce on packed trail and road. Inov8 trailfly i find good on rock and grass, less so on mud, and a bit firm on road, but not terrible.

Hated them, could never get the lockdown right, gave me horrendous blisters (the heel is very roomy), sucked on dry rock let alone wet rock. A bit of a shame as I love my Saucony road shoes. Other alternatives if you are looking for something fast the new VJ lightspeeds are great if a bit narrow but comfortable up to 30km haven't gone longer in them. Scott supertrac RC 2 good all-round shoe especially in winter slop and last 500+miles. Speedgoats great shoe though not that great in the mud, very protective and a good fun shoe. Salomon Genesis is a good shoe, not amazing in the mud (s/lab version is much better) but is a fun shoe especially on technical terrain and protective for fire roads and good in rock.

As some have already said the Speedcross is amazing. I've been using them since the OG and use it for races up to 26 2. Just an awesome shoe that gets better with every new release. I wear mine down on the trails and when the lugs are down a bit use them for road/gravel/smooth trails. The 6 is amazing and I try something new I always regret it and they are moved to everyday/work in hospital use. That said I liked the Sense Ride but above 10 miles I could feel it in my feet. I race ultras in SLab Genesis and train in the regular Genesis. For your terrain and preference I would look at the less aggressive lines. Another option outside of Salomon would be Hoka Speedgoats. Super cushy and lower lug height that Speedcross.

The energy foam that Salomon uses in the genesis is amazing, it's been very popular with the ultra scene Also consider the Ultra Glide 3

Salomon Genesis is basically just a much better Sense Ride, you could try that. I loved the S/Lab version but didn't do too much road on it. If it's just like gravel roads or super buffed trails, you could also try the Salomon DRX Defy Grvl, a road shoe with a bit more tread.

Yes, Salomon and La Sportiva fit narrow feet better than many other popular brands. I recommend La Sportiva Prodigio or Salomon Genesis if you want a bit more cushion.

From my experience shoes that worked best on such terrain are Salomon Genesis and La Sportiva Mutant. Other La Sportiva shoes should do well because they are generally targeted for mountain running. Also, from my experience, Dynafit shoes are well suited for mountain running. Finally, if you want to see a selection of shoes and gear in general that is targeted towards mountain running take a look at Skyrun store (https://skyrun.skimo.co/). This is a real physical store in Utah. I ordered from them several times without any issues.

A lot of people recommend highly cushioned shoes like Hoka Speedgoat or Nike Zegama, but in my opinion if you want to improve your technique and agility when running on technical mountain terrain you should learn to run in moderately cushioned shoes because they provide a better degree control and feedback. Also you are much less likely to twist ankle or have other injuries when you are lower to the ground and better feel the terrain. My current favorites are NNormal Kjerag and Salomon S/lab Ultra 3. If you need a bit more cushion - La Sportiva Prodigio or Salomon Genesis. And if you need to go on a very rough mountain terrain - La Sportiva Mutant.

Kjerag has less cushion than Prodigio. If you like Prodigio but want more heel cushion, consider Salomon Genesis.

I like the Salomon fit. I have a couple shoes--the Trail Pro 2 is good and smooth, but too heavy. The Pulsar is great, but not efficient for flat/buffed terrain. Genesis is probably the pick, but I'm still not crazy about the Energy Surge foam...

Sorry to not be more helpful but I can’t recommend the Salomon Genesis- very lightly worn on mixed trails and losing so much tread already! 

I enjoy my pair of Genesis. They are comfy, feel light when I’m running and I always enjoy them. But that’s the only way to describe it for me? I don’t know why but I just haven’t had the same “I love them, I am obsessed with them” experience that people seem to be having. I actually find my Sense Rides are a much better fit for me and feel more natural. But there’s nothing I “dislike” about the genesis. I’m not sure I’m making sense haha. It’s been a mid experience and very average but it never deters me from wearing them and I rock them multiple times a week. Maybe that actually is a good thing haha

What is the course like? Lots of “trail” races are glorified gravel races :) you can run those in nova blast. On other hand it might 500m up then down or more it also depends if it is rock or mud/roots. My recommend first ask questions later right now is Salomon Sense ride 5. Such an awesome fast shoe and it wants to fly on descents also relatively cheap. Also Salomon Genesis, more cushioned, stickier sole and bigger lugs, if it is muddy try those? But nothing replaces trying, I though about getting Thundercross.. tried them at an even a ran couple k, really trrrible fit for me. But some people I know love them

I like a snug toebox, and I'm pretty happy with Salomon Genesis.

very different shoes, but the S/lab Genesis is much better than the normal Genesis. It’s lighter. The upper fits better. The traction is about the same, but it feels much more secure under foot and faster.

Salomon Genesis and Nnormal Tomir 2.0 are decently priced, versatile options ito managing the cushioning, grip, agility tradeoffs, similar stack heights to your road shoes as well.

Try the Salomon Genesis. Great fit for a Salomon (I wear wide shoes and could make it work), very comfortable and solid durability

I have used Merrell long sky and Salomon Genesis for door to trail. Love both. Merrell agility peak 5 was great for that too. If the run is predominantly road with a little bit of buffed easy trail I’ve also used puma velocity nitro and forever run.

I bought 2 pairs of regular genesis. Loved it so much (my absolute favorite after trying 10 shoes last three years). I thought it is very similar to the slab version based on RoadTrailRun test… now I’m tempted to try slab version…

I just ordered a pair from my local running store, only commenting to suggest you try them on first. I'm a 12 in Salomons and a 12 to 12.5 in Hokas, and I had to size up to a 13 in the 001s.

The best ones are the ones that fit!! I have wide toes and wore Solomon trail runners for a long time. I switched to Merrell Moab hikers a couple of years ago. Both are 13 Wide (EEE).

The downside of trail runners to me (Solomans) was I would sometimes get foot bruises on sharp rocky ground. I switched to hiking shoes (Merrell's) and I feel it's a better compromise between trail runners and boots. Pretty light and more comfortable.

My Solomans had a rock plate (thank you for pointing out my omission), but I feel a big difference with my Murrell Moab's. To each there own, I know trail runners are the favorite, the Moab works better for me (I have dainty feet, I guess).

What do you want to do? I love my Solomon trail runners but if I'm sliding down shale I'll take the Keens all day long. Both are good brands in my experience.

Over the years I’ve worn trail runners from Merrill and Salomon, or standard running shoes from Nike and NB. A comfortable fit was the main criteria. Even on wet ground I’d rather have fast drying sneakers than boots.

I like Oboz boots. I also like my Solomon trail runners. I've done massive days in both, totally depends what you are more comfortable in. I do personally find benefit in some ankle protection and waterproofness. Some folks poopoo that... but I bet they have wet feet.

Salomon trail runners. They’re my goat shoes - the only thing they don’t get a grip on is wet wood.

Absolutely, did all of the ABC trek in trail runners (Hoka, Salomon). You really appreciate the lightness of them.

I love my Salomon trail runners. I prefer them to my hiking boots and exclusively use them for hiking.

I'm a fan of Solomon hiking shoes (or really their trail runners) with Gore Tex and micro spikes! The spikes stay in my pack most of the year, just in case I go further than planned or I got unexpected conditions. A must have for me.

Current Salomon trail runners have to thick of a sole and cant feel rock well beneath them but I do agree that ideally trail runner style would be cool. maybe the ones I have just dont work well for this specific use case.