Salomon

Genesis Series

TL;DR: Versatile, durable for long runs; narrow with poor wet grip.

Overall

#5 in

Trail Running Shoes

according to Reddit Icon Reddit

Sentiment score78% positive
107
11
19

Top Pros

Top Cons

Last updated: Jun 5, 2026

Reddit Reviews

Reddit Icon74522
4 months ago

This is so funny as I own all three. I wouldn’t do an ultra with new shoes so close… but if you’ve got some 30k+ runs in the next few weeks maybe it’d be fine? Anyway about the shoes. Genesis are in my daily rotation but haven’t done more than a half marathon in them. If I remember correctly they’re quite low stack height? I remember my first few runs in them I could definitely feel it in my knees but they’re fine after breaking in. I also own those exact color of Ultra Glides. They are beefy and feel quite heavy on the feet. My last race was 55km and 3500hm. I wore them as it was quite dry and all good but yeah definitely felt them towards the end. But at the same time I appreciated the cushion. I wouldn’t wear them again though on something so long and technical. Definitely definitely I had to size up in these. The NB i cannot run in. I’ve had them for a year as my daily sneaker but running in NB is a no go for me, my big toe just gets beaten up by the toe box.

Reddit IconAaron4_6
7 months ago

Salomon Genesis for technical trails. Saucony Endorphin Edge for non-technical trails and non-technical races. OG Nike Zegama retired to short runs and family hikes. North Face Enduris 4. Great shoe, but returning them because the Vectiv plate digs into the sides of my feet. Brand new pair of Mount to Coast T1 that I haven’t had a chance to run in yet.

Reddit Iconadnagro
2 months ago

I haven't really been a regular Salomon trail runner, as I've always leaned towards other brands, but lately I've been using the Genesis and the Ultra Glide 4. They're pretty different, but both are awesome on the right trails. The Genesis especially—since that's the one you mentioned—is a really solid, well-made, and tough shoe. Despite my lack of experience with the brand, I'd buy it again in a heartbeat.

2 months ago

Even though these are marketed as all-rounders, I reckon they’re actually better suited for slightly more technical stuff, despite not having a Vibram outsole (if only!). They’ve got great stability and lockdown, but they’re a bit on the narrow side for wide feet, so personally, I wouldn’t take them much further than a marathon. If your trails are mostly buffed out and fast, I’d look for something with a bit more pop and more foam, though that’s not to say these wouldn't do the trick too. Hope it helps. That’s just my take on it, anyway.

Reddit IconAffectionateShow4239
9 months ago

I would second the Salomon or s/lab genesis. Wasn’t crazy about SG 6. Mafate speed 4 lite is good if you want a soft ride. Mount to Coast T1 is solid. People love prodigio pro (sadly didn’t work for my feet and felt a little bulky). Norda 001a also a strong option. Speedland GL:PDX if you want more bite. Haven’t tried it out yet but Kjerag 2 looks promising as well (Brut if you want more traction and less cushion)

Reddit Iconafishwithnoeyes_
4 months ago

I've been using and enjoying a pair of Salomon Genesis - They are slightly narrower than I might want but not narrow enough to cause problems

Reddit IconAgreeable-Mixture947
5 months ago

I am very disappointed by version 3, it is a completely different shoe, with a very high stack height and ridiculously soft cushioning. I switched to the Salomon Genesis (not the S-lab version), which is much closer to the Ultra glide 2. I actually prefer it because the lugs are 4,5mm instead of 3,5mm which makes them better in mud.

6 months ago

I'm 210lbs. Always a Salomon user. Very good results with many of their models, last years the Ultra glide 2, now changing to the Genesis model. (I don't like the Ultra glide 3, much higher and with a ridiculous amount of cushion) I don't do that many miles on them because I tend to wear out the thread early (technical terrain) but the soles always hold up very very well.

4 months ago

I agree. The Genesis are best choice. Stable and good grip. Ultra glide 3, I have a pair, but stupid amount of cushioning, and way too high stack height. Anyway I would not change shoes now so close to the race, unless you really have problems.

Reddit Iconahdavid66
5 months ago

I’ve run 2 with the s lab genesis and have LOVED them. A flat race in Texas and the bear 100.

Reddit Iconajame5
11 months ago

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.

5 months ago

The Genesis has been great for me. Has done loads of training miles and also mountain ultras. Proper all rounder. The UG2 is great if you can get them. The UG3 not so much.

2 months ago

My go to shoe for technical longer distance last year. Did multiple Sky Ultras in them. Perfect balance between dialled in responsive fit and a bit of cushion and support underfoot for distance. The only thing I’m not a fan of was the lug design seems to not bite mud that well but in the summer it wasn’t an issue. Looks like the genesis 2 will remedy this.

3 months ago

Prodigio Pro? It's a fair bit firmer than the Ultra Glide but runs like a running shoe. What I mean by that is a lot of the cushioned ones don't, they run like a shoe with a load of foam stuck to the bottom. Also if you can get them, the Ultra Glide 2 ran way better than its successors. I did loads of big mile races in them, whereas I thought the newer Ultra Glides were ruined with the cushion. Edit: don't discount the Salomon Genesis. Has some cushioning but is pretty dialled in.

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