Trailblazing with the Salomon Genesis

Solomon is a shoe company that has somewhat flown under our radar. Despite our decade-long existence, we’ve only amassed a total of eight reviews, with seven of them trickling in over the last 2.5 years.

Despite this limited exposure, we’ve largely enjoyed their offerings and believe they’re poised to make significant strides. Particularly noteworthy is their S/Lab series, which showcases commendable innovation. While the review at hand isn’t from that collection, we’re nonetheless impressed by their overall quality and potential for growth.

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While Solomon’s S/Lab series garners attention, this review focuses on their more conventional trail running shoe option. Designed for navigating rugged terrain, this shoe is adept at tackling rocky paths. It’s important to note that, unlike our trail expert Drew Roberts, I’m not really an avid trail runner. While I do engage in occasional steep climbs on the trails, my typical excursions lean towards milder to medium difficulty trails.

Therefore, this review offers insights tailored to runners with similar preferences. If you’re a seasoned, vert runner, I recommend exploring additional reviews for a comprehensive perspective.

Looks:

I must admit, upon initially unboxing these shoes, I was somewhat underwhelmed by their color scheme. The predominance of black, with subtle orangy-brown accents, felt out of sync with the vibrant and flashy trends commonly seen in new launches. While I’m usually all for boldness and flair, the subdued colorway caught me off guard. However, as I’ve spent more time with them, my opinion has shifted. In fact, I’ve come to genuinely appreciate and even enjoy their understated aesthetic.

In today’s running landscape, including the realm of trail running, there’s a noticeable trend towards flashier products. With the allure of picturesque trail vistas, shoes are expected to not only perform but also be visually striking enough to warrant attention on the ‘Gram. However, amidst this trend, I find the simplicity of the visuals in these shoes to be quite refreshing. They exude a no-nonsense demeanor, appearing ready to tackle the toughest terrain without any unnecessary frills.

Additionally, if you’re a fan of the Oregon State Beavers, you’ll appreciate how seamlessly these shoes blend into your wardrobe.

Fit & Construction:

I’ve previously reviewed another pair of Solomon shoes, which I put to the test on dusty and rocky uphill trails in Palm Springs. I found both the lacing system and the overall rugged durability to be quite impressive. Despite being designed for rugged terrain, this shoe maintains a surprisingly lightweight construction. Despite its substantial lugs and fully covered outsole, it weighs in at just about 9 1/2 ounces for a men’s size nine. That’s quite impressive and shouldn’t be overlooked!

Upper:

The lacing system of these shoes deviates from traditional laces, opting instead for a quick lace system. Frankly, I’m puzzled as to why more trail shoes haven’t embraced this approach, considering how effectively Solomon implements it.

Achieving a snug fit was effortless, and the shoe offers the convenience of tucking away excess lace into a small pocket on the outer tongue or underneath it.

Speaking of the tongue, it boasts a stretchy design that offers a comfortable yet secure fit across the top of the foot. Constructed with Solomon’s patented matryx technology, the weave exhibits exceptional durability, crucial for enduring the rigors of trail running. Moreover, the shoe provides ample stability, a vital feature for traversing the demanding terrain it’s designed for.

Midsole:

The midsole strikes a balance in terms of cushioning, with a 34/26mm drop that positions it relatively high compared to other options. It neither leans towards excessive cushioning nor feels like a firm road shoe. Depending on personal preference, this middle ground might be just right, though individual preferences vary. Additionally, the toe box offers generous width, even without opting for the wide version. This ample space allows for natural toe splay, enhancing comfort during runs.

Outsole:

The outsole of these shoes is undeniably tailored for rugged runs, making them a perfect companion for trails like the ones I frequently tackle. Their versatility is impressive—I struggle to envision a route this year that these shoes wouldn’t conquer with ease. With excellent grip and 4.5 mm lugs, they effortlessly navigate diverse terrain. However, the full-length rubber, while enhancing durability, sacrifices some flexibility, resulting in a slightly rigid feel overall.

Overall:

While we’re not reviewing the S/Lab Genesis version, considering my modest trail credentials, or lack thereof, I believe the relatively affordable price tag of $150 (compared to the $200 price of the S/Lab version) makes this version a solid choice. It’s important to note that the S/Lab version offers additional modifications and cool tech, so it’s not entirely fair to compare the two.

Drew may have his own opinions on the tech differences and how it benefits serious trail runners. However, if you’re similar to me, I believe this version of the Genesis offers excellent value.