Brand: Salomon
Category: Trail Running Shoes
Recommended by Derek Steele, Runner — Salt Lake City
Highlights: cushioned, long distance, stability, grippy
The S/LAB GENESIS is a high-performance trail shoe engineered for athletes who demand exceptional grip, protection, and comfort during their outdoor adventures. Its innovative design ensures durability and support, making it the perfect companion for both competitive runs and memorable hikes. 1. Advanced Contagrip® outsole provides superior traction on various terrains, ensuring stability and grip. 2. Lightweight, breathable mesh upper enhances comfort while allowing for optimal airflow during intense activities. 3. EnergyCell midsole technology absorbs shock and provides responsive cushioning for a smooth ride. 4. Protective toe cap shields against rocks and debris, enhancing durability in rugged environments. 5. Quicklace™ system allows for easy adjustments and a secure fit, ensuring your shoes stay in place during movement. 6. Sensifit™ technology cradles the foot for a precise and comfortable fit, reducing the risk of blisters. 7. Reinforced heel counter offers additional support and stability, ideal for tackling steep inclines and descents. The S/LAB GENESIS is designed for trail running, hiking, and outdoor exploration, making it ideal for athletes and adventurers alike. It excels in varied conditions, from rocky paths to muddy trails, and is perfect for both seasoned runners and casual hikers. Whether you're training for a race or enjoying a weekend getaway, this shoe provides the performance and comfort needed for any adventure, year-round.
Price: $150
- Who it's for
- Trail and ultra runners who want a single shoe that works across race day and long training runs, from technical mountain terrain to smoother trails. Hosts specifically cite use at 100-mile-plus events, so it skews toward longer-distance racing.
- What people are saying
- Recurring praise centers on versatile grip, reliable fit, cushioning for long efforts, and the quick-lace system as a standout feature. Durability is consistently noted, with one host reporting ~500 miles per pair; no criticism appears across the notes.
- Worth noting
- The quick/no-tie lace system is a specific draw for hosts who dislike traditional laces on technical terrain. One host flags ankle stability as a consistent benefit even on rough ground.
Derek Steele's review
The genesis can handle everything the trail tries to throw at you, whether on race day or a long training run.
Recommended by Derek Steele, Runner
Frequently asked questions
Who is the S/LAB GENESIS for?
Trail and ultra runners who want a single shoe that works across race day and long training runs, from technical mountain terrain to smoother trails. Hosts specifically cite use at 100-mile-plus events, so it skews toward longer-distance racing.
What do experts say about the S/LAB GENESIS?
Recurring praise centers on versatile grip, reliable fit, cushioning for long efforts, and the quick-lace system as a standout feature. Durability is consistently noted, with one host reporting ~500 miles per pair; no criticism appears across the notes.
What should you know before buying the S/LAB GENESIS?
The quick/no-tie lace system is a specific draw for hosts who dislike traditional laces on technical terrain. One host flags ankle stability as a consistent benefit even on rough ground.
What does Derek Steele say about the S/LAB GENESIS?
The genesis can handle everything the trail tries to throw at you, whether on race day or a long training run.
Why does Derek Steele recommend Salomon?
Derek Steele recommends the Salomon S/LAB GENESIS for trail running shoes. The genesis can handle everything the trail tries to throw at you, whether on race day or a long training run.
Is the S/LAB GENESIS a good trail running shoe?
Yes — Derek Steele recommends the S/LAB GENESIS by Salomon as their trail running shoes pick. The genesis can handle everything the trail tries to throw at you, whether on race day or a long training run.
Is the S/LAB GENESIS good for long distance?
Derek Steele recommends it for long efforts: The genesis can handle everything the trail tries to throw at you, whether on race day or a long training run.
How cushioned is the S/LAB GENESIS?
In Derek Steele's experience: The genesis can handle everything the trail tries to throw at you, whether on race day or a long training run.
More from Derek Steele's Running Essentials
View Derek Steele's expert gear recommendations on Rendezvu
What other hosts are saying
7 experts recommend the Salomon S/LAB GENESIS.
Bennett Levine, Backcountry Skier and Trail Runner
Go to shoe last summer and part of my rotation this year. Wore them for 80 miles during SJ Softie 25. Great versatility support and protection. Bonus they like to go fast.
Recommended in Go to Gear
These have been my go-to for years for the reliable fit, versatility, and cushy support for long days on the trail. Their fast, durable, and a great race day choice for any ultra.
Recommended in Full Quiver
Marisa Romeo, Mental Performance Consultant
These are my most trusted trail shoes and the pair I've worn at races like UTMB, Lavaredo 120K, Snowdonia 100K, and Canyons 100 Miler. They're versatile enough to handle everything from technical mountain terrain to gravel roads and smooth trails, while still feeling stable and secure. I rarely roll an ankle in them, even on rough terrain, and I consistently get around 500 miles out of a pair. When I need a shoe I can trust anywhere, this is it.
Recommended in Footwear
Durable & Light, with a clever lacing design
Recommended in Trail Running Kit
I’m shoe laces biggest hater. For this reason alone, I’ve been using Salomon’s for nearly every single one of my trail races and training runs, especially on technical terrain.
Recommended in A few of my favorite things!
Race day shoe for technical mountain ultra running. Never had every issues and the grip is great.
Recommended in Trail Running Gear
