Salomon Genesis 2

The Salomon Genesis 2 is a trail shoe for runners looking for a versatile, stable and durable option for technical terrain and long days in the mountains. In Salomon's range it sits one step below the S/LAB racing line, as the Annecy brand's popular all-rounder: more protective and stable than the Ultra Glide 4 and with more versatile grip than the mud-focused Speedcross 6.

Compared with the original Genesis, the second generation revamps almost every functional element without losing its identity. The Matryx® upper with Kevlar threads is still the big selling point: abrasion-resistant, breathable and quick to drain water. It is also fashionable. The midsole platform is wider and the activeCHASSIS is now integrated rather than added as a separate piece, which improves guidance and stability without locking up the stride. The toe box gains some volume, a welcome change for wide feet or for the final hours of a long day in the mountains, when the foot swells. The fit is completed by the familiar Quicklace™ system and the EndoFit™ inner sleeve, which hugs the midfoot precisely.

Underfoot, the optiFOAM™ midsole provides a balanced ride: protective without feeling soft or disconnected from the ground, with a standard 8 mm drop that takes the load off the calves and Achilles. The contaGRIP® All Terrain outsole (Salomon, together with La Sportiva, is one of the few brands still competing with the ubiquitous and excellent Vibram® outsoles) with 4 mm lugs performs well on dirt, rock, gravel and moderate mud, although on very wet rock a stickier compound is missed. There is also a version with the famous waterproof Gore-Tex® (GTX) membrane for enjoying runs in bad weather, which adds a little weight. It is a shoe for daily training, long distances, ultra trail and even hiking: a reliable choice for racking up the miles in the mountains without complications.