Salomon S-Lab Genesis 2

The Salomon S-Lab Genesis 2 is the technical trail shoe in Salomon's S/LAB range, a revamped unisex model for runners looking for precision and stability on technical terrain at fast paces. Within the catalogue of the Annecy (France) brand it is the nimblest and most controlled option in the racing range, above the versatile Genesis 2 in performance, the brand's shoe focused on daily running, and a step below the ultra shoes of the S/LAB family in stack height and cushioning. A shoe that (still) rebels against the fashion for maximum stack height and plates to return to the origins of the brand.

The upper debuts a Matryx® Micro construction, woven with individually coated Kevlar fibres: extremely resistant to abrasion from rocks and roots, breathable and light, with a fit that testers rate as the best hold in years. The last is narrow and the midfoot is secured by the classic Quicklace™ system combined with the effective lace garage, along with an EndoFit™ inner sleeve and the elastic collar that reduces the entry of both dust and the typical annoying little stones on the trail. The toe box strikes a balance between protection and ground feel, with a plate that protects just enough without too much stiffness.

Underfoot, the midsole combines optiFOAM² (eTPU, the same family as in the Aero Glide 4) in the forefoot and midfoot with OptiFOAM in the heel, a mix that offers more energy return and better durability than the EVA of the first edition. The activeCHASSIS™ has been redesigned and now integrates better into the midsole, providing guided stability without blocking movement. The ride is firm, with all the ground feel possible from a midsole with a 31/25 mm stack height. The All-Terrain contaGRIP outsole, with 4.5 mm lugs and a new pattern, improves grip on wet rock and in fast descents. Especially suited to running on technical terrain and distances of up to 50 km.