Lately, I'm 90% of the time wearing Nnormal Kjerags on my feet, but I was intrigued by the s/lab genesis purported accommodating fit (uncommon for Salomon) and nice stack height/durable-looking build for big days out in technical, rocky terrain.
These shoes truly deliver - and I'm surprised I'm the first to review them here. The fit is everything I hoped: wide enough toebox with wiggle room, even for my wide-ish toe line, a very comfortable midfoot that is neither aggressively narrow nor sloppily wide, and a super stable feeling through the heel with impressive heel lockdown thanks to the secure bootie-like upper extending below the ankle.
In short, these shoes are crazy comfortable, and the quicklace adds to that comfort by making it super easy to get the right pressure over your foot on the fly (especially handy for the moments before you send it down some alpine singletrack). Another nice touch is the well-padded tongue below the lace garage to stave off discomfort.
These are pure trail shoes - definitely not my first choice for any door-to-trail transition runs with long stretches of road. Also not my first choice for really fast days on the trail.
Grip is off the charts, durability seems great (haven't put that many miles on them yet), and stability is fantastic. Cushion is forgiving yet rides firm and doesn't feel soft in the least, plenty of return in the step. Definitely what I'll be wearing for alpine 50-100km distance races, fastpacking adventures, peak scrambling, etc.
Hopefully, Salomon keeps making this model and doesn't change too much, I think it's their best shoe to date - and considering how sold out it is everywhere, perhaps I'm not the only one feeling that way?
Salomon S/Lab Genesis Shoe
If you prefer to calculate your outings in scrambles, ridgelines, crushing vert, and number of scree fields crossed instead of mileage and time, Salomon decided to make the S/Lab Genesis shoe just for you. Built for the toughest days in the craziest terrain, the Genesis is built around the concept of high durability and high protection from the elements you for some reason decide to put yourself in time after time. A reinforced toe cap and extra protection on the medial side are combined with a Profeel film in the midsole that helps protect your feet from rocks, roots, and all the things out there waiting to attack your feet from any angle. The Matryx upper is an amazing mixture of lightweight, breathable, and highly durable. The all-terrain Contragrip outsole excels in wet conditions but grabs any and all terrain with its 4.5mm lug depth. The Endofit construction creates a superb fit that wraps the entire foot with even pressure distribution that won't require constant attention since the Quicklace system was created to stay put after you "lace" up your shoes. The integrated gaiter may not go up your leg but is nonetheless effective at keeping out very small rocks and other debris. Salomon is once again leading the way into what seems like a whole new category of shoe with their S/Lab Genesis.
SkyRun Fit Tip - We find the S/Lab Genesis to be true to US size. If you are between sizes, go 1/2 US size down.
- Matryx upper is tough as nails and light as a feather.
- Padded medial side protection and reinforced toe cap mean serious business in serious terrain.
- Profeel film in the midsole takes the "ouch" out of rocky trails.
- Quicklace system stays put after the first time you snug up your shoes.
- Integrated gaiter gives a nice snug fit around the ankle to keep out unwanted visitors.
| Specifications | |
|
Weight |
273g [10] |
| Weight (pair) | 546g [10] |
|
Lug |
4.5mm |
| Drop | 8mm |
| Stack Height | 30mm |
| Specs Verified | Yes |
| Design | |
| Outsole | All Terrain Contagrip® |
| Fit | Medium |
| Last | Medium |
| Cushion | High |
| Protection | High |
| Lacing System | Quicklace |
| SkyRun Says | |
| Usage | Long runs over varying terrain |
| Notes | Profeel Film in the midsole dulls sharp rocks and edges supplementing protection and comfort |
| Bottom Line | A comfortable shoe for uncomfortable trail |
| Compare to other Mountain Running Shoes | |
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Questions & Reviews
10/22/2023
Great review, very helpful. Also read your NNormal kjerag review and I’m loving those Kjerags. Quick question. I went a half size down for the Kjerags and it works perfectly. How is the sizing for the Genesis? I’ve read if you’re between sizes for Genesis, go down half a size. How is the sizing compared to the Kjerags? Thanks!
10/22/2023
Hi Craig. I also went a half size down for my Kjerags to an 8.5, and stayed true to size with the Genesis at a 9.0. I'm curious to see if Alfredo has sized his differently.
10/23/2023
Hey Craig, super happy my review was helpful to you! I found the genesis to be true to my Kjerag size (size 10 US in both) - very spot on and perfect. For my foot, there is slightly more volume in the Genesis and a wider midfoot compared to the Kjerag at the same size, though I didn't notice any length difference. The quicklace system and deep heel pocket keep my foot locked in without any play.
10/24/2023
Thank you Jeremy and Alfredo!
That’s super helpful. I really appreciate you taking the time to share your experiences!
That’s super helpful. I really appreciate you taking the time to share your experiences!
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