Salomon Genesis
Pros
- Premium MATRYX upper
- Great for summer adventures
- Comfortable for long distances
- Perfect for heel strikers
- Reasonably priced
- Smooth and flexible ride
- Super stable
Cons
- Missing reflective elements
- Outsole wears quickly
- Drop too high for some
Key Features
- Dynamic Support Chassis: Provides stability and responsiveness on varied terrain.
- Reliable Grip: Engineered with a rubber sole for enhanced traction on slippery surfaces.
- Durable Materials: Constructed from high-quality polyester to withstand wear and tear.
- Bungee Closure: Offers a secure fit while allowing for quick adjustments on the go.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Polyester
- Closure Type: Bungee
The Salomon Genesis is designed for runners seeking comfort over long distances, featuring a premium MATRYX upper, balanced cushioning, and a stable ride. Its lightweight and flexible construction make it suitable for various trail conditions, from quick runs to challenging ultra-distances. This model stands out as one of the best Salomon trail running shoes available.
The in-shoe experience offers notable cushioning without excess bulk, providing excellent impact protection with a score of 111 SA. The heel features a stack height of 33.5 mm, contributing to a balance of plushness and agility, while the total weight of 9.95 oz (282g) enhances its nimbleness. Additionally, the fluid midsole allows for adaptive movement, demonstrating a flexibility that is 10.6% above average in our flex test.
Long-distance runs feel manageable due to the shoe’s effective support system, which helps mitigate early leg fatigue. The incorporation of Salomon’s Active Chassis technology plays a critical role, utilizing two rigid plastic pieces on either side of the exterior for enhanced stability. Control is further improved by the 4.0 mm multi-shaped lugs, which provide reliable braking and turning capabilities.
A standout feature of the Genesis is its breathable and durable MATRYX upper, achieving a high score of 4/5 in both breathability and durability tests. This combination ensures a comfortable fit even during extended wear.
However, the outsole’s durability may not meet every runner's expectations. It is advisable to avoid rocky and harsh terrains to minimize the risk of premature wear.
Salomon Sense Ride 5
Pros
- Immaculate lockdown
- Plenty of ground feel
- Confident on moderate trails and steep downhills
- Smooth and stable ride
- Can hold its own for speedwork
- Comfy and breathable upper
- Best for daily miles, longer efforts, and even road runs!
Cons
- Forget about hard trails
- Thin under forefoot
- Runs a little bit narrow
Key Features
- Best For: A versatile trail running experience suitable for both short runs and long hikes.
- Lightweight Upper: Features a 3D mesh upper that is flexible and breathable for optimal comfort.
- Versatile Grip: Equipped with an all-terrain Contagrip outsole with 3.5 mm lugs for superior traction.
- Secure Fit: Incorporates Sensifit construction and a Quicklace system for a precise fit.
- Cushion & Response: Energy sole midsole provides the right balance of cushioning and responsiveness.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Mesh
- Inner Material: Mesh
Salomon’s Sense Ride 5 is an ideal choice for runners seeking a versatile shoe that seamlessly transitions from urban streets to rugged trails. It offers notable grip on moderate terrain, cushioned protection, and a flexible platform that enhances agility. This makes it a leading option among Salomon's trail running lineup.
This hybrid shoe efficiently manages daily mileage and accommodates occasional speedwork. Its Contagrip rubber outsole features 3.5 mm diamond-shaped lugs, providing effective traction on slightly wet surfaces and moderate trails. Runners can transition between different surfaces confidently as the SR5 maintains stability.
Long-distance running is supported by protective foam, which measures 25.2% softer than the average trail shoe according to our durometer test. With a below-average stack height, the shoe promotes a low-to-the-ground profile, suited for trail environments. The flexible platform enhances our control, as the midsole adapts to our movements; our flex test indicates that the SR5 falls within the average range for trail shoes.
The forefoot stack is 5.7 mm thinner than average, resulting in reduced foam to absorb impact during landings for midfoot-to-forefoot strikers. While the Sense Ride 5 provides significant cushioning and flexibility, the thinner forefoot may require some adjustment for those accustomed to more substantial padding.
Salomon Speedcross 6
Pros
- Ideal for heel strikers
- Impressive durability
- Quick mud shedding ability
- Lightest Speedcross yet
- Secure lockdown with QuickLace system
- Enhanced ground feel in the forefoot
- Agile and responsive in fast corners
Cons
- Midsole feels like concrete
- Extremely poor breathability
- Not suitable for midfoot and forefoot strikers
- Low energy return
Key Features
- Unparalleled grip: The outsole is designed for superior traction, making it ideal for slippery or uneven surfaces.
- Comfortable fit: The Speedcross 6 provides a precise fit that adapts well to your foot shape, enhancing stability.
- Lightweight construction: This model is designed to be lighter than previous versions, allowing for greater agility during your runs.
- Revamped upper: The new upper design not only looks striking but also adds to the shoe's functionality.
- Fast mud evacuation: Enhanced drainage capabilities ensure that water and mud do not weigh you down.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole material: Polyurethane
- Outer material: Polyester
- Closure type: Bungee
The Speedcross 6 is a suitable choice for hikers seeking a lightweight and agile shoe. It demonstrates significant performance in handling muddy tracks and dirt trails, thanks to its flexible yet stable platform and robust lugs.
Weighing only 10.4 oz (296g), it is 22.1% below the average weight of hiking shoes, making it light enough for running as well. Laboratory tests indicate that it is 13.0% more flexible than average, enhancing comfort on longer excursions and allowing for quick adaptations to unpredictable trails.
Equipped with the reliable Contagrip outsole, which we measured at 93.9 HC on the durometer, it provides exceptional grip on slick and soft surfaces. The 5.8 mm deep, aggressively spaced lugs ensure notable traction and control across various terrains.
The firm midsole contributes to stability and ground sensitivity, evidenced by its low shock absorption rating of 96 SA. Additionally, the curved insole design offers support by allowing the foot to sit inside rather than balance on top.
However, these shoes may not be ideal for summer use due to limited breathability, making them more comfortable in cooler weather conditions.