Salomon has refined one of its most versatile trail runners, and the Genesis 2 brings meaningful upgrades over the original Genesis. If you're deciding between the two, or wondering whether it's worth upgrading, here's what's actually different.
A New Midsole for a Livelier Ride
The original Genesis ran on Salomon's energyFOAM, a dependable EVA compound that cushioned well but gave little energy back underfoot, so the ride felt steady rather than springy. The Genesis 2 swaps this out for optiFOAM. Instead of just absorbing each step, the foam compresses and rebounds, giving the ride a springier, more propulsive character. Paired with improved rocker geometry, the result is a shoe that feels noticeably more dynamic underfoot, encouraging a forward roll through the stride rather than just cushioning it. Stack heights have shifted slightly too, with the forefoot rising from 24.5mm to 25.5mm, while the heel stays at 33.5mm and the 8mm drop remains consistent with most Genesis models.
Redesigned Chassis for Better Stability
Salomon's activeCHASSIS has been reworked in the Genesis 2 to improve guidance without sacrificing the natural range of motion the Genesis line is known for. This internal support structure wraps around the midsole to control side-to-side movement on uneven ground, so your foot stays stable without the shoe feeling stiff or restrictive. Combined with the updated midsole, this gives the Genesis 2 a more locked-in, confident feel on technical and uneven terrain, which is exactly where the original Genesis sometimes felt a touch underwhelming according to reviewers.
Grippier in the Wet Stuff
The new All-Terrain contaGRIP outsole has been redesigned with an updated lug pattern for sharper climbing and braking traction. It's built specifically to hold grip in wet and slippery conditions, an area where trail shoes often compromise. With a 4mm lug depth, it's tuned for rocky, technical, and mixed terrain, whether that's loose scree above the treeline or wet mud after rain rolls through the Southern Lakes.
A Tougher, More Breathable Upper
The Matryx upper has been redesigned to be lighter and more breathable while actually improving durability. Matryx is Salomon's proprietary textile, woven from individually coated high-tenacity Kevlar and technical yarn. The Kevlar fibres are what give the upper its abrasion resistance, protecting against rock scrapes and scrub without adding bulk, while the technical yarn keeps the weave light and airy. It's the same principle used in performance workwear and technical outdoor gear: high-strength fibres doing the structural work so the surrounding material can stay thin and breathable.
Inside, the endoFit internal sleeve does the fit work. It's a stretchy inner layer, separate from the outer Matryx shell, that wraps directly around the midfoot and heel like an internal sock. Because it moves independently of the structured upper, it can hug the foot closely through the arch and ankle without needing thick padding or a snug outer lacing pull. The result is a fit that feels dialled in and glove-like, which matters more once you're relying on a lighter, less padded upper to hold everything in place.
Still Familiar Where It Counts
The Genesis 2 keeps the same rugged, do-it-all character that made the original Genesis a favourite among trail runners and hikers alike, along with the classic quickLACE one-pull lacing system found across most of Salomon's run shoes. At 284g, it's only marginally heavier than its predecessor's 276g, a negligible trade-off for the gains in grip, stability, and ride quality.
Who It's For
The Genesis 2 suits runners tackling rocky, technical, or mixed terrain, offering high foot protection and soft, protective cushioning without tipping into maximalist territory. It's equally at home as a daily trainer or a dependable companion for longer efforts on unpredictable trail conditions.
The Verdict
The Genesis 2 doesn't reinvent what made the original Genesis popular. Instead, it refines the formula: better grip, better stability, better ride dynamics, and a tougher, more breathable upper, all while keeping the fit and feel that earned the first Genesis its loyal following. If you loved the original but wanted a bit more confidence on technical terrain, this is the upgrade worth making.
The Genesis 2 is available in men's, women's, and unisex wide fits.
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