Words supplied by Salomon. Edited by Bivouac Outdoor.
Long distances on technical trails ask a lot of your shoes. Cushioning matters, but so do stability, protection and how securely the shoe holds your foot as the terrain changes. Salomon’s S/LAB Genesis 2 brings those priorities together in a trail shoe developed with its athlete team.
The latest version introduces a revised upper, an updated activeCHASSIS and a wider outsole platform, alongside a dual-foam midsole.
Where S/LAB fits in
S/LAB is Salomon’s highest tier of innovation and performance. Products are conceived, prototyped, tested and refined alongside the brand’s athletes, with development shaped by the demands of racing and mountain conditions.
The S/LAB Genesis 2 follows that approach, building on a platform known within Salomon’s athlete team for tackling tough, technical terrain.
Who is the S/LAB Genesis 2 for?
The S/LAB Genesis 2 is aimed at runners taking on rocky, mixed terrain, whether that’s a long training run or race day. Its design focuses on three practical priorities:
- Stability and control on uneven ground.
- Protection and durability over long distances.
- Cushioning and responsiveness for training and racing.
If most of your running is on smooth, well-formed tracks, those technical features may be less of a priority. For runners spending more time on rough ground, they’re central to what this shoe is designed to offer.
What’s changed?
A revised Matryx Micro upper
Salomon describes the new Matryx Micro upper as lighter, tougher and more breathable. The aim is to balance durability with comfort over long distances, keeping the upper light while standing up to demanding trail use.
Updated stability and a wider platform
The activeCHASSIS has been reworked to provide support on technical terrain while allowing freedom of movement. It works alongside a wider outsole platform, designed to give the shoe a more planted feel over uneven ground.
Dual-foam cushioning
The midsole combines OptiFOAM with a 7mm layer of OptiFOAM² in the forefoot. Salomon has designed this combination to deliver cushioning with a more responsive feel when you pick up the pace.
Reengineered outsole lugs
The outsole pairs All Terrain Contagrip with a revised lug design and a wider platform. The focus is grip across rocky and mixed terrain, with 4.5mm lugs providing traction underfoot.
Protection for rough ground
Profeel FILM sits within the midsole to help filter out sharp rocks and uneven surfaces underfoot. A protective toe cap adds coverage at the front of the shoe, where contact with rocks and trail debris is common.
The shoe also uses Salomon’s Quicklace system, allowing you to adjust and secure the laces with a single pull.
S/LAB Genesis 2 specifications
- Drop: 6mm.
- Stack height: 31mm heel / 25mm forefoot.
- Weight: 272g, as supplied by Salomon.
- Lug depth: 4.5mm.
- Cushioning: Maximum, according to Salomon’s classification.
- Terrain: Rocky and mixed.
- Fit: Standard.
Try the S/LAB Genesis 2 at Bivouac
If you’re looking for a trail shoe for long distances and demanding terrain, the S/LAB Genesis 2 is worth trying on. Visit us in store to check the fit and talk through how it suits your training and race plans.
