Salomon’s Genesis range is built for runners who want protection, grip and confidence when the terrain gets rough. For 2026, the choice comes down to two excellent trail shoes: the Salomon Genesis 2 and the more race-focused Salomon S/LAB Genesis 2.

They share plenty of trail-running DNA, but the €40 difference is about more than branding. Here’s how to choose the right model for your running.

Quick comparison

Salomon Genesis 2: the versatile choice

The Salomon Genesis 2 is the shoe we’d point most trail runners towards. It is designed for rocky and mixed terrain, combining soft, protective cushioning with enough structure to keep you steady when the trail becomes uneven.

Its Matryx® upper balances low weight with durability, while Salomon’s activeCHASSIS™ adds stability without making the shoe feel excessively rigid. Underfoot, All-Terrain contaGRIP® is designed to provide dependable traction across wet, dry, hard and loose surfaces.

That versatility makes the Genesis 2 a strong option for regular training, long days in the hills and runners who move between forest tracks, rocky trails and softer ground.

Choose the Genesis 2 if:

• You want one dependable shoe for most of your trail running.
• Comfort, protection and stability matter more than outright speed.
• Your routes include a mixture of surfaces and conditions.
• You want Genesis performance without moving up to the €200 S/LAB model.

Salomon S/LAB Genesis 2: the performance choice

The Salomon S/LAB Genesis 2 takes the same technical-trail idea in a more performance-focussed direction. It is built for demanding terrain and long distances, with a lighter, more responsive feel for runners who want to move quickly while retaining protection and grip.

A wider platform helps provide stability and confidence when the ground gets difficult. The updated All-Terrain contaGRIP® outsole is designed to deliver reliable traction when climbing, descending or changing direction on technical trails. The lugs are slightly deeper on the S/LAB - ideal for loose, technical ground. 

The S/LAB version makes most sense for committed trail runners, ultra-distance athletes and racers who will appreciate its more responsive character. It is not simply a more expensive Genesis 2; it is the more specialised option.

Choose the S/LAB Genesis 2 if:

• You are training or racing over long, technical routes.
• You prefer a lighter and more responsive trail shoe.
• Confident footing at speed is a priority.
• You are happy to pay more for the performance-focused S/LAB construction.

Is the S/LAB Genesis 2 worth the extra €40?

For many runners, the standard Genesis 2 offers the better balance of comfort, durability and value. At €160, it has the protection and traction needed for regular trail running without feeling overly specialised.

The €200 S/LAB Genesis 2 earns its place if you race, cover long distances or regularly tackle genuinely technical ground. Its responsive feel and performance-led construction are most valuable when pace and precision matter.

If you are buying a trail shoe primarily for weekly training and varied adventures, choose the Genesis 2. If you are looking for a shoe for technical racing, ultras or ambitious days in the mountains, the S/LAB Genesis 2 is the stronger match.

The verdict

There is no bad choice here. The difference comes down to how you intend to use the shoe:

• Salomon Genesis 2: the versatile, protective choice for everyday trail running.
• Salomon S/LAB Genesis 2: the lighter, more responsive choice for technical trails and long-distance performance.

Need help deciding? Call into The Sports Room in Wicklow Town and talk to our team, or shop both models online. We’ll help you find the option that suits your terrain, goals and fit.