Article by Sam Winebaum and Jeff Valliere
S/Lab Genesis Spine ($250)
Introduction
Sam: The S/Lab Genesis Spine is a high top version of Salomon’s top of the line ultra shoe, the S/Lab Genesis. Intended for running and fast hiking in wet and cold conditions, it adds water and cold resistance and debris/dust protection through its higher sealed upper for rough conditions to what is an outstanding underfoot platform.
The outer upper, very similar to what Salomon uses for their S/Lab classic nordic ski race boots, features an inner layer water resistant membrane while the inner “shoe” with Quick Laces is not a Matryx material as in regular Genesis but a more conventional and open mesh with extensive overlays.
The underfoot platform and outsole is identical to the “summer” S/Lab Genesis.
While not run shoe “light” due to the upper, their weight at 12.75 oz / 361g US9 is reasonable for a high top trail runner/hiker with weather protection.
Let's get into the details as Jeff and I tested this fall in Colorado and Utah with full on winter testing and update to come.
Pros:
- Excellent all seasons (but for warmest days) fast hiking shoe: Sam/Jeff
- No compromises to run performance (beyond weight) due to superb underfoot platform: Sam/Jeff
- Winter ready. Other seasons useful (dust and water protection): Sam/Jeff
- Excellent build quality and overall protection: Jeff
- Traction: Jeff
Cons:
- Instead of a water resistant membrane in the mix, wish shoe just had a water resistant/more breathable outer shell material for extended temperatures/seasons versatility: Sam
- Heel counter could be somewhat more substantial for additional rear support, and to make them easier to pull on: Sam
- At true to size front fit may not favor wider forefoot runners or winter socks: Sam
Most comparable shoes
Xodus Ultra Ridge GTX
La Sportiva Blizzard GTX
La Sportiva Cyklon Cross GTX
Scarpa Ribelle Run Kalibra G
Stats
Approx. Weight: men's 12.75 oz / 361g US9
Sample Weight: men’s 12.5 oz / 354g US 8.5 , 12.25oz /345g US 10
Stack Height: men’s 33 mm heel / 25 mm forefoot ( 8mm drop
$250 and available now including at our partner Running Warehouse US HERE
First Impressions, Fit and Upper
Sam: As soon as I saw the Genesis Spine I thought: Salomon put the upper of their S/Lab nordic classic race boots on the Genesis. And indeed it is very similar to that upper with a closed and pliable outer zip shell and with an inner shoe with Quick Laces. While the inner shoe of the ski boot is a neoprene like more insulated material and its cuff is higher, Salomon clearly selected an outer shell material that is proven in winter and wet conditions for the Spine as well as a far more open mesh inner shoe material.
The blue inner side of the outer upper has the water resistant membrane. The outer upper is more pliable and softer than the typical Gore-Tex trail shoe upper while the inner shoe is supportive and stout. While so far my runs and hikes have been in dry conditions, I have no doubt this upper will provide solid water resistance without overheating. They certainly have total protection from dust and debris getting inside as shown below after a 10 mile hike in mostly fine dust and sand.
I have worn them in the mid 60’s F / 18 C with low humidity with no overheating issues if of course warmer than a normal trail shoe. Those temperatures maybe up to the lower 70's were my comfort limit. They were a touch wet on the inner blue surface but no discomfort on the go whatsoever, so for me, they are beyond a winter only shoe.I do wish that instead of including the membrane Salomon had used the outer layer alone for increased seasonal versatility
The outer shell has a sealing zip closure and a nice big and easy to use metal snap. No finicky velcro here.
The inner “shoe” is dense but breathable conventional mesh with extensive underlays and isnot the Matryx material found in the regular Genesis.
The tongue has a closed fabric on both sides and is moderately padded.
Of course, we have Salomon’s Quick Laces. No need for a pocket here. Just tuck them between the shoe and outer shell and you are good to go
There is less heel counter here than in regular Genesis beyond a rigid vertical rear element. There is no plastic heel cup in the heel counter or if there is one it is very flexible with the support provided by the various layers of upper (outer and inner) and some over the outside overlays and the Active Chassis foam which is not firm so we have a softish rear of the upper.
The Active Chassis wings that rise up on either side provide rear support but for more technical terrain going fast I think a more substantial somewhat more rigid heel counter would be a good add.
Sizing is true to size although on first try I thought the toe box was a bit pointy and narrow.
After a few runs and hikes they stretched considerably and they now can accommodate (and need) thicker socks than initially where I used thin socks .
Jeff V: My first impression of the Genesis Spine was similar to Sam’s, as if Salomon had fused a nordic ski upper to an S/Lab Genesis. Having received them in mid September, I just could not wait to get them out in some snow and winter conditions!
As I run mountains daily year round, these are right up my alley for the cold, snowy and varied conditions that I encounter, be it my daily runs in Boulder or higher summits and snowshoeing.
While the Genesis Spine is by no means a lightweight, at 12.25oz/345g in my US 10, I find the weight to be more than reasonable and a fair trade off for the level of burly protection that they offer. Sam sums up the mechanics of the upper, so instead of repeating, I will focus on fit and performance.
The fit for me is true to size in my usual US 10 and while the fit overall is performance oriented, I have enough space and leeway for a thicker midweight wool sock that I typically wear in cooler temperatures. Foothold is very good overall, with great lockdown from the Quicklaces and the booty style Endofit/Sensifit inner shoe.
While I have not yet had the opportunity to run them in very cold, wet, winter conditions, I have been able to soak them in creeks and they seem to stay dry quite well. I can also tell that they will be quite warm on cold days, as even on some morning runs in the high 30’s and low 40’s, my feet felt very warm.
The built in gaiter is nice and tall, snugging well around my thin ankle and zips/snaps easily. The gaiter is flexible, pliable and comfortable when hiking or running.
The toe bumper is very protective and blends seamlessly with the 360 degree rand.
Midsole & Platform
Sam: The midsole is Salomon’s Energy Foam. Included, as in the regular S/Lab Genesis is a ProFeel rock protection layer. My sense is that it is an ever so slightly softer foam than the low top S/Lab Genesis.
Forgiving, deeply cushioned enough with a moderate 33 mm heel / 25 mm forefoot stack to absorb shocks over many hours on the run and at hiking paces, but also not so deeply cushioned to lose all trail feel and some agility the midsole is suitable for just about any trail run and even hard surfaces such as road.
Jeff V: The Energy Foam midsole is made from lightweight energetic OBC (Olefin Block Copolymer), which feels very well cushioned, yet well structured, stable and supportive. The ProFeel layer helps provide an added level of protection, smoothing out rocky, rough terrain and making them a great option for long days on rough terrain (while not making them feel at all stiff or rigid).
While the Genesis Spine is not a responsive speedster, it rolls along nicely anywhere from hiking paces to moderate paces. I have even put in some short, uptempo efforts and they were able to rise to the challenge. The unknown factor is how the midsole will change (or not) when the temperatures dip well below freezing, whether they can maintain the nice cushioned feel and compliance.
The Active Chassis wings are very similar to the regular S/Lab Genesis and help provide a nice level of stability to the midsole.
Outsole
Sam: The Contagrip outsole is identical to the S/Lab Genesis with 4.5 mm lugs. Traction was excellent on all trails with the lugs reasonable in profile and firmness for use on firmer and smoother terrain.
Jeff V: As Sam mentions, the Contagrip Outsole is the same as the S/Lab Genesis. As I described previously, Traction is outstanding!
The 4.5 mm lugs are a bit deeper and more aggressive than other Salomons, aside from the more aggressive “Cross” line of shoes and provide superb grip on a wide variety of terrain and surfaces.
I have run up/down a lot of steep rocky technical trails in dry/wet, on snow, loose off trail up and down, slabby rock scrambles, dry gravel singletrack, often fast and have felt confident with no slips or trepidation. Thus far, durability is proving to be very good, with essentially no signs of wear. Over the past 2 years now of wearing the S/Lab Genesis, outsole durability has proven to be very good.
Ride, Conclusions and Recommendations
Jeff V: The Genesis Spine is a solid, protective, smooth and predictable training shoe for cold winter snowy and wet conditions. They are by no means fast, largely due to the overall weight of the shoe but that added weight is very much justified for all of the protection that is offered here. That said, I find the weight at 12.25 oz in my US 10 is pretty reasonable and very much competitive with similar shoes.
I highly recommend them for winter running, hiking and snowshoeing in winter and wet conditions. I find them to be a bit too warm for any activities over 50 degrees, but to me that gives me confidence that they will be snug when the temps drop into the teens and single digits.
Jeff V’s Score: 9.5/10
Ride: 9.5, Fit: 9.5, Value: 9, Style: 9, Traction: 9.5, Rock Protection: 10
Sam: The Spine is a winter and wet conditions shoe/boot that can cross over to 3 seasons for me in temperate conditions. I was comfortable into the mid 60’s F / 18 C during fast hikes recently in Utah. The Spine is an excellent choice for fast hiking and running n wet conditions where cushioning, traction, rock protection and some agility is desirable.
They were a bit damp on the inner side of the higher areas of the upper membrane as it is not really lined to absorb sweat but they were in no way uncomfortable. In dry conditions with lots of dust on the trails nothing penetrated the shoe. Winter testing is coming but I expect the Spine to be an excellent winter snow run and snowshoe option..
My hiking experience with some slower running on lightly technical terrain was solid with the same energetic somewhat bouncy ride as the regular Genesis and S/Lab Genesis a ride that can crossover to road. I do think the Spine could be improved with a more substantial heel counter and instead of a full water resistant membrane in the upper with a more breathable higher gaiter (no membrane just a water resistant shell) with at the “shoe” level the membrane if even that.
Off trail I think the styling is sleek and modern making them a great option for a winter “boot” that can for sure go “outside” in winter sloppy but also fit very well around town and out and about
Sam’s Score: 9.1 /10
Deductions for need for a more solid heel counter and wish for a more versatile and breathable yet still water resistant outer shell to help better justify the price by extending multi seasons utility further.
5 Comparisons
La Sportiva Cyklon Cross GTX (RTR Review)
Jeff V: I need to size up in La Sportiva, especially in a winter shoe, so comparing a 10.5 to true to size 10 in Salomon. Weight is the same (10.5 Cyklon / 10 Salomon).
These are very similar shoes, but I find the Cyklon to feel a little bit more compact, nimble, agile and adept at running in tough conditions and technical terrain, where the Spine overall feels a bit more relaxed and casual.
As easy as the quick laces are in the Spine, the BOA fit system in the Cyklon is a real advantage, as it is very easy to adjust in the cold and with mittens/gloves. While the Spine has very good traction, the Cyklon is even better and the lugs are set up to accommodate La Sportiva hobnails (sold separately for $50).
Hoka Speedgoat 6 GTX Mid (RTR Review Upcoming)
Jeff V: The Speedgoat is lighter, with better plush deep cushioning that retains its properties in cold temps and is much more responsive (some of that due to the lighter weight combined with the more dynamic midsole). The Speedgoat has excellent traction, is durable and waterproof, though is a Gore Tex membrane with exposed laces, vs. the Spine with a nice zip up outer booty/gaiter that keeps everything protected and contained much better.
The Speedgoat is mid height (much lower than the Spine gaiter) and has a velcro closure that unless you have a very thick ankle, does not really snug up and will let snow and moisture down the collar.
The Speedgoat is perhaps better for faster running if high ankle gaiter is less of a concern and the Spine maybe better for slower paces and more snowy, rough conditions. The Spine is also $70 more, so a big factor.
Scarpa Ribelle Run Kalibra G (RTR Review)
Jeff V: Another very close comparison, where overall fit, feel, protection, ride and purpose are comparable, though the Scarpa is more than 1.5 oz heavier and I found over time that they are not entirely waterproof and eventually soak through when conditions are really wet. Traction is pretty comparable, as is price (Scarpa is $10 less).
La Sportiva Blizzard GTX (RTR Review)
Jeff V: The Blizzard is also over 1.5oz heavier, but they run lighter and feel quick and agile for a winter shoe. They have a snug performance fit and sock like stretch gaiter, but what sets the Blizzard apart is the built in studs for extra traction when conditions get icy. Like the Cyklon, I needed to size up a half size.
Saucony Ultra Ridge GTX (RTR Review)
Sam: With almost identical stats of weight and stack height, the Saucony with a Gore-Tex upper is $70 less than the Salomon. While it is not quite as over the top snow proof with gaiters it gets there and in warmer temps it is cooler and more comfortable. Its EVA frame and central supercritical foam core midsole is a bit more stable and firmer than the Salomon bouncier and softer ride with more of a boot feel. That said, the ability to more loosely lace the Ultra Ridge’s upper with the lower lacing run shoe snug makes it as runnable as the Salomon. Rock protection and traction is equivalent with a slight advantage to the Salomon’s Conagrip rubber. Given value and increased seasonal versatility the Ultra Ridge is a better choice unless full on winter use is your sole focus.
Shopping at our partners for the Genesis Spine is much appreciated and helps support RoadTrailRun
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Tester Profiles
Jeff Valliere loves to run and explore the mountains of Colorado, the steeper and more technical the better. He has summited all of the 14ers in the state, many 13ers and other peaks in Colorado and beyond, plus, he has summited his local Green Mountain over 2,100 times in the past 20 years. He can be found on mountain trails daily, no matter the weather, season, conditions or whether there is daylight or not. On the side he loves to ski (all forms) bike and hike, often with his family, as he introduces his twin daughters to the outdoors. Jeff was born and raised in New Hampshire, but has called Colorado home for over 25 years. He is 5’9” and 145 lbs.
Sam is the Editor and Founder of Road Trail Run. He is in his 60’s with 2024 Sam’s 52th year of running roads and trails. He has a decades old 2:28 marathon PR. These days he runs halves in the just sub 1:40 range if he gets very, very lucky. Sam trains 30-40 miles per week mostly at moderate paces on the roads and trails of New Hampshire and Utah be it on the run, hiking or on nordic skis. He is 5’9” tall and weighs about 160 lbs, if he is not enjoying too many fine New England IPA’s
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3 comments:
Can you compare to Merrell Agility Peak 5 Zero Gore-Tex?
Can you compare to the Merrell Agility Peak 5 Zero Gore-Tex?
Anon - I have a pair of the Spine, but I haven't tested yet since it only just started getting cold. Fit-wise - the Spine fits just like the S/LAB Genesis, with a spacious and more comfortable forefoot. As Sam describes - this is beneficial for a winter shoe since you can use thicker socks. The Merrell is tapered up front, just like the regular Agility Peak. Less room in the toebox - they're definitely more snug in equivalent sizing.
Just front trying on - the Spine feels the same underfoot as the S/LAB Genesis. In comparison to the Agility Peak Zero - more balanced, more flexible, less rocker. Based on feel, I'm expecting a very nice ride. S/LAB Genesis is one of my favorite shoes.
Of course I need to get them out in snow and funky conditions.. we did get 3 inches of snow up the road at our ski hill 2 days ago!
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