RELEASED — USA AND JAPAN. The Salomon Genesis 2 GORE-TEX is an updated waterproof technical-trail running shoe, available on the manufacturer's US and Japanese stores as of 26 October 2026. A third-party release calendar lists 1 October 2026 for the US GTX version, but Salomon's product pages do not state an original launch day; treat that date as editorial, not manufacturer-confirmed. Colour, size, checkout and delivery vary by market. This is the GORE-TEX Genesis 2, not the non-waterproof Genesis 2 or premium S/LAB Genesis 2.
Designed for mixed, rocky and technical trails, it combines a waterproof GORE-TEX membrane with a lighter, durable Matryx upper and Salomon's revised, fully integrated activeCHASSIS. A wider midsole platform aims to improve lateral guidance, while optiFOAM EVA cushioning and All-Terrain contaGRIP rubber with reworked 4 mm lugs balance comfort, protection and grip. Salomon lists an 8 mm drop, 33.5 mm heel / 25.5 mm forefoot stack and 291 g per shoe (approximately 10.3 oz); these are manufacturer specifications, not independent measurements. The weight may differ by size.
It should appeal to runners tackling wet, variable trails who value secure footing over minimum weight. Trade-offs include reduced breathability versus the standard mesh version, a less specialised grip than deep-mud shoes, and a firmer, more structured ride than plush road trainers. Official US regular price: US$170; Japan listed price: ¥26,400 including tax. Two official regional shopping pages are provided, with no affiliate attribution claimed. Salomon US displays 13 customer ratings averaging 4.2/5 (checked 30 October 2026). Reviewer names for individual customer entries could not be independently confirmed, so no customer reviews were imported. One separately attributed and scored independent expert review has now been added; it must not be confused with the manufacturer's customer rating population. A featured image is already attached in ARC; its provenance and public rendering have not been independently verified.
Independent technical preview (30 September 2026): Spanish trail-running journalist Sergio Mayayo compared the GTX 2 with the original waterproof Genesis and the non-waterproof Genesis 2. He considers the updated chassis and tread promising for wet mixed terrain but cautions that the fit, grip on polished wet rock and long-term durability still require direct testing of this GTX version. His analysis is a specification-led preview, not a scored hands-on test or customer review. The new waterproof version is not automatically a worthwhile upgrade if the original GTX remains in good condition. Read Mayayo's technical preview. Official manufacturer stack and weight were cross-checked against Salomon's model-specific specification page.
Sources: Salomon US official exact-model specifications and MSRP; Salomon Japan exact-model product; independent October 2026 release calendar.
Independent GORE-TEX wear test (16 October 2026): Jeff Valliere's RoadTrailRun review awards the actual waterproof Genesis 2 9.5/10 (4.75/5) after runs through heavy rain, shallow runoff, wet rock and loose technical terrain. He praises reliable waterproofing below the collar, secure foothold, a roomier toe box, stable cushioning and wet grip. His cautions include a somewhat firm ride, race-day weight, limited breathability in warmer weather and wishing for deeper lugs on very steep loose ground. A complimentary review sample was disclosed. The 4.75/5 is one selected expert rating, not a customer aggregate; Salomon's separate 4.2/5 across 13 displayed customer ratings is not merged into it. The unscored September technical preview above was not misrepresented as hands-on testing.
Methodology and limitations (30 October 2026): Desk research only, not ARC first-hand testing. One genuine scored independent review from RoadTrailRun (16 October, original 9.5/10) was paraphrased in Australian English and saved separately. The manufacturer-displayed 13-rating average is a separate customer sample with unidentified reviewer bylines; individual customer reviews were not imported or duplicated. Market stock, affiliate attribution, product-image provenance and public rendering remain unverified.
Reviews
“I am excited to wear this pair through autumn. They feel surprisingly light and comfortable, and I really like the design.”
“The shoes felt comfortable straight away. The sole supports my feet while staying flexible, although I needed a shoehorn to make putting them on easier.”
“I bought these specifically for poor-weather outings. I like their appearance, and the fit has been consistent with what I expect from Salomon.”
“This pair feels comfortable and performs well overall. My only small complaint is that the laces seem a little too long.”
“The shoes felt comfortable from the first wear, with good traction and enough protection underfoot for trails. I am very pleased with this purchase.”
“These feel less comfortable than other Salomon shoes and boots I have owned. I am disappointed by what seems to me like a decline in quality.”
“After four weeks, the fit has been comfortable and the grip reassuring in wet conditions. The waterproofing has worked well for me, and I appreciate the quick-lacing system.”
“The shoe gives me solid support and traction, though it feels narrower than my previous Thundercross. The material around the base of the laces makes an odd popping sound while walking.”
“The Genesis 2 GORE-TEX kept my feet dry through heavy rain and shallow runoff, with secure foothold and impressive grip on wet rocks and technical trails. The roomier toe box, protective cushioning and integrated chassis make it a dependable all-round training shoe. It runs slightly firm, feels heavy for racing and could use deeper lugs on steep loose grass or gravel; the membrane is best suited to cooler, wetter days.”
