Salomon Ultra Glide 2 vs Genesis: Cushioned Trail Shoe Showdown

Quick Answer: Ultra Glide 2 or Genesis?

Choose Ultra Glide 2 if: You're training for ultras or running 20+ miles regularly. You want maximum cushioning that stays soft throughout long efforts. Budget is a consideration.

Choose Genesis if: You want cushioning with more energy return. You run more technical terrain. You prefer a more responsive ride over pure plush comfort.

The real difference? Cushion feel. Ultra Glide 2 is soft and protective. Genesis uses newer foam that's cushioned but snappier. Both are excellent for long runs but feel quite different underfoot.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Ultra Glide 2	Genesis
Weight (US 9)	275g	289g
Stack Height	35mm / 29mm	32mm / 24mm
Drop	6mm	8mm
Foam Type	Energy Foam	Energy Surge
Feel	Plush, soft	Responsive, bouncy
Price (MSRP)	$150	$170
Best Distance	50K+	Marathon to 50K

Key Differences

1. Foam Technology: Energy Foam vs Energy Surge

This is where these shoes diverge most significantly.

Ultra Glide 2 (Energy Foam):

• Traditional cushioned midsole
• Soft, absorbing feel
• Prioritizes comfort over energy return
• Consistent feel throughout long runs
• Proven in ultra distance racing

Genesis (Energy Surge):

• Newer foam compound
• More responsive, bouncy feel
• Better energy return
• Feels livelier on shorter efforts
• More versatile for varied paces

What this means in practice:

Ultra Glide 2 feels like running on a pillow—soft and forgiving. Genesis feels like running on a trampoline—cushioned but springy. For slow, steady ultra pacing, Ultra Glide excels. For tempo efforts and varied paces, Genesis rewards harder pushes.

2. Stack Height & Protection

Ultra Glide 2: 35mm heel / 29mm forefoot Genesis: 32mm heel / 24mm forefoot

Ultra Glide 2's higher stack provides more protection on rocky trails. You feel less of what's underfoot. Genesis sacrifices some protection for a more connected feel.

For truly brutal terrain with sharp rocks, Ultra Glide 2's extra stack is noticeable.

3. Drop & Running Mechanics

Ultra Glide 2 (6mm drop):

• Encourages midfoot landing
• More natural stride
• May stress calves initially
• Common in maximalist shoes

Genesis (8mm drop):

• More traditional feel
• Easier transition from road shoes
• Less calf adaptation needed
• Suits heel strikers

If you're coming from higher-drop road shoes, Genesis feels more familiar.

4. Weight

Ultra Glide 2: 275g Genesis: 289g

14g lighter, Ultra Glide 2 achieves impressive cushioning-to-weight ratio. Genesis trades a bit of weight for its responsive foam.

5. Traction

Both use Contagrip outsoles with similar performance:

• Good grip on soft-moderate terrain
• Adequate on wet surfaces
• Neither is a mud specialist
• Both handle roots and rocks reasonably

Slight edge: Genesis has marginally better grip on technical terrain due to updated lug pattern.

6. Upper & Fit

Ultra Glide 2:

• Roomier toe box
• EndoFit internal sleeve
• Better for wide feet
• Very breathable mesh
• Accommodating fit

Genesis:

• More structured fit
• Matryx + SensiFit combo
• Snugger heel lockdown
• Slightly less breathable
• Better for medium-width feet

Wide-footed runners consistently prefer Ultra Glide 2.

7. Price & Value

Ultra Glide 2: $150 Genesis: $170

$20 difference is significant. Ultra Glide 2 delivers proven ultra-distance performance at a better price point. Genesis commands a premium for newer technology.

Performance by Run Type

Activity	Ultra Glide 2	Genesis
Ultra distance (50K+)	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Long runs (20+ miles)	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Marathon distance	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Tempo/speed work	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Technical trails	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Daily training	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Who Should Buy What?

Choose Ultra Glide 2 If:

✅ You're training for 50K or longer - Designed for ultra distance

✅ You prioritize cushion comfort - Maximum soft landing

✅ You have wide feet - Most accommodating fit

✅ Budget matters - $20 less with proven performance

✅ You run primarily soft trails - Optimized for non-technical terrain

✅ You want proven race-day performance - Established ultra racing shoe

Choose Genesis If:

✅ You want cushioning with energy return - More responsive foam

✅ You run varied paces - Rewards tempo efforts

✅ You need more versatility - Handles technical terrain better

✅ Your runs are marathon distance or shorter - Snappier feel benefits

✅ You prefer structured fit - Better lockdown

✅ You want the latest technology - Newest foam in Salomon lineup

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Genesis worth $20 more than Ultra Glide 2?

For runs under marathon distance where you vary pace, yes—the responsive foam rewards harder efforts. For pure ultra distance where consistent cushion matters most, Ultra Glide 2 delivers similar comfort for less.

Can I run ultras in Genesis?

Yes, many runners complete 50Ks in Genesis. However, the firmer, more responsive foam may cause more fatigue over 6+ hours compared to Ultra Glide 2's softer cushion.

Which has better traction?

Genesis has a slight edge on technical terrain due to updated lug design. For most trail conditions, they're equivalent.

Are they true to size?

Both run true to Salomon sizing. Ultra Glide 2 is roomier—go half size up in Genesis if you have wider feet.

Which is more durable?

Similar durability—expect 300-400 miles from either. Genesis's firmer foam may hold up marginally better over time.

Can I use either for hiking?

Both work for fast hiking. Ultra Glide 2's softer cushion feels better for all-day hiking at slower paces.

The Bottom Line

Ultra Glide 2 is Salomon's proven ultra-distance specialist. Maximum cushioning, accommodating fit, and race-tested performance at a reasonable price. It's the safe choice for long runs and ultras.

Genesis represents Salomon's evolution in cushioned trail shoes. More responsive foam delivers a livelier ride that rewards varied paces. It's more versatile but costs more.

Best strategy:

1. Training for 50K+? Get Ultra Glide 2
2. Want responsive cushioning? Get Genesis
3. Wide feet? Get Ultra Glide 2
4. Budget matters? Get Ultra Glide 2
5. Mix of distances and paces? Get Genesis

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Where to Buy

Ultra Glide 2

• REI - $150, 1-year returns
• Running Warehouse - $150, 90-day returns

Genesis

• REI - $170, 1-year returns
• Running Warehouse - $170, 90-day returns

Disclosure: We earn commission from qualifying purchases. This helps support our testing at no extra cost to you.

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Last Updated: February 3, 2026