Brooks Caldera 8 vs Salomon Genesis

Brooks Caldera 8

€150

Salomon Genesis

€150

Quick verdict

Brooks Caldera 8

€150

The better pick if you want:

More cushioning (38.5 vs 33 mm heel stack)
A lower drop (6 vs 8 mm)

Salomon Genesis

€150

The better pick if you want:

A higher overall score (85 vs 78)
A lighter option (37 g less)
Deeper lugs for grip (4.5 vs 4 mm)

Spec profile

Each axis ranks against the 174 products in Shoes on the site: the further out, the more it stands out in that spec (lighter, cheaper…).

Center: lowest in the category · Edge: highest

Brooks Caldera 8· leads in 1

Cushioning

Salomon Genesis· leads in 2

LightnessGrip

Tied

Affordability

Cushioning
39 mmTop 17%
33 mm
Lightness
312 g
275 gTop 31%
Grip
4 mmTop 50%
4.5 mmTop 25%
Drophigher isn't better or worse
6 mm
8 mm
Affordability
$150Top 38%
$150Top 38%

Technical Specifications

Compare features between Brooks Caldera 8 vs Salomon Genesis

Best value in this comparisonOnly differences (15)

Essentials

€150

2025

2024

312 g

275 g

Overview

Trail Running Shoe

rugged trails, mountainous terrain, dirt paths

Technical, mixed terrain and rocky paths

Technical trail running, long distance trail runs, mountain races

Technical trail running and everyday mountain training

Cushioning

6 mm

8 mm

38.5 mm

33 mm

32.5 mm

25 mm

DNA Loft v2 cushioning for plush but responsive ride

Energy Foam cushioning with Active Chassis™ support

Plush, responsive cushioning for long runs

Moderate cushioning with dynamic support

Grip & protection

TrailTack Green Rubber with high-traction lugs

All Terrain Contagrip® rubber with 4.5 mm lugs

Ballistic Rock Shield underfoot for rock and debris protection

High foot protection for rocks and obstacles

Aggressive lugs for technical grip on varied surfaces

All Terrain Contagrip® lugs for grip on mixed and rocky ground

Upper & fit

Breathable engineered mesh with reinforced overlays

Matryx® durable textile with breathability and abrasion resistance

—

Standard trail sockliner

—

Quicklace™ lacing, neutral support, regular width

Ready to buy?

On the terrain

How Brooks Caldera 8 vs Salomon Genesis should behave on each kind of ground, estimated from lug depth, stack height, weight and outsole rubber. Pick a ground to see what decides it.

Pick a ground							Average
Brooks Caldera 8							53
Salomon Genesis							60

FlatPacked, runnable trail

Cushioning and low weight make the kilometres easier; very deep lugs squirm on hard ground.

Brooks Caldera 872

Cushioning37/40
Lightness10/35
Smooth roll25/25

Salomon Genesis68

Cushioning27/40
Lightness20/35
Smooth roll21/25

A model built from the specs to compare shoes, not a lab measurement.

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Video Reviews

Watch real-world YouTube reviews from content creators and the Trail Running community.

See all 10 video reviews

Brooks Caldera 8

Salomon Genesis

Visual Comparison

See the differences between Brooks Caldera 8 and Salomon Genesis in a side-by-side slider comparison.

Comparison Questions

Answers based on product data and key differences.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which offers better value: Brooks Caldera 8 vs Salomon Genesis?

For value comparison: The Brooks Caldera 8 ($150) provides premium features compared to the Salomon Genesis ($150). Consider your budget and the specific features that matter most for your trail running setup.

Which is newer, the Brooks Caldera 8 or the Salomon Genesis?

The Brooks Caldera 8 is newer: it came out in 2025, and the Salomon Genesis in 2024.

Looking for alternatives to Brooks Caldera 8?

Closest in price, with what each one does better.

See all alternatives

Hoka Challenger 8

Hoka

$150Score 93+15

Better than Brooks Caldera 8 at:

A higher overall score (93 vs 78)
A lighter option (37 g less)
More cushioning (44 vs 38.5 mm heel stack)

Compare with Brooks Caldera 8

Salomon Ultra Glide 4

Salomon

$150Score 90+12

Better than Brooks Caldera 8 at:

A higher overall score (90 vs 78)
A lighter option (37 g less)

Compare with Brooks Caldera 8

Kiprun Kipsummit Max

Kiprun

$150Score 86+8

Better than Brooks Caldera 8 at:

A higher overall score (86 vs 78)
A lighter option (26 g less)

Compare with Brooks Caldera 8

Popular Comparisons

Compare Brooks Caldera 8 or Salomon Genesis with other top trail running shoes from brands such as Brooks, Salomon and more.

Shoes

Spec profile

Each axis ranks against the 174 products in Shoes on the site: the further out, the more it stands out in that spec (lighter, cheaper…).

Center: lowest in the category · Edge: highest

Brooks Caldera 8· leads in 1

Cushioning

Salomon Genesis· leads in 2

LightnessGrip

Tied

Affordability

Cushioning
39 mmTop 17%
33 mm
Lightness
312 g
275 gTop 31%
Grip
4 mmTop 50%
4.5 mmTop 25%
Drophigher isn't better or worse
6 mm
8 mm
Affordability
$150Top 38%
$150Top 38%

Pick a ground

Average

Brooks Caldera 8

Salomon Genesis

Brooks Caldera 8 vs Salomon Genesis

Brooks Caldera 8

Salomon Genesis

Quick verdict

Spec profile