Salomon Genesis vs Salomon Pulsar

Salomon Genesis

€150

Salomon Pulsar

£135

Quick verdict

Salomon Genesis

€150

The better pick if you want:

A higher overall score (85 vs 72)
A lighter option (6 g less)
More cushioning (33 vs 29 mm heel stack)
Deeper lugs for grip (4.5 vs 4 mm)

Salomon Pulsar

£135

The better pick if you want:

A lower drop (6 vs 8 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

Salomon Genesis· leads in 3

CushioningLightnessGrip

Salomon Pulsar· leads in none

Tied

Affordability

Cushioning
33 mm
29 mm
Lightness
275 gTop 31%
281 gTop 41%
Grip
4.5 mmTop 25%
4 mmTop 50%
Drophigher isn't better or worse
8 mm
6 mm
Affordability
$150Top 38%
$150Top 38%

Technical Specifications

Compare features between Salomon Genesis vs Salomon Pulsar

Best value in this comparisonOnly differences (15)

Essentials

€150

£135

2024

2025

275 g

281 g

Overview

Trail Running Shoe

Technical, mixed terrain and rocky paths

mixed trail, smooth & rocky paths

Technical trail running and everyday mountain training

—

Cushioning

8 mm

6 mm

33 mm

29 mm

25 mm

23 mm

Energy Foam cushioning with Active Chassis™ support

optiFOAM² / superfoam cushioning

Moderate cushioning with dynamic support

Moderate cushioning with energy return

Grip & protection

All Terrain Contagrip® rubber with 4.5 mm lugs

All Terrain Contagrip® rubber with moderate lugs

High foot protection for rocks and obstacles

High foot protection

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

—

Upper & fit

Matryx® durable textile with breathability and abrasion resistance

Synthetic/textile mesh with SensiFit™

Standard trail sockliner

Standard sockliner

Quicklace™ lacing, neutral support, regular width

—

Ready to buy?

On the terrain

How Salomon Genesis vs Salomon Pulsar 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
Salomon Genesis							60
Salomon Pulsar							54

FlatPacked, runnable trail

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

Salomon Genesis68

Cushioning27/40
Lightness20/35
Smooth roll21/25

Salomon Pulsar64

Cushioning20/40
Lightness19/35
Smooth roll25/25

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

Salomon Genesis

Salomon Pulsar

Visual Comparison

See the differences between Salomon Genesis and Salomon Pulsar 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: Salomon Genesis vs Salomon Pulsar?

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

Which is newer, the Salomon Genesis or the Salomon Pulsar?

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

Looking for alternatives to Salomon Genesis?

Closest in price, with what each one does better.

See all alternatives

Hoka Challenger 8

Hoka

$150Score 93+8

Better than Salomon Genesis at:

A higher overall score (93 vs 85)
More cushioning (44 vs 33 mm heel stack)

Compare with Salomon Genesis

Salomon Ultra Glide 4

Salomon

$150Score 90+5

Better than Salomon Genesis at:

A higher overall score (90 vs 85)
More cushioning (39 vs 33 mm heel stack)
A lower drop (6 vs 8 mm)

Compare with Salomon Genesis

Kiprun Kipsummit Max

Kiprun

$150Score 86+1

Better than Salomon Genesis at:

More cushioning (39 vs 33 mm heel stack)
A lower drop (6 vs 8 mm)

Compare with Salomon Genesis

Popular Comparisons

Compare Salomon Genesis or Salomon Pulsar with other top trail running shoes from brands such as Salomon, 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

Salomon Genesis· leads in 3

CushioningLightnessGrip

Salomon Pulsar· leads in none

Tied

Affordability

Cushioning
33 mm
29 mm
Lightness
275 gTop 31%
281 gTop 41%
Grip
4.5 mmTop 25%
4 mmTop 50%
Drophigher isn't better or worse
8 mm
6 mm
Affordability
$150Top 38%
$150Top 38%

Pick a ground

Average

Salomon Genesis

Salomon Pulsar

Salomon Genesis vs Salomon Pulsar

Salomon Genesis

Salomon Pulsar

Quick verdict

Spec profile