Right now, ultra runners around the world are focused on one of the most brutal and iconic foot racing challenges the UK has to offer - The Spine Race. Whether you're watching the live trackers, dreaming of tackling it one day, or just love pushing limits on trails, this is one event that earns every bit of its reputation. In this blog, we'll explore what The Spine actually is, why it's such a test of grit and endurance, and how the Salomon S/LAB GENESIS SPINE shoe was designed with this very challenge in mind.
What Is The Spine?
The Spine Race is an ultra-distance running event that follows the entire Pennine Way from Edale in England to Kirk Yetholm in Scotland - roughly 268 miles of rugged terrain. It's often called "Britain’s most brutal race" for good reason: competitors face long distances, huge elevation gains, changeable weather, sometimes snow and high winds, and racing through the dead of winter.
Originally a single winter race launched in 2012, The Spine has grown into a series of events that also includes summer and winter versions, and also shorter challenges - from 43-46 mile sprints to 108 and 160 mile "Challenger" races - all following sections of the Pennine Way.
What makes the Winter Spine Race uniquely tough is that runners must manage extreme physical and mental stress over days in the elements. Cold, mud, darkness and sometimes snow aren't obstacles - they're part of the course. Runners have up to seven days to finish, but even completing just one section is a huge achievement.
Why shoe choice matters on The Spine
This isn’t a quick trail run. This is multi-day adventure racing over rugged British landscape. The terrain varies from hard rocky trails and muddy bogs to grassy hillsides and unexpected slabs of ice or snow. That means a running shoe for anything like The Spine has to tick some important boxes:
- Reliable traction on mixed, slippery, and rocky surfaces
- Cushioning that protects feet over extended mileage
- Protection from debris - stones, grit, water
- Comfortable enough to be worn day after day
- Secure fit that won’t rub or loosen over long distances
And that’s where a specialised trail shoe like the Salomon S/LAB GENESIS SPINE steps in.
Meet the Salomon S/LAB GENESIS SPINE
The Salomon S/LAB GENESIS SPINE is part of Salomon’s high-performance trail range - and yes, it draws direct inspiration from races like The Spine where toughness and reliability are non-negotiable. It’s built for “uncharted, sometimes challenging conditions” and long runs over technical terrain. The shoe give you protection when you need it most. This isn’t your average trail shoe - it’s engineered to keep feet safe and focused over arduous distances. A water-resistant zip gaiter helps keep debris out, while Profeel Film acts as a protective layer between your foot and rocks or sharp stones. This means less worry about stepping on pointy terrain or unexpected trail obstacles. Key benefits include:
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Long-distance comfort
Comfort is crucial when your feet may be in the shoes for days. The midsole uses energyFOAM cushioning that strikes a balance between protective comfort and responsive feel so you can cover long distances without beating up your feet. -
Traction that never lets go
The outsole has a tailored two-part lug pattern with deep grooves that give confident grip on a mix of hard, muddy, or uneven surfaces. That grip stability matters when fatigue starts to set in and every footfall counts. -
Built for the elements
Even in cold rain or wet conditions, the S/LAB GENESIS SPINE helps you stay dry and focused thanks to its water-resistant upper and gaiter system. Mud, snow, or light moisture don’t have to be race-finishers. -
Responsive yet stable
With an 8mm drop and cushioned midsole, the shoe balances protection with enough responsiveness to keep you feeling forward-moving - perfect for technical trails, long days, and unpredictable conditions. -
Trail tech for epic routes like The Spine
Whether you’re racing or just training for tough terrain, The Spine demands gear that’s:- Gritty and dependable
- Rugged enough for miles of trail
- Ready for wet, cold and changing weather
- Comfortable under constant load
The Salomon S/LAB GENESIS SPINE isn’t just another trail running shoe - it’s essentially a ready-for-adventure runner, designed for ultras, multi-day trail racing, and events where survival and performance go hand-in-hand. If you’re gearing up for rugged fell runs, remote ultra trails, or dream of tackling The Spine one day, this shoe gives you technology created for exactly that world.
The Bear says
The Spine Race remains one of the most challenging and talked-about trail ultras in the world - a true test of grit, pace and gear. Whether you’re glued to the live tracking or hiking parts of the Pennine Way yourself, knowing the story behind the race helps you appreciate just how special events like The Spine are. And when it comes to footwear designed for that sort of adventure, the Salomon S/LAB GENESIS SPINE stands out for its protective upper, cushioned comfort, grippy outsole, and design built specifically with epic, technical trail running in mind.