The weight of a trail running shoes is a personal preference because sometimes other benefits are reduced to allow the shoes to be lighter. However, lightweight trail running shoes are very popular, especially on well-groomed and maintained trails. In this guide, we have reviewed and researched the footwear on offer and aggregated the results to come up with a list of the best lightweight runners currently available.
Salomon Sense Ride 4
The updated Sense Ride 4 is just as comfy and responsive as the Sense Ride 3. The upper effortlessly optimizes your foothold, particularly around the heel, and features a really resistant, anti-debris mesh for added protection. Very excited about the Sense Ride 4 – I owned 3 pairs of the previous model.
A great all-round shoe that can adapt easily on a variety of hard to medium terrains. In very muddy conditions it will lack the grip required. Very durable, expect to get many miles out of the Sense Ride 4.
Features & Specifications
- Anti Debris Mesh – Gives ventilation, feet will feel cool and fresh.
- Sensifit System – Works to cradle the foot by giving an accurate and reliable fit.
- Quick Lacing System – Gives a one-pull tightening operation.
- Lace Pocket – Stowed away, lessening the risk of snagging.
- Optivibe Midsole – Ensures an ultra-smooth and responsive ride.
- Contagrip MA – Guarantees adhesion on various terrains.
- Deep Lugs – Distributed lugs patterning to help promote responsiveness and magnified grip.
- Profeel Film – Guards the feet from sharp objects.
- Heel Height – 27mm.
- Forefoot Height – 19mm.
- Drop – 8mm.
- Weight – 290g.
Where To Buy
We have written a more comprehensive Salomon Sense Ride 4 Review if you want to know more about this trainer.
Nike Pegasus Trail 2
The Nike Pegasus Trail 2 is a strong performer in the road-to-trail category without sacrificing protection and durability. The construction from in aspects is of high quality and what you would expect from Nike, so should last a long time. The lugs are sturdy but smooth on mixed surfaces, including roads, where their integrity remains. You get just the right balance in cushioning that it is reactive and a wide range of terrains.
Available in both a standard and Gore-Tex version if you like that in a trail running shoes. The Trail 2 is pleasing to the eye, offered various colours, from black to a neon yellow and many in between. Perfect mixed terrain footwear from a big brand get more involved in the trail running market.
Features & Specifications
- Midfoot Cage – Offers great support.
- Perforated Tongue – Repels water and enhances drainage.
- Pull Tab – Ensures an easy on/off.
- Lock Down Lacing System – Locks down the midfoot.
- React Foam – Produces lightweight, durable and responsive cushioning.
- Durable Rubber – In the heel and forefoot to give multi-surface grip and durability in high-wear zones.
- Shock Wave Lug Pattern – Ensures grip underfoot.
- Outsole Nubs – Assists with braking and turning direction.
- Weight – 11.75oz.
- Hell Drop – 10mm.
Where To Buy
Get the full picture of this shoe by viewing our Nike Pegasis Trail 2 Review, where go into much more detail on the fit, upper, midsole and outsole of the new Nike offering.
Saucony Peregrine 11
The Saucony Peregrine 11 trail runner does everything properly without any gaping shortfalls. The new upper design is pretty cool and will get some head-turning looks when running on the trail. The most significant update to the Peregrine 11 is a new upper design that’s now more durable and protective than the earlier version. It’s a winning final touch that finishes this shoe and makes it one of the most versatile and practical shoes to wear if you run various terrains. Let’s face it; it can get costly if you were are using a different trainer for every type of terrain you run on.
Key Features & Specifications
- FormFit Upper – Fits nicely to the feet for personalised comfort.
- Lacing System – Secures the shoe to the midfoot.
- PWRRUN Midsole – Innovative next generation midsole.
- FormFit Technology
- PWRTRAC Rubber Outsole – Firm grip is and good traction..
- Abrasion-Resistant Rubber – Stands up against abuse from below.
- Chevron Tread – Durable chevron tread design digs into mud.
- Heel Height – 27mm.
- Forefoot Height – 23mm.
- Drop – 4mm.
- Weight – 310g.
- Lug Height – 5mm.
Where To Buy
Please go and take a look at our full Saucony Peregrine 11 Review for more details, analysis and information.
The North Face Flight Vectiv
The Flight Vectiv is the first trail running shoe to feature a carbon fibre plate. Packed with new innovations, such as a midsole rocker geometry, and SurfaceCTRL grip. The new North Face Flight Vectiv is designed will maximise energy return to offer rapid, sustainable speed on lighter, well-maintained trail runs. Could be a real game-changer!
Key Features & Specifications
- Seamless Circular Knit Uppers: Is lightweight, comfortable and breathable.
- Vectiv Technology: Enhances propulsion, and gives a wealth of structural support.
- Rocker Geometry: Guarantees a smooth gait.
- EVA Foam: Gives comfort and cushioning.
- Ortholite Sockliner: Enhances underfoot comfort.
- 3D TPU Plate: Gives multi-directional stability.
- 3.5mm Lugs – Digs into the ground for added grip.
- Weight – 538g.
- Drop – 6mm.
Where To Buy
Women’s Version
Men’s Version
Brooks Catamount
The Brooks Catamount is an excellent and speedy ride for shorter trail runs and races. It gives the runner the right balance of several essential factors to make you trail run fun, such as spring, response, cushion and comfort. For runners who are looking to buy a fast shoe to use on moderate difficulty terrain, the Catamount is clearly one to consider.
Where To Buy
Salomon Sense 4 Pro
The Salomon Sense 4 Pro is made for speed on a lighter, rolling terrain, drawing on road-running standards for a dynamic ride and just the right amount of protection. The PRO-level Sense 4 shoe will provide you with the extra protection on the trails, thanks to trail-specific features like a hydrophobic upper and Contagrip specific compound for premium traction. This is an athlete focused trail shoe for running who like to run faster terrain, yet still prefer trail paths to the road.
RRP £134.99
Check best prices from the retailers below.
Key Features & Specifications
- Single Layer Mesh – Provides ventilation, keeping your feet cool and comfortable.
- Water Repellent – Provides protection from light rain and snow.
- Quick Lacing – Provides a one-pull tightening system.
- Lace Pocket – Allows the laces to be stowed away.
- Optimised Drop – For greater precision and stability.
- Deep Lugs – Separated lugs to help responsiveness and enhanced grip.
- Profeel Film – Protects the feet from a sharp object.
- Heel Height – 25mm.
- Forefoot Height – 21mm.
- Drop – 4mm.
- Weight – 255g.
Where To Buy
Inov-8 Terraultra G 270
The Inov-8 Terraultra G 270 is the newest, improved version of the older Terraultra G 260. our favorite zero-drop trail runners, out-performing the numerous other models.
They are light, comfortable, very stable, have plenty of protection for running ultra distances. Still includes Graphene Grip rubber, which has updated to be much stickier.
We can see them becoming a favourite scrambling shoe and a go-to for runners of technical rugged mountain running and rocky terrain.
Key Features & Specifications
- Breathable mesh – Wicks sweat and protects the foot whilst being astonishingly light.
- Wider Toe Box – Allows room for feet swelling.
- Boomerang Footbed – Gives 40% more rebound
- 0 Drop – Promotes a natural form.
- Graphene Grip – More robust and hardwearing than any other outsole.
- 4mm Studs – Provides traction on a wide range of terrain.
- Forefoot Height – 12mm.
- Footbed Height -6mm.
- Heel Height – 12mm.
- Drop – 9mm.
- Lug Depth – 4mm.
Where To Buy
Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger 6
Do you love running on trails but don’t fancy sacrificing speed for a stiff, unresponsive shoe? We highly recommend the Nike Terra Kiger 6, a good looking, lightweight shoe for running fast. The shoe feels very light on the foot, offering spry flexibility. It’s also great for keeping the cadence high while giving reliable traction on dry surfaces. The Kiger 6 is a well-built and sensitive shoe but can manage long distances with little issue.
Key Features & Specifications
- Mesh Uppers
- Woven Heel
- Padded Tongue
- Midfoot Lacing System
- React Midsole
- Zoom Air Unit
- Midsole Rock Plate.
- Sticky Rubber Pods
- Heel Height – 14.5mm.
- Forefoot Height – 10.5mm.
- Drop – 4mm.
Where To Buy
Adidas Terrex Two BOA SS21
The Adidas Terrex Two BOA SS21 model is for those long runs on the trail path. The BOA Fit System ensures effortless micro-adjustability on the fly and a secure fit for added stability on the trail. The Terrex Two BOA has a high performing midsole/outsole combination that gives a sympathetic and cushioned ride. The grip on the sole, developed using a continental rubber outsole, give the runner excellent traction in wet and dry conditions
RRP £119.99
Key Features & Specifications
- BOA Closure System
- EVA Midsole
- Continental Rubber Outsole
- Aggressive Lugs
Where To Buy
Brooks Caldera 5 SS21
The Brooks Caldera 5 is perfect for runners looking to cover easy/long miles on lighter/medium trail paths. Sporting a cushioned design, it offers protection from abrasive and harsh ground elements while supplying comfort. Engineered to offer all-over comfort, a dense midsole polyurethane foam encased by TPU delivers a springy ride. This large cushioning on the Brooks Caldera 5 might be too much for some runners, though. An improvement on the Caldera 4, so if you liked that shoe, you’ll love the newest edition.
Key Features & Specifications
- Support – Neutral
- Midsole Drop- 4mm
- Weight- 300.5g
- Arch – Medium, High
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