Best Lightweight Trail Running Shoes of 2024

A guide to the best lightweight trail running shoes for shorter, faster runs, including trail races.

By and on November 29, 2023 | Comments
best lightweight trail running shoes - 2018 Ring of Steall

Diederick Calkoen racing at the Ring of Steall in 2018. Photo: iRunFar/Bryon Powell

When finding the best lightweight trail running shoes, you want one that strikes a balance between being nimble, durable, and cushioned enough to be comfortable but light enough to let you fly. This guide shares the best lightweight trail shoes that weigh nine ounces or less. Because the shoes here are very light, generally narrow, and with low-volume midsoles, many are not well suited for ultramarathon distances but are perfect for zooming up, down, and across everything from buttery singletrack to buttressed mountains.

We tested the shoes across various conditions and distances to determine which were best when speed was of the essence.

We also answer the most frequently asked questions about trail racing shoes below and describe our testing methodology for this guide. You can also learn more about finding the right lightweight trail shoes by jumping to our how-to-choose section.

Check out our best trail running shoes guide for more generalist trail shoes.

Best Lightweight Trail Running Shoes

Best Lightweight Trail Running Shoes - Nadir Maguet 2021-Limone-Skyrace-Extreme-champion-feature

Lightweight shoes can make a big difference in short and steep races. Photo: Skyrunning/Maurizio Torri

Best Overall Lightweight Trail Running Shoe: Salomon S/Lab Pulsar 2 ($180)

Pros:

  • Incredibly precise fit
  • super-light
  • plush cushioning

Cons:

  • Traction on dusty trail surfaces is weak

As professional hiker Andrew Skurka likes to say, “There’s light, and then there’s stupid light,” and the Salomon S/Lab Pulsar 2 is just a couple of grams away from stupid light. At an actual weight of just over six ounces, it floats in your hands out of the box and, except for the snugness, is virtually unnoticeable on your feet.

Our testers loved the original Salomon S/Lab Pulsar, and you can read the full review of that shoe, but they had a few areas where they thought the shoe could be better. Firstly, the upper of the original shoe was so tight that getting it on and off took a significant effort. Secondly, they wanted a better balance between the plushness of the midsole foam and ankle support, especially on descents. Salomon addresses both of these issues with this new version of the shoe.

With the new updates, the shoe maintains its same weight but is now buttery smooth and pliable when put on and is much more competent at speed. The upper uses the same breathable and light material and risks the same medial and lateral wear as the previous version, especially on abrasive trails. The shoe keeps its original 6-millimeter drop but feels stable and less dynamic than the previous version, which is a good thing on technical and fast descents. With shallow lugs, there is enough traction to keep the rubber side down in tacky conditions, but the shoe will completely sink in mud or slide out on dry and dusty trails. But with incredible forward propulsion and a truly illogical-feeling weight, this version elevates the original concept of this lightweight shoe to a new level.

Best Lightweight Trail Running Shoes - Salomon SLab Pulsar 2 - product photo

The Salomon S/Lab Pulsar 2. Photo: iRunFar/Bryon Powell

The shoe has Salomon’s lightest ever midsole and a propulsive ride, the rocker style almost forcing you onto your toes even at a standstill. The Energy Foam midsole feels plush, which you can’t say about many other Salomon trail shoes. The Matryx Mesh upper is soft and strong and did not show signs of wearing through or pilling during testing. The Quicklace lacing system makes it easy to tighten down the uppers.

The only downside I find to this shoe is related to my local trail conditions: this shoe doesn’t have the best grip on dry and dusty trails. I suspect traction is much improved on slightly damp or loamy surfaces. The lugs are only 2.5 millimeters deep and are made of Salomon’s All Terrain Contagrip technology.

Read our full Salomon S/Lab Pulsar 2 review.

Actual Weight (U.S. men’s 9): 6.17 ounces (175 grams) | Stack Height: 24.5/18.5 millimeters heel/toe | Drop: 6 millimeters

Shop the Salomon S/Lab Pulsar

Best Lightweight Trail Running Shoe for Short Distances: Arc’teryx Norvan SL 3 ($160)

Pros:

  • Durable upper

Cons:

  • Unforgiving midsole

The newly updated Arc’teryx Norvan SL 3 keeps many of the features that led to us calling its predecessor, the Arc’teryx’s Norvan SL 2, the best lightweight trail running shoe of 2021 and addresses several of the issues the previous model had.

The main update is in the ankle collar. Whereas the older model allowed in too much debris and lacked ankle stability, the new ankle collar adds almost three-quarters of an inch more wrap-around protection, and overall, the stability is vastly improved. Virtually unchanged otherwise, the new upper replaces the SL 2’s gusseted tongue with a single-sock construction using the abrasion-resistant Matryx Micro material.

Where the SL 2 could be nearly folded in half, likely to make it more packable for multisport use in the mountains, the SL 3 has a much more traditional running structure and silhouette. That is not to say the multisport DNA is completely removed; a small loop inside the ankle ensures you can still attach a carabiner to the shoes to lash to your rock climbing harness or pack.

Best Lightweight Trail Running Shoes - Arc'teryx Norvan SL3 - product photo

Some may find the shoe capable of all-day running, but our tester, at 180 pounds, finds the midsole foam and general firmness too unforgiving. Like a specialized tool, this shoe performs exquisitely on highly technical and abrasive trails, as the Matryx upper is genuinely resistant to abuse. You can take it to the mountains, with all its talus and other upper-preying impediments, and be sure you’ll return with an intact shoe. Finally, Arc’teryx, with its luxury brand pricing, actually has the second most affordable shoe in this guide. 

Actual Weight (U.S. men’s 9): 6.4 ounces (181 grams) | Stack Height: 19/12 millimeters heel/toe | Drop: 7 millimeters

Shop the Men's Arc'teryx Norvan SL 3Shop the Women's Arc'teryx Norvan SL 3

Best for Lightweight Trail Running Shoe for Smooth Singletrack: Hoka Zinal 2 ($160)

Pros:

  • Fun for faster, less technical running

Cons:

  • Longer or rockier runs can beat up your feet

The Hoka Zinal 2 is “a blast for light and fast running on rolling and moderately technical trails,” according to tester Alli Hartz. Hoka’s addition of a millimeter of lug depth and Vibram Traction Lugs makes the Zinal 2 much more trail-worthy than its predecessor, even if it remains best suited for smooth singletrack.

Hoka did remove a couple of millimeters of the midsole and changed up the shoe’s midsole material, making for better ground feel and a more responsive ride, but, with no rock plate, guiding use of this shoe toward less rocky singletrack and limiting its use to racing 50k or shorter for most runners. Put another way, if you want a fast ride for a couple of hours of less-technical trail running, then the Zinal 2 might be exactly what you’re looking for.

Hoka Zinal 2

The Hoka Zinal 2. Photo: iRunFar/Bryon Powell

The stretch-knit collar and sock-like tongue add to the Hoka Zinal 2’s foot-in-glove feel that works well for an average foot shape. However, it might not be accommodating for wider feet or higher insteps.

Check out our in-depth Hoka Zinal 2 review.

Reported Weight (U.S. men’s 10): 8 ounces (227 grams) | Stack Height: 30/25 millimeters heel/toe for U.S. men’s 10, 29/24 for U.S. women’s 8 | Drop: 5 millimeters

Shop the Men's Hoka Zinal 2Shop the Women's Hoka Zinal 2

Most Comfortable Lightweight Trail Running Shoe: Hoka Tecton X 2 ($225)

Pros:

  • One of the best uppers on any trail shoe in years

Cons:

  • Fast, technical descents may feel more unpredictable than other shoes due to the carbon plates

The Hoka Tecton X 2 is the only carbon-plated shoe in this guide and the only one with enough cushion to really run far. The ProFlyX foam midsole and two independent carbon plates provide a plush yet poppy ride at a very reasonable weight. The price of this shoe may seem excessively high, but we feel that the performance justifies the price. The Matryx upper is highly supportive and provides better lockdown than the previous version of the shoe. The material is also quick-drying. Our testers who also ran in the last version of the shoe found the new one more confidence inspiring on descents. The stiffer upper and cushioning closer to the ground provide a higher level of control. You can read our full Hoka Tecton X review to learn more about the original version of this shoe. 

Best Lightweight Trail Running Shoes - Hoka Tecton X 2 - product photo

The Hoka Tecton X 2. Photo: iRunFar/Bryon Powell

Many shoes in this guide are only good for shorter distances. When the runs get longer, this shoe shines. The extra cushion saves your legs, resulting in us calling it the Best Maximal Trail shoe in our Best Cushioned Trail Shoes guide. The Vibram Megagrip Litebase outsole provides excellent traction in a variety of conditions.

Check out our full Hoka Tecton X 2 review.

Actual Weight (U.S. men’s 9): 9.1 ounces (258 grams) | Stack Height: 33/28 millimeters heel/toe | Drop: 5 millimeters

Shop the Men's Hoka Tecton X 2Shop the Women's Hoka Tecton X 2

Best Lightweight Trail Running Shoe for Up to 50k Distances: Nnormal Kjerag ($195)

Pros:

  • Increased durability and environmentally-conscious construction

Cons:

  • Limited availability

The Nnormal Kjerag was a hard shoe to acquire. Our early interest in testing it, its limited availability, and our tester’s large foot size (U.S. 12) meant we waited. And waited … for almost six months! But the wait was worth it.

For a debut shoe from a brand-new company, Nnormal delivered something that harkens back to its founder’s Salomon days while directionally veering into new paths with a much more accommodating upper and more forgiving foam in its EExpure midsole. While it’s not a highly cushioned shoe, the foam is so comfortable and forgiving that it’s easy to run for a long time in these shoes. The shoe doesn’t have an insole, but the foam helps keep your foot in place, resulting in less blister-causing slipping and rubbing.

The shoe doesn’t “take off” the way the Salomon S/Lab Pulsar 2 or Merrell MTL Skyfire 2 does, but it’s also a more well-rounded shoe for longer distances than other options in this guide.

Best Lightweight Trail Running Shoes - Nnormal Kjerag - product photo

The Nnormal Kjerag. Photo: iRunFar/Bryon Powell

Durability is possibly the key highlight of these shoes, with Kilian Jornet famously running in a single pair for an entire racing season in 2022 in everything from 100-mile races to runs less than 20 miles. An environmental ethos blends into every aspect of the shoe. Better durability means a longer life cycle, materials made in Europe mean fewer transport emissions, and several strategies for recycling Nnormal shoes, and even other brands’ shoes, mean you’re not just paying for an exceptionally lightweight race shoe but also placing a vote for environmental sustainability in running.

Actual Weight (U.S. men’s 9): 7.8 ounces (220 grams) | Stack Height: 23.5/17.5 millimeters heel/toe | Drop: 6 millimeters

Shop the Nnormal Kjerag

Best Lightweight Trail Running Shoe for Technical Terrain: Merrell MTL Skyfire 2 ($200)

Pros:

  • Lightweight but durable materials

Cons:

  • Minimalist design can be hard on the feet

Merrell has come out swinging in the fast and light trail racing world with its support of the Skyrunner World Series and the Merrell MTL Skyfire 2 launch. Out of the box, this shoe is an interesting combination of being super lightweight while still being made with traditionally robust materials, including a Vibram MegaGrip outsole with five-millimeter lugs. On uphill ascents, it feels like the shoes disappear from your feet. These are the shoes to set personal records on uphill time trials and vertical kilometers.

The innovative FlexPlate feels much more propulsive and, better yet, less noticeable than other plated trail shoes on the market. The plate sits between two layers of FloatPro Foam, which makes it comfortable, but the shoes’ six-millimeter drop and extremely minimalistic design meant that our shins were very sore the day after our first run in these shoes after having bombed down technical descents. This break-in period was brief, and our legs quickly adapted after that.

The uphill speed you’ll generate isn’t lost on the descents, as you’ll find exquisite foot placement and sure-footedness on many types of terrain. Despite its virtual translucence, the upper is quite supportive, and its mesh and TPU upper are very breathable. This shoe has a real “wow” factor you don’t find often.

Read our full Merrell MTL Skyfire 2 review.

Best Lightweight Trail Running Shoes - Merrell MTL Skyfire 2 - product photo

The Merrell MTL Skyfire 2. Photo: iRunFar/Bryon Powell

Actual Weight (U.S. men’s 9): 7.0 ounces (200 grams) | Stack Height: 25/19 millimeters heel/toe | Drop: 6 millimeters

Shop the Men's Merrell MTL Skyfire 2Shop the Women's Merrell MTL Skyfire 2

Comparing the Best Lightweight Trail Running Shoes

SHOE PRICE WEIGHT DROP
Salomon S/Lab Pulsar 2 $180 6.2 ounces 6 millimeters
Arc’teryx Norvan SL 3 $160 6.4 ounces 7 millimeters
Hoka Zinal 2 $160 8.0 ounces 5 millimeters
Hoka Tecton X 2 $225 9.1 ounces 5 millimeters
Nnormal Kjerag $195 7.8 ounces 6 millimeters
Merrell MTL Skyfire 2 $200 7.0 ounces 6 millimeters

Anatomy of the Trail Shoe

While we tried to be nontechnical and avoid jargon in describing the best lightweight trail running shoes above, there are some terms common to the trail running world that those new to it might not know.

  • Heel-to-Toe Drop (or just Drop): Heel-to-toe drop refers to the difference in height from the heel to the toe of a shoe. Currently, heel-to-toe drop in trail shoes varies from none to 12 millimeters. Some runners prefer the natural movement of no drop, while the same can irritate the lower legs of runners used to traditional running shoes with drops of eight to 12 millimeters. Plenty of trail shoe models offer moderate drops of four to eight millimeters. Several of the shoes in this guide, including the Nnormal Kjerag and the Merrell MTL Skyfire 2, have a low six-millimeter drop.
  • Lugs: Lugs refer to the protrusions of material on the bottom of an outsole (see below). While road running shoes often have minimal lugs, trail shoes generally have lugs that are three to six millimeters deep. Some trail shoes designed specifically for muddy conditions can have lugs as deep as eight millimeters!
  • Midsole: This is the spongy component between an outsole (see below) and your foot. These days, midsoles are made from a wide variety of “foams” and range from minimal thickness to nearly three centimeters of material.
  • Outsole: This is the bottommost layer of a shoe that contacts the ground. It’s generally made of a rubber or rubber-like compound.
  • Rock Plate: The rock plate is a layer of deformation-resistant material, whether a plastic sheet, carbon plate, or other, that sits between the outsole and the sock liner. The rock plate aims to prevent injury to the bottom of the foot as rocks or roots push through the shoe from below. Rock plates vary in length from the entire length of a shoe to the forefoot only. Some shoes don’t have a rock plate at all.
  • Toe box: The toe box is the forward cavity of a shoe where your toes go. Toe boxes tend to be narrower in trail shoes aimed at faster or more technical running, while many runners prefer roomier toe boxes as the length of their runs increases to multiple hours.
Ragna Debats - Transvulcania - 2018-2

Ragna Debats racing the 2018 Transvulcania Ultramarathon. Photo: iRunFar/Meghan Hicks

Buying Advice: How to Choose a Lightweight Trail Racing Shoe

Weight

How low should you go when choosing the best lightweight trail running shoes for your feet? All the shoes in this guide are nine ounces or less, but their degrees of lightness vary greatly. If the average ultrarunning shoe is around 10 ounces, then the six-ounce Salomon S/Lab Pulsar 2 will feel like an entirely different shoe class.

While all the shoes in this guide are very light, they have different enough characteristics; you might opt for a slightly heavier shoe because of preferences for the midsole or outsole, or you might opt for the very lightest option because that’s what’s important to you.

A weight limit is a good benchmark when selecting a lightweight trail racing shoe, but there are many more elements to consider, and we chose a good cross-section of shoes with multiple options and features besides being light.

Comfort

Are any of these shoes actually comfortable? Unfortunately, none of this guide’s best lightweight trail running shoes will win a “most comfortable” competition if you compare them to shoes made for going super long, whether in ultramarathons or all-day adventure runs.

Most of these shoes are narrow and wide-footed runners or those with bunions may question which was least uncomfortable rather than choosing something particularly enjoyable to wear. The shoes here aren’t minimalist in the vein of barefoot trail running shoes, and many are actually very neutral in gait, but all are generally narrow and tough on runners with wide feet and feet prone to swelling during a long run. This is more an issue regarding the upper and shape of these shoes rather than the midsole feel, the latter of which is fairly outstanding in all the shoes in this guide.

All that being said, the Hoka Tecton X 2 was a reasonably comfortable shoe, especially for a lightweight one.

Durability

While durability for short trail races and quick training isn’t as important as for, say, a 100-mile race, it is still something to consider. All the shoes tested proved nearly as durable as their heavier counterparts.

The real innovation here is that so many brands could merge cushy midsoles into such an overall lightweight shoe. It could be my body type — I am six feet, four inches tall, and weigh 180 pounds — but I generally note that the midsole is the first component of my shoes to decline. To my delight, the shoes in this guide maintained the midsole ride as much as the heavier shoes I’ve tested.

In general, upper durability is not as important as the midsole and outsole when choosing the best lightweight trail running shoes, but it is still a factor. The uppers of these shoes are excellent, and we didn’t find any to wear excessively quickly. Still, because they are lightweight shoes, most of the uppers will wear out more quickly than your normal running shoes. The updated upper of the Salomon S/Lab Pulsar 2 is made of Matryx Mesh and held up well on trails, and the Arc’teryx Norvan SL 3 seemed virtually indestructible on rough terrain.

Best Lightweight Trail Running Shoes - Andreu Blanes 2022 World Mountain Running Championships Up and Down race

Andreu Blanes wears lightweight shoes during the 2022 World Mountain Running Championships Up-and-Down race. Photo: iRunFar/Meghan Hicks

Outsole and Midsole Characteristics

The type of trail race you’re running or the terrain you train on will likely influence the type of outsole and midsole you need the most.

Each outsole in this guide is fairly low profile. In some instances, like in the Hoka Tecton X 2, the midsole stack height is too extreme to move with stability over technical terrain. The Arc’teryx Norvan SL 3 has the biggest and most spaced-out lug pattern and is excellent for descending on all terrain, but the very light EVA midsole may leave you hurting after a 1,000-foot descent.

The solution in choosing a shoe is to match outsole and midsole characteristics to the course you’re running is to pay attention to the midsole density, midsole stack height, lug pattern, and type of outsole rubber compound.

Why You Should Trust Us

Don’t worry; despite creating this guide for the best lightweight trail running shoes that are more appropriate for sub-ultramarathon-distance racing, we haven’t changed our name to iRunShort! Even if we are named iRunFar, we have years of experience on trails and in races of every distance.

Many runners can and will push these shoes beyond a marathon or 50-kilometer distance, but we wanted to test shoes that would be most inviting for short and steep trail running and mountain running. This is like wearing a pair of road shoes versus spikes at a track workout — different tools for different running.

We zeroed in on lightweight shoes that are more well-rounded for all kinds of trail running, instead of some shoes made traditionally just for running in mud or fell running; we left these out mainly because they are a category unto themselves.

To create this guide, we researched hundreds of shoes in the trail running space, narrowed our potential shoes to those weighing nine ounces or less, and took a couple of dozen shoes into the field. We tested these shoes across the U.S.’s mountain west, primarily in Boulder, Colorado, Moab, Utah, and Bend, Oregon.

Please note that product models are routinely discontinued in the running world, while new ones frequently come to market. At the same time, we here at iRunFar often keep using our top picks in our daily running … they’re our top picks, after all! Sometimes, that continued use results in uncovering product failures. With all this — product discontinuations, product introductions, and product failures — in mind, we routinely update our buyer’s guides based on past and ongoing testing and research by our authors and editorial team. While these updates can appear to be us pushing the newest product, it’s anything but that. Most products will likely remain the same when we update any buyer’s guide. That matches our goal: to get you in the best gear you’ll use for a long time.

Best Lightweight Trail Running Shoes - Charlotte Morgan 2018 World Mountain Running Long Distance Championships

Lightweight shoes can significantly reduce energy use during a race. Photo: World Mountain Running Association

Frequently Asked Questions About Lightweight Trail Running Shoes

What kinds of runs and races can you run in these shoes?

The shoes in this guide are best for shorter trail runs and races, such as vertical kilometer races, half marathons, marathons, 50-kilometer races, and most skyrunning-style races. These types of races are more prevalent in Europe and elsewhere outside the United States, but I did my best to replicate these race distances and styles on my local trails, trying to attain some new P.R.s.

For some of these shoes, a relative lack of comfort and cushion limits them to particular course lengths and types of terrain. Know your shoe’s characteristics and the race course terrain, and choose accordingly. A shoe like the Arc’teryx Norvan SL 3 would provide quite a beating if worn for distances longer than a marathon.

Should we use these shoes only on race day?

No! For those of us whose daily run doesn’t often exceed 10 miles, you should and can always run in these shoes. Even if you are not looking for the best trail racing shoes, consider the shoes in this guide perfect for daily training runs and when you prefer faster-feeling shoes and a more streamlined design. Our testers found the Nnormal Kjerag to be comfortable enough for day-to-day running.

On the other hand, if you frequently run longer, you should consider other shoes from ultrarunning stalwart brands like Hoka, Altra, and others. If you’re looking for more information on trail running shoes that are not race-oriented, check out our Best Trail Running Shoes guide.

Does a lightweight shoe mean it is considered to be a minimalist shoe?

Some of the shoes in this guide are almost 50% lighter than normal trail running shoes. Does that make the best lightweight trail shoes minimalist? Not at all. These lightweight trail running shoes are indeed light, but that’s where the minimalist comparisons end. These shoes are cushioned, grippy, durable, and robust. In fact, the Hoka Tecton X 2 is a fully maximal shoe at a minimal weight.

Speedland SL:PDX - running outside

The author testing trail running shoes outside Boulder, Colorado. Photo: Christin Randall

Where to Buy Lightweight Trail Running Shoes

If you’re in the market for some trail racing shoes and have the chance, swing by your local running store to see if they can set you up with a pair. Not only will they have the knowledge to match a pair to your needs and the skill to size the shoes properly, but the store’s selection should also be well-suited for local trails.

Many local outdoor stores also carry a selection of trail running shoes, as they often double as great hiking shoes that would suit the local environment. A specialized and new shoe like the Nnormal Kjerag might be difficult to find at your local running or outdoor store. 

If you know what you’re looking for, online outdoor retailers like REI and Backcountry carry many trail racing shoes from many manufacturers. These days, you’re likely to find just as many or more trail shoes on Amazon, with free two-day shipping if you’re a Prime member.

If you’ve still not found a trail shoe that strikes your fancy, you could keep poking around Road Runner SportsRunning Warehouse, and even smaller specialty sites like Skyrun until you find your match.

Call for Comments

  • Are any of these lightweight trail running shoes your favorite for faster runs? Let us know your favorites!
  • Do you wear different styles or types of shoes for racing versus daily training?
Back to Our Top Lightweight Trail Running Shoes Picks
Craig Randall

Craig Randall is a Gear Editor and Buyer’s Guide Writer at iRunFar. Craig has been writing about trail running apparel and shoes, the sport of trail running, and fastest known times for four years. Aside from iRunFar, Craig Randall founded Outdoor Inventory, an e-commerce platform and environmentally-driven second-hand apparel business. Based in Boulder, Colorado, Craig Randall is a trail runner who has competed in races, personal projects, and FKTs.


Craig Randall

Eszter Horanyi identifies as a Runner Under Duress, in that she’ll run if it gets her deep into the mountains or canyons faster than walking would, but she’ll most likely complain about it. A retired long-distance bike racer, she gave ultra foot racing a go and finished the Ouray 100 in 2017, but ultimately decided that she prefers a slower pace of life of taking photos during long days in the mountains and smelling the flowers while being outside for as many hours of the day as possible. Eszter will take any opportunity to go adventuring in the mountains or desert by foot, bike, or boat, and has lived the digital nomad lifestyle throughout the west for the past seven years.