When you’re picking ultralight hiking trail runners, remember to focus on things like the right fit, light materials, toughness, grip, support, breathability, and toe protection.
Don’t worry about the many choices out there because our guide is here to help you choose what’s best for you.
Key Specs
Weight: 7.65 ounces (217 grams) per shoe
Price: $$
PROS
✅ Ultralight
✅ Plenty room for the toes
CONS
❌ Narrow fit
When it comes to ultralight hiking trail runners, the Nike React Pegasus Trail 4 shines as a trustworthy companion for your outdoor escapades.
Built tough yet breathable with insights from runners, they conquer rocky terrains with underfoot traction while maintaining a smooth ride.
Flywire technology and Nike React foam ensure steadfast support and energized movement. The rubber outsole, designed using fellow hikers’ input, offers essential grip on various surfaces.
Remember, while the fit might be narrow, there’s ample room for your toes to savor comfort. For ultralight hiking, the Nike React Pegasus Trail 4 delivers responsiveness, durability, and support.
Key Specs
Weight: 9.42 ounces (267 grams) per shoe
Price: $$$
PROS
✅ Comfortable
✅ Great design
CONS
❌ Not the grippiest option
The Salomon Ultra Glide 2 shines as a versatile and comfortable choice for your outdoor adventures. This makes it an appealing option for traversing changing landscapes, no matter where your journey leads.
We can praise these shoes for their fantastic comfort and excellent tread. They remain cool in warmer weather and offer a secure fit. For longer hikes, they provide reliable support and lightweight design, which appeals especially to older runners.
The grip strikes a good balance for various conditions. Although they handle different terrains effectively, a minor concern is their elastic upper collecting debris, occasionally requiring cleaning.
Key Specs
Weight: 7.9 ounces (224 grams) per shoe
Price: $$
PROS
✅ Relatively affordable
✅ Good quality
CONS
❌ Runs large
The Saucony Ride 15 TR emerges as a premier choice for ultralight hikers. Engineered to elevate hiking experiences, it excels in both comfort and performance. With advanced cushioning and reliable traction, it assures a smooth journey across diverse terrains.
We do recommend ordering half a size down for a better fit. These shoes effectively reduce heel pain, showcasing the exceptional value of the Saucony Ride 15 TR. Its lightweight design and reliable attributes make it a compelling companion for your outdoor adventures.
Key Specs
Weight: 11.88 ounces (337 grams) per shoe
Price: $$
PROS
✅ Great grip
✅ Comfortable
CONS
❌ Relatively heavy
The adidas Terrex trail running shoes are a powerful choice. Developed in collaboration with ultrarunner athletes, these shoes combine durability and efficiency for serious trail endeavors.
Notably, the seven-point lacing system ensures a secure fit that feels like an extension of your foot. With a Continental Rubber outsole, extraordinary traction is at your service in all conditions – from start to finish. And while these shoes offer substantial grip, their slightly heavier build doesn’t hold back your potential.
Key Specs
Weight: 8.75 ounces (248 grams) per shoe
Price: $
PROS
✅ Affordable
✅ Comfortable
CONS
❌ Requires break-in
For ultralight hiking enthusiasts, the ASICS GEL-EXCITE TRAIL 2 shoes emerge as a versatile option. Specifically crafted for off-road terrain, these shoes are perfectly suited for trail runners and adventure seekers.
With a robust upper and supportive overlays, these shoes provide the stability needed on challenging terrains. The midsole boasts AMPLIFOAM PLUS technology, elevating cushioning with a greater stack height for a comfortable journey. Furthermore, the outsole’s lugged traction pattern ensures a solid grip on off-road surfaces.
It’s worth noting that these shoes might require a break-in period for optimal performance.
Trail runners are designed with specific features that set them apart from regular running shoes. They provide a grip on rugged terrain with lugged soles, ensuring stability and traction on dirt, mud, gravel, and rocky surfaces.
When deciding on the best trail runners, consider the shoe type, weight, cushioning level, heel-to-toe drop, and, most importantly, the fit.
Understanding the type of trails you plan to go to, whether light trail, rugged trail, or off-trail, helps in selecting the right shoes.
Weight is a crucial factor because even a slight difference, like 4 ounces per shoe, can add up significantly over the course of a day with 20,000 to 30,000 steps during your hike.
Cushioning options range from barefoot to maximum, catering to various preferences. Heel-to-toe drop influences your moving mechanics, and choosing a drop that matches your current shoes can be beneficial.
However, the most crucial factor is getting the right fit. Remember that your shoe size may change over time, so regular measurements are advisable.
Also, if you are looking for waterproof options, check our TOP 5 guide here.
