What are the best lightweight trail running shoes for long-distance runs?
This page compares 3 lightweight trail running shoes with verified specifications and prices. Top options include Hoka Tecton X 3, Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx, Salomon S/Lab Ultra Glide. Prices range from £162 to £187. All data is sourced from manufacturer documentation and specialist retailers.
| Product ⇅ | Price ⇅ | Weight (oz) ⇅ | Sole Thickness (mm) ⇅ | Waterproof ⇅ | Traction Lug Depth (mm) ⇅ | Stack Height (mm) ⇅ | Midsole Material ⇅ |
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Hoka Tecton X 3
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£162.33 ≈ | 10.20 oz | — | ✗ | 4 mm | 40 mm heel / 35 mm toe | Dual-layer PEBA foam |
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The Hoka Tecton X 3 is a lightweight, carbon-plated trail racing shoe with a dual-layer PEBA midsole, 4 mm Vibram Megagrip lugs, and a durable quick-drying Matryx upper. Its high stack and propulsive design suit experienced runners targeting fast long-distance efforts on moderately technical trails. ★ Ideal forIt suits long-distance trail runs because its 10.20 oz weight, 40 mm heel stack, dual-layer PEBA foam, carbon plates, and 4 mm Vibram Megagrip lugs combine lightweight cushioning, propulsion, and reliable traction.
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Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx
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— | 8.29oz | — | — | 5mm | 23.5-19.5mm | FloatPro foam |
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Lightweight, low-profile mountain trail shoe with a Matryx Kevlar-reinforced upper, FloatPro foam midsole, and Vibram MegaGrip outsole with 5mm lugs. Designed for technical single-track and skyrunning, offering ground feel, breathability, and durable grip over varied terrain. ★ Ideal forGood for lightweight long-distance trail runs because it pairs a low 23.5-19.5mm stack height and 4mm drop with a responsive FloatPro foam midsole and a grippy Vibram MegaGrip 5mm lug outsole.
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Salomon S/Lab Ultra Glide
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£186.91 ≈ | 305 g | 1.5 mm | — | 3.2 mm | 41 mm heel, 35 mm forefoot | Energy Foam / Energy Foam+ (PEBA & EVA) |
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The S/Lab Ultra Glide is a high-stack, highly cushioned trail shoe built around Salomon's Energy Foam and Energy Foam+ layers with a wavy relieveSPHERE outsole and Contagrip traction. It offers a soft, springy ride, stable high sidewalls, Quicklace upper, and moderate lugs for mixed trail and road-to-trail use. It's aimed at long-distance runners who prioritize comfort and protection over minimal weight. ★ Ideal forIdeal for long-distance runs because its 41 mm heel / 35 mm forefoot stack, Energy Foam+ midsole, and stable high sidewalls provide extensive cushioning and durability for many miles.
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