Anybody know a trail runner with not much sole height? A racer maybe? Running shops don’t stock a lot of options.
For lightweight, the Inov8 X-Talon shoes.
Merrel have a good range - https://www.merrell.com/US/en/men-barefoot/
I’ve been a fan of the Trail Glove for a wee while.
Check out Seth DeMoor’s YouTube channel for the best shoe reviews on the Internet. The video below is a trail shoe matrix - see the race shoe category for the lightest options.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JKT4a6GxDA&list=PLfYfIYL7lfsKcPRzmxkGNUc7TmTeO7i58&index=1
i’ve been racing swimrun in the adidas terrex 190 lately - it’s a rocket. low stack height and moderate drop, but good lugs.
first adidas shoe i’ve used in . . .decades? but i was searching for the same thing as you and i’ve been extremely happy with it.
Altra Superior used to be in this category, but like the entire Altra line, they’ve gone away from minimalist designs and are following in Hoka’s footsteps. The current Superior may work for you, judge for yourself.
The original Trail Glove was a brilliant shoe (I still have one pair), but later iterations went narrower, and the toe box has gone to a bunion-producing pointy-toed fashion statement.
Good luck. I’ve been toying with cobbling my own for a while now…
Adidas Terex 190 or Speed Ultra 240
Inov8 X-Talon
VJ Irock if you need the best grip in the world bar none
VJ also have some other models with a bit more cushioning.
I don’t know if it is made anymore, but I love my Hoya Evo Claw…lightweight, drains fast, thin sole, good traction. Good luck!
Salomon s lab sense is the best in existence according to me
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Atreyu.
Skechers GoRun Razor trail is light. I haven’t tried them so I can’t provide any intel on how they are.
I have the Hoka Torrent 2 - not super low, but a lot less than the other Hoka options. It’s pretty speedy and light. I don’t run trails a ton, but used it almost exclusively on a trip to Sedona in the spring, and really enjoyed it then.
Maybe try a look at Xero, Lems, or Vivobarefoot (quite minimalist).
Altra Superior used to be in this category, but like the entire Altra line, they’ve gone away from minimalist designs and are following in Hoka’s footsteps. The current Superior may work for you, judge for yourself.
The original Trail Glove was a brilliant shoe (I still have one pair), but later iterations went narrower, and the toe box has gone to a bunion-producing pointy-toed fashion statement.
Good luck. I’ve been toying with cobbling my own for a while now…
yes the XC version were so good my buddy is going all over ebay buying every last pair made at his size for himself. im looking for 11.5 for myself. I just have escalante but they dont have grip for trails
Stop what you’re doing cuz I’m about to ruin the rhyme and style that you’re used to.
Seriously, check out the Saucony Switchback 2. Absolute favorite trail shoe for non ultra distance. Minimal sole. Great traction and comfort. The only thing better is if this was combined with an Altra mold for better toe box.
I don’t know how they have such a minimal sole with such great protection from rocks. This shoe is amazing. The BOA is a plus, but not the main seller.
I’ve worn everything from Altra, HOKA, Nike, Saucony, and Topo. The Switchback 2 is still by far the best.
I only wish this existed when I raced Xterra. With the BOA. It woulda saved my milliseconds I’m sure 
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Stop what you’re doing cuz I’m about to ruin the rhyme and style that you’re used to.
Seriously, check out the Saucony Switchback 2. Absolute favorite trail shoe for non ultra distance. Minimal sole. Great traction and comfort. The only thing better is if this was combined with an Altra mold for better toe box.
I don’t know how they have such a minimal sole with such great protection from rocks. This shoe is amazing. The BOA is a plus, but not the main seller.
I’ve worn everything from Altra, HOKA, Nike, Saucony, and Topo. The Switchback 2 is still by far the best.
I only wish this existed when I raced Xterra. With the BOA. It woulda saved my milliseconds I’m sure .
Interesting shoe and I like Saucony. When I was doing Xterra I used the Asics Fuji Racer and then the Mizuno Hayate which were both low stack with good rock protection. Somehow they managed to discontinue both of them 