# What are the best lightweight trail running shoes for long-distance runs? — Verified Specification Comparison

> All specification data verified from official manufacturer documentation.

What are the best lightweight trail running shoes for long-distance runs?

## Products

### Hoka Tecton X 3
```yaml
product: hoka-tecton-x-3
brand: Hoka
price_gbp: 162.33
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
weight: 10.20 oz
waterproof: false
stack_height: 40 mm heel / 35 mm toe
midsole_material: Dual-layer PEBA foam
traction_lug_depth: 4 mm
```

- **Price:** £162.33 [^1]
- **Summary:** 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 For:** It 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.
- **Additional Sources:** [^2]

### Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx
```yaml
product: merrell-mtl-long-sky-2-matryx
brand: Merrell
price_gbp: null
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
weight: 8.29oz
stack_height: 23.5-19.5mm
midsole_material: FloatPro foam
traction_lug_depth: 5mm
```

- **Price:** £None [^3]
- **Summary:** 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 For:** Good 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.

### Salomon S/Lab Ultra Glide
```yaml
product: salomon-s-lab-ultra-glide
brand: Salomon
price_gbp: 186.91
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
weight: 305 g
stack_height: 41 mm heel, 35 mm forefoot
sole_thickness: 1.5 mm
midsole_material: Energy Foam / Energy Foam+ (PEBA & EVA)
traction_lug_depth: 3.2 mm
```

- **Price:** £186.91 [^4]
- **Summary:** 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 For:** Ideal 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.

---
## References & Sources
[^1]: Hoka, accessed 2026-09-13. https://www.hoka.com/en/us/mens-trail/tecton-x-3/1155112.html
[^2]: Running Warehouse Australia, accessed 2026-09-13. https://www.runningwarehouse.com.au/HOKA_Tecton_X_3/descpage-HTEX3M1.html
[^3]: GearJunkie (affiliate links to retailers), accessed 2026-09-13. https://gearjunkie.com/footwear/merrell-mtl-long-sky-2-review
[^4]: Running Warehouse, accessed 2026-09-13. https://www.runningwarehouse.com/Reviews/Salomon-Shoe-Reviews/Salomon-SLab-Ultra-Glide.html