LIGHT AND NIMBLE
If you crossed a mountain goat with a ballet dancer, the offspring would wear these shoes. The lightweight and easy-flexing 800 is especially nimble for a trail runner, delivering a smooth heel-to-toe transition on flat terrain. It has plenty of cushion for long runs, and the aggressively lugged outsole and low-profile construction proved secure and stable through tricky terrain on Boulder’s Rattlesnake Gulch Trail. 9.3 oz; newbalance.com
Bonus: The integrated lacing system provides a close, stable fit.
Bummer: The toe box was cramped for some testers, and it’s not as protective as we’d like.