La Sportiva Helios 3

With the La Sportiva Helios 3 (or Helios III) comes the evolution of a legend of lightweight trail running: a shoe that was born as a "recovery" shoe for elite runners and ended up breaking records in vertical kilometres. At just 210 g for men and with a 4 mm drop, this third version hits harder than ever thanks to an injected EVA midsole that offers surprisingly generous cushioning for its low profile. The breathable mesh upper with ripstop nylon overlays keeps the foot cool and adds durability, while the Frixion AT 2.0 outsole, with a wave pattern and triangular lugs, bites into any terrain: dry rock, mud, technical trails and even linking sections of tarmac. An interesting option for light runners looking for ground feel without giving up some protection over short and medium distances.

The changes from earlier versions are deliberately restrained but effective. The forefoot keeps a precise fit without becoming narrow, the padded tongue and ankle collar improve comfort on long outings, and the traditional lacing ensures a solid midfoot lockdown. If you liked the earlier Helios, this third iteration is more polished, and La Sportiva does not usually update its models so often, which is welcome. If you never tried them because they seemed too minimalist, they are a good option compared with the more radical Merrell Trail Glove 8.

Underfoot is where the magic happens: Morpho Dynamic technology adapts the ride to uneven terrain without losing stability, and although there is no full rock guard, the compressed EVA platform offers flexible protection against sharp stones. There are no supercritical foams or promises of 80% energy return here: there is real ground feel, agility in technical sections and that "close to the ground" confidence that only truly light shoes offer. The Frixion Blue rubber is durable and versatile, although in very thick mud you may miss more aggressive lugs. What it is for: fast training sessions, races up to the half marathon on varied terrain, and those days when you want to go light without completely sacrificing comfort. It also shines on rocky, hard ground. What it is not for: long ultras (the protection falls short) or extreme mud (2–3 mm lugs are not enough). A Swiss Army knife of lightweight trail running that, with a competitive price, becomes a bargain for anyone looking for performance without dead weight.