GoLite Footwear Women’s Spring Lite Trail Shoes
GoLite Footwear Spring Lite Running Shoes – minimalist trail shoes
Why go barefoot when you can GoLite? With barefoot running being the latest rage, many shoe companies are releasing minimalist running shoes that stimulate a natural stride while offering your feet some protection from the hazards of the trail.
The Spring Lite Women’s Trail Shoes feature GoLite’s BareTech design. This zero heel drop design promotes a natural stride – similarly to how you run when barefoot. Traditionally running shoes have been built with a 12-15 mm heal to toe differential and recent studies have suggested that a raised heel encourages heel striking which leads to running injuries. Running shoes, like the GoLite Spring Lite, with a nearly level heal to toe difference are thought to allow the body to move in the most natural way.
The Spring Lites fit my relatively wide foot well as is, but you can customize the shoe to your foot with GoLite’s “Precise Fit” system. By easily removing or adding a pad to the insole, you can customize the shoe’s forefoot volume to get the perfect fit. This is a great feature if you have slightly different sized feet. These shoes are also the lightest I’ve ever owned and I can barely notice the weight of them on my feet. Only downside is their lack of traction. They are perfect for hardpack but just didn’t give me enough traction to feel confident on steep rocky descents.
Also it is important to note that if you’re transitioning from traditional running shoes to minimalist shoes you’re going to want to ease into it. When I first starting running in the Spring Lites my achilles felt really tight and I had some new pains pop up in my shins. With minimalist shoes you will engage different muscles in your feet and lower legs since you’ll be landing less on your heel and this can take some getting used to.
The Quick & Dirty
Where you can find one:
Altrec: $109.95
Amazon: $110.00
Why they rock:
- Soft Against the Ground Technology for superior stability and comfort
- BareTech platform with a zero drop heel and contoured last for a natural ride
- Crossover outsole made with Gripstick™ Rubber for excellent traction and durability on hard packed groomed trails
- Class 1 series designed for elite outdoor athletes
- Ultra-light dual density EVA midsole
- TPE cage construction
- Lightweight, performance mesh upper
- 3 degrees posting medial to lateral
- PreciseFit system instantly customizable to fit N/M/W foot
- Available in women’s sizes 5.5-11
Seat-of-the-pants rating: 9 out of 10
The Spring Lites are lightweight, comfortable, plenty roomy, and anything but bulky. I’ve been running in them for about a month and a half now and they truly make my feet happy. If you’ve been thinking about trying out minimalist trail shoes I highly recommending giving these babies a try. For you guys out there looking for a great minimalist shoe, check out GoLite’s AmpLite.
Looking to buy? Here’s where you can get one:
Altrec: $109.95
Amazon: $110.00