Lafuma Speedlight
Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.
Lafuma Speedlight
Editor’s Choice/Best Stability Shoe
$110, 12.7 oz, www.lafumausa.com
The Dirt. Much improved from Lafuma’s previous trail runners, the Speedlight lives up to its name. Testers felt light and fast on the trail and its breathable mesh upper also dried quickly; testers said even thoroughly soaked shoes dried completely before the next day’s run.
Separate pull-tab systems (featuring a pocket on the tongue to tuck in excess lacing) over the forefoot and mid-foot areas allow independent lacing adjustments. A mesh tongue is integrated seamlessly into the shoe, and testers lauded it for keeping out dirt and debris. An aggressive Vibram outsole allowed testers to tackle quick turns and gnarly singletrack without concern.
Fit. The Speedlight runs about a half size long and is best suited for low- to medium-volume feet. A solid posting on the medial side prevents over-pronation and stabilizes feet on uneven trail surfaces.
Best For. “A good all-around shoe,” according to one tester, the Speedlight is ideal for trail runs of any distance over all types of terrain, whether you’re racing a well-groomed trail half marathon or a technical 100-miler. The grippy outsole performs particularly well on wet rock. One tester praised its performance on some of the rockiest sections of the Appalachian Trail.
Tester-monial. “The Lafuma Speedlight grips mud like I’m wearing spikes, breathes extremely well and dries fast. They are sitting by my back door right now, drying out after a short run today, hoping for more mud to slide around in tomorrow morning.” —Hilary Lang, Suttons Bay, Michigan