The Hoka Zinal 3, priced at $150, stands out as a lightweight trail running shoe. It offers a 5-millimeter heel-to-toe drop and a 5-millimeter lug depth. The shoe weighs 8.4 ounces for a men's size 9.

Key updates include a supercritical foam midsole, improved upper for breathability, and a new proprietary rubber outsole. The Zinal 3 maintains its secure fit and versatile performance across various terrains. Read more gear coverage.

Designed for technical trails and shorter races, the Zinal 3 also performs well on longer distances. It provides comfort and responsiveness, making it suitable for ultras up to 100 miles. Related: Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 5: A Marathon Runner's Choice.

This original Runner World brief is based on reporting from iRunFar. Visit the source for its complete reporting, context and any later corrections.