Is it possible to take a minimalist approach to trail running? Of course. That said, the more technical the trail, the more sure-footed agility the minimally-shod runner needs.

Some argue that running in minimalist shoes on rocky, debris-strewn trails increases the chances of stubbed toes, turned ankles and inadvertent stumbles, and that’s probably true if you’re just starting out and haven’t learned how to dance over and around obstacles. But those who take the time and effort to adapt to minimal trail shoes like the ones listed below can find benefits the same as, or greater than, running in minimal shoes on other surfaces.

The biggest benefit is that your feet can feel and react to the ground and allow your running mechanics (posture, arm swing, head position) to be dictated from the ground up. The lighter weight also allows you to spring more nimbly and variably from footplant to footplant rather than landing wherever your foot is going to come down next in a static stride. That’s in contrast to most traditionally-built trail runners, which put a relatively thick and stiff platform between your feet and the ground that exponentially reduces natural foot flex and agility, and squashes and protects from the variability of the terrain underfoot.

Proceed cautiously if you’ve never run much trail before and don’t have a don’t have a light-on-your-feet nimbleness: you can get pretty dinged up and even seriously injured wearing minimalist trail shoes without some gradual adaptation. If you’ve adapted to minimal shoes on smoother terrain, however, or run enough trails to feel comfortable without the added protection, a light pair of trail “racers” can take your off-road runner to new heights of enjoyment.

Note: The shoes listed below are presented because they are generally lighter shoes and offer a range of trail features. They’re all available as of Fall 2010, but there are many more light and fast trail runners on the way in Spring 2011.

ASICS GEL-Trail Attack, 11.7 oz./9.6 oz., $85;

ASICS GEL-Tarther, 7.4 oz./6.2 oz., $90
(This is technically not a trail shoe, but it’s a racing flat with a particularly grippy outsole.)

Brooks Cascadia 5, 12.6 oz., 10.1 oz., $100

Inov-8 Roclite 285, 10.0 oz., 8.8 oz., $95

Inov-8 X-Talon 212, 7.5 oz., 6.5 oz., $100

Montrail Mountain Masochist, 11.4 oz./9.8 oz., $115

Montrail Rockridge, 11.0 oz./9.6 oz., $90

New Balance 100, 7.7 oz./6.0 oz., $75

Pearl Izumi Peak XC, 9.0 oz./8.1 oz., $115

Salomon Speedcross 2, 11.0 oz./8.6 oz., $100