The Helios 2.0 was one of the most flexible shoes in our test, bending easily at the forefoot and lacking a firm, plastic heel counter. The result is a smooth, uninhibited stride in a shoe that has sock-like comfort. Yet it excels both on and off-road. Responsive cushioning saves joints on paved and hard dirt sections, yet doesn’t mush out when the trail gets technical. TPU overlays give structure to the upper, and the quick-pull laces secure the shoe for agile rock hopping and turning on tight singletrack. The sticky heel helps with downhill traction. Swami gripe: Shoe runs a half- to a whole-size small. Swami like: Featherlight. 8.75 oz. (men’s), 6.5 oz. (women’s)
