I started running with minimal shoes about three years ago. My old shoe was the NB Minimus trail and while a great shoe it just didnt have the protection over rocks. I ordered the Inov 8 Rocklite 315 hoping for that extra protection from rocks, expecting the shoe to weigh a ton. To my surprise, while heavier than the NB the 315 is a shoe you that is surprisingly light and definitely gave me the protection I needed. I've ordered a second pair as a back up but unless they are wet probably wont need it for years. Look at reviews of this shoe if you still have any doubt and you will see how/why Inov has taken a decisive lead in the running shoe market.