Looking for the best lightweight running shoes? Check out our top picks.
Runners have praised these shoes for their comfort, durability, and lightweight design, making them perfect for long-distance or speed workouts.
Don’t settle for heavy and bulky shoes – try these lightweight options today:
- Best for Speed Work: Nike Zoom Fly 4
- Best For All Running Levels: Brooks Launch 9
- Most Versatile: Adidas Adizero Boston 10
- Best for Tempo Runs: New Balance FuelCell Rebel V3
- Best for Long Distances: Hoka One One Rincon 3
- Best for Stability: Saucony Kinvara 11
- Best for Joint Pain: ASICS Gel-DS Trainer 24
Benefits of Lightweight Running Shoes
The best lightweight running shoes help to improve running performance by reducing the shoe’s weight, making it easier to move quickly and efficiently. This can help to reduce fatigue and increase speed.
The shoe’s reduced weight can also help reduce foot fatigue and discomfort during longer runs. This is a great feature for someone training for something like a half or full marathon.
Lightweight shoes may help increase agility, making it easier to change direction quickly and navigate tight turns during runs.
Something many people do not think about but can be super important if you are looking to level up and set a new personal best at your next road race!
If you are injury-prone, utilizing one of the best lightweight running shoes can be helpful because they feature more advanced cushioning and support technology than heavier shoes.
When selecting the best lightweight running shoes, you must consider your foot type, running style, and training goals to ensure the shoes provide the best support and performance benefits.
What to Look for in the Best Lightweight Running Shoes
The best lightweight running shoes should provide adequate cushioning to absorb the impact of each stride and protect the feet and legs from injury. You should look for a pair of shoes that offers responsive and durable cushioning.
Lightweight shoes still need to provide proper support to the feet and ankles. This helps prevent overpronation (rolling inward) or supination (rolling outward) during the stride.
Even when looking into lightweight shoes, you should look for shoes with proper arch support and stability.
A proper fit is essential for comfort and performance. Ensure that your shoes are snug but not tight, leaving enough room in the toe box for natural foot movement.
You should seek out lightweight shoes with durable rubber outsoles and reinforced upper materials and make sure they are breathable. Many of the best lightweight running shoes have mesh or perforated uppers, allowing airflow.
The best lightweight running shoes should be flexible enough for natural foot movement .
Remember to consider the purpose of your running shoes. Do you need them for speed workouts, long-distance or trail running?
Now let’s check out the 7 best lightweight running shoes…
7 Best Lightweight Running Shoes
#1 Best for Speed Work: Nike Zoom Fly 4
Weight: 9.6oz, Shoe Type: Racing Shoe, Heel-to-toe drop: 8mm
| Pros | Cons |
| Lightweight yet sturdy | Expensive |
| Carbon fiber plate | Narrow fit may not be suitable for all foot types |
| Responsive cushioning |
If you run at all or know anything about shoes then Nike is all too familiar, and you probably know they are no stranger to making fast shoes. The Nike Zoom Fly 4 is a lightweight running shoe for speed and performance.
This shoe features a full-length carbon fiber plate that provides a responsive and propulsive ride while remaining lightweight.
Looking beyond the carbon fiber plate, the midsole is made with Nike’s ZoomX foam, a highly responsive and well-cushioned material that provides a comfortable and energized ride. Many use the word “springy” when talking about these shoes.
One of the unique features of the Zoom Fly 4 is its Aerodynamic heel design, designed to reduce drag and improve airflow around the shoe during runs.
This helps reduce the energy required for each stride, allowing runners to maintain their speed and efficiency for longer periods.
#2 Best For All Running Levels: Brooks Launch 9
Weight: 8.2oz, Shoe Type: Neutral/Performance Running Shoe, Heel-to-toe drop: 10mm
| Pros | Cons |
| Comfortable and versatile | Not great for flat feet |
| Responsive cushioning | Not ideal for long-distances |
| Budget Friendly |
Brooks are well-known for running and racing shoes and offer one of the best lightweight running shoes. The Brooks Launch 9 is one of their lightweight models. This shoe is a versatile running shoe that is perfect for runners of all levels.
It features a BioMoGo DNA midsole that provides all the cushion you need as you log miles while still being responsive.
You will forget you even have shoes on as you glide along, especially since the midsole also has a segmented crash pad that helps to provide a smooth and stable foot transition.
One great thing about this shoe is the internal bootie construction, which helps to keep the foot securely in place during runs. No need to worry about slipping around in your shoes if you plan to take these to the track.
The GuideRails support system is designed to provide support and stability for the feet and knees during runs and is a highlight feature of the Launch 9.
The system works by guiding the foot into a natural and efficient motion, which helps to reduce the risk of injury and fatigue.
#3 Most Versatile: Adidas Adizero Boston 10
Weight: 9.2oz, Shoe Type: Racing/Performance Running Shoe, Heel-to-toe drop:10 mm
| Pros | Cons |
| Lightweight and comfortable | Not ideal for wide feet |
| Breathable mesh upper | Complaints of lack of arch support |
| Suitable for speed-work and long distances | Heavier than other lightweight shoes |
Adidas may not be the most talked about running shoe brand nowadays, but they still know how to make a light and fast shoe. The Adidas Adizero Boston 10 is designed for moving fast and breaking personal bests.
A responsive Lightstrike midsole provides excellent cushioning and energy return, and the midsole also has a torsion system that helps to provide stability for those that want a more secure feel.
If you plan to run on slick surfaces, then the outsole of this shoe makes it a great one for you. It is made with durable and grippy Continental rubber material that provides traction on a variety of surfaces.
One of the unique features of the Adizero Boston 10 is its Boost Lightstrike stack height, it provides a cushioned ride without adding extra weight to the shoe. This shoe has a sleek and modern design that looks stylish on and off the track.
#4 Best for Tempo Runs: New Balance FuelCell Rebel V3
Weight: 7.4oz, Shoe Type: Everyday Running Shoe, Heel-to-toe drop: 6mm
| Pros | Cons |
| Comfortable fit | Narrow fit does not suit everyone |
| Responsive and durable cushioning | Not ideal for flat feet |
| Affordable |
The New Balance FuelCell Rebel V3 is designed for runners who want a fast and energetic ride.
Complete with a full-length FuelCell midsole, this shoe is well cushioned, and you can count on it being responsive.
Complete with a midsole that promotes a quick and smooth transition from heel to toe during runs, your turnover should feel faster than ever when you slip these bad boys on.
The FuelCell Rebel V3 features a reinforced heel that locks your heel in so that the only movement you experience is the push off the ground, not within your shoe.
This will help you feel more stable when you are running.
A special feature of this shoe is the EnergySole, a layer of responsive foam that sits underneath the insole to provide additional cushioning and support. It also has a sleek and modern design that looks stylish wherever you run.
#5 Best for Long Distances: Hoka One One Rincon 3
Weight: 7.2oz, Shoe Type: Everyday Running Shoe, Heel-to-toe drop: 5mm
| Pros | Cons |
| Great cushioning | Not ideal for speed workouts |
| Suitable for long-distances | Not ideal for flat feet |
| Comfortable fit |
Hoka shoes are well known for the extensive amount of cushioning. If you are a runner who wants all of the cushioning without the added weight, then the Hoka One One Rincon 3 is the shoe for you.
It has a full-compression EVA midsole which is ideal for absorbing shock as you clip down the pace and chip off the miles. The sculpted design of this midsole also promotes transitions that feel smooth, which will encourage you to keep running.
Do you tend to blister? The seamless construction of this shoe is meant to help reduce the chances of you experiencing irritation and chafing on your feet. No one wants to log a bunch of miles in a shoe that rubs them the wrong way, literally!
This shoe is also great for runners who have a habit of overpronating.
The shoe’s heel counter will give you the support and stability needed to keep everything right where it needs to be, so you don’t run yourself into injury.
The early-stage Meta-Rocker technology of the Hoka One One Rincon 3 is a rockered design that enables you to have both quick and smooth heel-to-toe turnover. This keeps you efficient, for those running longer distances.
#6 Best for Stability: Saucony Kinvara 11
Weight: 6.2oz, Shoe Type: Neutral/Cushioned Running Shoe, Heel-to-toe drop: 4mm
| Pros | Cons |
| Durable rubber outsole | Not suitable for wide feet |
| Suitable for all types of runs | Lack of arch support |
| Responsive |
One of the lightest and most stable and cushioned shoes on the market, the Saucony Kinvara 11 is your key to setting personal bests! This lightweight running shoe is meant to be your go-to performance shoe.
The midsole of a shoe can be a make or break for a runner. This shoe has a PWRRUN cushioning midsole. Still very lightweight, this midsole responds well as you push off the ground and thanks to the comfort of the midsole, your feet will not be aching.
Compared to some others, this midsole has a lot of flexibility. This is a bonus because it allows your foot to follow a natural motion as you are running.
We mentioned that this shoe is best for stability. This is because it features Saucony’s FORMFIT technology. This creates a contoured footbed and midsole that is meant to conform to the runner’s foot. This allows you to enjoy a customized fit and enhanced support. Say goodbye to aching feet!
One of the unique features of the Kinvara 11 is its minimalistic design, it is super lightweight and has a low profile and a 4 mm heel-to-toe drop. This heel drop promotes a more forward foot strike and a faster, more efficient stride.
#7 Best for Joint Pain: ASICS Gel-DS Trainer 24
Weight: 9oz, Shoe Type: Performance/Stability Running Shoe, Heel-to-toe drop: 8mm
| Pros | Cons |
| Gel cushioning | Narrow fit |
| Suitable for all types of runs | Not be suitable for runners with severe overpronation |
| Great shock absorption |
If you have had a history of knee, ankle, or lower leg pain then you may be interested in the ASICS Gel-DS Trainer 24. It is slightly heavier than its other lightweight competitors, but worth it.
This running shoe contains a FlyteFoam midsole, ASICS’ lightweight foam technology. The midsole is also reinforced with a layer of GEL cushioning in the heel.
Both of these things together are a great way to provide extensive impact absorption, which helps to protect the feet and legs during runs. Keep running while keeping the pain at bay!
One of the unique features of this running shoe is the Trusstic System technology. This is a plastic shank located under the arch of the foot. Its purpose it to provide additional support and stability.
The ASICS High Abrasion Rubber (AHAR) outsole is also very durable and provides excellent traction on various surfaces.
7 Best Lightweight Running Shoes – Takeaways
So here you go – our collection of high-performance footwear designed for runners seeking to optimize their speed, agility, and comfort.
Each shoe has its own unique strengths and features, so it’s important to consider individual needs and preferences when selecting the right pair. The list of shoes provided represent the best of what’s currently available in the lightweight running shoe market.
When choosing the best lightweight running shoes, make sure to consider your individual needs and preferences. Whether you’re an experienced runner or just getting into it, finding the right lightweight shoe can make all the difference in your running experience.
