Looking for a fast and lightweight pair of shoes for your next race? Or for a responsive daily trainer for your tempo runs? Or perhaps you need trail running shoes that don’t feel heavy on your feet?
We’ve got you covered – in this article, we’ve looked into the best lightweight running shoes on the market right now, to help you pick the right model for you. That means you'll find pairs that are suitable for 5k and 10k runs all the way up to half-marathons and marathons!
How light are lightweight running shoes?
Racing shoes are usually lighter, but they also offer less stability; racing shoes under 7 oz (200g) are considered lightweight, and they may or may not be carbon plated. If you’re looking at daily trainers, lightweight shoes will usually sit around 8.8 oz or 250g. And, if you’re looking at trail running shoes, these might be 1-2 oz heavier, simply because of the differences in materials to ensure a better grip.
How to choose the right lightweight running shoe
Here are the things you should consider when picking your next running shoes, especially if you’re looking for something lightweight:
Intended use
A race shoe will be different from your daily trainer or your next pair of trail running shoes, so the way you intend to use the shoes you’re looking to buy is very important. For example, if you’re looking for shoes for:
- Racing, you can choose ultra-light shoes with minimal cushioning for speed
- Training, you should look for a lightweight shoe that offers sufficient cushioning – and is durable enough
- Trail running, ensure there's sufficient grip and protection
Fit and comfort
When it comes to running shoes, fit is everything, and sizing tends to not always be 100% accurate. That’s why we’d suggest going to a local running store and trying a few of the models you’re considering, rather than simply ordering them online.
When you put them on, trainers should feel comfortable from the start. If they’re feeling awkward or uncomfortable or if they give you minor aches, then it’s not a good match – no matter how many good reviews you’ve found online.
Stability
When it comes to stability, lightweight shoes don’t always have the same level of support as more cushioned shoes, and especially if you’re looking at race shoes and carbon-plated supershoes. However, your daily trainers should offer sufficient stability to not lead to injury when you go out for a run multiple times a week. And, if you’re serious about your training, you might want to start building a shoe rotation at some point (of tempo shoes, daily trainers, waterproof shoes, race shoes, and so on).
Best lightweight running shoes
Here are our favorite lightweight runners, most of them ideal for faster workouts:
- Hoka One One Mach 6: Best overall
- New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4: Best daily trainer
- Nike Vaporfly 3: Best for racing
- Saucony Kinvara 15: Best for short to middle distances
- Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra: Best for trails
- Brooks Hyperion Tempo: Best for tempo runs
- Saucony Endorphin Speed 4: Best for speed work
- ASICS Superblast 2: Best for longer runs
The same running shoe won't suit every runner and every run. When it comes to finding the right pair, many factors come into play, such as your biomechanics, preferences, the types of runs you need them for, and more. Below, you’ll find more info about each shoe, but remember to try them on and see how they feel on your feet.
1. Hoka One One Mach 6: Best overall
The Hoka One One Mach 6 is one of the best all-around lightweight running shoes, offering top comfort and agility for various paces and types of workouts, from easy runs to faster efforts. The shoe offers a smooth, stable ride with good cushioning for longer and faster runs.
This model comes with a new SCF (Super Critical Foam) EVA midsole, which provides a responsive ride rather than the soft, bouncy feel of its predecessor. Its grippy outsole makes it a versatile choice for different weather conditions, too.
If you’re looking for a versatile and lightweight non-plated shoe that can handle different workouts and distances, this is a top choice. The shoe weighs just 7.4 oz (210g) for men's size 9 and 6.7 oz (190g) for women's size 8.
Best for: Faster workouts; daily training
Weight: 7.4 oz (210g) for men's size 9 and 6.7 oz (190g) for women's size 8
Drop: 5 mm
Price: $140
Buy it here: Hoka One One store
Pros:
- Excellent balance of cushioning, responsiveness, and versatility in a very light package
- Suitable for different kinds of runs
- Lightweight, breathable upper mesh
- Plenty of pretty colorways to choose from
Cons:
- Snug, narrow fit, which might not be suitable for wide feet
2. New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4: Best daily trainer
Thanks to its FuelCell midsole foam, the Rebel v4 offers a soft, bouncy, and energetic trainer. Many runners who have tried it say it’s a very versatile shoe that you can use on any type of workout, from slower days to faster, more uptempo workouts.
The Rebel v4 remains very lightweight, at 7.5 oz (212g) for a US men's size 9, and its upper mesh offers excellent lockdown. Runners say it runs slightly short, so keep that in mind when trying it on (or ordering it online).
Best for: Daily training and tempo runs
Weight: 7.5 oz (212g) for a US men's size 9
Drop: 6mm
Price: $140
Buy it here: New Balance store
Pros:
- A bouncy and fun shoe that can handle lots of different paces
- Offers enough stability to be a daily trainer
- Significant improvement over V2 and V3
Cons:
- Not suitable for very long runs (over 30 km)
- Runs slightly short, you might need to go half a size higher
3. Nike Vaporfly 3: Best for racing
Nike Vapofly 3 is one of Nike’s carbon-plated supershoes that’s ideal for race day. It’s suitable for any distance, from 5k to marathons, and is designed for high energy return and better stability, compared to previous models.
Thanks to its ZoomX foam, it offers a smooth ride and it’s also slightly firmer than earlier versions. Still, given that this is a carbon-plated trainer, it’s not a good idea to use it for regular training; keep it for races and the occasional speed workout. But, given its limited durability (of around 100 miles at its best, race-ready performance) and high price point, you wouldn’t want to do that anyway.
It fits small, according to Nike’s official website, so they recommend going a size up.
Best for: Racing
Weight: 200g/7.1oz (Men's US 10)
Drop: 8mm
Price: $260
Buy it here: Nike store
Pros:
- Full-length carbon fiber FLYPLATE, which provides an excellent return of energy
- Designed for better stability than previous versions
- Bouncy and fast shoe that’s ideal for races
Cons:
- More expensive than other shoes
- Its top performance is limited to about 100 miles (as with other similar supershoes)
4. Saucony Kinvara 15: Best for short to middle distances
If you’re looking for a shoe that you put on and forget about, the Saucony Kinvara 15 is a top choice as a daily trainer for short to middle distances (up to 15 km). It provides a minimalist experience and is a very flexible shoe, with Saucony’s PWRRUN foam.
At 7 oz (200g), it’s one of the lightest shoes out there that is suitable for daily training and faster efforts. It offers good ground contact and energy return and could also be a solid choice if you’re looking for a non-plated racing option.
Best for: Shorter to middle distances and faster workouts
Weight: 200g/7 oz
Drop: 4mm
Price: $120
Buy it here: Saucony store
Pros:
- Minimalist, ultra-flexible shoe that’s designed to withstand the demands of daily training
- Has a PWRRUN foam midsole for a firm and stable feel
- Comfortable fit with a wider base compared to previous versions
- Excellent value at its price point
Cons:
- Not ideal for longer distances
- May feel flat at slower paces
5. Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra: Best for trails
If you’re looking for a light and fast shoe in which to hit the trails, Adidas’ Terrex Speed Ultra is a top choice. It’s lightweight for its category (9.52 oz or 270 g) but doesn’t compromise on grip and ground contact, thanks to its Continental™ rubber with 2.5 to 3mm lugs, which are ideal for dry trails, grass, and hardpack.
It comes with Boost foam in the heel/midfoot and Lightstrike foam throughout. The combination of the two provides good cushioning, energy return, and stability. This makes it one of the fastest trail shoes on the market at the moment.
Best for: Soft to moderately technical trails
Weight: 200g/7 oz for men’s size 9
Drop: 8mm
Price: $220
Buy it here: Adidas store
Pros:
- Excellent fast shoe for trails
- Reliable traction for dry and moderately wet conditions
- Suitable for any distance, including ultramarathons
- Quick drying upper
Cons:
- Not ideal for deep mud and slippery trails
- Narrow fit that may not suit all foot shapes
6. Brooks Hyperion Tempo: Best for tempo runs
Another good lightweight option is the Brooks’ Hyperion Tempo trainer, which offers a natural, responsive ride that excels at faster paces, thanks to its nitrogen-infused DNA FLASH foam.
Its firm and snappy feel will enable you to pick up the pace easily while maintaining your natural mechanics. This shoe is a great choice if you’re looking for a lightweight, responsive option for faster-paced training and racing, especially those who prefer a more natural feel and lower stack height. It’s suitable for shorter races (5k to half marathon).
Best for: Tempo runs and hard workouts
Weight: 6.7 oz (190g) for men's size 9
Drop: 8mm
Price: $150
Buy it here: Brooks store
Pros:
- Solid option for speed workouts and races at short to middle distances
- Offers a balance between lightweight cushioning and good energy return
- Flexible sole with mild rocker geometry
Cons:
- Some runners find the toe box narrow
- May feel firm (not ideal for runners who prefer more cushioned shoes)
7. Saucony Endorphin Speed 4: Best for speed work
If you’re looking for a shoe that offers a soft, bouncy, and energetic ride and which you can use to pick up the pace, Saucony’s Endorphin Speed is a great option. It comes with a nylon plate, which makes it ideal for faster efforts, but you can also use it for your daily training.
The shoe uses Saucony's SpeedRoll technology, which creates a rolling effect that propels you forward with each step, making it feel efficient and energy-saving.
Best for: Everyday training and speed work
Weight: 8.2oz (233g) for men’s size 9
Drop: 8mm
Price: $170
Buy it here: Saucony store
Pros:
- Flexible, yet responsive Nylon plate for extra speed
- Cushioned shoe that is suitable for daily workouts (unlike carbon-plated shoes)
- Can be used for races
- Saucony’s premium PWRRUN PB foam
Cons:
- Heel counter is less padded, which might cause discomfort for some runners
8. ASICS Superblast 2: Best for longer runs
The Asics Superblast 2 is a highly cushioned, responsive, and lightweight shoe that’s ideal for longer runs. It offers significant improvements over its previous iteration in terms of upper fit and overall feel, and, like some of the other shoes on this list, it has a dual-layer midsole, consisting of a top layer of FF Turbo+ foam (PEBA-based) and a bottom layer of FF Blast+ Eco foam (EVA-based).
While you can use this shoe for shorter distances, where it truly excels is longer runs and even races (half-marathon and beyond). It might feel slightly stiff at first, but give it some time and it’ll break in soon enough, after approximately 10-15 miles.
Best for: Longer uptempo efforts
Weight: 250 g/8.8 oz for men’s size 9
Drop: 8mm
Price: $200
Buy it here: Asics store
Pros:
- Responsive, energized, bouncy feel
- Soft grip for better traction
- Improved stretch, comfort, breathability, and fit
Cons:
- Feels slightly stiff initially
- Tapered toe box may put pressure on toes over longer distances
Match your new lightweight shoes with a personalized training plan
Now that you know what the best lightweight running shoes on the market are, you’ll simply have to go to your local shoe store and try them on to select the best fit.
But to unlock your full running potential and smash those goals, you need a structured training program – and, ideally, one that’s adapted to your next race, current performance, and availability. Runna, your #1 running coaching app, offers exactly that: Customizable training plans that set out all your workouts for you, including optional strength training and mobility work.
Join us to level up your running game – your first week is on us!
