The Best Lightweight Running Shoes of 2024

Running is hard enough on the body; we don't need heavy shoes to make it even harder! Thus, many runners consider weight to be a primary factor when it comes to buying a new pair of running shoes. Not too long ago, the amount of cushioning correlated with the weightiness of a shoe. Unfortunately, that put runners in a position of having to choose between a decent amount of cushioning or having a lightweight shoe, but thankfully, this is no longer the case. With the massive innovations we've seen in shoe technology, which includes foams getting lighter than ever, runners can now enjoy the best of both worlds!

However, for runners who still enjoy minimalist shoes and staying connected to the ground, there are still shoes out there to quench that thirst. In the end, we can all agree that it's a major "W" for all runners that shoes are more lightweight than ever. To help you decide which type of lightweight shoe fits your running lifestyle the best, we've compiled a list of our current top lightweight running shoes.

Let's start with the basics—what exactly are we talking about when we say "lightweight running shoe?" Not too long ago, it was not uncommon to judge whether a shoe was lightweight just by looking at the number on the scale. Anything under 9 oz (in a Men's US 9) would be considered by many to fit the definition of a lightweight running shoe. In today's running world, there are multiple factors to consider (in addition to weight), which we believe is actually a good thing. Here at Running Warehouse, we consider the following factors when determining if a shoe is lightweight:

• Weight to Cushioning Ratio - As we've discussed, you no longer have to choose between the weight of a shoe and the amount of cushioning it has. With midsole foams continuing to get lighter and lighter, you can find many excellent shoes that contain a lot of cushioning without being absolute clunkers. Thus, we take into account how much a shoe weighs in relation to the amount of cushioning it has.

• How the shoe feels on foot - Another way we evaluate the weight of a shoe is by how it feels on foot and on the run. If the midsole cushioning of a shoe delivers a responsive ride, then you will have an easier time with your leg turnover, thereby increasing your running economy. The geometry of a shoe can also make a big difference in the underfoot feel. Shoes with a rockered geometry allow smoother heel-to-toe transitions, which can make the shoe feel lighter during your run.
• What the shoe is best used for - The best purpose and designed use of a shoe will also determine whether it is considered a lightweight running shoe. For example, shoes that are designed to make you go fast should be lighter than shoes made to deliver a plush ride for easy efforts. Thus, it is important to compare the weight of a shoe within its same shoe category and not across categories.

Why does the weight of a running shoe matter anyway? Well, think about some of the goals we have as runners. Generally speaking, we want to run often, further, and faster, right? Here's how a lightweight running shoe could help accomplish those goals:

• Energy Savings - Let's talk about lifting weights for a minute. We all know it is easier to lift a 5lb weight vs. a 10lb weight, which means a person could do more reps with the 5lb weight. The same goes for running—it takes less effort for your legs to turnover in lightweight shoes, saving you energy. That energy savings allows us to run longer.

• Run Faster - It's no coincidence that running shoes built for speed workouts and race day are much lighter than shoes in other running shoe categories. Lighter shoes mean less weight on our feet, which in turn allows for faster turnover. When combined with a responsive foam and rockered geometry, your turnover is even faster, and your speed increases.

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Exhibit A, in the case of proving running shoes can be both highly cushioned and incredibly lightweight, is the ASICS Superblast. Coming in at a trim 8.3 ounces and an eye-popping 45 mm of stack in the heel, there is simply no other shoe like it. This shoe does not contain any plate in the midsole, but not to worry, the Superblast still has the energy return and snappiness to handle speed workouts. Additionally, thanks to its level of cushioning, it still offers the protection needed to feel amazing at any distance, making this shoe perfect for marathoners who have multiple 20+ mile efforts on the training calendar.

The Endorphin Pro 3 is an elite marathon racing shoe designed to help runners slash time off their personal bests. The Endorphin Pro 3 features Saucony’s highly responsive and cushioned PWRRUNPB foam wrapped around an S-curve carbon-fiber plate for maximum energy return with each step. SPEEDROLL rocker technology promotes a fast and efficient transition through its curved design. A lightweight and breathable FORMFIT upper wraps around the foot for a personalized fit and an XT-900 rubber outsole provides solid traction and durability. The Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 is a racing shoe ready to take on the best from 5k to marathon.

Striking an incredible balance between weight and soft cushioning is the ASICS Novablast 4. Another versatile offering from ASICS that has many similarities to the ASICS Superblast, but the primary difference (which is the reason why the Novablast sits in this category) is the soft and bouncy cushioning in the midsole. Although the Novablast has a shorter stack height than the Superblast, it is still highly cushioned and offers an overall softer and plusher underfoot experience than the Superblast.

The Novablast is an all-around running shoe that will perform well at almost any run at any speed or distance. It does not have a carbon or nylon plate in the midsole, but the FF Blast+ Eco midsole cushioning offers fantastic pop that quickly gets runners on their toes. Moreover, the tall stack of foam delivers solid protection for your feet and legs, making it easy to log double-digit runs regularly.

Building upon the learnings of the previous models, the Endorphin Speed 3 has been refined to offer more support and increased versatility. The shape of the nylon plate in the Speed 3 has been updated to center your foot on landings and increase the energy return during the gait cycle. The same bouncy PWRRUN PB midsole foam is re-shaped to smooth out transitions and improve the spring felt underfoot. The upper of the Speed 3 has undergone changes, with a comfortable fit ready to tackle daily runs to races and everything in-between. The Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 is a fast and versatile running shoe packed with everything you need to pick up the pace in comfort.

The HOKA Clifton 9 is a fan-favourite running shoe that offers a great blend of cushioning and ultra-lightweight materials, making it perfect for all runners, especially those new to the sport. The high stack of cushioning is soft, responsive, and highly protective, which translates to your legs not feeling beat up after your runs. Although the Clifton 9 is not going to be the fastest option, it can still do the job if you decide to pick up the pace or put it through a speed workout. Overall, the HOKA Clifton 9 fullfills every need of anyone looking for an outstanding neutral everyday running shoe that can handle a wide variety of runs and walks.

Delivering a punchy ride for speedy strides is the Brooks Hyperion GTS, a lightweight running shoe that's perfect for runners who need additional support during faster-paced training. The DNA FLASH rebounds quickly and gets your cadence up without extra effort. And for additional support when you need it, the Hyperion GTS is engineered with the brand's innovative GuideRails that offer non-intrusive support to keep your stride in its natural motion. On the outsole, you get strategically placed rubber that provides the grip needed to handle the faster efforts without weighing you down. The shoe is rounded out with a lightweight and breathable warp-knit and mesh upper that provides a secure lockdown and a distraction-free fit.

For the runner who loves speed workouts, it's vital to have a shoe that can deliver the performance needed to get you ready for race day, and the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v3 is an excellent lightweight option to fulfill that mission. Thanks to the lightweight slab of FuelCell foam in the midsole, there is no need to sacrifice comfort.

Coming in with 31 mm of stack and a weight of 7.1 ounces in Men's US 9, the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v3 offers an excellent weight-to-cushioning ratio, making it our favorite lightweight running shoe for speed days. The soft and bouncy FuelCell foam in the midsole delivers a highly energetic ride, helping you get up to speed quickly and running fast. Even though this latest iteration added just a bit of weight from the previous version, it is unnoticeable on the run and doesn't hold the shoe back. Although this shoe can handle some daily training, it wants to go fast, so you may consider reserving these for your fastest efforts.

If you're looking for the most lightweight and nimble running shoe to go fast on the trails, the HOKA Zinal 2 is a great option. Whether you're out for a training run or lacing them up for a shorter race (up to a half-marathon), the Zinal 2 delivers in a big way. The CMEVA midsole is protective and responsive, while the outsole features fantastic grip and traction thanks to the Vibram Megagrip rubber lugs, and the upper wraps the foot nicely thanks to its bootie construction and sock-like fit. All these ingredients combine to offer an incredibly lightweight and exciting ride.

If you're looking for a lightweight running shoe to log your miles without breaking the bank, let us introduce you to the HOKA Rincon 3. At 206 grams, this shoe offers fantastic value by delivering a lightweight and versatile running shoe suitable for runners of any experience level. The Rincon 3 is packed with an extra-light HOKA EVA midsole that has an early stage meta rocker, cutouts, and an enhanced rubber outsole which adds efficiency, durability, and lightweight comfort. The new engineered mesh upper offers a more adaptable fit and high breathability for comfort on your daily runs.