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 placed 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. Ultimately, 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 255 grams (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 2 kg weight vs. a 5 kg weight, which means a person could do more reps with the 2 kg 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 allows for faster turnover. When combined with a responsive foam and rockered geometry, your turnover is even quicker, and your speed increases.

...

For the runner who loves a versatile shoe, it's vital to have a shoe that can deliver both performance and daily milage, and the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 is an excellent lightweight option to fullfill that mission. Thanks to the lightweight slab of FuelCell foam in the midsole, there is no need to sacrifice comfort.

Coming in with 34 mm of stack in the heel and a weight of 210 grams in Men's US 9, the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 offers an excellent weight-to-cushioning ratio, making it our favourite 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 is a great compromise for the extra versatility of the added cushioning.

After establishing itself as one of the best marathon racing options on the market for the past several years, the Saucony Endorphin Pro series is showing no signs of slowing down with the introduction of its 4th iteration. The Endorphin Pro 4 keeps everything runners love about the series while making upgrades in key areas to elevate its performance even more. This shoe represents the best of both worlds for its weight-to-cushioning ratio. We're talking almost 40 mm of PWRRUN PB foam and PWRRUN HG foam with a powerful carbon-fibreplate. From 5K races to full marathons, your old PRs don't stand a chance once you lace these up and toe the line.

In the case of proving running shoes can be both highly cushioned and incredibly lightweight, is the ASICS Superblast 2. Coming in at a trim 249 grams 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 high 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.

If having the most lightweight shoe is a priority to you, you'll be hard-pressed to find a better daily training and all-around option than the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4. Although the Speed 4 excels as a speed training shoe that can even handle some racing, it still makes for a fantastic daily trainer thanks to the comfort of the upper and the PWRRUN PB foam cushioning in the midsole. At $290, the Speed 4 represents a value that can be enjoyed by any runner who wants the lightest shoe possible for their daily training needs.

The HOKA Mach 6 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.

Overall, the Mach 6 fulfills every need of anyone looking for an outstanding neutral everyday running shoe that can handle a wide variety of runs and walks.

Bringing energy and bounce to the world of stability shoes is the Brooks Hyperion GTS 2, a lightweight stability running shoe that can do it all. With the Hyperion GTS, runners who need extra support and guidance during their gait cycle no longer have to sacrifice their need for speed. Coming in at 215 grams, this shoe features a supercritical DNA Flash v2 midsole, making it one of the lightest and fastest stability shoes on the market. Complementing the nitrogen-infused foam are bumper-like GuideRails that help to stabilise the foot and prevent overpronation. Overall, the Hyperion GTS delivers the perfect blend of speed and support in a lightweight package and has everything overpronators need to enjoy every run.

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. The Mizuno Wave Rebellion Flash 2 is an excellent lightweight option to fulfill that mission. Thanks to the lightweight slab of Enerzy foam in the midsole, there is no need to sacrifice comfort.

Coming in with 47 mm of stack in the heel and a weight of 238 grams in Men's US 9, the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Flash 2 offers an excellent weight-to-cushioning ratio, making it our favourite lightweight running shoe for speed days. The soft and bouncy Enerzy 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 is a great compromise for the extra versatility of the added cushioning.

If you're looking for the most lightweight and nimble running shoe to go fast on the trails, the adidas Terrex Agravic Speed 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 Terrex Speed delivers in a big way. The Lightstrike midsole is protective and responsive, while the outsole features fantastic grip and traction, thanks to the Continental Rubber rubber lugs. 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 Saucony Kinvara 15. At just 190 grams, this shoe offers fantastic value by delivering a lightweight and versatile running shoe suitable for runners of any experience level. Whether you plan on running to the gym or meeting a friend for coffee post-run, the Kinvara will help make those transitions easy and smooth.