Choosing the Best Lightweight Running Shoes

A lightweight running shoe is your best bet to check all the boxes and to allow less fatigue and faster recovery.

Heavier shoes can be hard on your body and can lead to overuse injuries if you use them to run on flat, even surfaces. They usually have built-up heels that put your feet at a higher angle than necessary and can lead to striking with your heel instead of your midfoot or forefoot. With lightweight running shoes, you'll avoid those dangers and enjoy faster running times as well.

What Should My Shoes Weigh?

Changes in materials and manufacturing processes over the past few years have dramatically changed the types of materials being used in running shoes. These lighter materials and changes in how shoes are designed have shaved two or three ounces off the average weight of shoes, which seems like a small amount but is something you'll definitely notice over the course of several hundred steps.

These days, a lightweight shoe is going to weigh about 9 ounces for a man and 7.5 ounces for a woman, depending on your shoe size. But even if it's the proper weight for you, there are other factors that should be considered when selecting the right lightweight running shoe. Here are five factors to look for when choosing your shoe.

Stability

Your shoe needs to provide the support and stability to keep your foot protected at every stage of your run. Whether you're in the propulsion stage or at the footstrike, it's important to know that your shoes are up to the challenge. For runners that overpronate, more support may be needed in the midsole to reduce the risk of pain and injury. ASICS TRUSSTIC™ technology in shoes like the TARTHEREDGE™ 2 ensures the kind of stability and responsiveness you need every step of the way.

Comfort

Whether it's a short run or a marathon, your running shoe needs to be comfortable. You want a shoe that lets your foot breathe but still provides a responsive experience throughout your run. The DYNABLAST™ running shoe is a lightweight option that has a springy foam construction that gives each step a trampoline-like boost as you run and leaves your legs energized, not exhausted.

If you're a distance runner, the NOVABLAST™ implements some of the same innovative technology as the DYNABLAST to provide that trampoline effect for your legs, but is higher off the ground than most styles — which promotes greater comfort when you're running long distances.

Durability

Your shoe needs to be tough enough to take on whatever you throw at it, so durability is a must. It can be challenging to try to guess what the lifespan of your shoes will be, but you want them to last for at least 300 to 500 miles.

The METARACER™ is a great choice for runners who demand more from their workouts — and from their shoes. The unique design of the upper captures more airflow than most shoes, which helps keep your feet cool, and it also has drainage ports to release any water that gets in your shoe. With a carbon fiber plate in the midsole, it creates a rolling motion to help propel your foot forward, and it also has an improved toe-spring shape for better comfort and performance. Its FlyteFoam® technology uses high-quality foams to make sure it bounces back longer than most other foams.

Cushioning

Your running shoe needs the right amount of cushioning so you can perform at your best. At the same time, it needs to offer full support throughout your run. Look for cushioning in the midsole, but also in the rearfoot to ensure a more comfortable experience. The GEL-NOOSA TRI™ 13 is an example of how lightweight technology is used to optimize runners' comfort; it uses GEL® technology to provide cushiony comfort on your run so every step feels as good as the last one.

Fit

The right lightweight running shoe is going to provide a great fit for your foot. Every runner has their own preferences and needs, so you want to look for one that is designed to work with your foot, not against it. The GEL-DS TRAINER™ 26 , for example, uses the lightweight FlyteFoam technology to ensure that it fits perfectly around the midfoot, while the outsole is designed to mirror the foot's ligaments — meaning it will help propel your stride forward. A panel inside the shoe and a contoured sockliner work together to provide a comfortable fit while improving your speed.

Find the Right Lightweight Shoe for You

If you're still running with an average-weight shoe, a lightweight running shoe could be the performance booster you're looking for. Use the ASICS Shoe Finder to help identify which ones will work best for your running needs.