The Best Lightweight Running Shoes
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Since the minimalism boom nearly a decade ago, lightweight running shoes have come a long way as both racing flats and daily trainers. For instance, when brands simply cut cushioning to save ounces, runners saw mixed results in terms of injury prevention and performance. Fast forward to 2021, and new midsole foams now cater to almost any cushioning preference, and still feel featherweight. On this list you’ll find razor-thin racers, plusher shoes for your long run, and even trail models. While less shoe might not work for everyone, research shows there’s world enough for both “minimalist” and “maximalist” footwear if you build pace and mileage gradually.
Down to a Science
The appeal of lightweight shoes is speedier running performance, resulting from less energy expenditure, and improved biomechanics, which similarly boosts stride economy and efficiency. Brands have refined lightweight running shoes by analyzing stride and gait patterns, using impact measuring devices, and constructing models that encourage natural form—instead of aggressively overcorrecting it.
Not all lightweight trainers simulate barefoot running. Some shoes are moderately cushioned, making them ideal for runners who want to make the transition to minimalism, or for runners who want to feel faster without sacrificing cushioning.
How We Tested
The shoes below floated to the top of our charts as the lightest shoes in the bunch, and every pair offers some protective cushioning underfoot, according to our RW Shoe Lab data. Experiential testing was also an important factor in our selection of the best lightweight trainers. Over 250 local wear-testers logged more than 100 miles in each of the shoes on this list to evaluate ride, durability, comfort, and responsiveness.
—MOST CUSHIONING—
Hoka One One Rincon 3
Weight: 7.4 oz. (M), 6.2 oz. (W)
The Rincon has been a runner-favorite since the original model’s release in 2019. It exhibits everything we love about Hoka without being a Hoka in the traditional sense. It’s bountiful with cushioning, yet has a more streamlined profile—instead of the quintessential hulky Hoka exterior—that’s built for everyday runs, speedwork, and even racing. This versatile trainer weighs less than previous iterations; the redesigned mesh upper weighs 0.3 ounces lighter and feels much more breathable. The curved sole—Hoka calls it an early-stage Meta-Rocker—helps promote smooth turnover.
—BEST ZERO-DROP—
Altra Rivera
Weight: 8.3 oz. (M), 6.7 oz. (W)
We whizzed down straightaways in Altra’s Rivera, which replaces the Torin Mesh (both shoes have 26-mm stack heights). It rides like you’re running barefoot with just enough protection underfoot to shield you from stray pebbles. The springy Ego midsole provides a thin layer of cushioning. Your toes won’t feel crammed in the wide toe box, and testers praised the Rivera’s seamless upper for its comfortable, hotspot-free fit. Disclaimer: Ease into these zero-drop shoes at a slow pace. One of our editors skinned a knee after face-planting on the sidewalk after just a mile—then dusted herself off to run five more.
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—BEST FOR UPTEMPOS—
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v2
Weight: 7.3 oz. (M), 5.8 oz. (W)
The Rebel is all about energy return, and that makes it a great pick for uptempo training. The original Rebel tested way above average for energy return in our lab tests, and New Balance claims the v2 is even more responsive, so you can expect a very lively shoe. It’s made with FuelCell foam for a snappy feel underfoot, and it comes with a redesigned mesh upper that maximizes breathability and saves weight.
—BEST FOR LONG RUNS—
Brooks Hyperion Tempo
Weight: 7.3 oz. (M), 6.7 oz. (W)
The Hyperion Tempo may be the “training shoe” to the Hyperion Elite 2, but don’t rule it out as a trainer for racing. The shoe is moderately cushioned, responsive, and more affordable than its $250 counterpart. Though it doesn’t have a carbon-fiber plate, its DNA Flash midsole, which is made of nitrogen-infused foam, offers impressive rebound. The Tempo also gets the upper hand in sizing. The shoe runs in men’s and women’s sizes, resulting in a snugger, true-to-size fit for women (in contrast to the unisex-sized Elite).
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—LIGHTEST WE’VE TESTED—
Skechers GOrun Razor+
Weight: 6.9 oz. (M), 5.1 oz. (W)
We awarded the GOrun Razor 3 Editors’ Choice for its super-light midsole that delivered punchy energy return. However, a few testers desired more support as they bolted around tight corners during their runs. Instead of changing the Hyper Burst foam formula, Skechers beefed up the shoe with a mono-mesh upper, which stretches to accommodate different foot shapes, and replaced the minimalistic outsole with more resilient Goodyear rubber. These upgrades add a barely noticeable three-tenths of an ounce, and the Razor+ still preserves the original’s sleek silhouette and explosive ride.
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—BEST FOR STABILITY—
Topo Athletic Ultrafly 3
Weight: 9.6 oz. (M) 7.7 oz. (W)
The Ultrafly 3 reminds us of Brooks’s discontinued Asteria because it manages to incorporate stability features into a surprisingly lightweight package. It has a unobtrusive medial post in the dual-density Zipfoam midsole and an external heel counter for additional ankle support. Even though it’s not as cushioned as previous models, the Ultrafly 3 had testers praising its resilience and comfort over long runs. We also liked that the brand’s signature spacious toe box helped prevent black toenails and blisters.
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—BEST FOR RACING—
Atreyu The Artist
Weight: 7.3 oz. (unisex)
Atreyu uses liquified EVA in its midsole foam, which results in a great cushioning-to-weight ratio. Slightly stiff, the sole has a curved shape with a rigid carbon-fiber plate sandwiched inside, allowing you to roll your foot more smoothly through toe-off. Though surprisingly durable, this shoe is a part of subscription service; you buy a model every month (or three months) that will cost you a fraction of what you’d pay for similar racing shoes from other brands. One major caveat is that you can’t try on, which can be a hit-or-miss considering the shoe comes in unisex-sizing.
—BEST FOR SPEEDWORK—
Reebok Floatride Run Fast 2
Weight: 7.6 oz. (M), 6.2 oz. (W)
Our testers were quick on their feet and loved how the Floatride made them feel speedier. Weighing only 6.9 ounces for men and 5.6 ounces for women, the shoe has an innovative Pebax-based midsole foam, which is lighter than the standard EVA. Fortunately, the midsole and outsole remain unchanged on this update. However, more than half an ounce has been added to the shoe, due to a thicker upper. Like when an artist launches a sophomore album that detracts from her original sound, we’re not too thrilled with the upper’s new design. But at its core, the Floatride retains what we loved and still manages to deliver impressive rebound.
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—MOST VERSATILE—
Saucony Kinvara 12
Weight: 7.5 oz. (M), 6.5 oz. (W)
The Kinvara has returned to its roots with its 12th iteration. Besides being lighter and more flexible than the Kinvara 11, the 12 has more rebound and rides faster, too. Saucony did it by tweaking the Pwrrun foam’s mix of EVA and polymers to boost energy return. This makes the midsole more responsive, but also delivers a slightly firmer feel. To counter some of that firmness, a slim layer of softer TPU-based Pwrrun+ foam sits closest to your foot to keep the shoe comfy as a daily trainer—long runs included.
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—BEST FOR TRAILS—
Hoka One One Zinal
Weight: 8.5 oz. (M), 6.9 oz. (W)
Hoka’s Zinal is remarkably lightweight for a trail shoe—think of it as the trail version of the brand’s Rincon. In testing, we found the Zinal especially shined for short, fast runs. All those features that pack on ounces—like rock plates, gaiter attachments, and taller lugs—have been scrapped in favor of a swifter, more agile underfoot experience. The nonaggressive tread (the Zinal has 4mm lugs) makes the shoe a true hybrid for runs on both road and trail.
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