11 Best Lightweight Running Shoes to Run Faster (2024)

The Escalante Racers are a top pick for lightweight shoe lovers who value both zero-drop and speed. With an incredibly lightweight design yet responsive cushioning, these shoes are perfect for speed work and long distances on the road or the track.

The zero drop platform encourages a natural footstrike and promotes good running form, while the engineered knit upper provides a snug and breathable fit that adapts to your foot's shape. The Altra Escalante Racer also features a durable rubber outsole with strategic flex grooves, ensuring optimal traction and flexibility.

What do buyers say? "Vibrams (5 Fingers) fan, but been looking for a step up in cushion for a long time and can't find the qualities I'm looking for. Got first pair of Racers a month ago and I'm sold for life," said one Altra Escalante Racer buyer.

This model from Arc'teryx is not only a great pick for trail runners seeking a lightweight shoe, but it's also incredibly on-trend. Designed with a sleek and stylish gorpcore silhouette, the Norvan SL 2 combines both form and function.

The shoe's upper is made of a lightweight and breathable TPU mesh, which keeps your feet cool and comfortable during intense runs and hot weather. Its minimal design ensures a snug and secure fit, and the TPU overlays add durability and support. It also features a Vibram outsole that provides excellent traction and grip, making it the perfect trail running shoe for challenging terrain.

The HOKA Rincon 3 is one of the most versatile running shoes we've tested, meaning it can handle just about any pace and distance. "Soft & light meets fast," claims the brand. We found this uniquely-HOKA cushioned tempo trainer not to disappoint.

Weighing in at just 7.4 ounces for a men's standard size 9, the Rincon 3 is impressively responsive and quick. Despite the added outsole rubber, it remains lighter than its predecessor, demonstrating HOKA's commitment to optimizing performance.

This lightweight trainer is packed with improvements compared to earlier models, offering a smoother ride, increased durability, and a lighter build compared to its predecessors. Addressing the concerns of its previous versions, HOKA has made significant changes to enhance the Rincon's durability. The new midsole features a more resilient foam, while the outsole now incorporates additional rubber for increased longevity.

While the Rincon 3 delivers exceptional value at its $115 price point, it's important to note that its durability may still be lower compared to other daily trainers or even HOKA models.

We love this pick from Merrell for trail or beach runs, especially. The shoe features a sock-like upper that provides a snug fit while keeping sand, dirt, and debris out, and the midfoot has been revised to increase flexibility.

The outsole is made of Vibram rubber, which is flexible and grippy, providing just enough protection to steer clear of the small stuff that may be in your path. Emphasis on the small stuff, because at only 2mm thick, it won't shield against sharp rocks. But at under 6 ounces, it's a great minimalist runner.

What do buyers say? "Best barefoot shoes available... Have been using them for years and this is my favourite design so far," said one reviewer on Merrell's site.

Read more: Best Running Shorts

As one of On’s flagship shoes, the new Cloudboom Echo 3 takes everything we love about the original Cloudboom to an incredible new level. In fact, it’s billed as their “fastest-ever marathon shoe”—built for a combination of speed, performance, and endurance. At just 7.65 ounces, it’s remarkably lightweight, thanks in large part to a Carbon Speedboard and other next-gen materials. The exaggerated 10 mm heel-to-toe drop makes for a more aggressive lean forward to encourage constant motion. Plus, the extreme rocker shape provides a more powerful return, while the streamlined upper and bolstered forefoot cushioning ensure maximum comfort, even on the longest road runs.

On the downside, the Cloudboom Echo are pricey. At $290, they’re among On’s most expensive shoes. But, with high-tech materials throughout and one of the company’s most aggressive, competition-ready designs, we think it’s well worth it for performance runners looking to wreck their own personal records. Beginners may want to look elsewhere, however, as these might be a little too much for those just getting into running.

What do buyers say? “Super light feeling and breathable! Fits true to size and is great if [you're] chasing that PB!” said one On-Running.com reviewer.

Read more: Best On Running Shoes

The Mach 5 pulls back on the soft cushioning to instead deliver a snappier ride for everyday runners—and especially for those who run on pavement. A dual-layered ProFly+ midsole is outfitted to provide a quicker ride, and a Meta Rocker is used to better complement a natural stride by using a combo of a low heel-toe drop and a rounded sole rocker. And while it's slightly over 8 ounces, uniquely-HOKA geometries make this shoe feel featherlight for race day.

Read more: Best Cushioned Running Shoes

In our experience testing HOKA models, the Arahi 6 is one of the brand's highlights right now. And while it's heavier than other picks on this list, we like it as a stability option, which requires some extra weight behind it.

The Arahi 6 emphasizes support and stability with a low-profile cushion bed that keeps your foot closer to the ground, and plenty of stability thanks to their J-Frame technology to help “prevent excessive inward roll, or over-pronation, without overcorrecting your gait.” Mendeszoon is a fan of these maximalist shoes thanks to “a tremendous amount of cushioning in addition to support and control,” he says. Wide widths are also available.

This shoe boats a seal of approval from the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance, meaning a committee of discerning podiatrists tested them and ruled that the design promotes good foot health.

One downside: they may not be suitable for those with high arches, as the midsole is on the tighter side.

What do buyers say? "I suffer from overpronation, which causes knee pain. I chose the Arahi 6 because of its stability profile. After 150+ miles of daily walking, I am no longer having knee discomfort, and I am pleased that I do not find any crushing of the instep sidewall of the sole," said one HOKA reviewer.

Read more: Best HOKA Running Shoes

The shoe showcases the best of Brooks with its lightweight durability, support, and exceptional grip. It boasts a roomy and smooth-fitting upper that we found breathes well during hot weather and offers insulation for cooler conditions, making it an ideal multi-season running shoe.

Weighing a mere 7.3 ounces, this shoe delivers a distance and pace-friendly ride, making it suitable for a wide range of workouts and running styles. Its comfortable cushioning provides just the right amount of support for longer runs while remaining versatile enough for fast or relaxed sessions.

While it may not offer as much spring as some other picks on this list, the Hyperion Tempo compensates with its exceptional ground feel, allowing you to connect with the road. The firm, compact midsole provides a secure and responsive ride, ideal for higher-paced runs.

The Endorphin Pro 3 was designed to be a really fast shoe, making it great for long distances. "We tried to make these shoes as efficient and light as possible, with a competitive runner in mind," Saucony’s product line manager, Vincent Harder, told MH.

"The Pro 3 has our super foam, it has a carbon plate in it, and it has a light upper. This new category of racing shoes is quite accessible for a wide range of runners."

This innovative model brings all the perks of a light design to the table for performance runners, but adequate cushioning and a high stack and offset make it accessible for those new to long distances, too.

High mileage trainers shall rejoice at the beauty of New Balance’s FuelCell Rebel sneakers. The shoe is very stable, while still providing you with a ton of return in every step, and at just over 7 ounces. It uses the same FuelCell foam in the as their SuperComp line, but does not have a carbon insert. This means they have a great feel for the road, and are super comfortable when worn all day.

Read more: Best New Balance Shoes

Weighing in at 6 ounces, the Streakfly is one of the lightest road running shoes out there right now. And the featherlight experience is definitely the main pull to this fun shoe.

We found its flexibility and almost barefoot-natural feel made each stride feel smooth and easy. It delivers a surprisingly soft ride, making it feel more like a trainer than a traditional racing shoe. And designed with racing in mind, that's exactly what it's meant for.

While it excels in delivering a smooth and comfortable experience, it's worth noting that it may not offer the same speed as carbon fiber shoes and may lack durability for regular training. However, at $160, it remains a relatively affordable option for those seeking a lightweight racing shoe.

Read more: Best Nike Shoes

Support: "Arch support is a must in ALL footwear–no matter what type of foot you have, this is probably the most critical item that can help prevent a myriad of issues," explains Dr. Schaeffer.

"For those with flat feet, arch support! If the shoe itself doesn’t offer enough, I always advise an insert. Dr. Scholls for example makes great over-the-counter options for sports and one can always go to a board-certified podiatrist for custom-made orthotics."

Stability: Stability comes next, according to Dr. Schaeffer. "The goal is to keep your lower body in alignment as much as possible."

Consider your foot type and running gait. While stability shoes aren't typically the lightest running shoe models, there are plenty of lightweight running shoes that offer stability features or additional support for over- or underpronation. If stability is a concern for you, don't let shoe weight guide your choice.

Cushioning and responsiveness: Decide if you prefer maximum cushioning for impact absorption and comfort or a more responsive feel for speed. Some shoes offer a balance between the two, so choose based on your preferences and running goals.

"Cushioning absorbs shock and helps to avoid tissue irritation and damage," explains Dr. Schaeffer.

Weight: If you're in the market for a lightweight running shoe, be sure the models you're considering are actually lightweight. Unless we're talking about a stability shoe, that means under 8.5 ounces.

Drop and stack height: The drop refers to the height difference between the heel and forefoot. Consider your preference for a lower or higher drop (higher drop will pitch you forward more with each step), as well as the stack height for cushioning and impact absorption.

Comfort and fit: We asked Dr. Schaeffer how lightweight running shoes should fit, here's his take:

"All running shoes should feel snug around your foot, have good arch support, the heel shouldn’t slip around, and there should be adequate room in the toebox. Wear the same socks you wear when you run when trying them on and remember that our feet expand while running. Also, we all have one foot that is slightly larger than the other, one may pronate when walking or running, or the opposite, supination."

Running style and terrain: Do you primarily run on roads, trails, or a mix of both? Do you run races or long distances often? Different shoes are designed for different surfaces and distances, so choose accordingly.

Durability: Although lightweight shoes prioritize reduced weight, they should still offer durability and withstand regular running sessions. Look for shoes with reinforced areas in high-wear zones and durable outsole materials, as durability can be an issue with the more barebones lightweight models.

Consider reviews and feedback: Read reviews from other runners to get an idea of the shoe's performance, durability, and overall quality. Look for feedback specifically from runners with similar foot types or running preferences.

Budget: While higher-priced models often offer advanced features, there are also affordable options available that can still meet your needs.

"It is important to know that a lightweight running shoe generally will break down quicker than a more traditional stability shoe or supportive shoe and are gently used for speed workouts, road races and faster type of intervals," says Dr. Mendeszoon, a board-certified podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon at Precision Orthopaedic Specialties in Chardon, Ohio. So, plan to replace them after approximately 300-500 miles of use to maintain optimal performance and reduce the risk of injuries, and consider this when determining your budget.

As the name states, lightweight running shoes are marketed as generally weighing less than other categories of running shoes. But the exact weight can vary depending on the brand, model, and shoe size, so it's important to know what you're looking for. Typically, shoes in this category fall within the range of 6 to 8.5 ounces per shoe for a US men's size 9, but some exceptions exist.

Stability shoes being the main exception, as they tend to be slightly heavier due to additional features and materials. Lightweight stability shoes may range from 8 to 10 ounces per shoe for a US men's size 9.

It's important to note that the weight range in this story have been acquired through manufacturer's measurements of men's US size 9 shoes, and actual shoe weight can vary depending on the specific size of the shoe.

Lightweight running shoes are most beneficial for runners who prioritize speed, whether in races or training.

Wearing a lightweight running shoe allows for a more natural response when running, according to Dr. Mendeszoon. "It allows a foot to function a little more naturally and in its more normal element. [They're] designed to make people move quicker, run faster and react against the ground more efficiently."

They're often favored by competitive runners striving to improve race times, but just about any experienced runner looking to train speed and promote a quicker turnover rate may benefit. The reduced weight can provide a psychological and physiological advantage, and allow runners to push their limits and achieve a more natural stride.

But it's worth noting that lightweight shoes aren't suitable for everyone.

"Generally, lightweight running shoes are better for people with a more neutral foot or slightly higher arch. Those people were flat feet or lower arches may have a little bit more difficulty running long-term or long distances with light shoes as a provide very little support and that can cause overuse injuries," explains Dr. Mendeszoon. "If somebody with a flat foot is trying to run in a neutral, lightweight shoe, perhaps an over-the-counter insert can help."

At Men's Health, we take great pride in providing our readers with reliable and trustworthy product recommendations. We believe that our readers deserve the best, which is why we always make sure to conduct thorough research and testing before making any recommendations. For this story, we spent hours researching online and interviewing podiatrists Dr. Bradley Schaeffer and Dr. Mark Mendeszoon. Our writers and editors are also experts in their own right, using their informed opinions to select products and ensuring that our content is of the highest quality.

Our product recommendations are purely editorial, and while we may receive free products to test and review, we only recommend the products we are most impressed by. We never let retailers or public relations contacts dictate our content or product coverage. Which is why you can trust us to provide you with reliable and unbiased product recommendations.