Lightweight running shoes tested | RUNNER'S WORLD

If you run fast, you appreciate light shoes. There are two types of running shoes that cater to this need in particular: competition shoes and lightweight trainers. In contrast to the competition shoes, which are uncompromisingly designed for speed (here you can find our competition shoe test), lightweight trainers are usually a little more comfortable in terms of cushioning and stability.

Here's what you should know before buying lightweight trainers

How runners find the best running watch

The best lightweight trainers in the test

Below you will find an overview of the top models that particularly impressed us this running season. Sorting is from heavier to lighter. Grams are US size 9/EU size 43 unless otherwise noted.

Adidas Adizero Boston 10

Manufacturer

Order here: women's model or men's model

Everything is new at the latest Boston. Apart from the name, the only thing in common with the previous model, which will remain in the program for a while, is the fit, the running impression is completely different. Instead of the proven EVA foam "Boost" in the midsole, the new "Lightstrike Pro" material was used. With the rocker construction and the carbon elements in the midsole, the Boston 10 is most reminiscent of a tamer version of the Adizero Pro 2 that is suitable for training is clearly the better shoe on paper.”

Weight: 239 grams (women), 286 grams (men) Drop: 8 millimeters (women), 8.5 millimeters (men) Price: 150 euros

Asics Novablast 2

Manufacturer

Order here: women's model or men's model

The first Asics Novablast was an instant success. The basis was the very softly cushioned, yet very reactive midsole ("Flytefoam Blast"). The shape of the Novablast 2 is slightly different, now offers a drop of only eight millimeters and is equipped with a stronger heel stabilizer. But the Novablast is not really stable, it offers a lot of flexibility, especially in the forefoot area - excellent for efficient runners and forefoot and midfoot dropouts who can cover their entire training spectrum with the Novablast 2. On the other hand, it is less suitable for runners with weak ankles, heavy weight or a tendency to pronation.

Weight: 225 grams (women), 275 grams (men) Drop: 8 millimeters Price: 140 euros

Craft CTM Ultra Carbon

Manufacturer

Order here: women's model or men's model

Visually, this shoe immediately makes you think of competition models à la Nike Vaporfly or Adidas Adizero Pro. But the conspicuous CTM Ultra Carbon offers an alternative that is more suitable for everyday use: It can go fast, but the sole adjustment with the very reactive cushioning foam also works well at a slightly slower pace and is definitely ultra-suitable. The stiff carbon plate is divided in the toe area and is somewhat flexible. The most striking difference to the pure road racing shoes is the profiled outsole of the CTM, it is also suitable for paved field or forest paths and is much longer durable, Craft promises 600 kilometers. So the shoe is more like a sheep in wolf's clothing. The outsole offers good traction and durability, even off the asphalt

Weight: 215 grams (women), 240 grams (men) drop: 5 millimeters price: 180 euros

Mizuno Wave Rebellion

Manufacturer

Order here: women's model or men's model

Mizuno designed the Rebellion for fast training and competition speeds. The voluminous midsole ensures that the shoe is not excessively hard: the midsole material is 22 percent lighter and 35 percent more resilient than the previous model. "When rolling, the forward push through the midsole is clearly noticeable," says a test runner. The wave plate is glass fiber reinforced for the first time: This supports the foot as well as the wide sole shape in the forefoot area and ensures unique stability in this light shoe, which is suitable for light and heavy runners. The fit is rather wide.

Weight: 215 grams (women), 230 grams (men) drop: 8 millimeters price: 200 euros

Saucony Endorphin Speed ​​2

Manufacturer

Order here: women's model or men's model

The model version Speed ​​is the everyday alternative to the Endorphin Pro. The Speed ​​2 offers the same pronounced rocker construction as the Pro, and the midsole foam is also the same: "PWRRUN PB", one of the best compounds currently on the market, according to the verdict of the test runners. But instead of a carbon plate as in the "Elite" version, the Speed ​​2 uses a somewhat more flexible nylon plate: This combination provides noticeable forward propulsion, but does not put too much strain on the ligaments (Achilles tendon). That's why the Speed ​​2 runs more comfortably and is a good alternative for fast hobby runners, especially since the geometry and weight of the shoe are absolutely suitable for competitions.

Weight: 198 grams (women), 224 grams (men) drop: 8 millimeters price: 180 euros

On Cloudflash

Manufacturer

Order here: women's model or men's model

The fact that the Cloudflash is the lightest shoe from the Swiss brand On can be seen from how thin the 14 buffer elements in the outsole (Clouds) are compared to other On models. The shoe is correspondingly less cushioned. The fit should accommodate most feet and is neither tight nor loose. The flexible, thin upper and the lacing ensure support, even in tight turns. Important: The On Cloudflash runs large, so you should choose a whole to one and a half sizes smaller. Conclusion: The On Cloudflash is suitable for light runners with an active running style. For this target group it is a top competition shoe up to the half marathon mark. Only a few runners will be able to complete marathons in them without any problems because of the really very low cushioning.

Weight: 190 grams (women), 210 grams (men) Drop: 5 millimeters Price: 189.95 euros

Asics Metaspeed Sky

Manufacturer

Order here: women's model or men's model

It was developed for Tokyo and has already proven itself there: The Metaspeed Sky immediately catapulted itself into the first row of carbon shoes. Lightweight, reactive FF Blast Turbo midsole foam and an impulse-boosting carbon plate deliver better running economy. According to Asics, runners take between 1.2 and 2.6 percent fewer steps with the shoe. The "Sky" is designed more for runners with long strides, while its sister model "Edge" is designed for runners with a high step frequency. Despite the thick sole and high resilience, the "Sky" is stable in curves and is also suitable for hobby runners.

Weight: 165 grams (women), 199 grams (men) drop: 5 millimeters price: 250 euros

Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 2

Manufacturer

Order here: women's model or men's model

Nike was brave when in 2018 all previous wisdom about competition shoes was thrown overboard for the previous model. Elite runners showed that the mixture of a carbon plate-stiffened midsole and reactive foam can lead to better performance, meanwhile many everyday runners also rely on the shoe. However, the somewhat capricious running characteristics, which put more strain on the Achilles tendon in particular, are repeatedly criticized. The Vaporfly Next% 2 has the same sole construction, but its upper is softer and offers more support.

Weight: 184 grams (men) Drop: 8 millimeters Price: 250 euros

Saucony Fastwitch 9

Manufacturer

Order here: women's model or men's model

Even knowing the weight of the Saucony Fastwitch 9, you'll be surprised at how light it is once you take it out of the box. However, it does not lack comfort. As is always the case with Saucony, the feeling on the foot is very pleasant. It is similar when running: Yes, the shoe has a fairly thin, very flexible midsole, but the cushioning is less hard and direct than you would think given the thickness of the sole . With a low four millimeter drop and high flexibility, this shoe is especially fun for lighter runners with an active running style (contact on the forefoot or midfoot) on rather short distances.

Weight: 167 grams (women), 190 grams (men) Drop: 4 millimeters Price: 125 euros

Skechers GoRun Razor 3 Hyper

Manufacturer

Order here: unisex model

Like many midsoles, Skechers Hyper-Burst foam is EVA. However, the plastic is not foamed in the classic way here; instead, a pure EVA block is combined with carbon dioxide and nitrogen under heat and pressure. The gases become a supercritical fluid - a thermodynamic state between liquid and gaseous - which acts on the plastic. Equalizing temperature and pressure, the previously small, hard block of EVA expands into a large, soft Hyper-Burst midsole that is lightweight, responsive and comfortable at the same time. The result is a smooth ride that doesn't feel like you're wasting energy. The curved sole shape (rocker) hardly interferes with the rolling process due to the high flexibility of the sole. The upper material is airy - the front third consists almost entirely of holes - and the tongue is thin. The Razor is basically a classic racing flat that is definitely suitable for marathons. One of the best competition shoes (without carbon plate) of the year.

Weight: 181 grams Drop: 6.5 millimeters Price: 145 euros

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