Running Shoe Finder
Best Lightweight Running Shoes by Nike
Nike offers a broad selection of lightweight kicks — from long-distance running shoes to those more suitable for sprints — sure to appeal to everyone.
The details matter when choosing the best lightweight running shoes. Whether you’re looking to cover long distances, take a casual jog, or train for a sprint, picking the right running shoes can help you cross the finish line — faster and more comfortably. At Nike, a commitment to innovative design and material choices, like ZoomX foam and lightweight knit uppers, have helped to hone in on lightweight running shoes for casual runners and competitors.
Why does the weight of running shoes matter? The lighter the running shoes are, the less effort they require when on the move. That can lead to better performance, whether that means distance or speed. With lightweight running shoes, even those with heavy cushioning won’t feel clunky or awkward when you’re in the middle of a workout. To help you find the best lightweight running shoes for your specific needs, Elliott Heath, Expert Product Line Manager, Global Footwear at Nike, breaks down the styles to consider for everything from trail running to training to help you achieve your personal best.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are lightweight shoes better for running?
The best shoes for running depend on how you intend to use them. Weight, comfort, durability, responsiveness, and stability are characteristics to consider when buying a new pair of shoes, but they can also be at odds with one another. “Rather than maximizing just one of those characteristics, the magic is often in finding the right balance of them to serve the needs of a runner,” Heath says. Lightweight running shoes are important for those focused on speed, as they can help runners go faster.
What is considered a lightweight running shoe?
“Lightweight is a relative measurement. Or, in other words, it matters what you are comparing it to,” Heath says. Different styles of running shoes will weigh different amounts depending on the materials used and their intended purpose. Heath adds that, generally, the lightest version of any other qualifier — for example, the lightest racing shoe or the lightest stability shoe — will be the faster or more premium version of that shoe. Still, it may not be the lightest running shoe overall.
