Are you facing a hard time finding running shoes that are lightweight and flexible?
You'll find a variety of lightweight flexible shoes for running in the market. However, not every brand offers the best quality, so it's super important to do a little research beforehand.
Don't know where to start?
Don't worry! We've got you covered.
This post is all about the best running shoes that are lightweight and flexible. Moreover, we've also created a buying guide to help you navigate through your running shoe shopping adventures.
Let's not waste any more time and jump right into it.
10 Best Lightweight Flexible Shoes Review
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Shoes |
Rating |
Price |
|
9.5/10 |
$99 |
|
|
9/10 |
$180 |
|
|
9/10 |
$135 |
|
|
8.5/10 |
$119.99 |
|
|
8.5/10 |
$85 |
|
|
8/10 |
$250 |
|
|
8/10 |
$159.95 |
|
|
8/10 |
$199 |
|
|
8/10 |
$129.95 |
|
|
7.5/10 |
$149.95 |
Curious to see what makes these running shoes the best in the market?
Well, then keep reading because we'll be discussing these lightweight flexible shoes in detail.
1- Loom Waterproof Sneakers
If you're looking for a pair of lightweight running shoes for all seasons, look no further than the Loom Waterproof Sneakers. Rain, mud, or snow, these shoes can hold up against partially anything as they're designed for outdoors.
The moisture-wicking material combined with the breathable material makes sure your feet don't feel moist or sweaty.
In addition, the antimicrobial properties of the moisture-wicking material absorb all the odor creating bacteria. This means, no matter how long you run, your feet will be free from any odor.
Also, these shoes are lightweight and flexible, which means you can train faster and longer without the feeling of your feet getting heavy.
An additional bonus with these Loom shoes is that they're made from cruelty-free material. So, you can train guilt-free with these sneakers.
2- Nike Zoom Pegasus Turbo V2
First up on our list are the Nike Zoom Pegasus Turbo V2 running shoes. The lofted mesh, combined with the synthetic upper makes these shoes super lightweight and breathable.
Moreover, these shoes don't just feel breathable, but they also look the part, thanks to the translucent material.
Running over long distances is going to be no issue with the comfortable design of these shoes. These shoes' internal structure includes a partial inner sleeve that runs from the toe to the midfoot.
Midfoot onwards till the heel, the shoes have a more traditional shape, making it easier for you to train over long periods.
That's not all! These shoes' outsoles are made to absorb impact and provide more friction over multiple types of surfaces.
3- Skechers GoRun MaxRoad Hyper 4
Looking for a comfortable pair of lightweight, cushioned running shoes? We suggest taking a look at the Skechers GoRun MacRoad Hyper 4. Despite the resilient hyper burst cushioning, these shoes are still quite light.
The rubber sole combined with the forefoot flex grooves allows you to smoothly transition and maneuver yourself as you run. The latter makes this shoe quite flexible as well.
Besides, the compressed knit fabric of the upper fits snuggly on your feet like a sock, yet still gives room for breathability. Furthermore, the material and sole of these shoes are quite durable.
Additionally, these shoes' tongue-free fit makes them more comfortable and easy to put on/off.
4- New Balance Fresh Foam Beacon V2
Getting lightweight running shoes does not mean you have to compromise on durability. The New Balance Fresh Foam Beacon V2 is one of the most durable shoes on this list.
If you train in high-abrasion areas, you don't have to worry about wearing out your shoes as the underfoot rubber pods offer additional durability. Besides, the ultra heel fits snugly around your heel, providing a supportive and comfortable fit.
These New Balance shoes also have a Fresh Foam midsole, which gives feet ultra-cushioning. Moreover, the engineered knit mesh upper is soft and breathable, providing your feet with some room to breathe.
5- Puma Faas 1000
Looking for the best running shoes for short distances? The Puma Faas 1000 is lightweight and quite flexible, making them ideal for short-distance running.
If you want shoes with a better grip, then these Puma shoes are the ones for you. While they're slightly heavier than most pairs on this list, they offer a lot of stability, making them worth the additional weight.
Puma Faas 1000 are made for on-road running. So as long as you stick to roads, you'll have no trouble with wear and tear.
6- Reebok Floatride Run Fast Pro
If you want a pair of shoes that ensure high performance, then the Reebok Floatride Run Fast Pro will not disappoint you. Weighing at 3.56 oz, these are one of the lightest shoes in this light.
It's EVA sock liner will fit snuggly and provide comfort as well. Moreover, the Floatride Foam is lightweight, yet still provides cushioning and comfort to you as you train.
Besides, the high traction ultra-thin outsoles combined with the EVA sock liner provide runners with optimal grip. You'll have no trouble with turns or with staying on track.
In addition, the single-layered engineered mesh allows air to flow in and out of your shoes, making it quite breathable.
7- Adidas Adizero Boston
The minimalist design, combined with the bold colors of the Adidas Adizero Boston makes these running shoes quite attractive. Not only do these shoes fit perfectly due to their asymmetrical design, but they're also easy to bend, thanks to the flex design.
The EVA insoles offer soft inner lining and provide comfortable cushioning for your feet. In addition, the insoles are also shock absorbent and responsive, offering you a lot of stability during your runs.
Designed to provide users with optimum speed, these shoes are also quite lightweight. Besides, these shoes feature a solid torsion system, which makes them quite durable.
8- Hoka One One Cavu
Whether you're looking for running shoes for short or long distances, the Hoka One One Cavu is an excellent option. As one of the lightest shoes available in the market, they still offer quite a bit of cushioning for comfort.
In addition, the thick foam used for the cushioning combined with the mesh material provides comfort and breathability to users.
Besides, the rubber sole plus the synthetic mesh are both highly durable.
If you're picky when it comes to color and style, these Hoka shoes are available in various style options. However, keep in mind that the price might vary depending on the style and color you pick.
9- On CloudFlow
If you're looking for a fashionable pair of running shoes, yet lightweight and flexible, you should check out the On CloudFlow.
These shoes are aptly named as it feels like you're running on clouds while you're wearing them. The EVA foam, which is made of zero gravity material, is super responsive and quite durable. It is this foam which is responsible for the cloud-like feeling.
The cushioning on these shoes is highly comfortable. Moreover, it works together with the SpeedBoard system to facilitate foot motion.
As a result, you feel less fatigue in muscles.
10- Brooks Hyperion Tempo
lightweight flexible shoes
The lightweight, speed-friendly Brooks Hyperion Tempo trainers might be just the running shoes you've been looking for. The featherweight woven upper is flexible and breathable, maximizing user comfort.
Its new nitrogen-infused DNA Flash midsole provides a lightweight cushion for your feet. In addition, a unique feature about these shoes is the energy-saving design, which keeps your feet stable as you run.
Furthermore, these shoes weigh around seven ounce, which is quite remarkable, as Brooks is known for producing mega trainers.
Besides, the outer rubber sole makes the Hyperion trainers durable.
Buying Guide
By now, you know which lightweight running shoes offer the best quality in the market. However, it's still important to know what features are important to look into while buying lightweight flexible shoes.
So, let's briefly discuss some of these features.
● Stability
No runner wants to risk spraining their ankles due to low stability running shoes. So it's super important to look at how much stability a pair of running shoes offer before deciding to purchase them.
If you need additional stability, you'll need to invest in a pair that's on the heavier side. This, however, does not mean that lightweight shoes don't always offer stability. We've already discussed a few lightweight plus flex options that offer good stability.
We suggest trying out multiple pairs to see which shoes best fit your preferences.
● Comfort
Running shoes need to be comfortable with secure fitting. You don't want to end up with blisters and bruises on your feet.
Don't buy into the myth that lightweight shoes cannot be comfortable. Certainly, there's no reason you would have to sacrifice your comfort for lightweight shoes.
Moreover, after seeing the reviews above, you should know that certain foams and gels give lightweight shoes additional cushioning, which maximizes comfort.
Ask yourself some questions when assessing your preferences regarding the comfort level of running shoes:
- What type of shoe fit do you prefer?
- How much cushioning is too much for you?
● Price
This one might seem obvious, but one of the most important to think about before looking for running shoes is your budget.
Sit down and try to figure out how much money you can spend on running shoes.
However, a low price tag does not necessarily equate to lower quality. You can find multiple running shoes that offer great features yet are available at a lower price.
Another thing you can do is list down your priorities in terms of features. Ask yourself which features do you absolutely need and which features you can do without. This will help cut down additional costs.
● Durability
There's no point in investing in a pair of shoes that will wear out after a short period of use. While lightweight shoes have a comparatively shorter life span, they should last for around 300-500 miles.
Some people keep track of the miles they've run and how long they've been using their running shoes. This is really helpful as your health and safety are at risk if you run with shoes that have worn out.
Given how many models are available in the market, we suggest you look into the durability of the shoes you're interested in buying. An excellent way to do this is by looking at reviews.
● Weight
You just can't purchase lightweight shoes without paying close attention to how much the model weighs. However, this does not mean you solely focus on weight. Keep the weight in mind, but look at it alongside the other features that the model offers.
As technology has evolved, even heavier models are much more light compared to older times. It helps to try out various pairs to figure out what weight you're most comfortable with. You'll never know how much is too heavy or too light unless you try out a few options.
How to Assess the Flexibility of Your Shoes?
While shoe shopping, how can you tell if the shoes you like have the right flexibility?
It's quite simple. Here are three things you can do to check the flexibility of your shoes:
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Twisting the Shoes
Hold onto the shoes with your hand, and try bending it left and right. Ideally, it should be able to twist a little. If they're too stiff or it completes spirals, they're not the best for running in.
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Bending the Shoes
Bend the shoes in half by pushing the heel in the direction of the toes. If they bend at the end heel, they're suitable for running. However, if the shoes bend completely, they're only suitable for short workout sessions.
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Poke the Shoes
Poke the toe after placing the shoes on an even surface. If the heel lifts from the surface, these shoes are flexible enough for running, as this curvature will assist you while you roll through your steps.
FAQ:
Q. How does shoe flexibility impact running performance?
A. - The flexibility of a running shoe can significantly influence your running performance. Flexible shoes are recommended for long, comfortable runs, while stiffer shoes are better for fast runs and provide more stability, especially for overpronators. The stiffness of your forefoot plays a dominant role in overall stiffness during running, more so than the stiffness of the shoe itself.
Q. What is the significance of torsional flexibility in running shoes?
A. - Torsional flexibility, the shoe's ability to twist between the forefoot and rearfoot, is crucial. Shoes with excessive torsional flexibility might increase the risk of injury for runners with problematic biomechanics or foot weaknesses. Conversely, shoes with less torsional flexibility can offer more protection on uneven or irregular surfaces..
Q. Can flexible running shoes be used for other activities?
A. - While flexible running shoes are optimized for running, they can be used for walking due to their cushioning, light weight, and flexibility. However, they are not ideal for intense training activities like heavy lifting, as their flexibility and soft cushioning may not provide adequate foot support in such scenarios.
Conclusion
We've discussed some of the best lightweight running shoes in the market and some of the important features to look at when buying lightweight flexible shoes. By now, you should have no trouble finding a pair of running shoes for yourself.
Don't let the variety of lightweight flexible shoes overwhelm you. Just remember the tips we discussed in this post and face this challenge head-on. Once you do, you'll find the perfect pair of shoes for yourself.
Discover the Ultimate in Flexibility and Lightness with Loom Shoes! Step into Comfort and Freedom on Every Adventure.