Guides / Lightweight

Best lightweight running shoes 2026

Light, lively shoes for tempo runs, intervals and parkrun efforts. Less weight on your feet makes picking up the pace feel easier.

6 current models, newest first. Updated October 2026. Want a personal pick? Try the shoe finder.

1. ASICS

   Sonicblast 2

   A rockered tempo trainer for workouts that need a little snap without full race-shoe fragility.

   240 g8 mm dropPlate / rodsresponsivepropulsive

2. HOKA

   Mach 7

   Light, springy and versatile. The Mach is the HOKA for runners who like to mix easy miles with faster work.

   230 g5 mm dropresponsivelight

3. adidas

   Adizero Evo SL

   Runner's World's best running shoe of 2026: super-shoe foam with no plate, at a non-super price. Does nearly everything.

   225 g7 mm dropbouncylight

4. adidas

   Adizero SL2

   A light, affordable trainer for runners who like to go a bit quicker.

   245 g7 mm droplightresponsive

5. New Balance

   FuelCell Rebel v5

   Cloud-soft, light and bouncy: one of the most fun shoes to run fast in without a plate.

   215 g6 mm dropbouncylight

6. PUMA

   Deviate Pure Nitro

   Outside's best new shoe of 2026 so far: a light, nimble, unplated trainer for fast everyday miles.

   220 g8 mm droplightresponsive

More guides