Best Lightweight Running Shoes For Women – 2023 Update

Is running and casual walking is your favorite thing to do? Chances are you need to find good running shoes to sustain your hobby.

If you need some suggestions, here are eight best lightweight running shoes for women you need to know.

• adidas Cloudfoam Pure Running Shoe – Best for plantar fasciitis
• ASICS Gel-Venture 6 Running Shoe – Best for trail runners
• ASICS Gel-Excite 4 Running Shoe – Solid choice for new runners
• Brooks Ravenna 9 – Best stability running shoes
• Brooks Adrenaline GTS 18 – Best for long distance
• Brooks Adrenaline GTS 18 – Best for long distance
• Saucony Ride ISO ‘s – Best for tempo runs
• adidas Ultraboost W Running Shoe – Best gym-to-street-style
• Feetmat Womens Sneakers Ultra Lightweight Breathable Mesh Athletic Walking Running Shoes – best for casual runners

adidas Cloudfoam Pure Running Shoe – Best for plantar fasciitis

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Product specifications

Arch support	Yes
Terrain	Road
Best used for	Casual use
Highlight features	Cloudfoam Memory sockliner, Stretchable two-tone mesh upper, Cloudfoam midsole and outsole

adidas Women’s Cloudfoam Pure Running Shoe is one of the classic examples of adidas’s quality. This running shoe has everything to offer, from stretchy mesh upper, Cloudfoam cushioning to memory foam sock liner.

The fashionable design is also a plus for adidas Clouhdfoam. The drawback is the size. Some women with narrow feet find it way too big.

With the best cushioning and super breathable mesh upper, the adidas Women’s Cloudfoam Pure Running Shoe is the ultimate choice for those suffering from plantar fasciitis

ASICS Gel-Venture 6 Running Shoe – Best for trail runners

[imgb trackingid=”donatwald-20″ asin=”B071LK4FLC” imgid=”61yKnxgVdhL” altimg=”ASICS Gel-Venture 6 Running Shoe”]

Product specifications

Terrain	rugged terrain, road
Weight	9.0 oz
Best used for	Trail runners
Highlight features	AHAR Outsole, Rearfoot gel brand technology cushioning system, removable sockliner

ASICS Gel-Venture 6 Women’s Running has all that it takes to cope with rugged terrain. Rearfoot GEL cushioning offers to the best shock-absorption, keeping you comfortable in any trail conditions. Plus, the removable sock liner allows you to insert extra orthotics.

If you are looking for a serious trail running shoe, put ASICS Gel-Venture 6 Women’s Running in the shopping list.

The only thing that makes me disappointed is that this shoe lacks enough arch support.

ASICS Gel-Venture 6 Women’s Running Shoe, with its excellent compatibility for rugged terrains, deserves to be the best option for trail runners.

ASICS Gel-Excite 4 Running Shoe – Solid choice for new runners

[imgb trackingid=”donatwald-20″ asin=”B01FY9JJGC” imgid=”712hxyYTQoL” altimg=”ASICS Gel-Excite 4 Running Shoe”]

Product specifications

Terrain	Road
Heel-to-toe offset	10 mm
Best used for	Casual walking, running
Highlight features	Rearfoot GEL Cushioning System, AHAR Outsole, Removable Sockline

The Asics Gel Excite 4 with basic features is a perfect option for low mileage users. The signature gel cushioning technology offers exceptional shock absorption. The upper is breathable, and the mesh upper is durable.

While this product surprises me with its extended durability, you can’t use it right out of the box. The shoe needs at least a few days to break in.

With an affordable price, ASICS Gel-Excite 4 Women’s Running Shoe is the answer for new runners’ prayer.

Brooks Ravenna 9 – Best stability running shoes

[imgb trackingid=”donatwald-20″ asin=”B071NSQDKY” imgid=”81-vQDJORzL” altimg=”Brooks Ravenna 9″]

Product Specifications

Arch support	Yes
Terrain	Road
Weight	8.1 oz
Heel-to-toe offset	10 mm
Best used for	Running
Highlight features	BioMoGo DNA midsole, midfoot transition zone

The Brooks Ravenna 9 is loved for many reasons. The BioMoGo DNA midsole offers cushy feel, while the midfoot diagonal rollbar adds extra support from heel to toe. The mesh upper is breathable with plenty of room for your toes.

With adequate arch support, this shoe is perfect for overpronators as well. However, wide feel ladies be alerted! This shoe may not fit your choice.

Are you looking for a lightweight, cushy shoe for running? Brooks Women’s Ravenna 9 is my recommendation.

Brooks Women’s Ravenna 9, excellent cushioning and responsive, is one of the most stable running footwear out there.

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 18 – Best for long distance

[imgb trackingid=”donatwald-20″ asin=”B0773SKLFG” imgid=”91o3HrJ4Q2L” altimg=”Brooks Adrenaline GTS 18″]

Product specifications

Arch support	Yes
Terrain	Road
Weight	10.10 oz
Heel-to-toe offset	12 mm
Best used for	Road running
Highlight features	BioMoGo DNA midsole,

The Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 18 offers one of the best cushioning in the list. Together with the substantial arch support, it is the most trusted companion for long running trails.

The shoe performs exceptionally on long recovery runs. It doesn’t require a long break-in time so you can use it right out of the box. Its lightweightness and capability allow you to enjoy the run.

The only drawback is the cheap-looking upper mesh.

Brooks Women’s Adrenaline GTS 18 is hands-down your trusted friend for long distance runs.

Saucony Ride ISO ‘s – Best for tempo runs

[imgb trackingid=”donatwald-20″ asin=”B078PQ89DR” imgid=”61vWUu3z6HL” altimg=”Saucony Ride ISO ‘s”]

Product specifications

Terrain	Light trail, road, treadmill
Weight	9.7 oz
Heel-to-toe offset	8 mm
Best used for	Tempo runs, long and easy run
Highlight features	Everun topsole, ISOFIT

Featuring TRI-FLEX outsole, the Saucony Ride ISO provides the best cushioning for your feet. Breathable open mesh upper and durable synthetic overlays are two additional highlights of this shoe.

Saucony Ride ISO is appealing to anyone looking for a daily neutral pair of running shoes.

adidas Ultraboost W Running Shoe – Best gym-to-street-style

[imgb trackingid=”donatwald-20″ asin=”B01DGCJXG0″ imgid=”81e%2BF54ceXL” altimg=”adidas Ultraboost W Running Shoe”]

Product Specifications

Arch support	Normal
Weight	9.4 oz
Heel-to-toe offset	Midsole drop: 10 mm, heel: 29 mm, forefoot: 19 mm
Best used for	Long, urban runs
Highlight features	Flexible Stretchweb outsole, Continental™ Rubber outsole, adidas Primeknit textile upper

This adidas Women’s Ultraboost W Running Shoe offers ultimate wearing experience. It is lightweight and durable. The stretch web outsole and Continental Rubber provide superb traction.

With many choices of color and fashionable design, adidas Women’s Ultraboost W Running is the best choice for fans of fashion.

Feetmat Sneakers – Best for casual runners

[imgb trackingid=”donatwald-20″ asin=”B07GB3RKXW” imgid=”61Q%2Bs55r8PL” altimg=”Feetmat Sneakers”]

Product Specifications

Arch support	Yes
Terrain	Any road condition
Weight	12.8 oz
Best used for	Casual, walking, running, sports
Highlight features	Breathable Knit Mesh Upper, memory foam insoles, non-marking outsole

With breathable knit mesh upper and padded collar, you will feel comfortable when running with Feetmat Womens Sneakers. Irritation is reduced to a minimum. At the same time, the outsole with flex grooves enhances the grip and anti-skid ability.

Feetmat Womens Sneakers are indeed the best option for casual runners.

How to choose the best lightweight running shoes for women (buying guide)

Understand shoes

In order to buy the right pair of running shoes, you need to understand shoe anatomy.

You should get yourself familiar with names such as upper, ankle collar, heel counter, saddle, toe box and heel cushioning.

Know your shoe size

As for running shoes, you shouldn’t choose a tight-fitting pair. You will soon make friends with blisters and black toenails if your feet don’t have enough room to breathe. Choose running shoes that offer at least half an inch wide in the forefoot.

Buy shoes that work

When buying shoes for running, it is essential to look for a pair that work. Some women tend to look at fashion rather than comfort and compatibility. If you don’t want to waste money on a pair that will bring blisters to your feet after a few wears, don’t buy for the look.

When you shop matters too

A lot of people go shopping for shoes at the wrong time. Typically, our shoe size is different in the morning and evening. That’s why, if you buy a pair of running shoes in the morning, you will find it uncomfortable in the evening.

The rule of thumb is to stop for shoes after 4 p.m.

Who makes the best lightweight running shoes for women?

Talking about who makes the best lightweight running shoes for women, there are a few brands that I trust:

ASICS

ASICS is an acronym from Latin, meaning a sound mind in a sound body. The brand’s philosophy is evident in making the best products. Adopting technological advances, ASICS never fails to support enthusiastic runners and walkers around the world.

Brooks

Brooks is built with the belief that running can change the world. That’s why Brooks offer runners with durable and comfortable footwear for short to long distance runs.

Saucony

Saucony aims at high-performance running shoes for both casual users and fitness enthusiasts.

adidas

One of the best brands to shop for sports clothes and accessories, adidas provides the most supportive, durable and comfortable footwear for any occasions.

Feetmat

Started from a small shoe line, Feetman has impressed the whole world with hi-quality running shoes.

FAQs

Are lightweight running shoes better?

In most of the cases, yes, they are.

Light running foot gears mean you will have less impact, fatigue, and a faster recovery. Especially when you have a beautiful natural running form (midfoot/forefoot strike), lightweight running shoes will help you enhance your gait and your speed.

What is the average weight of a running shoe?

Running shoes are one of those weird products that the more you pay, the less weight you get. With that being said, the average weight of running shoes ranges from 0.5 to 0.8 lbs. And brands are competing to get that number lower in the designing process.

Here are some of the current best running shoes on the market and the weight so that you can get the overall competition going on:

• Nike Zoom Pegasus Turbo: 0.562 lbs
• Asics Gel-Kayano 25: 0.74 lbs
• Adidas Ultraboost 19: 0.59 lbs

Do lighter shoes make you run faster?

Lighter shoes make you run faster is a common belief among people since it’s reasonable if you have to bring some weights with you, it’s gonna slow you down. However, this belief has been tested and proved correct by many researchers.

The researchers have estimated that with every 0.2 lbs extra weight on the runners’ shoes, they ran 1% slower. So yes, lighter shoes will make you run faster, even if it is just a subtle change in weight.

Are running shoes good for walking too?

Yes, they are. Sometimes, they work even better.

Many walking shoes are designed for comfortable wearing in a not-so-energetic environment. Plus, they are often cushioned to relieve stress from standing, which may end up being inflexible and heavy as well.

Another thing that you need to keep in mind is the technology. Since running shoes are constantly being improved model by model, walking shoes may not receive that big of attention. So, investing in a good pair of running shoes is always a safe bet.

How long should running shoes last if you wear them every day?

Even when you are running on a daily basis, it is the mileage that makes the difference. It has been estimated that running shoes should be replaced somewhere between 300 and 500 miles. This will come down to 4 to 6 months for those who run 20 miles per week.

However, there are still other elements that can alter all those numbers, which are the maintenance, the running route or the frequency.

Can wrong running shoes hurt knees?

The answer is yes they can. There are so many different types of feet. People who have normal feet, which have normal arches, are able to do well in various types of shoes. Even when they face discomfort caused by shoes, the chance of getting injured is still small.

However, those that have high arches or flat feet tend to contract knee pain when they don’t pick out the right footwear. So, always make sure to get a suitable pair of running shoes to avoid long-term damages to the body.

Should running shoes fit snug or loose?

You need to get something that is in the middle of these two. If shoes are too tight, they will cause your feet to have blisters. If they are too loose, you run a risk of getting knee and hip pain from running.

And that’s why you need to try them on and make sure that they are the perfect fit. Ideal running shoes should have roomy toe-boxes, tight-fitted midsoles, and snug heels.

The bottom line

I believe in the power of running. However, if you want to sustain that power, you need to find the most suitable running shoes. I hope that you have all the fundamentals you need in order to understand about running shoes and make a conscious decision when making a purchase.