How Much Do Running Shoes Weigh? The Answer With Reason
How much do running shoes weigh? Is running shoe weight really matters to your performance?
If this question is in your mind then you have come to the right place to get your answer.
You believe it or not, the weight of a running shoe matters a lot. The weight of the shoe that you have worn directly impacts whatever activity you do or how miles you run.
Thus the right pair of running shoes with adequate weight becomes very essential for you to keep your feet protected and to make your running experience effortless.
Whether you a beginner runner, or expert, or whatever type of running shoes you wear, there are so many reasons why you should not underestimate the weight of running shoes.
In this article, you will know all about running shoe weight, what impacts the shoe weight, the advantages, and disadvantages of lightweight running shoes.
Let’s get started.
How Much Do Running Shoes Weigh?
In general, the weight of running shoes for an average man is 10.5 ounce (297gm), and for an average woman is 8.5 ounce (240gm). But the weight of running shoes can vary depending on a person’s weight, height, and feet size.
It is also one aspect that for a beginner runner, the weight of running shoes will be different from an expert runner.
There are few other things also that impact the weight, this could be shoe type and construction for a particular purpose.
It is your running needs and surfaces that will better prioritize the ideal weight of a running shoe.
As if you run on flat surfaces, you will require lighter shoes with more cushioning and if you run on the trail then you will require heavy shoes with more protection.
Is Running Shoes Weight Really Matters?
There are different kinds of running shoes in the market from racing flats to outdoor trail running shoes. Each type of shoe is designed in a different nature to serve the best for a specific running condition.
However, running shoes are built for one purpose that is running with support, but due to different needs and surfaces, the design and construction vary.
And these required things ultimately add up and downs the weight of the running shoes and makes big difference in running performance.
Thus, here the question becomes very important that Is running shoes really important? Then we would say, YES.
Because it is researched and proved by scientists that the weight of your running shoes directly affects your speed and performance. The lighter the shoe is, the faster you run.
If you’re focused on running for long miles, then along with cushioning and comfort, the weight of a running shoe is also very crucial for you.
Because a lighter shoe with more cushioning will provide your feet required comfort and support by absorbing the impact caused by repetitive footstrike.
On the other hand, if you are more focused on running on the trail, the heavyweight shoe becomes so important having a good amount of protection and stability.
Because, for outdoor extreme conditions, a shoe has to be more protective and durable to keep your feet protected from injuries and to provide optimal ground traction.
What Affects the Weight of the Shoes?
There are several factors that play a vital role in influencing the overall weight of running shoes. These factors are:
1. The material of the Shoe
The material of the shoe is the most significant factor that affects the weight of the shoes. You must have seen that road running shoes and trail running shoes have different weights just because of the different materials used.
One has soft padding with a breathable upper to absorb the impact. While the other one has the most durable outsole with a sturdy upper to protect the feet and provide good traction.
And ultimately, these two different nature of materials add up a different level of weight to the overall design of the shoes.
2. The Size of the Shoe
We already said that a person’s foot size is also one of the things that determine the weight of the shoe. Because the larger a shoe size is, the more material it requires to craft.
For instance, a person with 11 number foot size will require a larger shoe than a person with 8 number foot size. This is due to the smaller space inside the shoe to be fit.
And here the larger number of a shoe means more materials, and more materials mean extra weight.
3. Added Cushioning
Cushioning is required inside the shoe to add a layer between your feet and the ground. This cushioning layer is mostly called the midsole which allows shock absorption against impacts to make running happier.
But, this extra cushioning ultimately adds up more weight to the running shoe. However, there are many extremely lightweight shoes with great cushioning just because of the clever technologies of the shoe company.
Advantages of Lightweight Running Shoes
These are some of the positive features of lightweight running shoes which makes them much loved by many.
1. Faster Running
The biggest advantage of wearing lightweight running shoes is that they boost your running speed and performance. This is simply that the lighter a shoe is, the faster one runs.
2. Give You the Right Support
Lightweight running shoes are best in offering maximum support for walking, running, and exercising activities. Its thick, soft, and cushioned materials are designed to provide optimal support from heel to toe.
3. Provides Maximum Comfort
As the most lightweight running shoes features softer and thicker cushioning construction, it provides maximum comfort to the feet. Its cushioned nature avoids pain and discomfort and makes running happy.
4. Super Breathable
One of the biggest advantages of a lightweight running shoe is its super-breathability. The breathable nature of running shoes plays a vital role in making your feet happy, disease-free, and healthier.
Most lightweight running shoes comes incorporated with extremely breathable material which is mesh or phylon material.
It reduces the overall shoe weight and provides ample airflow inside the shoe to make the runner’s feet dry and fresh. And this fresh under-shoe environment avoids blisters and shoe odor.
5. Better for the Long Run
Another advantage of lightweight running shoes is that they are the most comfortable especially when it comes to long-distance running.
A lightweight shoe with a good amount of cushioning can enhance the running ability of a runner by offering soft footsteps with less impact.
Disadvantages of Lightweight Running Shoes
Along with advantages, there are some disadvantages of lightweight running shoes which you may not like.
1. Less Durability
The lightweight running shoes are less durable than the heavier-weight running shoes. This is because of the light material used to make the shoe.
Due to the lighter materials, the chance of the shoe is worn out increases. Thus they do not perform last long and sooner will require to replace with the new one.
2. Less Protection
Another disadvantage you may see in lightweight running shoes is less protection. However, lightweight running shoes are firmly comfortable, but somehow they lack protection from injury.
According to this article from Healthline, sometimes extra-cushioned running shoes may cause injury like stress fracture just due to greater repetitive footstrike in the surface.
The Best Lightweight Running Shoes
- Adidas RunFalcon Men’s Running Shoes
- ASICS Men’s Gel-Nimbus 21 Running Shoes
- Nike Men’s Air Zoom Pegasus 36 Running Shoes
Conclusion
Hopefully, now you have got your answer on how much running shoes weigh and get a better understanding of whether do running shoes weight matters or not.
The bottom line is that the weight of running shoes may not matters for daily trainers and trail running shoes. But it matters when it comes to racing shoes where you require much faster performance.
And also you know that there are some affecting factors like materials, size, and cushioning that vary from person to person and not applicable for all.
Did you consider the shoe weight when you buy running shoes? Do let us know your suggestion in the comment.
We would love to hear from you about your feedback.
