There are thousands of different shoe brands, but not all of them are necessarily comfortable for the ladies out there. And especially, not all of them are fit for running. Therefore, you need the best lightweight women running shoes!
Running shoes need to be lightweight first of all. They also must possess excellent durability to withstand the great wear and tear they will be subjected to. Thanks to all the different types of terrains, they are going to be rubbed over.
And of course, they must have a good heel-to-sole ratio. Because without a good ratio, it’s just not fit for running at all. Fortunately, lightweight women running shoes will fill the gap.
In this article, we will review all the lightweight women running shoes that possess these qualities. We will discuss their pros and cons and discuss the essential features that make them running shoes for women.
Because a woman’s feet require different conditions to operate at their maximum efficiency, a shoe fit for a man is not necessarily a fit for a woman.
Without further due, let’s get started.
1. Under Armour Charged Women’s Assert 8 Running Shoe
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Features
Cushioning Midsole
The main feature of Under Armour asserts 8 is its cushioning midsole. This makes it one of the best choice shoes for running as the cushion will help you increase your stamina and give you stability. Which is something runners need to keep their pace for running long miles without getting tired.
Lightweight Mesh
The mesh is extremely lightweight in assert 8 running shoes. This gives you two main advantages. First of all, you won’t feel the extra weight over your foot during long-running sessions. Most of the meshes make the shoe a little weighty. And secondly, it’s highly breathable. Which is something meshes are designed for.
Rubber outsole
By the looks and feels of it. It is very lightweight; hence it qualifies for our list of the best lightweight women running shoes. This is why it doesn’t take time to assume that it can’t withstand different terrains. Well, to your surprise, this couldn’t be more false. The solid rubber outsole is specifically designed to withstand all kinds of terrains without the shoe experiencing much wear and tear.
Pros
- Sold rubber outsole makes it perfect for all types of terrains
- Midsole cushioning gives maximum energy output with minimum stamina input
- Highly durable despite being lightweight
Cons
- The presence of arch support would’ve made them better
- Midsole-like cushioning in other parts of the shoe would’ve been a lot helpful
2. New Balance Women’s 680 V6 Running Shoe
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Features
Compression resistance
Despite having a comfortable midsole cushioning for maximum work output, the midsole also features compression resistance. This means a nice-paced run for as long as your muscles can bear because these shoes will nicely bear the compression. The compression resistance is thanks to the ABZORB midsole, which gives cushioning as well, by the way.
Comfortable and Fit
Now we know that comfort is the priority for every running shoe design, but this shoe design is just irresistible. You see, this shoe is designed to embrace the foot so much that it feels like a part of your feet and not something you’ve put on. The no-sew construction of the upper mesh makes them sleek and fit white the molded sock liner makes sure your feet are always resting, even when they’re running.
Sleek Looks
Being a lady, it’s hard to decide between a shoe that offers comfort and offers more style. Of course, we want our friends to compliment our choice, don’t we ladies? Well, don’t worry because this shoe has got you covered. It’s both stylish and cute, and it offers a fantastic running experience. 2 birds one stone. This show has been designed by keeping the thought process of a woman’s mind under high consideration.
Pros
- Sleek design along with comfort. What else can you ask for
- Compression resistant midsole
- ACTEVA midsole cushioning for versatile support
Cons
- Upward and narrow curving of the toes can be a little strain on fingers
- The shoe is a bit shallow and lacks arch support
3. Saucony Women’s VERSAFOAM Cohesion 12 Road Running
Shoe
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Features
VersaFoam cushioning
This is something Saucony takes pride in. It’s the kind of cushioning that most runners need. Not too much, not too less. 25mm of cushion on the heel and 17mm on the forefoot. Which creates the perfect angle along with the cushion to direct your feet forward.
Structured protection
The heel, forefoot, and midfoot are quite narrow, although not as much to be regarded as uncomfortable. In addition to that, it comes with rubber overlays, which help in keeping your foot locked in. This is helpful for long runs.
Durable outsole
Designed especially for newbie runners, the outsole proves to be durable even for the toughest of terrains and the most terrible of paces. This is especially useful for those who are new to the art of running and still exploring it. Plus, for its cheap price, the durability is something this shoe must be praised for
Pros
- Good functionality despite its low price
- Great cushioning
- An overall amazing support
Cons
- Outsole not very responsive to wet floors
- The forefoot can hurt the toes sometimes thanks to its narrowness
4. WHITIN Women’s Barefoot & Minimalist Shoe
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Features
Wide toe box
This is something that makes these training shoes extraordinarily comfortable, despite great cushioning. Unlike most training and running shoes, these shoes feature a wide-toe box. This means that no matter how hard and how long you train and run, your toes will always be safe from wear and tear.
Zero drop sole
If you’re someone who struggles with a good posture because of some spine problems, or perhaps back pain. This shoe is for you. Unlike other training shoes that feature heel-to-toe angles for fast running, this shoe doesn’t provide that. But don’t let that demotivate you because its cushioning and support will compensate for the zero-drop sole while running. The zero-drop sole also means you can use these as training shoes for keeping an excellent posture.
Removable sock liner
Unlike many other running and training shoes, this shoe features a removable sock liner. This can mean a variety of things. For starters, it’s beneficial for those who like a ‘barefoot’ feeling while training. It is also quite an advantage to make it a little deeper for additional ankle support in case of intense running and/or exercise. Plus, you can always increase the size by a few inches just in case it doesn’t fit perfectly or is too tight.
Pros
- Zero drops sole perfect for posture
- The wide toe box gives additional comfort despite great cushioning
- Adjustable hook and loop closure for a secure fit
Cons
- Lose their traction on wet surfaces
- Not the greatest companions for extra-long marathons. Fine for an average daily run
5. ASICS Women’s Gel-Kayano 27 Running Shoes
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Features
Gel cushioning
What’s better in the world of running and training shoes than Asics? They ace everything from comfort to style to balance and flexibility. Everything. Speaking of comfort, whenever you see their signature Gel technology for cushioning, you must no longer question their comfort.
Fortunately, though, the Kayano 27 does feature Gel cushioning. Just one sentence to describe this technology: it’s one of the best technologies out there in terms of comfort and cushion.
Forefoot and barefoot cushioning
The cushioning on the Kayano 27 is especially prominent on the forefoot and barefoot. Why? Because Asics know the science behind running. It’s always the rearfoot that absorbs the most compression impact, and then the forefoot absorbs the compression during the toe-off phase of running.
With this in mind, the cushioning is prominent in these two areas to provide maximum comfort for a better running experience.
Space trusstic technology
Now, this is something exciting. Do you know how almost all shoes, running or not, have a weighted sole? If you didn’t. Go and check it out now. That is something very unfavorable for long-running sessions. It’s small, yes, but it is significant.
Not only does it slow you down, but it also tires you quickly. Well, not for Asics. Because their space trussic technology makes the sole as lightweight as it can physically be, making the running experience as pleasant as it can be, there is a reason why every other athlete prefers Asics shoes. So, if you’re looking for good lightweight women running shoes. Do consider Asics. In fact, you can check out this article on the best Asics shoes as well.
Pros
- Full of all kinds of fancy technologies to make running as easy as it can be
- A very stable foot strike and toe-off phase of running thanks to its design and technologies.
- The deformable shape makes it shock absorbent and hence more comfortable.
Cons
- Not the greatest arch support
- The upturned toe ruins the overall design a little
Comparison Chart – Best Lightweight Women Running Shoes
| Product name | Weight | Rating | Price | Dimensions |
|
1. Under Armour Charged Women’s Assert 8 Amazon affiliate link. |
0.68lbs | 4.7/5 | $42.99 – $70.00 | 10.9 x 7.7 x 4.1 inches |
|
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2.2lbs | 4.6/5 | $27.95 – $159.91 | 23.62 x 15.75 x 11.81 inches |
|
3. Saucony Women’s VERSAFOAM Cohesion 12 Amazon affiliate link. |
1.32lbs | 4.5/5 | $44.99 – $99.99 | 12 x 7.6 x 4.4 inches |
|
4. WHITIN Women’s Barefoot & Minimalist Shoe Amazon affiliate link. |
0.89lbs | 4.3/5 | $15.99 – $37.99 | 12 x 4.3 x 4 inches |
|
5. ASICS Women’s Gel-Kayano 27 Running Shoes Amazon affiliate link. |
1.5lbs | 4.7/5 | $139.28 – $280.06 | 11.5 x 7.1 x 4.3 inches |
Buying Guide For Lightweight Women Running Shoes
Now that we have discussed all our favorites in lightweight women running shoes, it’s time to give you an idea of what to look for in a shoe when you’re looking for one. Here are some of the basic things you should look for in a shoe, specifically a running shoe.
Heel-to-toe slope
Specifically for running shoes, the heel-to-toe slope is significant. It determines the maximum work output and determines how much energy you need to put in to develop a nice pace.
Now, if you don’t have a flat foot, you should always look for a shoe with an average heel-to-toe ratio if you’re a beginner/intermediate runner. Also known as heel drop, the slope encourages a midfoot to forefoot strike. This means maximum energy output with minimal work done.
This also means that you will have faster runs in marathons as it encourages a quick strike of the forefoot and a quick toe-off phase. But be careful though, in an attempt for maximum energy output, do not go for the big heel drops as they are designed mostly for expert and experienced runners. Without proper experience, you might lose your balance and stability and trip on the tracks.
Arch support
Arch support is especially good for those who have flat feet and still want to enjoy the sport of running. The arch support ensures you do not injure your tendons during strenuous running exercises.
It’s also good for beginner runners, those who struggle to keep their balance and stability and, in turn, lose their stamina. The arch support will help you gain extra stability as well. If you feel like you struggle with balance while running, try some shoes with arch support. That might be helpful.
Pronation
Pronation is the natural way your foot rolls inward when striking the ground during running. There are 3 types of pronation.
Basic pronation is where the foot strikes the ground completely normally and doesn’t roll inward by a lot. Just an average amount. This is normal, and almost any kind of shoe is fit for basic pronators, as long as you have an admirable stance, good pace, and fantastic technique.
Overpronation is when your foot rolls excessively. This leaves the overpronator prone to severe injuries. If you’re an overpronator, you already have encountered injuries and instabilities during running. For overpronators, shoes with maximum stability and motion control are the best.
Supination is when the foot rolls outward and hits the ground. It’s quite rare, but those who do supinate may want to consider shoes with maximum cushioning and flexibility.
Conclusion
And that’s it for a basic guide on lightweight women running shoes. Next time you buy some lightweight shoes for your next marathon, make sure to check our recommendations and keep this basic buying guide in mind.
