Gear

Lightweight Training Shoe Review: Top Performers

June 25, 2010
By Michal Kapral and Dave Chaundy-Smart

Even runners who prefer the cushioning and support of good, solid training shoes for most of their runs and races will enjoy the boost that lightweight performance trainers can offer during speedwork or shorter races. Here are seven of the season’s best performance shoes.

AdiZero Boston: men's 283 g, 10.0 oz / women's 258 g, 9.1 oz

Adidas $140

With a name like this, you aren't left guessing what the shoe is designed for. This long-distance trainer has the Adidas hallmarks of great construction and a close, almost sock-like fit, especially around the instep. Since there's no medial post in this neutral shoe, that snug fit helped some reviewers feel that their midsole was a little more supported than in some neutral shoes. The highly breathable mesh upper will keep your feet nice and cool during a 42.2K race or long run. The thick sole provides more cushioning than the lightest of trainers, but this is no old-fashioned training brick. The blown-rubber outsole is light and grippy, and will last longer than the soles on some other lighter Adidas models that use quick-strike material. A great shoe bridging the gap between super-lightweight trainers and the needs of marathoners.
Grid Fastwitch 4: men's 198 g, 7.0 oz / women's 170 g, 6.0 oz

Saucony $130

This is an extremely lightweight racing and training flat, which surprisingly also offers some medial posting. There is almost no cushioning in the forefoot, but the 12 cm medial post will give mild pronators some roll protection. A cushy foam collar will keep your heel cozy, while a lightweight, breathable upper should keep speedy feet moving in comfort. The outsole's three very deep grooves facilitate ample forefoot flex and preserve the natural gait. An ideal low-profile speedwork or 5K race flat for runners who like to feel the ground under their feet.
GEL-DS Trainer 15: men's 286 g, 10.1 oz / women's 244 g, 8.6 oz

Asics $170

This year's update to the DS Trainer takes the shoe back to its roots of a lighter-weight, performance shoe for moderate overpronators. After a series of changes that brought the weight up to a level that turned off some of its loyal fans, the 2010 DS Trainer maintains the same dimensions as last year's model, but Asics substitutes some lighter-weight materials. The upper has also been given a complete overhaul. The Asics Space Trusstic System provides stability without compromising weight and the women's model features a gender-specific version of the midfoot support system. The DS is named after the DuoSole forefoot - a combination of blown rubber and WetGrip - a high-traction compound made out of cornhusks. A very stiff heel cup keeps the foot in place.
LunarRacer+2: men's 196 g, 6.9 oz / women's 159 g, 5.6 oz

Nike $150

The Nike LunaRacer+ 2 offers the lightweight package of a full-on racing flat with some stability and traction features to keep your feet happy in the long haul. Mild overpronators will appreciate the EVA sockliner and medial arch for a snug, comfortable fit. The star of the show is the shoe's LunarLite cushioning for a plush-yet-responsive ride. A virtual medial post controls pronation. Fans of seamless uppers will love the LunaRacer's Flywire construction and non-sewn seams. The shoe's low ride height gives the shoe further street cred as a great fast training and racing shoe for distances up to the marathon for biomechanically efficient runners.
905: men's 269 g, 9.5 oz / women's 210 g, 7.4 oz

New Balance $130

The 905 builds off of the 904's tremendous success as a lightweight and flexible training and racing shoe. The flashy lime green colour makes the shoe look fast - and it is. The update from the 904 incorporates New Balance's patented Stability Web pronation control system, offering more support than most other light trainers, without adding much extra weight. The shoe's exceptional comfort comes from an improved last that hugs the foot without being too tight. A moisture-wicking inner lining and a half-sewn-in tongue adds extra foot comfort to the shoe's upper. The Transitional Support System provides superb heel-to-toe transition and ample flex for quick intervals and race conditions. The 905 is a winning upgrade to the already-popular 904.