Here's a question that serious runners are always having to ask themselves - how much shoe do you need to protect your feet and yet not compromise on performance? With minimalism in running shoes on the rise, runners these days are beginning to look afresh at the question of how much shoe they actually need to keep their feet from bruising too much during a tough run, and to keep their feet insulated somewhat and comfortable. Short of drastic measures such as running barefoot or picking minimalist shoes that do little other than to protect your feet from pebbles and the cold, there are choices out there that you could pick for a reasonable balance between cushioning and performance. Here is our list of the top lightweight running shoes for pavement pounding performance.
There are people who will run in such a way that they place the most pressure on the balls of their feet; there are people who will tend to put the most pressure on the outer edges of their feet. The one major shoe manufacturer out there that makes shoes for very specific kinds of foot placement styles is Mizuno. The Mizuno Women's Wave Nirvana 6 is a lightweight pair of racing shoes that is created for a foot placement style where the outer edge of the heel receives the most pressure. These shoes are special for the way the material the others remained are a special stretchable mesh material that tend to move in concert with the skin on your feet. They cost $140 pair,and are so light, runners claim they feel like no shoes at all.
For fans of lightweight running shoes, the ASICS Women's GEL-Kayano 14's were always a big hit. The 15's never really got the cult following their predecessors did; but with the ASICS GEL-Kayano 17's, ASICS is back in form. These aren't the shoes you want to buy for long-distance running; but if you have fallen arches and your feet tend to pronate, these are the most comfortable lightweight fast shoes you could hope for.
For sheer sharp looks in space-age design, I love the Reebok Zigtech series. The soles, made of what looks like a cartoon spring, the see-through plastic uppers let you show off some skin, and they have the most florescent colors anyone's ever seen on a pair of lightweight running shoes. The spring design has a special purpose - it helps you transfer energy to the road with more efficiency. These are lightweight shoes with a design that lets you run for longer with less fatigue.
Let's try something in the end that should cost you far less than any of these major names in the business - the Ryka Women's Revive. In general, the lightweight quality they have is enhanced by the use of nitrogen-infused foam, and the effects are stunning. You get excellent cushioning with very little weight added. They feel somewhat springy and they do very well as walking or running shoes; with a roomy toe box and excellent fit, these are the shoes you should probably start out with, if you are new to running.
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