The Best Lightweight Running Shoes

Nike Free Everyday +2

Nike's Free Everyday +2 shoe is a great compromise between minimal weight and comfort. With a weight of 9.9 ounces and an extremely flexible sole, the shoe won't weigh you down on a run, and with a molded sockliner and midsole saddle for support and comfort, you won't be missing the padding that comes with a heavier shoe. On a customer review on nike.com, a user recommended it to "anyone who has trouble with 'heavy' shoes", and a user review on barefootrunningshoes.org said the Free Everyday was "extremely comfortable" and likened running with it to "running with just my socks on."

North Face Betasso Trail Runner

Trail running shoes have to protect runners' feet from rocks, roots and other trail debris, as well as provide traction on uneven terrain. The North Face Betasso trail running shoe ($84.95 as of 2010) manages to do this while staying a slim 1.5 pounds per pair. Copious amounts of mesh keep the shoe lightweight and breathable, and an ultralight rubber outsole keeps feet protected from the elements without tacking on weight. A user review on altrec.com recommends them highly, noting that the shoes are "comfortable, provide decent traction, and most importantly, are feather light."

Vibram Five Fingers KSO

At 5.5 ounces, Vibram's Five Finger KSO is as close as runners will get to not wearing shoes. With individual toe sleeves and a slim outsole that conforms to the foot, the KSO protects feet from debris and abrasions while allowing the foot to flex and move with near complete freedom. In a review on nateluzod.com, Luzod noted that the shoes "force you into decent form" and that their lightness made his feet "feel free from anything."