It's almost time to say goodbye to the down vests and toasty baselayers that have kept your fellow runners warm all season, and hello to the tank tops and split shorts that have been buried in your closet since September. While you're pulling out your favorite warm-weather running clothes, don't forget that your feet can also overheat, and the shoes you've been wearing all winter may no longer work when temperatures start to rise. Consider this your cue to invest in lightweight sneakers that will keep your feet cool and dry for sweaty season.
In addition to keeping your feet completely comfortable, lightweight, breathable running shoes can prevent hot spots, blisters, skin tears, and calluses caused by excess moisture, says podiatrist Mark Mendeszoon, DPM. Store owner living in Chardon, Ohio. “Other problems we see with moisture collection are athlete’s foot, increased likelihood of developing plantar warts or viruses, and increased irritation and friction to the toenails,” he says.
Find the lightest running shoes you can lace up this summer. All tried and tested by you yourself (an avid runner based in warm North Carolina!). You'll also get tips on how to buy a new pair of running shoes from Dr. Mendeszoon and other running experts.
Take a look at the best lightweight running shoes:
- Best for everyday running: Saucony, Ride 17, $140
- Best for long distance running: New Balance, FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v2, $180
- Best for trail running: Brooks, Cascadia 17, $140
- Best Hybrids: Merrell, Morflight, $100
- Best for speed workouts: Salomon, Aero Bolt 2, $150
- Best for hiking: Hoka, Anakapa Breeze Low, $155
- Best for racing: Adidas, Adizero Adios Pro 3, $250
- Best for night runs: Reebok, Floatzig 1 shoes, $130
- Best suited for arch support: Brooks, Adrenaline GTS 23, $140
What to look for in lightweight sneakers
ingredient
When it comes to breathability, the most important thing is about the upper, the upper part of the shoe that covers the foot. Ideally, you should make your sneakers out of a thin mesh material with breathable features like ventilation holes and skip the extra design elements made of thick fabric that can trap heat.
The goal is to keep your feet as dry as possible, but waterproof shoes won't help you on hot summer days, says Bermel. “The purpose of these shoes is to block water, not breathability,” says Caroline Bermel, head shoe tester at Fleet Feet. (Vermel lives in sunny Florida, so she would know!) They may protect your feet from rain and puddles, but they can trap sweat inside your shoes and make moisture problems much worse.
right
It is also important to consider suitability. “If you’re going to run in warm weather, the most important thing is to make sure your shoes fit properly,” says Bermel. The reason is that while it may be okay to wear ill-fitting shoes in the winter, once moisture enters the equation, blisters will start to form where your skin rubs against your shoes. shoes. “I had shoes that I wore all winter and loved them, but then I used them in the summer and suddenly I couldn’t wear them anymore,” she says. Getting a professional fit at your local running store can help you find the right fit, even when you're sweating.
Thin, lightweight uppers are important for breathability, but the overall weight of a shoe is determined primarily by the volume of the midsole and sole, which isn't very important, says Bermel. “The outsole should not affect the warmth of the foot or the breathability of the shoe,” she says. That said, if you prefer well-cushioned, weighted shoes, there's no reason not to wear them in the summer, as long as the uppers are breathable.
socks
And keep in mind: Even the lightest, most ventilated sneakers are nothing without the right socks, adds Bermel. Avoid materials that absorb sweat, like cotton, and choose synthetic materials that absorb moisture, like polyester. “If you have great shoes but no socks that fit, it’s like buying a house and not putting any furniture in it,” she says.
Where I live in North Carolina, it's been a long, sweaty running season. So I went to Bermel and Dr. I was able to test out a few shoes, including one recommended by Mendeszoon. Here's the top pair:
Shop 9 of the Best Lightweight Sneakers
![](https://www.wellandgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Saucony-Ride-17.jpeg?w=1460)
Best for everyday running: Saucony, Ride 17 — $140.00
sizes available: 5-12, half sizes and two widths
If you're someone who only wears one shoe at a time, you need a shoe that can do it all, and it needs to do it all well. The Saucony Ride 17 is one of those versatile all-rounders, featuring generous layers of soft, springy cushioning that feels just as good on recovery runs as it does on speed runs. The engineered mesh upper is one of the most breathable in the daily trainer category and durable enough to withstand any speed. Dr. Mendeszoon agrees, saying Saucony is known for its comfortable, breathable uppers.
Heel-to-toe drop: 8mm
weight: 8.4 ounces
colors: 13
- Highly breathable engineered mesh upper
- variable
- Elastic and soft foam
- It's vegan and contains recycled ingredients
- Some reviewers complain of durability issues.
![](https://www.wellandgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/NewBalance-FuelCell.jpg?w=1460)
Best for long distance running: New Balance, FuelCell SuperComp Trainer 2 — $180.00
Available sizes: 7-14, half sizes and two widths
Long distance running requires shoes that feel less long. The New Balance SuperComp Trainer v2 is a bouncy, propulsive and comfortable shoe that makes you feel like you're running on a soft, bouncy cloud. I found that the SuperComp Trainers shed water easily, thanks to their thin, flat-knit upper that allows for good ventilation. Although they have a carbon plate, they are more durable and forgiving than most racing shoes and can withstand everyday wear and tear.
colors: 2
Heel-to-toe drop: 6mm
weight: 7.8 ounces
- Breathable flat knit upper for superior ventilation
- Carbon plate with propulsion
- Plenty of soft, elastic foam
- Carbon plates may not be suitable for beginner runners.
- expensive
![](https://www.wellandgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Brooks-Cascadia-17.jpeg?w=1460)
Best for Trail Running: Brooks, Cascadia 17 – $140.00
Available sizes: 5-12, half sizes and two widths
The idea that trail shoes are breathable may seem a bit contradictory. After all, trail shoes are made to protect your feet from rocks, roots, etc. you might encounter on the trail and typically have a harder, denser upper, says Dr. Mendeszoon. However, Brooks' Cascadia 17 is the Dr. Recommended by Mendeszoon and Bermel as a shoe with an upper that strikes the right balance of breathability and protection. They also have everything you need in a trail shoe: stability, a grippy sole, and comfortable cushioning.
Drop from heel to toe: 8mm
weight: 9.8 ounces
colors: 7
- Balances breathability and protection.
- Comfortable and stable even on challenging terrain.
- slippery soles
- Made from recycled materials
- Not as breathable as road shoes
![](https://www.wellandgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Merrell-Morphlite.jpeg?w=1460)
Best for hybrid road/trail running: Merrell, Morphlite — $100.00
Available sizes: 5-11, half size and two widths
Sometimes you don't know exactly where your running will take you. These are the times when you need shoes that can handle a variety of terrains, including roads, trails, and gravel. Merrell's new Morphlite is an all-terrain shoe priced at $100, an almost unheard of price. The breathable jacquard upper felt more similar to a road shoe than a trail shoe during my test ride. That said, while they're great for warm days, they don't offer much protection, so they're probably best suited for light trails.
Heel-to-toe drop: 6.5mm
weight: 7.58 ounces
colors: 6
- available
- Highly breathable jacquard upper
- Comfortable on a variety of surfaces
- It's vegan and made from sustainable ingredients.
- Minimal protection – not suitable for technical trails
- Not as durable as other trail shoes
![](https://www.wellandgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Aero-VOlt-2.webp?w=1460)
Best for speed workouts: Salomon, Aero Volt 2 — $150.00
Available sizes: 5-11, half size
If your feet freeze in shoes in the winter, that's probably a good sign that you'll feel better in those shoes in the summer. That's the case with Salomon's new Aero Volt 2, a lightweight road shoe with an ultra-thin, well-ventilated upper. With its light weight and fast, responsive ride, the Aero Volt 2 performs best when you push the pace, whether you're working out on the track or chasing tempo miles.
Drop from heel to toe: 8mm
weight: 6.7 ounces
colors: 2
- lightweight
- Highly breathable mesh upper
- fast ride
- low profile
- May be too firm for some runners.
![](https://www.wellandgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Hoka-Anacapa-Breeze-Low-.webp?w=1460)
Best for Hiking: Hoka, Anacapa Breeze Low — $155.00
sizes available: No. 5~11, half size
On days when it's too hot to run, there's always a slow, shady hike. Hoka's Anacapa Breeze Low has quickly become my go-to choice for summer hiking. They have a highly breathable knit upper, making them as breathable as hiking shoes. They're as comfortable, grippy, and luxurious as you'd expect from a Hoka hiking shoe. Additionally, the upper features protective elements to ensure safe use on more challenging terrains.
Heel-to-toe drop: 6mm
weight: 10.2 ounces
colors: 5
- Knit upper with excellent breathability and ventilation
- Some protective elements on top
- Griffey
- comfortable
- It sacrifices some protection and durability for breathability.
![](https://www.wellandgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Adidas-Adizero.jpg?w=1460)
Best for racing: Adidas, Adizero Adios Pro 3 — $250.00
Available sizes: 5-12, half size
When you're talking about top-of-the-line racing shoes that are made as light as possible, you usually don't have to worry too much about breathability, says Bermel. There are many great options in this category, but the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 stands out with its thin mesh upper and carbon-infused energy rods built for running the fastest races.
Heel-to-toe drop: 6mm
weight: 6.4 ounces
colors: 4
- very light
- Highly breathable upper
- Fast and propulsive ride
- expensive
- Not designed for beginner runners.
![](https://www.wellandgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Reebok-Floatzig.jpeg?w=1460)
Best for Night Running: Reebok, FloatZig 1 Shoe — $130.00
Available sizes: 5-12, half size
True to its name, the FloatZig floats on water. Built to be ultra-resilient and forward-moving, FloatZig's outsole zigzags with a “geometry that enhances cushioning, energy return and smooth transitions for a unique underfoot experience.” The foam outsole and lightweight upper give it a dreamlike feel. Bonus: It's highly reflective and, in addition to its already bright color, is perfect for staying safe and visible even when driving in low light.
Heel-to-toe drop: 6mm
weight: 9.8 ounces
colors: 6
- Designed to maximize propulsion and energy return
- lightweight upper
- reflective overlay
- variable
- Definitely a bolder look. This may be a drawback if you prefer a more subtle shoe.
![Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23](https://www.wellandgood.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/brooks-adrenaline-gts-23.jpg?w=1460)
Best for Flat Feet: Brooks, Adrenaline GTS 23 — $140.00
Available sizes: 5-13, half sizes and two widths
Runners with flat feet or low arches tend to overpronate or roll their feet slightly inward. Supportive shoes can help correct this tendency, and according to Dr. Mendeszoon, Brooks' Adrenaline GTS 23 is one of the best options on the market, featuring stride-busting guardrail technology and a highly breathable engineered air mesh upper. there is.
Drop from heel to toe: 12mm
weight: 9.1 ounces
colors: 23
- Support functions help prevent civil war.
- Breathable upper
- Comfortable and fast ride
- Heavier than other options.
- A high drop is not suitable for some runners.
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