Lightweight Shoe Trends
More shoes continue to crowd into this category because of improvements in plastics, foams, and engineering, which seem to make for lighter and lighter shoes. Light efficient runners benefit from lighter trainers, while heavier runners are offered more protective racing shoes.
New Balance 729
New Balance 729 -- $70
Sizes: Men 6-13,14,15 B,D,2E widths; Women 5-11,12 B,D widths.
Weight: Men 10.8 oz. (size 9) Women 9 oz. (size 7).
Upper: Mesh/synthetic overlays.
Midsole: C-CAP, ABZORB heel and forefoot.
Shank: Stability Web.
Outersole: Solid rubber.
Shape: Semi-straight SL-1.
Construction: Strobel slip last.
Strengths: Cushioning, lightweight.
Weaknesses: No significant weaknesses for recommended users.
Recommended for: Medium- to low-arched feet with neutral biomechanics
The new New Balance shoe is one of the lightest available. Technically, they afford cushioning all around, with ABZORB in heel and forefoot, midfoot support from an abbreviated Stability Web, but not much stability.
Weaknesses: No significant weaknesses for recommended users.
Recommended for:Low- to high-arched feet, tempo runs or races, or lightweight efficient runners.
Lightweight training and racing define the Preside, but there are nuances that make it a pretty good choice. Look at the medial side: the post slows down overpronation enough to get you through race day or some speed workouts. The Cell in the heel provides extra cushioning for said activities. Finally, shaving excess weight out of the shoe is why you are still reading this.
Diadora Mythos 280
Diadora Mythos 280 $80
Sizes: Men 7-13,14; Women 5-10.
Weight: Men 10.2 oz. (size 9); Women 8.8 oz. (size 7).
Weaknesses: No significant weaknesses for recommended users.
Recommended for: High- to low-arched feet with neutral biomechanics.
The differences between last year's Mythos 280 and this model are too subtle to even mention, which is a good thing if it was a personal favorite. The significant difference is that the shoe no longer is offered in a men's size 4 Because they now offer a shoe built on a women's last so it is no longer necessary to build a men's shoe in the extreme smaller sizes. It is very good news if you are a woman with an efficient gait, because the Mythos 280 offers a well-cushioned ride in a lightweight package.
FILA Flow
FILA Flow $75
Sizes: Men 6.5-12,13.
Weight: Men 10.1 oz. (size 9).
Upper: Mesh/synthetic and HF molded overlays.
Midsole: CM-EVA, Aeroflow ventilation.
Shank: TPU.
Outersole: Evergrind heel, blown rubber forefoot.
Shape: Semi-curved.
Construction: Strobel slip last.
Strengths: Light, breathable and flexible.
Weaknesses: No significant weaknesses for recommended users.
Recommended for: Low- to high-arched feet; tempo runs or races, or lightweight efficient runners.
The Flow has received attention to the upper, which will turn heads, a seeming prerequisite of Fila shoes for faster feet. The low-key approach to a technology that increases the air flow through the shoe may have caused the original Flow to be overlooked by the casual observer. The new upper has an improved fit with the wide forefoot and narrow heel of the Fila Racer, appropriate for a lightweight trainer/racer.
Nike Skylon
Nike Skylon $85
Sizes: Men 6-13,14,15.
Weight: Men 10.7 oz. (size 9).
Upper: Mesh/synthetic.
Midsole: Phylite.
Shank: TPU.
Outersole: Phylite, BRS 1000, Waffle Grip.
Shape: Semi-curved.
Construction: Strobel slip last.
Strengths: Light, well-cushioned.
Weaknesses: No significant weaknesses for recommended users.
Recommended for: High- to low-arched feet; tempo runs or races, or daily use by lightweight, efficient runners.
Phylite has been a while in coming, but its properties have been on a number of other lightweight shoes, just not from Nike. The nice touches are Air cushioning, Waffle traction and BRS 1000 on the heel to ensure that durability and lightweight reside comfortably in the same sentence.
Nike Triax TC
Nike Triax TC $70
Sizes: Men 6-13,14,15; Women 5-11,12.
Weight: Men 9.2 oz. (size 9); Women 7.8 oz. (size 7).
Upper: Mesh/synthetic overlays.
Midsole: Phylon, heel Air unit.
Outersole: Duralon forefoot, BRS 1000 heel.
Shape: Semi-curved.
Construction: Strobel slip last.
Strengths: Light, flexible, well-cushioned.
Weaknesses: No significant weaknesses for recommended users.
Recommended for: High- to low-arched feet; tempo runs or races.
The line between ultra-light racing shoes and more practical trainer/racers is only a few grams. Nike has pared the excess from the Triax TC to offer a shoe that has a practical place in the training and racing spheres. The best evidence is the use of an encapsulated Air unit in the heel, Phylon cushioning throughout, and Duralon to soften the ride up front without sacrificing durability. Many will find it suitable only for race day, but those in the upper third of the field may be able to wear it for tempo runs and lighter training.
