The debate of whether to go for lightweight running shoes or heavyweight shoes has puzzled many runners, both experienced ones and beginners. While lightweight shoes are light, breathable, and flexible, heavyweight shoes also have advantages, like being more comfortable and providing stability. Here, both sets of shoes have their benefits. Even with this, you can notice that most runners always choose lightweight shoes. Why is this? Well, this article will try to explain and bring out the reasons most runners prefer lightweight shoes. Mention some advantages and even features most runners find beneficial in lightweight shoes. Let’s get into it.
Just like the name, the shoes are light.
The lightness of the lightweight shoes is a convenience that any runner wants. With modern manufacturing technology and materials in play, not so much stitching is done, the midsoles are made much lighter, and minimal overlay is used on the shoes, making them even lighter. This makes one feel like they carry no weight on their feet when running. This makes them the perfect runner shoes for all runners. With more lightweight shoes on your feet, you experience less braking, muscle strain is kept at a minimum and less energy use. This is because instead of using excessive force from the muscles to push your feet off the ground, you just lift the lightweight of the shoe off the ground.
Lightweight shoes are breathable.
One of the worst feelings a runner can experience is wearing uncomfortable shoes when road running, which can be because of running in bulky shoes. With lightweight shoes, you get comfort are your feet are more breathable, giving you a wonderful experience in your fitness training. Lightweight shoes are fitted with breathable membranes just for your feet’s comfort. Some are customised for wet weather and even trail running and are waterproof. Lightweight shoes can be used in very many environments. As long as your feet are breathable, you will be comfortable in your fitness and athletic endeavours.
They give you the required support.
Shoe support is significant when running on any terrain, which is what lightweight shoes give you, making the experience enjoyable and comfortable. Lightweight shoes have customisations on the sole, arch, and even the material or membrane used to make the shoe. These customisations ensure you make stable steps every time your feet hit the ground. The sole is flexible to increase the surface area of your foot and even the grip on the ground on uneven terrains or slippery floors.
They provide maximum comfort.
You can’t say you have found the right shoe until you feel comfortable walking or running in them. Comfort is critical when getting running shoes; I can say that is what lightweight shoes are meant for. Runners usually choose lightweight shoes for trail running because they are not heavy and don’t cause discomfort or pain on rugged roads. In fact, even in athletics, most prefer lightweight shoes because they are so easy to run in, flexible, and blend with the feet’s shape to ensure maximum comfort. They have cushioning that will guarantee you an enjoyable experience in the run.
The styling of lightweight shoes is sleek and fashionable.
Even if you want comfortable running shoes, don’t forget that they should be sleek and stylish. And this is one of the good reasons runners choose to go for lightweight shoes. Most lightweight shoes are designed in such a way that they bring out a fashion statement when worn with any attire. Apart from the design, they are customised with various colours and materials, making them even more attractive to the eye. Wear shoes that everyone will notice and complement the style when on fitness training or on the big stage in athletics competitions.
With lightweight shoes, you get happy feet.
Rigid shoes can sometimes cause friction between your feet and the inside part of the shoe, and this ends up causing blisters and wounds. This can be very discomforting, considering that your feet are the most important when running and exercising. But with a good and comfortable lightweight pair of shoes, all this becomes a problem of the past. With a god design and material that stretches to accommodate your feet as an athlete, you won’t suffer wounds, bruises, and blisters caused by friction. And this will ensure your feet are always healthy and ready to hit the road, always running without pain and discomfort.
The above are some reasons lightweight runner shoes are the best and are preferred by most runners. Not forgetting, there are many more reasons that I have not touched on but will depend on the runner’s needs.
