Spotlight on: Lightweight Trainers

The latest trend in trainers is lightweight, so free up your gym bag with ELLE’s pick of the best...

Merrell Bare Access, £75

Weight: around 255g for the pair

Pros: These are really lightweight at just 255g for the pair, but you still feel supported which is important. They look fun and are super comfortable. With a ‘zero drop’ between the height of the heel compared with the forefoot, your feet are more level and lower to the ground making these a good entry point for those interested in barefoot running, hence the name ‘Bare Access’. They’ll also work well if you cross train (mix up your running with different disciplines like gym work and classes). 

Cons: The sole is pretty thick, so while it is level thanks to that ‘zero drop’ it’s not exactly like running barefoot. Merrell also has the Pace Glove, £85, which we tested. With a Vibram sole (the same as the five fingers), but without that Marmite toe separation it is ideal if you want a barefoot shoe that looks more like a trainer. 

Verdict: Heavy trainers can impact on your ability to run faster and longer; this impossibly light pair are a great choice if you want to pick up the pace. 

Nike Free Run +3, £80 or £95 for iD

Weight: around 198g for the pair

Pros: The laces tie up at a slight angle for an extra snug, glove-like fit. They are featherlight weighing in at a mere 198g (we’ve had heavier slippers), making them easy to tote around in a gym bag. With Nike you know it’s not just about functional design, the style is just as important, so for an extra £15 you can customise your very own unique pair.

Cons: Odd but every so often when on a running machine the static from the sole causes little shocks when you touch the machine. 

Verdict: A great multi-purpose trainer - you can wear these for classes, at the gym and for running and they look great (because we designed them). 

Reebok RealFlex Train £65

Weight: around 238g for the pair

Pros: A really flexible sole, with specially designed nodules (‘flex-friendly sensors’ according to Reebok) ensure your feet move optimally. This basically means these trainers can be worn for every exercise you can think of. 

Cons: The design is a bit out-there so you will get noticed wearing them - they became a talking point in our gym class; not something you want if you like to keep things anonymous in the gym. 

Verdict: A great all-round, lightweight trainer. They weigh in at 238g that’s super light considering a Kindle Touch 3G weighs just under at 220g.

Asics Gel Hyper33, £130 

Weight: around 235g for the pair, but they feel heavier than others tested.

Pros: Asics are the go-to brand for serious runners. With gait analysis and foot-mapping offered in store you know you’ll be guided to a good match. The Gel Hyper 33 is designed to offer a ‘natural running experience’. The shoe is full of clever extras like gel in the sole to absorb shock (that can lead to shin splits), guidance lines running through the sole to encourage the foot to strike the ground from heel to toe (it’s more efficient) and a springier sole (not the technical term) to encourage propulsion. 

Cons: All those added extras also add weight; it’s the heaviest and priciest trainers tested even though it claims to be ‘lightweight’. Having said that it is lighter than other Asics designs, and is a good choice for serious runners tackling long distances like a half or full marathon. 

Verdict: A great quality shoe with plenty of technical positives. A bit on the heavy side compared to others on the market.

Vibram Fivefingers KSO, £65
Weight: around 266g for the pair
 
Pros: Barefoot running has become popular in recent years, but running without shoes isn’t exactly practical. Vibram Fivefingers are as near to barefoot as you can get and since research has shown that barefoot running increases efficiency by 4% (you use less energy, so you can go further or faster) that’s no bad thing. The FiveFingers protect the foot and offer added grip, while allowing you to experience the benefits of running barefoot. 
Cons: To anyone not au fait with barefoot running, these look odd! They also feel completely different – a bit like wearing slippers, so they take a bit of getting used to; they won’t replace your existing trainers off the bat - you need to build up to running long distances in your Fivefingers. 
Verdict: Great if you’re serious about getting into barefoot running.