A lightweight shoe is a shoe that comes in under around 600g. But with all the other terminology, it can get confusing. One brand says this. Another says that.
‘Durable. Linings. Lightweight. Outsoles. Sturdy. Uppers.’
Sometimes shopping for shoes can sound as obscure as a mid 18-century shopping list.
It’s exhausting.
What does it even mean?
We stick to the basics. Shoes that look good. Feel good. Made simple. So take the weight off your feet, kickback and choose lightweight.
“Ridiculously comfy” - Rob
What makes a shoe lightweight?
A lightweight shoe is simply a shoe with a reduced overall weight. This can make you feel like you’ve got nothing more than socks or slippers on. A lightweight shoe prioritises shaving off grams without compromising the performance or the support of the shoe. The perfect balance is achieved through a foot-first design philosophy and a strong material choice.
From years of experience, we’ve worked out the key to lightweight shoes. It’s a fine balance between weight, comfort and performance. From the integrated soles with raised sidewalls, to the careful measurement to let toes breathe, every single pair designed has been thought through. Top to bottom.
By removing unnecessary elements that don’t contribute to the shoes’s functionality or user comfort, we’ve hacked shoes. Every feature is driven from our foot-first mindset to create comfort, with efficient weight distribution and as few grams as possible to not weigh you down.
Designing a lightweight shoe, unsurprisingly comes back to what you make it out of. Many lightweight shoes are made from hard soles, with a PV liner to try and create comfort. But this fails to hide the reality of a hard sole.
Whilst we’d love to be able to make shoes as light of a feather, the materials we’ve chosen and continue to explore are as close to that lightweight feel as possible. Let’s dig into it.
- Our uppers feature the lightest of materials. We make our shoes from ramie nettles and recycled PET. Ramie nettle mesh is a breathable option for your feet and weighs less than traditional materials like leather.
- Our midsole is a completely integrated unit, used for maximum cushioning without any extra weight. You can’t feel the ground beneath your feet, but you have a decent level of support.
- Our sole is made from EVA to reduce bulk whilst retaining grip and durability. Lightweight should never come at the expense of your stability.
Are lighter shoes better?
With all the options available, are lightweight shoes better than non-lightweight shoes?
The term lightweight gets thrown around a lot - including in the running space. But the design versatility and comfort factor of lightweight shoes lends itself to other uses as well. From shoes you can wear when out with the dog, hosting a BBQ or a commute to the office, lightweight is your best bet for all day comfort.