# What are the lightest weight running shoes on the market? — Verified Specification Comparison

> All specification data verified from official manufacturer documentation.

What are the lightest weight running shoes on the market?

## Products

### ASICS METASPEED RAY
```yaml
product: asics-metaspeed-ray
brand: ASICS
price_gbp: 224.12
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
drop: 5 mm
size: null
weight: 129 g
cushioning: FF Leap foam
stack_height: Heel 39.5 mm; Forefoot 34.5 mm
midsole_material: FF Leap foam
outsole_material: ASICSGRIP rubber
```

- **Price:** £224.12 [^1]
- **Summary:** An ultralight, high-energy racing shoe with a 3/4 carbon plate and very soft FF Leap foam, aimed at fast forefoot strikers for 5K to marathon race paces. It offers exceptional energy return and minimal weight but can feel unstable for heel strikers or at slower paces.
- **Additional Sources:** [^2], [^3]

### ASICS METASPEED SKY TOKYO
```yaml
product: asics-metaspeed-sky-tokyo
brand: ASICS
price_gbp: 201.74
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
drop: 5-6 mm
size: US 3.5-15
weight: 6.0 oz (M9) / 5.1 oz (W7)
cushioning: FF LEAP and FF Turbo Plus
stack_height: 39.5 mm heel / 34.5 mm forefoot
midsole_material: FF LEAP; FF Turbo Plus
outsole_material: ASICS GRIP rubber
```

- **Price:** £201.74 [^4]
- **Summary:** A lightweight carbon-plated racing shoe with dual-layer FF LEAP and FF Turbo Plus foam, high stack height, and a flatter plate tuned for stride-style runners. Suited to neutral runners seeking maximum energy return for marathon and race-pace efforts; fit is narrow and stability is limited for heavier or overpronating runners.
- **Additional Sources:** [^5], [^6]

### Nike Vaporfly 4% Next% 3
```yaml
product: nike-vaporfly-4-next-3
brand: Nike
price_gbp: 194.27
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
drop: 6mm
size: null
weight: 190g
cushioning: ZoomX
stack_height: 35mm heel / 29mm forefoot
midsole_material: ZoomX (PEBA)
outsole_material: blown rubber
```

- **Price:** £194.27 [^7]
- **Summary:** The Vaporfly 4 is a lightweight, race-focused shoe with a full-length carbon plate and ZoomX foam for high energy return. It has reduced stack height and a lower drop compared with prior versions, making it suited to faster races from 5K to marathon for runners seeking a propulsive, responsive ride.
- **Additional Sources:** [^8], [^9]

### Hoka Rocket X3
```yaml
product: hoka-rocket-x3
brand: Hoka
price_gbp: 186.8
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
drop: 7 mm
size: null
weight: 8.0 oz
cushioning: Dual-density PEBA foam
stack_height: 40 mm heel / 33 mm forefoot
midsole_material: PEBA foam with carbon fiber plate
outsole_material: Sticky rubber / carbon rubber in high-wear areas
```

- **Price:** £186.8 [^10]
- **Summary:** The Rocket X3 is a carbon-plated racing shoe with dual-density PEBA foam for a bouncy, responsive ride and a sticky rubber outsole for improved traction. It suits runners seeking a stable, propulsive super-shoe for 10K to marathon paces who prefer a slightly narrower, race-focused fit.
- **Additional Sources:** [^11], [^12]

### Saucony Endorphin Pro 4
```yaml
product: saucony-endorphin-pro-4
brand: Saucony
price_gbp: 111.99
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
drop: 8 mm
size: null
weight: 7.7 oz (M size 9)
cushioning: Max cushioning
stack_height: Heel: 39.5 mm / Forefoot: 31.5 mm
midsole_material: PWRRUN HG and PWRRUN PB (dual-foam) with full-length carbon fiber plate
outsole_material: XT-900 rubber (rubber outsole)
```

- **Price:** £111.99 [^13]
- **Summary:** The Endorphin Pro 4 is a carbon-plated racing shoe with a dual-foam midsole (PWRRUN HG over PWRRUN PB), Speedroll geometry and a full-length carbon plate for a propulsive, cushioned ride. It suits runners seeking a race-day or fast-training shoe for distances from 5K to marathon who want a balance of comfort and responsiveness.
- **Additional Sources:** [^14], [^15]

---
## References & Sources
[^1]: Running Warehouse, accessed 2026-06-07. https://www.runningwarehouse.com/catpage-MRFASMSRAY.html
[^2]: Running Warehouse (ASICS METASPEED section), accessed 2026-06-07. https://www.runningwarehouse.com/catpage-AMSPP.html
[^3]: Marathon Sports, accessed 2026-06-07. https://www.marathonsports.com/blog/asics-metaspeed-ray-review
[^4]: Fleet Feet, accessed 2026-06-07. https://www.fleetfeet.com/products/asics-metaspeed-sky-tokyo
[^5]: OutdoorGearLab, accessed 2026-06-07. https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/reviews/shoes-and-boots/running-shoes-men/asics-metaspeed-sky-tokyo
[^6]: RunRepeat, accessed 2026-06-07. https://runrepeat.com/asics-metaspeed-sky-tokyo
[^7]: Nike, accessed 2026-06-07. https://www.nike.com/t/vaporfly-4-mens-road-racing-shoes-HK05JWOf
[^8]: RunRepeat, accessed 2026-06-07. https://runrepeat.com/nike-vaporfly-4
[^9]: RunningShoesGuru, accessed 2026-06-07. https://www.runningshoesguru.com/comparison/nike-vaporfly-4-vs-nike-vaporfly-3/
[^10]: Hoka, accessed 2026-06-07. https://www.hoka.com/en/us/race-shoes/rocket-x-3/1168724.html
[^11]: Meta Endurance, accessed 2026-06-07. https://meta-endurance.com/hoka-rocket-x-3-review/
[^12]: Run to the Finish, accessed 2026-06-07. https://runtothefinish.com/hoka-rocket-x-3-review/
[^13]: Running Warehouse, accessed 2026-06-07. https://www.runningwarehouse.com/Saucony_Endorphin_Pro_4/descpage-S4EPM08.html
[^14]: Fleet Feet, accessed 2026-06-07. https://www.fleetfeet.com/products/mens-saucony-endorphin-pro-4
[^15]: Confluence Running, accessed 2026-06-07. https://www.confluencerunning.com/products/saucony-endorphin-pro-4-mens-white-silver