Does it really matter if your running shoes are a few ounces Heavier??

Yes

But sacrafice support for lightness?

2 ounces is at least 20% more weight to move. Why move extra?

Depends on how fast you're moving but, yes, it makes a difference.

Yes. Race in light shoes.

observed wrote:

2 ounces is at least 20% more weight to move. Why move extra?

20% of zero is still zero.

and here we have the bending effect of the knee. If we are discussing matumbo versus that new balance shoe, then yes a 20% difference is irrelevant. On the other hand, if we are comparing the piranha to the nimbus, it will make a major difference (one is barely over 100 grams, the other is approaching a pound. the calf itself is probably 10-15 pounds at the most. that weight on the end is noticeable in effort)

lil tank wrote:

Do a few ounces really make that much difference with speed?

Wouldn't it make more sense to drop 5 lbs before worrying about a few shoe ounces?

RunWild wrote:

and here we have the bending effect of the knee. If we are discussing matumbo versus that new balance shoe, then yes a 20% difference is irrelevant. On the other hand, if we are comparing the piranha to the nimbus, it will make a major difference (one is barely over 100 grams, the other is approaching a pound. the calf itself is probably 10-15 pounds at the most. that weight on the end is noticeable in effort)

A few 100 grams of weight isn't going to make a difference. I doubt that it is noticeable unless you're very focused on it.

Harry Pi wrote:

Wouldn't it make more sense to drop 5 lbs before worrying about a few shoe ounces?

Why not drop 5 lbs AND lose a few shoe ounces?

oaslsl wrote:

A few 100 grams of weight isn't going to make a difference. I doubt that it is noticeable unless you're very focused on it.

It's not just the weight, but also the reason for the extra weight, e.g. more cushioning, different mid-sole material, greater mid-sole stack height, etc., which can all result in a slower shoe.

Harry Pi wrote:

Wouldn't it make more sense to drop 5 lbs before worrying about a few shoe ounces?

If you had to lift your body off of the ground 3 times per second then yes.

research on the subject:

http://runsmartproject.com/coaching/2012/02/06/how-much-does-shoe-weight-affect-performance/

Yes, it matters

Train heavy

Race light

Depends on your personal needs and age as well. When you're 22, your legs can effectively absorb a lot more pounding while wearing racing shoes that have minimal support/protection.

Once you're up into your 40s, your legs will be negatively affected having to absorb too much pounding from minimal shoes (as Jack Daniels says in that article).

You have to find the right balance for you, depending on age, weight, intended events, and running form. For me personally, I use the Zoom Streak 4 and it has a good balance -- decently lightweight and shock absorption for the forefoot (I'm a forefoot striker).

Here is a simple test to find out if lighter shoes make a difference for you. Run a 8 x 1/2 mile hill interval workout on a hill that is at least a 6% grade. Recover on the downhills. Start the 1st interval in your lightest shoes. After the second interval switch to your heaviest shoes. After the fourth back to your lightest shoes. After 6th back to your heaviest shoes. I like the new balance 5000s (about 3 oz.) for my light shoes as they still provide a lot bounce and protection. For the heavy shoes I use the addias energy boost (about 9.5 oz.). I found 8 to 10 seconds difference for each interval between my light shoes and the heavy ones. On a hilly race course the lighter shoes can make a dramatic difference for me.

gap.coaching wrote:

Here is a simple test to find out if lighter shoes make a difference for you. Run a 8 x 1/2 mile hill interval workout on a hill that is at least a 6% grade. Recover on the downhills. Start the 1st interval in your lightest shoes. After the second interval switch to your heaviest shoes. After the fourth back to your lightest shoes. After 6th back to your heaviest shoes. I like the new balance 5000s (about 3 oz.) for my light shoes as they still provide a lot bounce and protection. For the heavy shoes I use the addias energy boost (about 9.5 oz.). I found 8 to 10 seconds difference for each interval between my light shoes and the heavy ones. On a hilly race course the lighter shoes can make a dramatic difference for me.

There is no way 6 ounces slowed you down 10 seconds on a half mile. That's all in your head.

Psychologically and physiologically it does help to have light shoes but just as important is the fit and cushioning, in the case of longer races. The physics are clear enough of the energy requirements to move a mass through a distance but if your legs are sore with 5 miles to go the lack of cushioning could be a problem. The most important consideration is how it affects your stride. I can't do any type of speed in trainers because it feels like I'm waiting for the shoe to sponge out and it affects my stride.

Light shoes definitely make a huge difference for me but also the fit.

Yes, in a mile race the difference can be up to two seconds.