best lightweight running shoes for a 5k race

For a 5K race (3.1 miles), the ideal shoe is usually light, responsive, and fast-transitioning rather than maximally cushioned. The “best” choice depends on your pace, experience, and whether you want a dedicated race shoe or something you can train in too.
Solereview
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Best lightweight 5K race shoes
Shoe Best for Why it’s great
Nike Vaporfly 4 Chasing a PR / fastest possible 5K Extremely light, carbon-plated, and very efficient at race pace. One of the top choices for serious 5K racing.
Solereview

adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 10 Fast 5K specialists Built specifically for short, fast races; very low weight and aggressive turnover.
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Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 A stable super shoe feel Carbon plate, high energy return, and a more controlled ride than some racers.
RTINGS.com

Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 Best value: race + training Lightweight, snappy, and durable enough for workouts and races.
RTINGS.com

adidas Adizero Boston 13 One shoe for everything Faster training shoe that can handle 5Ks while lasting longer than a pure racer.
RTINGS.com

Nike Streakfly 2 Lightweight feel without a big super shoe Designed around speed and agility for shorter races.
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My picks by runner type

Under ~20 minutes: Nike Vaporfly 4 or adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 10

20–25 minute 5K: Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 or Nike Vaporfly 4

25+ minute 5K / newer racer: adidas Adizero Boston 13 or Saucony Endorphin Speed 5

Want one pair for workouts + races: Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 is probably the sweet spot.

A few things matter more than the shoe’s weight:

Don’t race in a brand-new pair—get at least a few runs in them first.

Make sure the fit is secure; a lightweight shoe that slips wastes energy.

Carbon shoes can feel awkward at slower paces, so they’re not automatically better for every runner.

If you tell me your 5K goal time, current shoes, foot width, and whether this is your first race, I can narrow it down to 2–3 choices.