How Much Do Shoes Weigh? With Examples

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As someone that worked in the footwear industry for a few years as a store manager and footwear manager in big brand stores, I would say the weigh of your shoes matter. The question is, how much do shoes weigh, and why does that matter?

It’s essential to understand the weight of your shoes and how it can affect you. Your shoes can vary in terms of weight according to the type of shoe, the size, and materials used in the manufacturing.

I have checked different brands in-store (to weigh the shoes with my hands), on their websites to read any information about it, and used my experience working with all these brands and different types of shoes to reach the best conclusions possible in this article.

Some shoes are heavier than others, but do you know exactly how much do shoes weigh? Let’s find out.

How Much Does A Pair Of Shoes Weigh?

It depends on the type of shoe, the size, and the materials used when manufactured. The average men’s shoe weight can vary from 500 (17.6 ounces or 1.10 pounds) grams to 1 kilogram (35.3 ounces or 2.20 pounds). The average women’s shoe weight can range from 400 grams (14.1 ounces or 0.80 pounds) to 900 kilograms (31.74 ounces or 1.98 pounds).

Of course, the type of shoes can massively influence their weight. If you don’t have time to read the full article, here you have a quick answer.

Read: How Much Height Do Shoes Add?

What Adds Weigh To A Shoe?

I’ve checked out thousands of shoes in my shoe career, and these are the three characteristics you need to pay attention to when weighing a shoe.

The Type Of Shoe

The type of footwear you buy can influence big time in the weight of the shoe. Shoes for running, training or other sports are always lighter than shoes made specifically for the laboring industry, like steel-toe boots.

Summer shoes like sandals or boat shoes tend to be lighter than heavier shoes like winter boots. That’s because the construction of the shoe is different. Some shoes need fewer materials than others, and that influences their weight.

The Size

The size of the shoe will also influence its weight. Put it simply, the bigger the shoe, the heavier it is. This is because bigger sizes need more materials to make them sturdy and durable for your feet. They use thicker insoles and larger soles to ensure foot stability and have the space you need to wear the shoes.

Shoes made for children tend to be lightweight and less heavy. In addition, the sizing of the shoe is smaller than adult shoes, which means fewer materials are used in the making process.

Read: How To Wear Blue Shoes For Men?

For example, the same pair of Nike Air Jordan shoes size US 7 and US 12 are different in weight. The US 12 is slightly heavier than the US 7.

The Material

The material of a shoe can contribute a lot to its weight.

Synthetic shoes are always lighter than shoes made of leather, so if you’re looking for a lightweight shoe, go for synthetics. For example, polyurethane (PU) is a synthetic used to create lightweight shoes with all the properties of leather. Leather shoes are heavier because they need more materials and care. Another very lightweight material is cotton because of its properties. 

If your shoe soles are made of rubber, they can add weight to your shoes since they are a pretty heavy material. On the other end, shoe soles made of EVA (Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate) are very lightweight.

How Much Do Running Shoes Weight?

The running shoe weighs between 200 grams (7.1 ounces or 0.44 pounds) and 380 grams (13.4 ounces or 0.83 pounds) in men’s footwear. However, when it comes to women’s running shoes, the weight can be between 165 grams (5.8 ounces or 0.36 pounds) and 280 grams (9.9 ounces or 0.61 pounds). 

Note: All these values can vary between brands, sizes, and the materials the shoes are made. The more features a running shoe has, the heavier it will be. I know some running shoes can be around 700 grams (24.7 ounces or 1.54 pounds).

The weight of a running shoe is significant for a runner. If it feels heavy, runners tend to avoid them because why would you add more weight and make your running more difficult?

I know I prefer lightweight shoes, but my priority is always to have good cushioning to protect my knees and ankles. Of course, cushioning adds weight to the shoe, but it’s necessary. I use Asics Cumulus and they are incredibly lightweight.

Read: Best Walking Shoes For Overweight Men

You need to know what you need in a running shoe, to choose the best one for you, which can affect the weight of the shoe. For example, a shoe’s weight can affect your speed, so you want a lighter shoe running 100 meters. On the other hand, if you run 10 km, you will wear heavier running shoes because you need more cushioning and maybe some support and stability.

Also, pay attention to running shoes made of EVA since it’s a prevalent material between running brands, and it can make your running shoes more lightweight

In general, running shoes with more cushioning, support, and stability will be heavier than running shoes with a minimalist style.

How Much Do Hiking Boots Weigh?

The hiking boot weighs between 450 grams (15.9 ounces or 1 pound) and 1 kilogram (35.3 ounces or 2.20 pounds) in men’s footwear. However, when it comes to women’s hiking boots, the weight can be between 380 grams (13.5 ounces or 0.83 pounds) and 800 grams (28.3 ounces or 1.76 pounds). 

Note: All these values can vary between brands, sizes, and the materials the shoes are made. The more features a hiking boot has, the heavier it will be. I have noticed Columbia hiking boots tend to be lightweight when compared with Merrell hiking boots.

Read: Best Shoes For Retail Workers

When hiking, you want to be the most lightweight possible since you have to climb different types of structures and surfaces. An American study in 1984 by the US Army Research Institute tested the variation in the energy cost of walking and running in a lightweight athletic shoe and a heavier boot. The weight alone appeared to account for 48-70% of the added energy cost of wearing boots.

Hiking boots are heavier than running shoes or tennis shoes because the outsoles are usually thick rubber to maintain traction. Thicker boots also provide more support that is needed when hiking.

How Much Do Tennis Shoes Weigh?

The tennis shoe weighs between 310 grams (11 ounces or 0.68 pounds) and 470 grams (16.6 ounces or 1.03 pounds) in men’s footwear. However, when it comes to women’s tennis shoes, the weight can be between 230 grams (8.1 ounces or 0.50 pounds) and 300 grams (10.6 ounces or 0.66 pounds). 

Note: All these values can vary between brands, sizes, and the materials the shoes are made. The more features a tennis shoe has, the heavier it will be.

Read: What Is The Difference Between Tennis and Running Shoes?

Tennis shoes are a little bit heavier than running shoes, and one factor can be that most of them are made with rubber soles to give you grip. The side lateral support can also influence the weight of the tennis shoe.

Does The Weight Of Shoes Matter?

Yes, shoe weight matters because heavier shoes put more stress on your feet, ankles, and hamstrings when you run, walk, or play tennis (or whatever you do wearing shoes). However, having a lightweight shoe doesn’t mean it’s better for you since you may need more cushioning or a firmer grip. It all depends on what you do and what you need.

Common Questions About How Much Do Shoes Weigh?

These are some of the most common questions about how much do shoes weigh.

How Much Does A Shoe Box Weigh?

It depends on the material of the shoe box since it can be made from plastic, card, or fabric. The weight is usually around 450 grams (15.9 ounces or 1 pound) to 800 grams (28.2 ounces or 1.76 pounds). It can be heavier if you add the paper envelope, paper between shoes, or a dust bag.

How Much Do Shoes Weigh To Ship?

If you are looking to sell a pair of shoes and ship them somewhere, you need to pay attention to the weight of the shoe box, what you put inside, and the weight of the shoes. Sometimes you need to put all this inside a bigger box, and occasionally you just need a plastic bag (in Skechers, we always sent individual shoes in plastic bags, but to other stores, we had to use carbon boxes).

Read: How Long Should Shoes Last?

You can expect something between 1 to 2 kilograms, depending on the type of shoe you send.

How Much Do Sandals Weigh?

When it comes to sandals, it’s not easy to tell you their weight since you have so many different styles. Some sandals are heavier than others, but you can expect them to weigh between 200 grams (7.05 ounces or 0.44 pounds) to 350 grams (12.34 ounces or 0.77 pounds).

How Much Do Jordans Weigh?

My Jordans weight is 420 grams (14.8 ounces or 0.92 pounds), but you can expect something between 400 grams (14.1 ounces or 0.88 pounds) to 500 grams (17.6 ounces or 1.10 pounds) depending on the Jordans you choose.

Conclusion About How Much Do Shoes Weigh?

How much do shoes weigh? It can vary according to the style of the shoe, size, and materials used in the manufacturing. Your needs and preferences can also have an impact on the weight of your shoes.

The weight can significantly impact your performance if you are a runner, like hiking or play tennis. But, first, you need to ensure you have the right pair of shoes.

Read: Slides vs Flip Flops

If you want to send some shoes to someone, it’s essential to understand how much shoes weigh and the same for the shoeboxes.

Do you know how much do your shoes weigh? Share with me in the comments.