Back in the early 2010s, a movement known as “barefoot running” was all the rage in the running community. After author Christopher McDougall released his book “Born to Run” in 2009, highlighting the potential benefits of barefoot running, many athletes latched onto the concept and began a switch towards more minimalist shoes.
With so many people turning towards barefoot or more minimalist running, running shoe company Altra burst into the mainstream running shoe scene in 2009 with some of the first zero drop running shoes. Founder Golden Harper aimed to create a running shoe that reduced stress on the body during runs and mimicked the barefoot running gait seen in some of the world’s best distance runners.
Today, while you may not see as many people running completely barefoot, many shoes that emulate this concept with minimalist, zero drop shoes that encourage a more natural gait.
Zero drop shoes have become a go-to option for countless runners, hikers, walkers, and other athletes. But what exactly is the purpose of these zero drop shoes, and are they the right choice for you?
In this guide to the best zero drop running shoes, we’ll cover everything you need to know about these running shoe models. From what zero drop even means, to the benefits of a zero drop shoe, to the best options you can find on the market today, we’re here to help you understand this popular running shoe trend.
So What is a Zero Drop Running Shoe?
In running shoe terms, a drop refers to the offset between the amount of cushioning in the heel and forefoot. Most traditional running shoes will feature a slightly raised heel, with more padding and cushioning in the heel and less cushion as you move towards the toe.
Most commonly, running shoes will feature a 6-10mm drop. However, there’s a range of offset levels designed to work for different runners and their unique preferences.
Shoes with a standard drop will have a 6-10mm offset, with some running shoes featuring up to a 12mm drop. Shoes with a 1-6mm drop are considered low drop shoes.
Zero drop shoes refer to when the cushioning in the heel and toe is at exactly the same level. Your foot will be completely parallel to the ground inside the shoe, as opposed to your heel being slightly raised.
When browsing running shoes, you’ll likely come across references to drop and stack height. It’s important to understand the difference between these two shoe features and how they relate.
Stack height refers to the amount of cushioning in the midsole of the shoe that separates your foot from the ground. A shoe with a drop will have a separate stack height in the heel than in the forefoot – for example, 29mm/21mm – while zero drop shoes will have an equal stack height throughout.
And while many of the original popular zero drop shoes featured a low stack height and minimalist design, that isn’t always the case anymore. Shoe companies with zero drop shoes have adapted to the changing trends in the running shoe world, creating high-stack zero drop shoes with plenty of cushioning and protection.
Why Go With a Zero Drop Shoe?
Like with many of the trends in running shoes, you may be wondering if these zero drop running shoes are really so special and if you should give them a try.
The short answer is, it depends. Zero drop shoes have a different underfoot feel than many traditional running shoes, and with that, offer several distinct benefits and drawbacks. Whether a zero drop running shoe is right for you really comes down to your preferences, running gait, injury history, and overall goals.
Here are a few benefits to keep in mind if you’re considering switching to a zero drop shoe:
- Improved running mechanics and efficiency: While research is still being done on the exact benefits of zero drop shoes on biomechanics, there is evidence that more minimalist, zero drop shoes drive more efficient strides and an improved running gait. While extra cushioning in the heel tends to lead to heel striking, zero drop shoes encourage a less impactful midfoot strike, reducing injuries and creating more efficiency on runs.
- More natural and grounded feel underfoot: Many runners find that the raised heel on running shoes can feel uncomfortable and unnatural – almost like they’re wearing high heels. Zero drop shoes provide a more natural, stable platform and allow runners to truly feel the ground with every step.
- Strengthened feet and ankle muscles: Because your feet and ankle are able to move more naturally in zero drop shoes, you may see improvements in your foot strength and function. The flat sole and lower support level allow your feet to move more freely without relying on extra support or correction.
- Reduced Risk of Injury: The flatter midsole in zero drop shoes is designed to more evenly disperse pressure and create a more natural stride. With this decrease in shock and impact, running will place less stress on knees and hips and help reduce common impact-related injuries.
Overall, zero drop shoes are designed to feel more natural and to help you become a more efficient runner. However, there are some key considerations to keep in mind if you’re thinking of switching to a zero drop shoe.
While these shoes can help strengthen your feet, they may also place more stress on your Achilles and calves as you adapt to the change in running mechanics. If you typically wear high drop shoes, or have a history of ankle, Achilles, or calf injuries, you may want to consider sticking to a shoe with a slightly raised heel. Runners prone to these injuries who want to try a zero drop shoe may want to transition slowly to prevent pain and discomfort.
If you’re not sure if a zero drop shoe is right for you, you may benefit from a visit to your local running store. At stores like Marathon Sports, you can receive a full gait analysis and talk through the benefits and drawbacks of zero drop shoes for your needs with an experienced footwear specialist.
Once you’ve decided a zero drop shoe is right for you, finding the best option can feel like a daunting task. With the rise of this zero drop trend, there are so many fantastic zero drop shoes out there. That’s why we’ve created a handy guide to some of the best options you can buy.
Keep reading for the complete list of best zero drop running shoes to add to your running shoe rotation.
Best Zero Drop Running Shoes
Wondering which shoes to start with when making the switch to zero drop shoes? Here are six of the best zero drop running shoes you can buy today.
- Altra Torin 9
- Altra Torin ST
- Topo Magnifly 6
- Altra Escalante 5
- Altra Lone Peak 9+
- Vivobarefoot Primus Lite 3.5
Altra Torin 9
With the Torin 9, Altra blends a zero drop design, natural foot shape, and plenty of plush cushioning for added comfort.
Altra has dominated the zero drop shoe game for years, and after 9 iterations of the Torin, this popular shoe continues to be a favorite among runners. This high-cushion neutral shoe offers 28mm of lightweight P35X foam in both the heel and toe, creating a grounded and level experience while still offering plenty of cushion underfoot.
The Torin also features Altra’s signature Footshape design, offering a wider toe box and anatomical shape to allow your toes to splay and feet to move naturally on every run. The flexible FootPod outsole and InnerFlex grooves allow for even more natural movement with each stride.
The padded tongue, new and improved heel collar, and breathable mesh upper tie the shoe together, ensuring comfort and a secure, locked-in feeling as soon as you step into the shoe. Underneath, there’s even a Vibram XS Run AW outsole for extra grip and durability, no matter where these shoes take you.
Altra Torin ST
The big story with this shoe (and a lot of other Altra shoes) is the toe box. There’s a ton of room up front. If you like a shoe with a serious toe splay, the Torin ST is one of the better options out there.
Stability is also a crucial part of the design here. The GuideRail sidewalls and wide midfoot platform keep your foot centered on the shoe without that harsh correction feeling some stability models have.
The midsole uses EGO MAX foam, and the best way to describe it is soft but not especially lively. It’s good for easy runs and pretty comfortable. However, it can feel a bit meh when you try to pick up the pace.
The heel and upper also saw some improvements this time around. Altra added some more padding around the tongue and collar, which helps create a more secure lockdown. Though the real focus with this version was durability. The outsole has plenty of coverage, and the mesh upper is elevated to provide both max breathability and durability.
Topo Magnifly 6
While Altra may be the most prominent brand when it comes to zero drop shoes, Topo has been making a name for itself with its low and zero drop shoes. Topo’s zero drop shoe, the Magnifly 6, is one of the best options out there for those looking for a grounded and balanced running shoe feel.
In the midsole, you can find a balanced 26 mm of Topo’s ZipFoam cushioning. While this shoe offers less cushioning than many running shoes today, the balanced midsole is lightweight and responsive, offering a bouncy ride and energetic ride. The minimal cushioning also helps you feel the ground with every step, making this a perfect option for runners who prefer a grounded, barefoot feel on runs.
All Topo shoes also feature a wide, anatomical toe box, and the Magnifly is no exception. The foot-shaped design encourages natural foot movement and toe splay and is more accommodating to runners who need a little extra room in the forefoot. And despite the wider fit, the breathable recycled mesh upper keeps your foot feeling comfortable and locked in place through every workout.
At 9 oz for men’s shoes and 7.3 oz for women’s, this is also one of the lightest zero drop running shoes you can find. For runners looking to truly embrace the barefoot running movement on all their daily runs, the Magnifly 6 could be the perfect choice.
Altra Escalante 5
Today, many brands have leaned into the more maximalist running shoe trend with low or zero drop high-cushion running shoes. However, Altra continues to stick to its roots with the Escalante 5, a minimal low-cushion shoe designed to mimic the benefits of barefoot running.
The midsole is made up of 24 mm of Altra’s EGO foam. This low stack height provides some protection on runs while ensuring runners feel connected to the ground with each step. The InnerFlex Technology adds even more movement to this flexible shoe, so your feet can move freely and naturally throughout your run.
The Escalante 5 also incorporates the brand’s original Footshape design with a wide toe box to allow toes to spread naturally. The engineered knit upper wraps your foot with a sock-like fit, adding extra comfort and exceptional breathability on runs.
The rubber outsole along high-impact parts of the shoe add some durability and extra traction, so you can feel confident that this highly-trusted minimal shoe can carry you through any run, on any terrain.
Like the Magnifly, this shoe doesn’t offer the luxurious, highly cushioned underfoot you can find with many of the most popular running shoes today. But with a lightweight design and grounded feel, the Escalante 5 captures everything that countless runners love about barefoot running and minimal running shoes.
Altra Lone Peak 9+
Prefer to take your running off-road? The Lone Peak 9+ from Altra is one of the best zero drop shoes to carry you through long hikes, trail runs, and any other adventures on rugged terrains.
Feeling grounded in your running shoes is particularly important when you hit the trails. A balanced cushion and minimal design will ensure you stay connected to the ground under your feet and feel stable and secure as you tackle mud, rocks, roots, and more.
The Lone Peak 9+ features a balanced 25 mm midsole to help runners and hikers feel connected to the earth. The EGO midsole foam is firm and responsive, offering a more stable feel with every landing. Embedded in the midsole you can find a Stoneguard insert for extra protection from rocks and debris.
Durability and traction are two of the most important factors to consider in any trail shoe. Fortunately, these are two areas where the Lone Peak 9+ shines. The Vibram Megagrip outsole provides plenty of grip and traction, so you can feel safe and confident as you head out into tough terrain.
Along with the durable and grippy outsole, the recycled ripstop mesh upper guarantees even more longevity and durability. With these extra durability and traction features, the Lone Peak 9 is ready to tackle daily mileage on the most rugged off-road terrain.
And while every version of the Lone Peak has featured Altra’s signature wide toe box, the Lone Peak 9+ offers the roomiest fit yet, making this trail shoe even more accommodating for all foot shapes and types.
Vivobarefoot Primus Lite 3.5
Vivobarefoot aims to help people feel connected to the earth, and the Primus Lite 3.5 does exactly that. This barefoot-inspired running shoe is remarkably light and flexible, so you can enjoy maximum freedom of movement during any workouts.
This midsole puts you as close to the ground as possible, with a flexible 2 mm outsole to provide some extra protection and grip. The polyester upper is also soft and flexible, contributing to your freedom of movement through runs, gym workouts, or day-to-day life. You can enjoy an even more constriction-free fit with the wide, accommodating toe-box.
Finally, while the shoe itself offers barefoot-inspired comfort, one of the best features is the sustainability and eco-conscious design. Vivobarefoot’s goal is to become circular, and the Primus Lite works towards this goal with a 94% recycled upper and a fully recyclable outsole.
Find the Best Zero Drop Running Shoes at Marathon Sports
It’s hard to know exactly what running shoe is right for you. This can be especially true when you’re considering switching to a zero drop shoe. Trying to determine if it’s the right choice for you can feel overwhelming, and it’s not made any easier by the sheer number of zero and low drop running shoes you can find today.
Fortunately, you don’t have to go at it alone. At Marathon Sports, we’re here to help you with every step of your running journey, starting with finding your perfect running shoes.
Whether you’re a loyal zero drop running shoe fan or are looking to transition to zero drop shoes, our footwear experts can help you navigate your running shoe options and use the Right Fit process to determine some of the best shoe choices for you. Stop in today to find these top zero drop running shoes and guarantee comfort and relief with every step of your run.
