The 6 Best Zero-Drop Shoes For Balanced Support

Whether you’re looking for more stability in your stride or added comfort for your feet, zero-drop running shoes might be the solution. Whereas traditional shoes have more cushioning under the heel than they do the toe (the difference in which is referred to as drop), these shoes have uniform stack heights front to back, meaning your foot has a stable, flat platform across the entire sole.

Zero-drop shoes are designed to facilitate the natural movement in your running stride by replacing an elevated heel with an even one, similar to if you were walking barefoot. They do tend to take some getting used to, with your muscles, tendons, and ligaments building strength as your foot acclimates.

Zero-drop shoes come in a wide range of designs and styles, with many skewing closer to a barefoot feel while others offer significant cushioning under your entire foot. So, whether you train on concrete streets or out on trails, and you find your current shoes lacking, check out one of these best zero-drop shoes, which could offer a stable, balanced alternative.

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The Best Zero-Drop Running Shoes

What to Consider

Prior to making the final call on a pair of zero-drop shoes, make sure you consider the stack height, fit, as well as the traction and grip.

Stack Height

Stack height refers to the thickness of a shoe’s cushioning. Because zero-drop shoes have no change in stack height from heel to toe, this figure should be fairly consistent across the entire length of the shoe. A shorter stack heigh will give you a better feel of the ground, while taller heights mean more cushioning. Stack height is measured in millimeters, with taller options generally falling between 25 to 35 and shorter options having as little as 0.

Speaking on stack height, Runner’s World test editor Amanda Furrer says: “I’ve found, for zero-drop newbs, it’s a smoother transition from a traditional shoe with drop when the zero-drop shoe has a taller stack height.” She adds: “You’re not slogging despite all that foam. And not being as close to the ground somehow makes easing into zero drops easier—at least for me personally.”

Fit

The fit of a zero-drop shoe that will work for you is largely dependent on your own foot shape as well as the overall design of the shoe. Many zero-drop shoes—including our top pick, the Altra Via Olympus—come with wider toe boxes. This gives your toes more room to splay and generally provides a more comfortable, looser fit. Outside of traditional toe boxes, five-toed boxes are also an option. These shoes have an individual pocket for each of your toes.

Traction and Grip

Another important facet when considering any pair of shoes is the traction and grip of the outsole. We included both shoes designed for trails and those made for smooth pavement. Road shoes tend to have flatter, less lug-y outsoles built to handle long, repetitive movement on consistently even ground. Trail shoes come with grippier soles meant to handle different weather and surface conditions so you don’t lose your footing. Their outsole lugs are also often deeper or more pronounced, latching better on and into uneven surfaces and providing sure grip on rocks, gravel, and inclines.

Additional Features

Many zero-drop shoes come with added features that can lend weather resistance, durability, comfort, or style. Options meant for trails and hikes oftentimes have waterproof uppers. Other shoes may come with thinner, porous material for breathability. We’ve noted below which shoes have these elements and how they can impact your run. Additionally, there are many zero-drop shoes that come in dozens of unique color schemes, so if the outer look and design of the shoes matters to you, there are options to fit your taste.

How We Selected

In selecting these shoes, we consulted our reviews and data from our comprehensive wear-tester feedback to determine the top-performing zero-drop shoes for a range of people and kinds of running. Furthermore, we spoke directly with Furrer about which options were the best, what to keep in mind before buying, and more. As you’ll quickly notice, the answer you’ll come to when searching for a zero-drop shoe will likely be Altra, due to the brand’s well-known zero-drop design and clear high-quality build. Altra was a pioneer of zero-drop shoes, after all.