What does drop mean?
Drop in running shoes means the slope of the foot, specifically the difference in the amount of cushioning between the heel and toe. The lower this number, the more natural the stride the shoe will allow you to run. There are generally three categories:
- Running shoes with 0 - 5 mm drop are suitable for experienced runners with a mastered running technique.
- Running shoes with 6 - 10 mm drop are the golden mean for intermediate runners. They allow you a natural stride but also add comfort for the occasional heel strike.
- Running shoes with 11 or more mm drop are suitable for runners who run over heels or are overweight.
Zero-drop running shoes - Yes or no?
Natural walking and zero drops are increasingly popular nowadays. You're probably familiar with minimalist, barefoot shoes that try to simulate barefoot walking. When it comes to running, zero-drop shoes have a range of positives, the main ones being:
- Allow the runner to stride naturally
- They have a positive effect on the resolution of running deviations - pronation and supination
- They help the foot (and therefore you) run to its full potential
But even so, they are not suitable for everyone, at least not right away. You need to work on proper running technique, do the running alphabet, and get used to the new shoe type gradually to avoid overloading your calves, Achilles or even injury. Alternate minimalist shoes with the ones you're used to.
Drop does not equal cushioning
A lot of people mix drop and cushioning together. That's not the case. Zero-drop shoes also have cushioning components and you can run long runs in them.
You already know what drop means, so let's take a look at low-drop running shoes:
1) Altra running shoes
Altra models are known for their zero drop and wide toe. It offers road and trail minimalist shoes that are extremely comfortable, high quality, and durable, and help you reach your full running potential. Of course, other factors such as grip, breathability, and cushioning are also included. We have two bestsellers from Altra for you. One to dominate the road, the other for your trail adventures.
Altra Torin
On the road, wear the Altra Torin. It has a high-quality mesh upper that ensures optimal breathability during your performance. It is a completely redesigned bestselling volume running shoe on the ALTRA Zero Drop™ sole platform. The Altra EGO™ MAX midsole provides responsive cushioning and you can rely on the FOOTPOD™ outsole for superior grip. Unique comfort and high levels of cushioning, are the perfect combination for your long road runs!
Altra Timp
Take the Altra Timp into the terrain. Maximum comfort is guaranteed with the Altra ZeroDrop™ wide toe shape. The great-fitting, breathable mesh upper has asymmetrical lacing to better secure your foot in the shoe. This prevents unwanted toe slippage and uncomfortable blisters on the toes during runs. Stability and traction on different types of trails are guaranteed by the flexible MaxTrac™ outsole and the Altra EGO™ MAX midsole provides cushioning.
The roomy FootShape™ design and stable construction makes the Timp a suitable partner for runners looking for a comfortable, natural and durable shoe for long trail runs - it can handle forest trails but also mountain ultra races.
Altra Torin and Altra Timp are great shoes, but we can safely say that other models of this brand are also among the top. If you're thinking about buying "zeros", we recommend Altra as your number one choice. Running legend has it that once you've worn Altra, you won't want it any other way.
2) Merrell running shoes
In addition to classic hiking and trail equipment, the American brand Merrell also focuses on the minimalist and barefoot footwear segment. Its models are based on the philosophy of natural movement, emphasis on zero drop, anatomical shoe shape and maintaining as much contact with the surface as possible. We have two models that you can use for both running and walking. They will help strengthen your feet, improve stability and support a healthy stride.
Merrell Vapor Glove
The Vapor Glove is one of the TOP barefoot models on the market - an extremely lightweight, flexible and great fitting shoe with zero cushioning and a very thin Vibram® EcoStep sole for maximum sensory contact with the surface.
The breathable mesh upper provides ventilation. Thanks to the low weight, the shoe almost doesn't feel on the foot. They are ideal for easy trails (for runners with advanced running technique), training running technique or walking in the city.
Merrell Trail Glove
We also recommend the Trail Glove from Merrell. As the name says, this is the trail version. It still keeps the zero drop and natural shape, but adds thin cushioning under the forefoot, Rock Plate against stones, and a more robust upper made from recycled materials.
The Vibram® EcoStep outsole provides reliable traction on the ground. The Trail Glove is suitable for runners who want a natural run in more challenging conditions, but also welcome moderate protection.
3) Salomon Thundercross
The Thundercross is a trail shoe designed for technical terrain - combining aggressive traction with high comfort and stability. The drop is 4 mm, which is great. The Contagrip® MD outsole features a distinctive 5mm studs for excellent traction even on muddy or slippery trails, and Energy Foam cushioning in the midsole provides soft impact and a snappy rebound. The technical mesh upper with SensiFit construction hugs the foot tightly but comfortably, and there's a proven Quicklace system for quick lacing.
The shoe is ideal for moderate to challenging trail runs and those runners looking for confidence on the terrain, as well as dynamics on longer trails. And since this is a shoe for unpredictable trail conditions, it's no surprise that it's also available in a Gore-Tex version.
4) Hoka Mafate Speed
Discover the trail favourite from Hoka. The Mafate Speed is the ultimate cushioned shoe designed for long distances on challenging terrain. The two-part PROFLY midsole features HOKA's lightest and most responsive foam, ensuring both a soft impact and vivid rebound. The drop is 4 mm, which means it has its rightful place.
The Vibram® Megagrip outsole with 5mm studs gives you reliable traction even in technical or wet conditions. The upper is made of breathable but durable material with a seamless construction. The Mafate Speed is the perfect choice not only for ultramarathoners, but also for trail enthusiasts who want comfort, protection and confidence on their trail runs, no matter how long they are. In the forest outside the city as well as in the high mountains.
5) Nike Streakfly
The Nike Streakfly 2 is currently the best choice from Nike if you want a low drop (4 mm), lightweight and also performance road shoe. It is suitable for fast runs and 5-10km races. Compared to the first version, it brings a major innovation - a full carbon Flyplate, which provides higher stiffness and efficient rebound.
The ZoomX foam midsole provides excellent energy return with a lower cushioning profile, which ensures natural contact with the surface. The ultralight, breathable, thin mesh upper perfectly matches the outsole, which includes rubber segments for traction on the road. An ideal choice for performance runners looking for speed, responsiveness and low drop.
6) New Balance FreshFoam X Hierro
The New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 is a redesigned trail shoe with a 4mm drop that combines high cushioning, excellent grip and lower weight than the previous generation. The midsole uses the soft and responsive Fresh Foam X for comfortable stride even on longer trails, while the all-trail-enthusiast familiar Vibram® Megagrip outsole provides reliable traction on technical terrain and in wet conditions.
The mesh upper is lightweight, well ventilated and wraps the foot comfortably. If you are looking for comfort, stability and naturalness in a running shoe and are a fan of longer trails in particular, the Hierro could be a good fit for you.
7) New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4
From New Balance we introduce another shoe, this time a road one. The FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 is a carbon road racing shoe designed for maximum efficiency on marathon and half marathon courses. It features a new version of FuelCell foam that is richer, softer and more flexible than the previous generation, along with an integrated carbon plate with Energy Arc technology to boost energy return and promote a natural rocker effect. The redesigned upper better holds the foot and provides breathability. The shoe has a 4mm drop and an overall higher level of cushioning, making it a great choice for performance runners looking for solid speed, dynamic rebound, and a lightweight road racing feel.
Check out the running offer and equip yourself from head to toe with Top4Running!
EUR - Ireland (English) 
EUR - Top4Running.at (Deutsch) 
EUR - Top4Running.be (In Dutch) 
EUR - Top4Running.bg (BG) 
EUR - Top4Running.hr (Hrvatski) 
EUR - Top4Running.cy (EL) 
CZK - Top4Running.cz (Česky) 
DKK - Top4Running.dk (Dansk) 
EUR - Top4Running.com (English) 
EUR - Top4Running.fi (Suo̯mi) 
EUR - Top4Running.fr (Français) 
EUR - Top4Running.de (Deutsch) 
EUR - Top4Running.gr (EL) 
HUF - Top4Running.hu (Magyar) 
EUR - Top4Running.it (Italiano) 
EUR - Top4Running.nl (Dutch) 
PLN - Top4Running.pl (Polski) 
EUR - Top4Running.pt (Português) 
RON - Top4Running.ro (Româna) 
EUR - Top4Running.sk (Slovensky) 
EUR - Top4Running.si (Slovenski) 
EUR - Top4Running.es (Español) 
SEK - Top4Running.se (Svenska) 
CHF - Top4Running.ch (German) 
+49 79 519 549 600 
info@top4running.ie