We Researched and Tested the Best Zero Drop Running Shoes—These Are Our Favorites (2024)

• Our Picks

• How We Selected and Tested

• What to Look For

• FAQ

• Why Trust Verywell Fit

Altra’s Rivera 2 is a versatile, durable shoe that can handle just about any type of running, and it was an easy pick for our best men’s overall slot. The shoe is comfortable and stable for long miles but light and responsive enough for faster workouts. And if you want to take them off-road, they also have the right protection and traction needed for trail running.

To promote a natural running stride, the Rivera 2 has plenty of room for toe splay up front but hugs the back of the foot for a locked-in feel. The breathable mesh upper wraps the foot for a snug, supportive fit.

We like that there’s enough cushioning to provide good shock absorption and comfort, but it’s not so plush that your feet sink in with each stride. Although it comes in a range of men’s sizes, from 8 to 15, it’s only available in one width and may not work for very wide feet.

Altra has a reputation for making shoes that are built to last, and the Rivera 2 is an excellent option for men looking for a reliable, do-it-all zero drop running shoe.

Xero Shoes’ Mesa Trail shoe takes our top women’s spot because it’s a durable, versatile option that’s ideal for those who like a natural running feel on both trails and roads.

Lightweight and flexible, the shoe is made with 100% vegan-friendly materials and has a breathable mesh upper and moisture-wicking liner to keep your feet dry and comfy. It also features a wide toe box that allows your toes to splay and relax, helping you to maintainproper postureand balance.

The shoe’s rubber outsole is extremely durable and well-made, with grippy lugs that can handle technical or slippery terrain. However, the Mesa Trail also works well on flat and even surfaces, so it’s a perfect road-to-trail shoe. According to the manufacturer, It runs a bit small, so you may want to go up a half size.

Although the Mesa Trail is a tried-and-true favorite, one common complaint is that the laces are too short and thick, making it difficult to double-knot them. But where it lacks in laces, the shoe makes up for in performance and durability.

For a springy, responsive feel when running on roads, check out Topo Athletic’s ST-4 Road Running Shoes. The shoes' minimal cushioning provides enough protection for the pavement, so you get good energy return and maintain a close connection to the ground. Light and flexible, we love that these kicks are versatile for speed workouts, tempo runs, agility training, and even weightlifting.

A wide toe box allows the toes to splay naturally, but the shoe then tapers to a slimmer midfoot and heel for a locked-in feel. The durable mesh upper enhances the secure fit and is lightweight and breathable enough to keep your feet comfortable and dry. Plus, an Ortholite footbed inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria.

The sturdy rubber sole offers good traction for wet conditions, but the ST-4 isn’t designed for technical trails and is best suited for roads or paved paths.

Although they’re typically made with fewer materials than traditional running shoes, zero drop shoes can still be just as pricey. However, there are bargains to be found. For cost-conscious runners looking for a quality budget running shoe, Merrell’s Vapor Glove 5 is a versatile shoe that can work for both the road and trail, as well as weightlifting, biking, and other activities.

With a weight of just 5 ounces per shoe, the Vapor Glove 5 is extremely lightweight and flexible. It has a thin EVA foam insole that provides light protection from the ground, so it’s intended for those who want to simulate a barefoot running experience. The airy mesh upper allows for good ventilation, while the antimicrobial protection keeps feet smelling fresh.

Whether you want to hit the trails or roads, the shoe’s Vibram rubber outsole offers excellent traction on trails and in wet weather. Even better, the Vapor Glove 5 is made with recycled materials, so you can feel good about wearing an environmentally friendly product.

New Balance is known for accommodating feet of all shapes and sizes, and their Minimus TR is a great option for those looking for wide toe box shoes for running. Although the regular size already has a roomy toe box, we love that the shoe also comes in wide, so you get even more space.

At just 6 ounces, the shoe is lightweight, with a mesh upper designed for enhanced airflow. Yet the shoe’s soft midsole still delivers supportive cushioning without sacrificing stability. Like many zero drop shoes, they’re low profile, so they may not have room fororthotics or insertsif you need them.

The shoe has a grooved but smooth sole, so it’s better suited for road running or gym training than technical or uneven trails. It’s also a bit stiffer and thicker than some zero drop shoes, so the Minimus TR may be ideal for those transitioning to more minimal shoes.

With its extra-thick, plush sole, Altra’s Olympus 5 is proof that not all zero drop shoes have minimal cushioning or materials. We love that its compression-molded EVA midsole provides cushioning and responsiveness without being overly clunky.

All that cushioning comes with some extra weight, though, and these shoes are a bit heavier than other options on our list. However, since your heels and forefeet are at the same distance from the ground, the cushioning is very balanced and encourages low-impact landings.

Meanwhile, the shoe’s rubber outsole provides excellent grip on rugged terrain and wet and dry surfaces, and the strategically-placed lugs offer additional traction at the toe. Altra’s trademark wide toe box allows for comfort and stability while accommodatingfoot swellingduring long runs.

While the Olympus 5 comes with a hefty price tag, it’s worth the investment for runners who want a well-cushioned, high-quality zero drop shoe. For runners who want even more cushioning, check out our top picks for the best cushioned running shoes.

When hitting the trails, Inov-8’s Trailfly G 270 has the right traction and support to keep you steady and comfortable on your feet. With a graphene-enhanced rubber outsole, this trail runner delivers exceptional grip. Whether you’re running on muddy, uneven, rocky, or slippery ground, the Trailfly G 270 can handle it.

Unlike some other zero drop shoes that have minimal cushioning, this one features a plush foam that provides the reliable comfort and protection you need in a good trail running shoe while also delivering good energy return.

The shoes' upper conforms to the shape of the foot and adapts to movement, allowing for a comfortable, supportive fit and feel. A padded collar with a two-part gusseted tongue enhances the overall comfort while also providing additional protection from debris and dirt.

Fans of this shoe find its durability and performance to be well worth the investment.

Lightweight and flexible, we love that Xero Shoes’ HFS shoe helps runners achieve a quick, springy stride. The minimalist design contours to the shape of the feet for a snug, comfortable fit. A spacious toe box allows toes to relax and spread, so you can move them freely and feel the ground underneath.

The lightly padded midsole strikes the perfect balance between cushioned comfort and flexible responsiveness. For such a lightweight running shoe, the HFS has an impressive grip and can handle a variety of surfaces. Its 5.5-millimeter rubber sole offers the right combination of durability and protection, plus close-to-ground contact to promote anatural stride.

The shoe does run small, and the manufacturer recommends going a half-size up. Additionally, the HFS only comes in one width, so it may not work for those with very wide feet. Made with vegan-friendly materials, this shoe is ideal for those who want a light, ultra-flexible shoe built for speed and comfort.

For a durable zero drop shoe that provides comfort and support forhigh-mileage runs, you can’t go wrong with Altra’s Escalante 3. The shoes' cushioning creates a balanced ride that excels with both shock absorption and energy return.

Meanwhile, the shoe’s sock-like engineered knit upper has added elastic for a snug, comfortable fit around your foot. A padded collar and tongue add to the overall comfort and locked-in feel. With a spacious toe box, we love that toes have plenty of wiggle room, and your feet can stay in a flat, natural position.

While the Escalante 3 may be a bit heavy for racing, it’s ideal for high-mileage training runs. The grippy outsole also makes it suitable for all types of surfaces and conditions, in case you hit some unexpected wet weather during a long run.

If you havehigh arches, Merrell’s Trail Glove 6 shoe is perfect for you—it provides the right amount of support and comfort while still maintaining the close-to-ground feel. It’s designed to mimic the shape of the foot, giving you freedom of movement and a natural stride.

When testing this shoe on trails, we found it to be extremely comfortable and responsive, providing the perfect amount of lateral stability while still feeling like a minimalist shoe. The shoe’s midsoles are made of super lightweight cushioning but still provide soft comfort and protection. The rubber outsole provides trail-ready traction that can handle both hard-packed and soft surfaces.

While it’s perfect for off-road adventures, the versatile Trail Glove 6 is also comfortable and supportive enough for everyday casual wear and a nice option to pack foractive vacations. We also love that this shoe provides good arch support for long days of walking.

Made with recycled materials, the shoe’s mesh upper and lining are light and breathable for a barely-there feel. When testing this shoe, we did find that it had a slightly narrow and long fit, so it may not be a good choice for those with wider, shorter feet.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a zero drop running shoe?

  As the name suggests, zero drop running shoes have a heel-to-toe drop of 0 millimeters, which means that your heel and forefoot are on the same level. This encourages a midfoot or forefoot strike, which is a more natural, efficient running stride and reduces impact on the joints. Because they’re made with fewer materials than traditional running shoes, they’re usually more flexible and lightweight.

• Are zero drop running shoes better?

  With no height difference between the rear and forefoot, zero drop running shoes promote a natural running stride and help to evenly distribute the impact of each foot strike, which can minimize the risk of injury. The lack of arch support in zero drop shoes forces your feet to work harder for each step, which can lead to stronger feet.

  “Zero drop shoes typically have more of a natural feel, yet still provide protection from the surfaces of the ground,” Dr. Mendeszoon says. And because they often have minimal cushioning, they tend to be more durable and last longer than traditional running shoes with plush cushioning, which wears down quickly.

  That being said, zero drop shoes may not be suitable for everyone, especially beginner runners or those with previous injuries. The shoes may put extra strain on your calves and may not provide enough support or cushioning for some runners. For those with flat feet, the potential problems with zero drop shoes will be more pronounced.

  “Runners with no deformity, good range of motion, excellent muscle strength, and no injuries may enjoy the decreased weight and function of zero heel drop shoes,” Dr. Hanft says. They typically work best for avid runners who already have good running form, not for those with foot issues who have to wear orthopedic inserts like insoles for flat feet.
  

• How do you transition to zero drop shoes?

  If you’ve never worn zero drop shoes before, it’s probably best to start with a lower heel-to-toe ratio than you’re used to and then slowly transition to zero drop.

  “It is imperative that people just don’t buy the shoes and continue with their normal routine if they’ve been in a more traditional drop shoe,” Dr. Mendeszoon says.

  Ease into zero drop shoes by first wearing them for walks and then short runs. When you first start running in them, pay attention to how you’re feeling. Avoid back-to-back running days to give your muscles a chance to rest and recover. You can also ease the transition by running on grass or softer trails.

  If you don’t experience pain or discomfort, you can gradually increase your run distances. It could take three months to a year before you’ve completely adjusted to a natural running style.

• Are zero drop shoes good for plantar fasciitis?

  If you’re prone to plantar fasciitis, you may or may not benefit from wearing zero drop shoes.

  “I don’t believe that people with certain conditions such as plantar fasciitis or tendonitis should avoid zero drop shoes, but rather be evaluated for their particular foot type,” Dr. Mendeszoon says. “Those with flat feet and perhaps bigger body frames would not be individuals I would suggest to run in zero drop shoes.”

  For advice on whether they’re right for you, it’s best to be evaluated by a podiatrist or sports medicine expert who understands foot and ankle biomechanics.