The advantages of running are undisputed and enjoyed by people of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities across the globe. Well, there is nothing that beats the thrill of wearing your best shoes and running out for fresh air, competitions, or for love of nature. Lately, there has been a shift to zero drop shoes as people discover associated health benefits and their ability to enhance personal endurance and performance.
However, it can be hard to narrow down to the best pieces with all the options out there, which is why we took the time to find them for you. Keep reading to learn more about the best zero drop shoes, and pick the perfect piece for you.
The Best Zero Drop Running Shoes Are:
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Altra Torin 4.0 |  Top Pick |
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| 2. Merrell Vapor Glove Running Shoes |  |
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| 3. Brooks PureCadence 7 |  |
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| 4. Inov-8 Bare-XF 210 v2 |  |
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| 5. Altra Kayenta Running Shoes |  |
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| 6. Xero Shoes Speed Force |  | Check Current Price | |
| 7. New Balance Minimus MT10V1 |  |
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1. Altra Torin 4.0 — Best Zero Drop Shoes
The Altra Torin 4.0 takes the first position on our list because it comes with an awesome construction that supports not just good performance, but better health too. Its excellent cushioning and lightweight construction makes it an awesome pick for long journeys.
One of the most conspicuous features of the shoe is the stack size of 26 mm. This means that you enjoy awesome 26 mm between the hard concrete and your feet so that no shock can really trouble your back and joints. The large midsole is designed using Altra’s proprietary Quantic midsole that provides remarkable feedback to help you run faster.
The top of the shoe, tongue, and collar are also padded well for better support and stability. You will also love the inner part of the shoe that is designed with a soft quilted knit that soothes your feet as opposed to rubbing them. Furthermore, the top is also meshed to allow enough air to pass through and keep the feet feeling fresh all day.
Specs
- Weight: 215 grams
- Drop: zero millimeters
- Rubber: Rubber
Pros
- Uses outsole technology that maps the bones and tendons of your foot
- Inspired by the desire to offer plush feeling with a lightweight ride
- Cushions every step and makes you feel like floating on a wave
- Big toe box that allows your toes to relax and spread naturally for better stability l
- Great for both treadmill and street running
Cons
- Might not be very effective for trail running
2. Merrell Vapor Glove Running Shoes – Runner Up
If you are shopping for something lightweight, simple, and effective, especially for general training and street running, this Vapor Glove 4 is a great choice. The shoe boasts of a low profile that lies low down and just-enough cushioning to protect your feet. When you slip your feet into the shoes and head to the gym or streets, it feels so light – like you are wearing nothing at all!
The most outstanding feature of the shoe is its design that rocks a breathable mesh top with a lovely mountain landscape outlook. It also has flat laces that help to enhance a lockdown for a perfect fit when running outdoors. The inner lining hugs the foot, giving you a plush feeling that urges you to keep running.
When it comes to the outsole, it is designed using Vibram rubber and is equally enthralling. It also comes with gentle grooves that help to grip the surface for better stability. To make your landings and transition more efficient, the heel of the shoe is made with Hyperlock TPU film. The cushioning also extends to the rest of the foot to help protect the foot from shock, especially when running on uneven surfaces.
Specs
- Weight: 167 grams
- Drop: zero millimeters
- Outsole: Vibram rubber
Pros
- Made with Vibram high-performance rubber outsole for enhanced durability and stability
- Vegan friendly because it contains 0% animal products
- The shoe comes a glove-like fit that offers a natural fit with minimalist construction
- Uses a meshed top that helps to wick away moisture and prevent bacterial buildup
- Available in seven colors
Cons
- Durability is poor
3. Brooks PureCadence 7
Brooks is one of the most trusted brands when it comes to designing comfortable and stable sneakers for running on the hard surfaces, and one of them is this PureCadence 7. The shoe is packed with features that keep your feet padded well and to further help to improve your gait.
The midsole is the most notable feature that makes this shoe stand out from competitors. It is designed using BioMoGo DNA midsole that intelligently adapts to your style of running. The midsole is also lightweight and flexible, meaning that they really feel the ground to make running smooth and enjoyable without straining your foot.
We also enjoyed every step knowing that the midsole is eco-friendly because it takes faster to decompose when compared to other EVA models. The top part of the shoe is also really awesome. It is designed with a sock-line-knit material that gives you a soft feel when feeling when running. Furthermore, it is meshed well to allow air to pass through, keeping your feet feeling dry and cool.
Specs
- Weight: 255.1 grams
- Drop: Zero millimeters
- Outsole: Rubber
Pros
- Uses BioMoGo DNA midsole that adapts to your stride
- The outsole is flexible and disperses impact from the body for better stability
- Large toe box that gives your toes ample space to spread and relax when running
- Uses a stretch-woven top for extra comfort
- Designed for running on the trails
- Durable
Cons
- The shoe feels stiff
4. Inov-8 Bare-XF 210 v2
Next on our list of the best low drop running shoes is Inov-8 Bare-XF 210 V2, a premium piece that has won praise globally for its plush feel. It rocks a lightweight construction and features that provide optimum support to the feet and breathability. Although this shoe is perfected as a cross training model, we found it a great option for outdoor walking and running on the treadmill.
The thing that most runners love about this shoe is its super-wide frame that comfortably holds the foot without resulting in undue pressure. The toe box is also large enough so that you can enjoy your run or walk without jamming the toes at the end. The meshed upper is also lovely and it allows the toes to stay aerated and dry.
Bare-XF 210 v2 also rocks a sticky rubber which we found very effective for running in the paving. Grooves cut on the outsole further help to make it firm, allowing you to feel confident when running on the pavements or streets. Even when the streets are wet, the shoe will provide you with a firm grip, allowing you to enjoy better stability and speed.
Specs
- Weight: 210 grams
- Drop: Zero millimeters
- Outsole: Innov-8’s patented sticky rubber
Pros
- Have minimal cushioning for a balanced and lightweight feel
- Great for street running, fitness training, and everyday wear
- A well-meshed top for easy air circulation
- Durable
- Large toe box provides a natural and relaxed feel when running
Cons
- Not good for trail running
5. Altra Kayenta Running Shoes
Altra makes our list again with this Kayenta running shoe, one of the latest models in the company’s sneakers. You will like it because of the super-cushioning that makes running more enjoyable and satisfying. The first thing that we noted when we got this shoe was its top-rated cushioning.
The shoe is constructed using MX LT midsole and FootPod technology that not only helps to cushion that foot but also makes the shoe very light. So, whether you want to increase the time you need to spend running on the streets or treadmill, this shoe can help you achieve your goals without suffering fatigue.
The FootPod technology of the shoe has received praise from all over the globe because it matches the tendons of the foot and bones when running. The effect is that you will feel natural every moment you step into the shoes. On the outsole, the rubber pods are fitted strategically to achieve two things, durability, and better grip.
Kayenta follows Altra’s tradition of designing shoes with large toe boxes. Your toes will spread naturally as the shoe top grabs them firmly for a comfortable feel throughout your race. Plus, the meshed upper part allows air to circulate easily, keeping them dry and healthy throughout the race.
Specs
- Weight: 167 grams
- Drop: zero millimeters
- Outsole: Rubber
Pros
- Designed with a meshed top for better air circulation
- Lightweight construction
- Good cushioning
- A large toe box
Cons
- Nor recommended for trail running
6. Xero Shoes Speed Force
As the name of this shoe suggests, it is designed to help you run faster and break your own record. However, it was easy to note that most people have adopted the shoe as the best pair for a number of activities, including workouts, weight training, all-day wear, and street running.
While the price tag may be on the upper end, we strongly feel that it is a worthy course. The feature that makes this shoe shine better than others is its flexibility. Well, if you were to compress the shoe, it would easily roll and fit in your palm. In addition to flexibility, the shoe is also pretty light and it feels like you are running barefoot.
So, if your goal is running faster, this show will add no baggage to the feet. The top of the shoe is wide enough, giving the toes ample space to spread and feel natural when running. Also, the upper part is meshed well to allow enough air to pass through and keep the toes feeling fresh and dry.
Pros
- Meshed upper part helps to keep foot cells aerated
- Lightweight construction
- Flexible and lightweight construction
- Large toe box that allows the toes to spread and feel natural
Cons
- Expensive
7. New Balance Minimus MT10V1
The last show model to make our list is this Minimus MT10V1 from New Balance, another top-rated brand that spares no effort to deliver quality. The shoe is designed to “disappear” in your foot. The toe box is large enough so that even a person with wide feet can enjoy using the shoe.
We were very impressed by the shoe’s internal lining that hugs the foot, giving it a swish feel when running. You can even wear the shoe without socks and it will still feel great. Because the show is designed for trail running, New Balance selected a flexible, yet strong Vibram outsole for better grip when running on different trails.
Furthermore, it contains strategically-placed flex grooves that help to enhance your stability while enhancing your grip. So, whether you target running through slippery or areas with loose soil, this show will help you to move faster and enjoy better performance.
Specs
- Weight: 2.4 grams
- Drop: Zero millimeters
- Outsole: Rubber
Pros
- Designed with a large toe box for better flexibility
- Strong rubber outsole with large lugs for better grip when running on trails
- The top of the shoe is meshed or better breathability
- Light
- Designed for trail running
- Works well even for street and fitness running
Cons
- Not good for runners who strike with their heels
Buying Guide
Our reviews above have captured the best that the market has to offer, and you might have already identified the perfect one for yourself. However, if you are yet to identify that specific model that will guarantee you of better performance, durability, and improve your health, this guide was made for you.
So, what do you need to check when looking for the best zero drop running shoes?
What Is Zero Drop?
The term “zero drop” was first coined by the founders of Altra, one of the leading shoe brands in the market. The concept means that the foot is allowed to sit level with the surface. So, unlike the common shoe models out there that have the heel raised with several millimeters, the zero drop models have the toes, midfoot, and heel at the same level.
What To Look For When Buying A Zero Drop Running Shoe
There are several features that you need to look out for when looking forward to buying the best zero drop running shoes. Here are some of them:
Toe Box
Go for the toe box that will give your foot, especially the toes ample playroom
Zero Drop
Notably, the concept of “zero drop” has been expounded and it is possible to get shoes, including those that have a small drop still being bundled into the same category. However, a true zero drop shoe should have the heel and toes sections at the same level.
Comfort
If you wear uncomfortable shoes, the chances are that you will not even make it to the finishing line. Whether the shoe is pinching the toe because it is small or it is too big, you are likely to perform poorly and even suffer injuries.
Support
It is not uncommon to hear runners complain that they selected shoes only to realize they had a narrow fit. The secret to getting the right support is trying the shoe before buying. If it is during the day, make sure to add some allowance because human feet expand during the day. The good thing is that top brands such as New Balance, Altra, Salomon, and Brooks have shoe models designed for those with large feet.
Final Thoughts
The revelation of the health and performance-related benefits that are associated with zero drop shoes have made them some of the most demanded footwear today. To enjoy these benefits, you need the best zero drop shoes. The models we have reviewed above come with top-of-the-range designs and are designed by top brands in the market.
So, you can trust them to enjoy your runs. While we vouch for the seven zero drop shoes in our review above (they are superb), the Altra Torin 4.0 stood taller than the rest. The shoe is designed with impressive features that make running and hitting better performance easy.
