Zero drop shoes

A zero drop shoe keeps your heel and the ball of your foot at the same height, so you stand flat, the way you would with no shoes on. Here are the newest zero drop styles from the brands in my directory.

Zero drop shoes available now

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What zero drop means

Drop is the difference in height between the heel and the forefoot. Most everyday shoes and trainers have a raised heel, often 8 to 12 mm. A zero drop shoe has none, so your foot sits level.

Zero drop is about the slope, not the thickness. A shoe can be zero drop with a thin 3 mm sole or a cushioned 25 mm one, which is why I show the stack height on every listing as well.

Zero drop, barefoot or minimalist?

Barefoot shoes are almost always zero drop, but they also have a wide, foot-shaped toe box and a thin, flexible sole. Some running and walking brands make zero drop shoes with more cushioning, which some people find an easier first step.

  • Zero drop: heel and toes at the same height.
  • Minimalist: lighter and more flexible than a normal shoe, often low drop.
  • Barefoot: zero drop, foot-shaped, thin and flexible.

Going flat gradually

If you have worn raised heels for years, your calves and Achilles may need time to get used to a flat shoe. Start with short spells and build up. If you have pain, an injury or a foot condition, speak to a qualified professional first.

Brands in this list

Questions people ask

What is a zero drop shoe?

A shoe where the heel and the ball of the foot sit at the same height, so there is no slope from heel to toe.

Are all barefoot shoes zero drop?

Nearly all of them are. Zero drop is one of the three things most barefoot brands agree on, along with a foot-shaped toe box and a flexible sole.

Can a zero drop shoe have cushioning?

Yes. Drop and cushioning are separate. Some zero drop running shoes have thick soles, so check the stack height if you want ground feel.

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