10 Best Low Drop Running Shoes
We say it so much that we feel like a broken record- how a shoe fits and feels can completely change your run. If you’re on the hunt for the best low drop running shoes, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve tested oodles of running shoes and have narrowed it down to some of our favorites.
Low drop can refer to any running shoe heel-to-toe drop between 1mm and 5mm. In other words, we’re not looking for a zero drop shoe and we’re not aiming for the middle with the 8mm shoe, but things in that generally lower range.
Heel drop is an important component of your running shoe which can impact knee pain! We’re going to cover that below.
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with some answers below and share our recommendations for the best low drop running shoes. Keep reading!
What is Heel Drop?
As you’ve probably seen in many of my shoe reviews, we usually list a shoe’s drop, as a measurement that’s always in millimeters.
The heel-to-toe drop is the difference between the height of the shoe at the heel and at the forefoot. Also known as the offset, it usually ranges from 0 to 14 mm.
If you’re trying to visualize what I’m talking about, the easiest way is to picture a high heel shoe.
For those who are kind of curious about zero drop, but not really ready to make that full leap. Low drop running shoes are a sweet spot because we will think a bit more about cadence and foot strike, but are still getting a lot of the feel of a traditional shoe.
The design of a shoe can mess with your perception of heel drop. As you scroll through the list below you’ll see what we’re talking about. If you look at the Hoka Bondi and Topo Cyclone you may wonder how they both have a 5 mm heel drop!
Don’t let your mind play tricks on you, check the specs of the shoe and try it on to see how it truly feels underfoot.
10 Best Low Drop Running Shoes
We know there are a ton of shoes reviews to look through to find a shoe that falls under the category of a 5mm heel drop or less. So we did the work for you and pulled together a list the best low drop running shoes.
Our team of testers covers all kinds of paces, goals, and backgrounds so you’re getting front, middle and back of the pack runners.
Training for a marathon? Chasing a fast 5K? Just running because it makes you feel good? There’s probably a low drop shoe in here that’ll work for you.
Best Overall Moderate Cushion- Saucony Kinvara
This has been one of my go to shoe models for nearly a decade. That being said, the Kinvara has changed over that time. It’s now a slightly more cushioned shoe with a bit more stack height (because everything seems to be increasing in stack height).
It’s my easy pick for what shoe I want to put miles on during vacation because I can use it for speed or easy runs.
The Saucony Kinvara15 is an excellent choice for runners who are looking for a lightweight and responsive shoe that provides enough cushioning and support for longer runs. The shoe is also suitable for runners who prefer a more natural running experience, though you won’t have quite the same ground contact feeling as with older models.
Best Lightweight – Hoka Mach
When you’re ready to turn on the speed, the Mach is your HOKA of choice. It’s not a carbon fiber shoe, instead it’s a lightweight shoe designed to spring off the ground and help you find that quick turnover. And yet somehow it’s still got a nice amount of cushion so it can go the distance.
This shoe is best for runners who are looking for a fast and responsive shoe to take on long-distance races or interval training.
The Mach features a lightweight foam midsole that provides a quick, lively feel, while the meta-rocker design helps to encourage a more natural gait.
Best for Run-Walk Workouts – New Balance Fresh Foam X More v5
New Balance’s Fresh Foam is every bit as lovely as it sounds. These shoes feel fabulous when you slip them on and yet maintain good responsiveness. In fact, I’ve been running A LOT of miles in the 1080 model and recommend it frequently as well.
With a roomy area for your mid-foot, it still has a good heel cupping to help prevent your foot from sliding out. This is a maximal road shoe, meaning it has a higher stack height from toe to heel. If you’ve never run in a shoe like that, trust me within a few minutes you don’t notice anything different (except the great cushion here!).
That taller stack height provides a slightly wider base and more stability without in anyway being a stability shoe.
Best Max Cushion –Hoka Bondi 9
The Hoka One One Bondi is great for everyday running and walking. With its max cushioning, it’s almost guaranteed to provide max comfort too. The one thing to remember is that the more cushion, the less “pop” or speed you’ll get from a shoe.
I think this is really ideal for our heavier runners, those who are doing 5+ hour marathons and want some soft lasting cushion.
The newest model has a mesh construction, lighter foams, and an extended heel that offers a soft but balanced roll-through from heel strike to push-off. Just remember as we mentioned before in many articles that more cushion isn’t always better.
Best Wide Toe Box – Topo Cyclone
If you haven’t tried a Topo Athletic shoe before, the brand is known in the running shoe world for their shoes’ anatomical toe box . This basically means that the shoe’s tox box doesn’t come to a point like a lot of traditional running shoes and stays wider to accommodate your forefoot width.
The stack height is coming in around 28mm like some of the old school shoes! It just means that you’re going to be able to feel the ground a little more but still have some protection.
Best Daily Trainer- Saucony Endorphin Shift
The maximal shoe simply means that the stack height is bigger, not that it has a larger heel to toe drop. The bigger stack allowed them to shove in some additional lightweight cushion.
My initial impression was of a really cushioned shoe. I was going to call it plush, but then put on a number of shoes to compare and realized it’s actually a pretty responsive moderate level of cushion. This is generally ideal because we don’t want to sink too much in to the cushion.
In other words, a perfect amount of cushion for that daily trainer to help absorb impact and yet not so much that you’re losing a ton of energy in each step. You could definitely do some speedwork in this shoe, which is why it’s in the Endorphin line up.
Those looking for a fast workout shoe or racer are not going to find that level of responsiveness in this shoe. The Shift is going to be a great pick for cushioned neutral Saucony shoe for daily easy runs with a lower heel drop.
Best Carbon Plate Back of Pack – Hoka Skyward X
HOKA really nailed stability with this shoe. It has a wider base and a snug fit so you’ll never feel like your foot is shifting or unstable, even with the extra stack height underfoot.
It’s bouncy, it’s fun, it gives every runner a chance to feel fast. With the Skyward X, you’re getting a little boost from the PEBA midsole foam on top of the H-Curve plate and the EVA bottom foam. YES you read it right, they’re using the high end stuff for the everyday runner and it’s so worth the price!
I think a lot of what makes this shoe feel stable is not only their standard wide base, but the unique shape used for the carbon plate.
The plate’s H-shaped design is going to help in multiple areas. On the wide medial side, it offers early landing support, while the narrower rail on the lateral side functions as a crash pad upon landing. PLUS, the rising carbon lip helps to keep your heel secure and prevents any sinking or outward movement.
- Weight: 11.3 oz Men’s, 9.2 oz Women’s
- Heel Drop: 5 mm
- Available in 5 colors
- Not available in wide
- Available on Hoka.com for $225
- Read our full Hoka Skyward X review here >>
Best Carbon Plate – On Cloudboom Strike
This was a shoe we fell in love with immediately and are excited to see where it goes. While it’s absolutely considered a top end carbon plated racing shoe, a lot of runners are going to have fun with hitting some speed in it.
This is a big stack height and slightly higher heel drop than many of the other super shoes on the market. Compared to the Nike Vaporfly 2 or 3, that are very narrow, it’s a 100% different fit and feeling.
Best Trail Shoe – Nike Zegama 2
Sure, Nike is usually on our lists for a fast road running shoe but not this time! We’ve added one of their more popular trail running shoes. This shoe is going to feature the ever so familiar Zoom X foam underfoot with an added layer of SR-02 foam to give just a smidge extra stability and cushioning.
Plus, Nike has ensured this shoe is going to withstand the roughness of the trails by using a smooth yet durable upper mesh and vibram megagrip outsole rubber to keep you standing upright in even the muddiest spots on the trails.
Like some other trail shoes that we love, the Zegama’s feature a built in gaiter to help get tiny rocks and other trail debris out of your shoe. We like how this one is lower, not chancing rubbing or irritating the ankles.
- Weight: 10.8 oz Men’s, 9.4 oz Women’s
- Heel Drop: 4 mm
- Available in 3 colors
- Not available in wide
- Available at Nike.com for $144
Carbon Plate Trail Shoe – Hoka Tecton X
The HOKA Tecton X is a lightweight trail running shoe that is designed for speed. That’s right, carbon fiber comes to the trail world!
Can I just say, that again I was like who needs a carbon plate on the trails? But then well…I enjoyed the shoe and a bunch of much faster testers have said they like the extra stiffness for speed and stability.
They are using parallel carbon fiber plates, to provide an opening down the middle of the foot that’s going to ensure you can still manuver over rocks, stumps and other obstacles. Thus it’s less rigid than a road carbon fiber shoe…does this take away from the spring, I’m not sure!
This shoe is ideal for runners who like to run fast and light on the trails. The Tecton X is perfect for those who enjoy exploring new trails and need a shoe that can keep up with their speed.
Does Heel-Toe Drop Matter?
Yes, heel-top drop can play a big role in injury prevention for many runners.
But it’s not the only thing that matters when it comes to finding the right running shoes.
If you’re new to running, it’s best to go to your local running store and get fitted for shoes. The sales associates are usually very experienced in helping to find a shoe that’s going to feel great for you.
Just be careful when using them to evaluate your gait, foot strike, or other biomechanics. Realistically that’s not their job, it’s what highly trained Sports Physical Therapists do by looking at the full movement of your leg.
Sometimes though it is a bit of trial and error to find your personal preferences. Luckily most stores allow you to return lightly used shoes and try another.
If you’re relatively new to running, worrying about shoe drop doesn’t need to be your highest priority and is one of many factors to consider. Regardless of experience level though, there are some common factors to consider when finding a running shoe. These include:
- Comfort – You always want the shoe to be comfortable.
- Foot strike – Do you have a forefoot strike, midfoot strike, or heel strike?
- Terrain – Are you going to be running trails or road?
- Distance – Are you just running to get in some cardio; training for a 5k, marathon, or something in between; or are you doing ultras?
It’s important to know what heel drop is and how it can affect your body and your running. However, it is not the only or even the most important factor when it comes to finding a running shoe that’s right for you.
Low drop running shoes tend to promote forefoot and midfoot strikes, while higher drop shoes tend to go hand-in-hand with heel striking. But, that’s not a hard and fast rule.
Just because you’ve always been in one type of shoe, doesn’t mean you can’t gradually make the change or switch between shoes with different drops.
We hope this list of best low drop running shoes helps you find a pair to add to your rotation.
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