With dozens of zero drop options available, choosing your first pair can feel overwhelming. The right choice depends on your current footwear, intended use, and how quickly you want to transition.
Start With Your Current Shoes
Check your existing shoes' heel-to-toe drop. Most running shoes range from 8-12mm. If you're coming from high-drop shoes, jumping straight to barefoot-style minimal shoes risks injury.
Coming from 10-12mm drop: Start with cushioned zero drop shoes like the Altra Torin or Olympus. You get the zero drop adaptation without shocking your feet with minimal cushioning.
Coming from 4-8mm drop: You can consider moderate cushion zero drop options like the Altra Escalante or Xero HFS.
Already in low-drop shoes: Transitioning to minimal options like Vivobarefoot or Xero Prio may be reasonable, with appropriate caution.
Match Cushion to Activity and Experience
Maximum Cushion (25-33mm stack): Best for long-distance running, extended standing, or those new to zero drop. Examples: Altra Olympus, Altra Torin.
Moderate Cushion (15-25mm stack): Good all-around choice for running and daily wear. Examples: Altra Escalante, Altra Lone Peak.
Minimal Cushion (4-12mm stack): For experienced minimalist shoe wearers, shorter runs, and casual wear. Examples: Vivobarefoot Primus Lite, Xero Prio, Merrell Vapor Glove.
Consider Toe Box Width
Zero drop means nothing if your toes are still cramped. Look for:
Wide Toe Box: Altra is known for their "FootShape" toe box. Lems offers "extra wide" options.
Natural Foot Shape: Vivobarefoot and Xero Shoes design for natural toe splay.
Varying Widths: Some brands like Merrell run narrower. Know your foot shape.
If you have bunions or wide forefeet, prioritize toe box room over other features.
Think About Terrain
Road/Pavement: Look for smooth outsoles designed for hard surfaces. Most casual and road running shoes fit here.
Trail: You'll want aggressive lugs for grip, possibly a rock plate for protection. The Altra Lone Peak and Xero Mesa Trail are popular options.
Mixed Use: Some shoes work reasonably well on both. Look for moderate tread patterns.
Flexibility Matters
How much should the sole bend?
Flexible: Barefoot shoes should bend easily in all directions, mimicking bare feet. Most minimal shoes fit here.
Moderate: Trail shoes often have slightly stiffer soles for protection while maintaining reasonable flex.
Stiff: Generally avoid stiff-soled zero drop shoes unless you have specific needs. Stiffness defeats much of the purpose.
Try Before High Mileage
Don't trust online fit completely. If possible:
- Walk around your home on hard floors
- Test multiple surfaces
- Try them later in the day when feet are larger
- Wear your typical socks
Most reputable brands accept returns if the shoes don't work out.
Your First Pair Recommendations
Conservative Start (new to zero drop): - Altra Torin - Cushioned road shoe - Altra Lone Peak - Cushioned trail shoe
Moderate Approach (some low-drop experience): - Altra Escalante - Versatile road shoe - Xero HFS - Lightweight road shoe
Minimal (experienced only): - Vivobarefoot Primus Lite - True barefoot feel - Xero Prio - Versatile minimal shoe
Remember: the "best" shoe is one that fits your feet and matches your current adaptation level. You can always progress to more minimal options as your feet strengthen.