Running can be a rewarding and challenging experience, but it can also be tough on your legs and feet. That’s why it’s important to choose the right running shoes. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, there are a couple of key features you should look for in a running shoe. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at five of our favorite zero-drop shoes for runners. Hopefully, this guide will help you find a shoe that works for you!
WHITIN Men’s Minimalist Trail Runner | Wide Toe Box | Barefoot Inspired
This lightweight, packable, weatherproof, rugged, and reasonably good-looking shoe from WHITIN packs a mighty punch for its price point. And it’s here through the end of October for 600 (though still available for 520 on Amazon). In common with a lot of other minimalist shoes, this isn’t a great fit for a size 10K foot. That slight wiggling at the heel suggested the shoe isn’t compensating for the lack of cushioning, instead choosing a more neutral ride. And, to be honest, it suits WHITIN well. With a roomy toe box, comfortable heel, and firm midsole, the WHITIN is a comfortable shoe to wear – far more so, for instance, than I had been expecting from the Bounce Zero Trail II.
While the fabric upper of this shoe has perforations for breathability, it still feels fairly insulated. There’s a side zipper, which gives access to the BOA lacing system, and also a chunky pull tab at the heel to aid the shoes onto your feet. Five eyelets let you fit your foot as tightly as you like, with reassuringly-sticky rubber clips securing the foot in place. I did find the shoe was snug at the ankle and a little tight across my toes, but not uncomfortably so. Although, if walking long distances is your thing, you may want to invest in one of the many closed-lacing systems out there.
The 4mm drop of the WHITIN shoes means that your back foot hits the ground at almost a 45-degree angle, which feels completely different from a pair of drop-10 shoes, which hit at a more traditional 55-degree angle. Without the cushioning, this felt easy on my knees, which certainly fits with the statement that WHITIN was making about the ‘barefoot feeling’. As you move around in these shoes, the outsole flexes underfoot, meaning that it’s very comfortable on uneven surfaces. That said, on more level ground, the traction wasn’t always there. I often found myself lifting the front of the shoe to catch myself slipping, presumably because the sole seemed unable to hold any grip.
On more than one occasion I also found myself caught in mud and muck, though, surprisingly, the WHITIN managed to stay clean. Though this is perhaps because they’re so light. At 202g, the WHITIN shoes won’t slow you down much. They’re also perhaps a touch thicker than other shoes – at 15.3mm – though they’re by no means thick. This, combined with the sole’s surprisingly good grip, meant that the WHITIN was capable of getting me through even the longest of hikes.
While I wore the WHITIN shoes for a handful of hikes, they were handled comfortably during longer hikes and on roads. They’re the ideal shoes for city walking too. With a fine tread, the WHITIN manage to stay on – but the soles aren’t up to much on inclines (they slip and slide), nor are they particularly grippy on soft surfaces. The fabric uppers are robust but, like any other fabric, they do get dirty and muddy in inclement weather. That said, the soles aren’t overly thick, and, again, the WHITIN is reasonably light. While the fabric uppers aren’t as tough as rubber or leather, they are comfortable and durable – and machine washable, which is a huge plus.
They aren’t blingy shoes, but that doesn’t mean they’re not pretty to look at. These shoes come in seven colors, each with its own distinct look: Midnight Blue, Ocean Grey, Mithril Grey, Dark Indigo, Blood Red, Temple Black, and Ruby Red. As with WHITIN shoes, the styling of the WHITIN shoes is minimalist, crisp, and – as with all WHITIN shoes – durable. The fabric uppers are reinforced with air mesh, giving good breathability and making them highly weatherproof.
All in all, this is a great shoe for the price. It certainly gives you more of that barefoot feel than many ‘minimalist’ shoes, without scrimping on durability or traction. At around 2,990Rs, these are certainly premium shoes. But, for 600, you’re getting a pair of lightweight, waterproof shoes that get the job done.
Xero Shoes Men’s Prio Cross Training Shoe – Lightweight Zero Drop, Barefoot
Xero Shoes makes some of the best minimalist trail runners on the market. The Prio looks almost identical to the Xeros, which we loved for running, but for walking or even sports where you don’t need as much traction. The Prio’s simple, thin sole with almost no drop makes the shoe noticeably lighter and more flexible, without making it any less protective.
The shoe runs true to size, but if you’re between sizes, order up to a half-size. They’re also much more flexible than other shoes designed for running, so if you’re used to wearing motion-control shoes, the Prio will take some getting used to.
The shoe isn’t waterproof, but it’s water-resistant, so rain or snow shouldn’t bother the leather. And unlike many minimalist trail shoes, the Prio is lined with mesh on the inside, so your feet don’t feel sweaty or clammy. If you like the minimalist design of the Xeros but want a shoe that’s more athletic and less athletic, this is the one to get.
Weweya Barefoot Shoes Men Minimalist Running Cross Training Shoe
Perhaps one of the most fascinating things about Weweya’s simplistic and minimal design is the shoes’ target audience. It is highly unlikely that the average Weweya buyer is anything approaching a podiatrist, or even someone with, at the very least, a basic level of knowledge when it comes to protecting their feet. Therefore, when it comes to choosing a running shoe, a lightweight trainer with a sleek, minimalist design is probably the safest option.
An incredibly attractive design, Weweya’s minimalist roots can be spotted straight away. Each strap of the mesh upper is pull-on, which ensures that the whole shoe can be slipped on and off with ease. This allows you to apply a small amount of pressure to your feet, which should lead to a more realistic barefoot running experience. In regards to comfort, the Weweya’s feel incredibly soft against the foot, and I’d be surprised if you didn’t love them.
The tongueless design is a focus point, and the breathable mesh upper is a godsend for hot weather training. The sole is packed with little nubs that feel like they have almost been molded to your feet. This aesthetic is a key USP, but what is this stitch-on layer at the bottom of the sole? It’s aluminum. This aids foot posture by preventing overpronation, which occurs when your arches collapse. You might think this is an odd inclusion, but it’s worth remembering that foot posture can have a massive impact on how successful your training and cushioning are.
The aluminum crosses your arch and inserts into the sole, preventing uncomfortable and unnatural rolling of the foot. With that out of the way, the only real criticism I have about this shoe is that the upper strap isn’t adjustable, and if your feet are on the wider side, this may not offer much security. Overall, I hugely enjoyed my time in these, and I’m not even talking about the 39.99$ price tag, which makes them even more cost-effective. As such, I’d recommend these shoes for anyone who wants barefoot-inspired running trainers that are super comfortable and look like they’re missing an ankle strap. It doesn’t hurt that they sound great, too.
Dr. Herbert Walker, BSc, MRCS, DPM, FRSA, FRCP(Edin) MRCS, is an associate professor in the Department of orthopedic surgery and Physiology at the University of British Columbia. He is an orthopedic surgeon at Vancouver General Hospital, and a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, the Royal Society of Canada, and the Royal Society of Medicine.
TSLA Trail Running Shoes
Take your outdoor adventures to the next level with our lightweight athletic zero-drop barefoot shoes. Featuring a non-slip sole, these minimalist shoes are perfect for jogging or walking in any terrain. In walking and running, the seamless design provides better protection for the ankles and mortises. TSLA Trail Running Shoes have a good touch feeling, and their excellent traction and durability can keep your feet safe on nearly any terrain.
Its zero-drop design fits the gait of human beings, making runners feel natural and comfortable. Its flexible sole is nonslip and very comfortable. These trail running shoes have a very flexible structure and are not easy to deform when running or walking. The outsole is made of rubber and has excellent wear resistance. The soles are full of anti-skid patterns, soft and wear-resistant, and have a good grip. They have the function of anti-skid and shock absorption and can protect your feet well.
The vamps of these trail running shoes are made of knitted fabric, which is comfortable and breathable and can wick away sweat and moisture to keep your feet dry. The shoes have a good fit, and the fly knit uppers are very soft and comfortable, with good support and breathability. The shoes have a lace-up design, and the shoelaces are long enough to be tied in a double knot, making the shoe fitter to the feet and not easy to lose. The shoes have good elasticity and are not easy to deform.
Inov-8 Mens Terraultra: G-270 (Trail Running Shoes) – Long Distance Zero Drop shoes for Ultra Marathon Running
The Inov-8 Terraultra are superb for long (ultra) distance runs over all kinds of terrain. They provide a snug, comfortable fit from the first wear and allow you plenty of freedom for your toes. The shoes’ grip and traction are excellent, and they’re light enough to wear for long periods. However, Terraultra’s 15mm drop can be unsuited to some foot shapes. The Terraultras are superb for long (ultra) distance runs over all kinds of terrain. They provide a snug, comfortable fit from the first wear and allow you plenty of freedom for your toes.
The shoes’ grip and traction are excellent, and they’re light enough to wear for long periods. However, Terraultra’s 15mm drop can be unsuited to some foot shapes.
Final Words
Zero-drop shoes have become increasingly popular for runners because, unlike conventional running shoes, these shoes feature a flat or “zero” drop design from the heel to the toe area. This encourages runners to land on the front of their feet, which helps runners avoid injury. In this blog post, we covered five of our favorite zero-drop running shoes. We hope you’ve found this article helpful!
