Zero-drop running shoes
Rule: Heel-to-toe drop of 1 mm or less · 4 current models
Heel-to-toe drop is the height difference between the heel and the forefoot of the midsole. A zero-drop shoe puts the heel and forefoot at the same height above the ground, so the foot rests the way it does when you stand barefoot.
Zero drop says nothing about cushioning: some of these shoes have very thick midsoles and others are thin. Compare the stack heights in the table, and read the drop figure alongside its source, since brands round and measure drop differently.
All 4 matching shoes
Swipe the table sideways for apex, toe tip, stiffness and firmness →
| Shoe | Type | Drop | Heel | Forefoot | Weight | Apex | Toe tip | Stiffness | Firmness | Plate | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Altra Escalante 5Road· 2025 | Daily trainer | 0 mmStated | 24 mmStated | 24 mmDerived | 275 gStated | 68.5 %est. | 33 mmest. | 11Derived | 72Derived | None | $140 |
 Altra Lone Peak 9Trail· 2025 | Trail | 0 mmStated | 25 mmStated | 25 mmDerived | 316 gStated | 74.2 %est. | 26 mmest. | 21Derived | 79Derived | Rock | $145 |
 Altra Torin 9Road· 2025 | Daily trainer | 0 mmStated | 28 mmStated | 28 mmDerived | 269 gStated | 65.2 %est. | 38 mmest. | 19Derived | 42Derived | None | $160 |
 Altra Via Olympus 2Road· 2024 | Max cushion | 0 mmStated | 33 mmStated | 33 mmDerived | 323 gStated | 66.1 %est. | 33 mmest. | — | — | None | $165 |
Only the latest version of each model is listed. Every figure carries a source and confidence on its shoe page; see the methodology.
Questions
- What does zero drop mean?
- The heel and forefoot sit at the same height. Brands usually quote 0 mm; independent measurements can differ by a millimetre or two.
- Is zero drop the same as minimalist?
- No. Drop describes the height difference only. A zero-drop shoe can have a thick, cushioned midsole.
These lists describe product characteristics. They are not recommendations for any person or condition.