68 best low drop training shoes

The heel-to-toe drop, or offset, is the difference between the height of the heel and the height of the toe relative to the ground. Depending on this parameter, all training shoes can be roughly divided into two groups: high-drop training shoes (with an offset higher than 10 mm) and low-drop training shoes (in which the heel-to-toe drop hovers around 0 mm - 5 mm).

What to expect from a pair of low-drop training shoes

As the name implies, there should be very little difference or no difference at all in the heel height and the forefoot height. When you put on the footgear, you should feel like your foot is sitting flat or almost flat, like it does when you're standing barefoot on a flat surface. The heel should not be elevated. This flat disposition helps in keeping the foot feel planted and adds stability during weight training, quick cuts, and high-intensity workouts. That’s why a low offset oof about 4-5 mm is so common among CrossFit trainers.

There are low-drop training shoes equipped with thick midsoles and ones that are not. The choice solely depends on the wearer’s preference. Some athletes are accustomed to wearing shoes with very little cushioning, while others prefer more padding when their foot strikes the ground. But the important thing to consider is that no matter how thick the midsole is, it should be able to keep the foot stable.

Like other workout footwear, low-drop training shoes typically use mesh for the upper as it is breathable and prevents the foot chamber from getting too hot while training. Other materials utilized may also include knit, jersey, leather, synthetic leather, nubuck, and other elements that are able to provide support and steadiness to the foot. The upper should be made of components that are able to hold the foot during dynamic movements.

Frequently asked questions

Why use low-drop training shoes?

When wearing low-drop training shoes, the user’s foot lays flat inside the shoe which means that the weight of the wearer is evenly distributed and not focused only on one area. There are gym-goers who prefer this because they feel more grounded, especially when lifting weights or squatting. They also claim that their feet feel more steady when wearing low-drop training shoes.

Are minimalist training shoes considered low-drop training shoes?

Yes, minimalist training shoes fall under the low-drop training shoe category. The reason for this is that minimalist training shoes have a thin sole unit with a zero or a very minimal drop. The unit is designed to deliver a barefoot experience, so there is no elevation at the heel as the footbed is virtually flat all throughout.

Can people with flat feet wear low-drop training shoes?

Yes, people with flat feet can wear low-drop training shoes. However, flat feet often require a special kind of arch support to keep them comfortable. So, if you feel like you need some reinforcement, you should look for a pair with a removable insole which would accommodate custom orthotics.

Author

Nicholas Rizzo

Nick is a powerlifter who believes cardio comes in the form of more heavy ass squats. Based on over 1.5 million lifts done at competitions, his PRs place him as an elite level powerlifter. His PRs have him sitting in the top 2% of bench presses (395 lbs), top 3% of squats (485 lbs) and top 6% of deadlifts (515 lbs) for his weight and age. His work has been featured on Forbes, Bodybuilding.com, Elite Daily and the like. Collaborating along the way with industry leaders like Michael Yessis, Mark Rippetoe, Carlo Buzzichelli, Dave Tate, Ray Williams, and Joel Seedman.

nick@runrepeat.com