7 Best Low Drop Running Shoes in 2023

The “drop” in road or trail running shoes refers to the difference in height between the forefoot (or toe box) and the heel section. The higher the “drop” in a shoe, the steeper the angle will be between the forefoot and the heel.
Low drop running shoes are designed to promote a more ‘natural’ gait. Their overall construction is also a great choice for forefoot and midfoot strikers. Having a lower drop allows the feet to make a full ground contact instead of catching the heel first.
We’ve rounded up 200+ low drop running shoes in the market and tested all of them for this comprehensive guide. We selected our picks in five categories from the best overall to great options in road or trail running.
How we test running shoes
Our aim at RunRepeat is to make the lives of other runners out there easier and more fun. We do in-depth research and testing to give you the best low drop running shoes that suit your training and racing needs.
Here’s our following process:
- We purchase all the running shoes on this list with our own funds. This is for the sake of transparency and freedom from bias.
- We cut the shoes into pieces to get the accurate measurement of the stack, drop, and other 30+ parameters.
- Our testers give us their feedback after they put in 30 to 50 miles of running wearing a particular model.
- We gather more information from shoe experts and regular runners who have tried the shoes.
Finally, we give our final verdict for each pair using our CoreScore system, which ranks the shoes based on the aggregated data above. A final rating is assigned ranging from 0 to 100. All the best performing low drop running shoes make it here.
Best low drop running shoes overall






























What makes it the best?
Pros
- Light for a maximal shoe
- Comfy and secure upper
- Softer than before
- Surprisingly stable
- Very versatile
- Protective underfoot
- Above average durability
- Doubles as a sneaker
Cons
- Very big
- Not for wide feet
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Best low drop running shoes for trail



















What makes it the best?
Pros
- Fits true to size
- Excellent all-round grip
- Highly durable
- Great ground feel
- Feels like it makes you run better
- Great pull tab
- Gaiter compatible
- Brilliant lacing
- Roomy toe box
- Fully gusseted tongue
Cons
- Stain magnet
- Not enough cushioning for some
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Best low drop running shoes for flat feet


















What makes it the best?
Pros
- Fits true to size
- Very light for a stability shoe
- Great for wider feet
- Ingenious stability system
- Incredible grip
- More stability in the outsole
- Good cushioning for a zero drop shoe
- Great to have in a rotation
- Good durability
- Consistent flex in all conditions
Cons
- Forefoot may be too wide for some
- Getting a good heel lock can be hard
- Orthotics may not fit properly
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Best low drop running shoes with wide toebox




































What makes it the best?
Pros
- Comfortable and premium-feeling upper
- Roomy, unmistakably-Altra fit
- Secure lockdown even for narrow feet
- Smooth and responsive ride
- Good for any distance at an easy pace
- Effective, but not obtrusive, rocker
- Copious amount of padding
- Breathable
- Absorbs impact well
Cons
- Cushioning on the firm side, but a toss-up on how firm
- Doesn’t feel like a zero-drop shoe
- Substantial break-in period
- On the heavier side
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Low drop running shoes with best cushioning































What makes it the best?
Pros
- Super grippy
- Springy ride
- Stable platform
- Extra durable
- High impact protection
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Secure fit
- Excellent heel hold
Cons
- Not for wide feet
- Flared collar is not for everyone (style-wise)
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Best low drop running shoes for long distance


















What makes it the best?
Pros
- Soft and responsive cushion
- Insanely light
- Secure lockdown
- Tongue stays in place
- No lace bites
- Breathable for warm weather
- Reflective elements
- Sustainably-made upper
Cons
- Lacks cushion for long runs
- Too roomy for narrow feet
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Best value low drop running shoes























What makes it the best?
Pros
- Responsive on faster runs
- Stable on uneven surfaces
- Comfortable for long days
- Lightweight
- Form-fitting wrap
- Spacious toe box
- Visually appealing
- Soft and stretchy upper
Cons
- A bit slimmer than the average Altra
- Firmer than the Rivera 1
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Comparison of the 7 best low drop running shoes
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