7 Best Low Drop Running Shoes in 2023

Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen on
7 Best Low Drop Running Shoes in 2023
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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?

In this version number 3, the Saucony Endorphin Shift loses a bit of speed but gains much more in comfort and protection. It’s a great daily performance trainer that’s able to shine on both easy days and when you need to push harder. Sure, it’s massive, but also surprisingly light on foot, stable, and versatile. And as a testament to its quality, runners who tried it struggled to find something that needs to be changed.

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
Full review of Saucony Endorphin Shift 3

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
White/Gum (S2081313)
Night Lite (S2081365)
Ether (S1081335)
Soot/Basalt (S1081325)
Ocean/Vizigold (S2081332)
Black (S1081310)
Agave/Basalt (S2081325)
Concrete/Wood (S2081314)
More colors

Best low drop running shoes for trail

Altra Lone Peak 6
90
Superb!

What makes it the best?

Whether you’re a dedicated zero-drop runner, just dipping your toe into it for the first time, or like to spice up your rotation with something new, the Altra Lone Peak 6 is a solid workhorse of a trail running shoe. The Altra Lone Peak 6 is a genuinely excellent all-rounder.

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
Full review of Altra Lone Peak 6

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Maroon (AL0A547L666)
Orange (AL0A547L880)
Brown (AL0A547L990)
Blue (AL0A547L305)
Blue / Grey (AL0A547L242)
Dusty Olive (AL0A547L315)
Black (AL0A547L020)
Black (AL0A7R6K020)

Best low drop running shoes for flat feet

What makes it the best?

Anyone who’s heard of Altra’s religious commitment to the zero-drop running shoe will know a lot of what’s up with the Altra Provision 6. This mid-cushioned, zero-drop stability shoe continues Altra’s core line while continuing to add some unique features. If you’re new to the zero-drop scene, we’ve got you covered in this review too.

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
Full review of Altra Provision 6

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Beige (AL0A5475921)
Black (AL0A5475000)
Blue (AL0A5475036)
Navy (AL0A5475445)
Blue (AL0A5475440)
Teal/Green (AL0A5475324)

Best low drop running shoes with wide toebox

What makes it the best?

The Altra VIA Olympus is the max-cushioned road runner that zero-drop fans have been waiting for. Though it managed to rain on its own parade with a firmer-than-expected midsole, this shoe more than made up for it with a comfy upper, stable platform, smooth ride, and the wide fit Altra loyalists have long demanded.

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
Full review of Altra VIA Olympus

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Mineral Blue (AL0A82BW419)
Grey (AL0A82BW270)
Orange (AL0A82BW013)
White/Blue (AL0A82BW140)
Black (AL0A82BW000)
Neon/Blue (AL0A82BW740)

Low drop running shoes with best cushioning

Hoka Speedgoat 5
89
Great!

What makes it the best?

The Speedgoat 5 from Hoka remains your reliable and great-value do-everything trail shoe. But if you want to bring the best out of it, fast runs on very technical terrains can do the trick. On top of this, it ticks all the boxes of an excellent trail shoe. It's insanely grippy, durable, and supportive; conquering the great outdoors is an easy feat. Overall, take the Hoka Speedgoat 5 if you want to go fast and far.

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)
Full review of Hoka Speedgoat 5

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Deep Lake/Ceramic (DLCR)
Stone Blue/Dark Citron (SBDCT)
Bellwether Blue/Cyclamen (BBCY)
Thyme/Fiesta (TFST)
Fiesta/Radiant Yellow (FRYL)
Scuba Blue/Black (SBBK)
Outer Space/Bluing (OSBN)
Impala/Flame (1123157IFLM)
More colors

Best low drop running shoes for long distance

What makes it the best?

The Saucony Kinvara 13 doesn't just look fast; it also runs fast. Apart from being the lightest Saucony Kinvara, it's also the brand's lively and natural-feeling jack-of-all-trades. It's a speed trainer that's cushioned enough for short to mid-distance runs, and is bouncy yet stable for faster paces. For Saucony fans, the Kinvara 13 is a low-to-the-ground complement to the famous Saucony Endorphin Speed 2.

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
Full review of Saucony Kinvara 13

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Alloy/Topaz (S2072315)
White/Sand (S2072331)
Triple Black (S2072314)
Blue (S2072325)
Gold (S1072316)
Black/Silver (S1072305)
Composite (S2072335)
White (S2072384)
More colors

Best value low drop running shoes

Altra Rivera 2
82
Good!

What makes it the best?

Whether going fast or taking it easy on your training runs, the Altra Rivera 2 is a do-it-all daily trainer that's lively and energetic. It also delivers a natural-feeling run with its zero-drop design. On top of this, it's a trusty pick for runners who want a light, well-cushioned running shoe that can gobble up long miles on the road.

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
Full review of Altra Rivera 2

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Grey (AL0A547G229)
Navy (AL0A547G445)
Maroon (AL0A547G666)
Black (AL0A547G000)
White (AL0A547G130)
Green (AL0A547G305)

Comparison of the 7 best low drop running shoes

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CoreScore
Users rating
Experts
Best price
Ranking
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# of colorways
Author
Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen

Jens Jakob is a fan of short distances with a 5K PR at 15:58 minutes. Based on 35 million race results, he's among the fastest 0.2% runners. Jens Jakob previously owned a running store, when he was also a competitive runner. His work is regularly featured in The New York Times, Washington Post, BBC and the likes as well as peer-reviewed journals. Finally, he has been a guest on +30 podcasts on running.