Zero Drop Running Shoes

Are Nike Free Run minimalist shoes? The short answer is below.

The Nike Free Run shoes are not minimalist shoes if you defined minimalist shoes as having a zero drop from toe to heel and thin cushioning. In contrast, Nike Free Run has a 4mm drop and has significant cushioning. However, it has a very flexible sole which can give you a feel of a minimalist shoe.

For a more detailed explanation, let look at the differences between Nike Free Run and a real minimalist shoe.

What is considered a minimalist shoe?

A running shoe is considered minimalist when it has a lower toe to heel drop. There is no accepted standard of how low this drop must before a shoe can used the minimalist label.

If the drop is zero, then it is considered a zero drop shoe.

If the drop is, say 4mm, it means the difference in height between toe and heel is around 4mm.

Some runners defined minimalist shoes as equal to zero drop shoes while others are ok with 4mm being a minimalist shoe.

With the above explanation in mind, Nike Free Run cannot be considered a minimalist shoe if we used the strictest definition of a minimalist shoe having 0mm drop. However, if we use a less restrict classification then Nike Free Run can be classified as one.

Other criteria for a minimalist shoe

However that is just one perimeter to classify a minimalist shoe. Other important criteria to consider are:

• Cushioning: A minimalist shoe usually will have very thin cushioning to mimic the feeling running bare footed. The Nike Free Run, however have normal cushioning. This is not saying they are bad shoes or are likely to cause injuries. Instead, it just points out the shoes do not fit into the general expectation of a minimalist shoe in terms of cushioning.

• Flexibility: A more flexible sole makes it easier for the runner to forefoot strike so that there is less impact from your heel to your knees. The Nike Free Run is a very flexible shoe so it gives you the benefit of ‘barefoot’ running.
  

Despite the Nike Free Run not confirming 100% to what a minimalist shoe should be, it does offer benefits over traditional minimalist shoes via its design choice, which is great flexibility and heel cushioning.

• Flexibility: easier to forefoot strike, which is what barefoot running is trying to encourage. Heel strikes cause negative impacts to our legs but a lot of us are running without knowing we are heel striking due to the cushioning. However, if a shoe is too stiff, it will more challenging to do a forefoot strike.
  

• Heel Cushioning: There pros and cons to this. The pros is that the shoe can offer better protection in case the runner goes back to heel strike. The con is what I have highlight above – we will not be knowing we are heel striking as the cushioning is protecting us against the negative feedback from our body.
  

However these trait also make it easier to get calf injuries if you pronate when running. The flexibility means your feet will not be kept in a more neutral position when running while the padded cushioning increases the pressure to your calves if you pronate.

Does Nike make a zero drop shoe?

The answer is no. Nike Free Run is the closest to a zero drop shoe but it still has around 3-5 mm drop from toe to heel.  These shoes give you the feeling of running barefoot but do not fit 100% into the definition of a zero drop shoe.

Instead of zero drop, the right term to called the shoes would be low drop running shoes. If you are new to barefoot running, they make great transition shoes from traditional well cushioned shoes to zero drop.

So, what brands offer minimalist shoes

If you have decided on wanting a minimalist that follows the strictness definition of a minimalist shoe, the following brands are more well known for producing such shoes:

Vivobarefoot

The company started in 2008 and is a pioneer of barefoot running technology, after Five Fingers created this market category. Evo running shoes was their first line of running shoes. Since then, Vivobarefoot has branched into multiple lines and models including cross training shoes and dress shoes.

Best Vivobarefoot minimalist shoes to consider

• Dress shoes: The Vivobarefoot Ra ii is an excellent dress shoe with soft leather and elegant design. Check out our detailed review in this article on the best minimalist dress shoes for office.
• Running shoes: The latest women ultra L-W model has been getting good reviews. They are very light and flexible, making them ideal for sorts of exercises such as running, walking, gym etc. Their design and color selection has also gotten good feedback.

Xero

Xero is another pioneer in the zero drop running shoe space that was started in 2009. Initially, it was simply known as invisibleshoes.com. It was only until 2012 that the company name was change to Xero.

Best Xero minimalist shoes

• Sandal: Xero sandals have always been one of its best selling products. Their Z-Trek is especially popular and is available for both men and women
• Running Shoes: The most popular Xero running shoe should be the Piro model (for both men and women). Not only are they durable and comfortable, they also use vegan friendly materials.
• Causal Shoes: Hana, the popular casual shoe from Xero is also another good choice especially if you are looking for just a casual shoe.

Merrell

Merrell is an older company founded by Clark Matis, Randy Merrell, and John Schweizer in 1981. They started with hiking boots, followed by other outdoor lines. The foray into zero was made in the past 10 years but has found success in this line.

Best Merrell minimalist shoes

• Trail running shoes: Merrell’s trail glove 4 is a highly loved shoe among trail runners. It is a highly durable shoe, meant to withstand different terrain. Toe box is generous with lots of wriggle room. Made for both men and women.

Conclusion

Nike Free Run is definitely an attempt by Nike to cater to those who want minimalist shoes. Their take on it is a mixture of minimalist and traditional cushioned shoes. The result is something that has yield certain benefits but might not fit into what we know as minimalist shoes.