Zero Drop Running Shoes

There is now a growing trend in terms of having cushion for your zero drop running shoes.  If you are looking for such a shoe, the list I put together below should be a good starting point. I try to include only shoes that are relative new or produced in late 2014 or 2015. I also tried to segment the list so that it is easier to pick the pair that caters to your specific needs.

#1: Zero drop running shoes with most cushioning in 2015

After trying numerous pairs of zero drop shoes, I have to say the Altra Torin 2.0 provides the most cushioning among all zero drop platforms.  Most zero drop shoes only provide forefoot cushioning but this particular pair extends the cushioning to almost every part of the shoe without losing its zero drop. No wonder they called it the maximum cushioning shoe.

Besides the cushioning, the Altra Torin 2.0 also has a large wide toe box to accommodate runners with wide feet. It is so comfortable at the forefoot that it will be difficult to go back to normal shoes with narrow fitting forefoot.

In terms of flexibility, I will not say these are the most flexible shoe in the world. However, they are also not stiff.  There is a particular point along the shoe which is meant for you to flex the sole. So we know the design has definitely considered that aspect. Having said that, this is no Skechers GoBionic in terms of flexibility so do bear that in mind if you are purchasing it.

Relative to Torin 1.5, there are definite improvements. One is of course the wide toe box as mentioned below. Another is the material used for the upper.  It allows your feet to better breath so it is much cooler when used for running. The sizing has also improved as it is now true sizing so you don’t need to buy one size up like the previous model.

#2: Most lightweight zero drop running shoes with cushioning

If you want the lightest zero drop running shoes with cushioning, then the Merrell Bare Access model is for you. It weighs at just 6.2oz, which is one of the lightest I have seen. Only the New Balance MR00 comes in lighter with its 6.1 oz weight.

Besides being lightweight, it is also a comfortable show that has solid forefoot cushioning. Coupled with a rather wide toe box design, you get a shoe that will not crush your toes for those with slightly bigger feet.

Another thing worth mentioning is the Vibram soles. They tend to be pretty durable and can last your  for long mileage use, even on uneven grounds. The shoelace however isn’t that tight so it might not provide enough grip to be used as a hiking shoe. Running wise, it works perfectly.

#3: Most flexible zero drop running shoes with cushioning

The Brooks Puredrift is another well cushioned zero drop running shoes but it also comes with great flexibility.  This comes from its podded sole design, although there is a price to pay for that. Due to the lumpy design, you can feel them on your feet as you run using this shoe. It is not a deal breaker but it might be something you are not used to.

A bigger problem with the shoe is that the default insole that creates the zero drop experience can cause hotspots on ball of the foot. A solution is to replace the default one with the PureCadence 2. This is a thicker insole that will make the experience a much much better one. Hopefully, the manufacturer will use this as the default in their future iterations.

It is also pretty light as it weighs around 6.3 oz. Along with the solid forefoot cushioning, this is a comfortable zero drop shoe to wear, provided you use the PureCadence 2 insole.

I hope you enjoy this article on the most cushioned zero drop running shoes for 2015.