If you’re interested in going more minimal with your running shoes, but don’t want to give up cushioning, this is the pace to look. A growing niche in the running shoe world is for zero drop shoes that retain some amount of cushion – I put a lot of miles on shoes in this category, and below is my current list of recommended models.
Note: I’ve only included shoes that I personally have worn or that have been reviewed here on Runblogger.com. If you think there’s a shoe that should be here that’s not currently included, leave a comment and I’ll look at giving it a try!
Zero Drop, Cushioned Road Shoes
 Saucony VirrataStack Height: 17mm, 17mm Quick Take: great forefoot cushion, narrower fit, my marathon shoe Buy at Running Warehouse |
 Mizuno Wave EVO CursorisStack Height: 18mm, 18mm Quick Take: wide forefoot, great breathability, soft feel underfoot Buy at Running Warehouse |
 Merrell Bare Access 2Stack Height: 14mm, 14mm Quick Take: wide forefoot, firm ride, reasonably priced Buy at Running Warehouse |
Altra Instinct 1.5Stack Height: 16mm, 16mm Quick Take: super wide forefoot, firm ride Buy at Running Warehouse |
 Skechers GoBionicStack Height: 11.5mm, 11.5mm Quick Take: super flexible, sockless upper, roomy forefoot, low price Buy at Zappos |
Altra TorinStack Height: 28mm, 28mm Quick Take: super wide forefoot, max cushioning in a zero drop shoe Buy at Running Warehouse |
 New Balance MR00Stack Height: 12mm, 12mm Quick Take: firm ride, good ground feel, but narrow through the midfoot Buy at Running Warehouse |
Brooks PureDriftStack Height: 12mm, 12mm Quick Take: wide forefoot, firm ride, very flexible Buy at Running Warehouse |
About Peter Larson
I switched to zero drop/minimal/”barely there” shoes and dramatically improved running form after my first and only marathon, Chicago 2010. I would get occasional knee pain, hip pain, and even lower back pain with heavy shoes, so I fully embraced the switch. However, it’s been a bit of a bittersweet relationship w/ minimal shoes.
I absolutely love running in Vapor Gloves, but my toes “burn” after about 7 miles and blister easily. I love the form and feel, but not the aftermath. Same w/ VFFs. Add Bare Access 2 to that list, but the breakdown is later. I find my minimal shoes cause me to run *less* and not more, which is most frustrating of all.
I’ve traded one set of complications for another, and I’m hopeful something in this post is the answer. I passed up the Skechers for the BA2 this past Spring, so a look there seems prudent. I imagine my concerns are not mine alone, hence the rambling history. Thanks for the fantastic blog, Pete, and of course for the stellar reviews!
I’m sure some would say that running in minimal shoes still isn’t the same as running in no shoes. It’s possible that running barefoot a bit may make you aware of things you’re doing that are causing the blisters. Fixing that may be a better answer than a new pair of shoes.
You might try one of the softer shoes from this list as a switch up – my two favorites here are the Virrata and the Cursoris because the cushioning works better for me.
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I’ve fought with blisters as well in most of my shoes. I would prefer to go sockless in them, but because of the blister issue I usually have to wear a thin pair. Going straight barefoot is good to shore up form, but it does a number on uncalloused feet. I’ve been able to work up to 5-6 miles barefoot, but the skin on my feet pay the price since I typically only run on asphalt. I really like my GoBionics, but because of the seam above the toes my pinkie toes get rubbed raw unless I’m in socks. In my Runamocs I’ll get a blister on the bottom of my feet at the front of the arch. In my NB MR00’s and Instincts the back of my heel gets rubbed raw. Even in my Xero’s I’ll get the occasional rubbing on the toe strap. All of these issues (minus the Xero’s) can be solved with socks so I go with that.
With the GoBionic, I find that running without the insoles gives me just enough clearance that my toes don’t rub up against the seam (it also helps that I got them a half-size larger than what the folks at the store recommended).
I really want to give the Cursoris a shot, but does the Altra One get a spot on this list?
The One will likely have a spot, but I don’t have them yet. Only included shoes I’ve worn or that Nate has reviewed for me.
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Good deal. I’ve heard so much, but so little about them at the same time!
I’d second The One’s. The Evo Cursoris are very comfortable, and a significant step forward from Mirage 2s in terms of speed and feel. However, their cushioning for me ends longer runs with feet much more tired than the Mirages. Like the Mirage’s, the high-wear parts of the sole seem to miss my foot strike (forefoot central to outside). The One’s, with less cushioning, have no such issues, and the sole is all high-wear rubber that remains pristine after 100 km (at 50 km, the Evo’s show significant wear). I feel everything underfoot, and the only downside seems to be traction in the wet. On wet pebbled bitumen, ice skates may have more traction. .The One’s are a brilliant shoe.
Altra The One. I can run farther in this shoe than I can in the Merrell Bare Access 2.
That is a telling thought. I love my BA2’s, but the couple times I’ve ran more than 5mi in them I just couldn’t figure out how people do it. They’re great shoes if you’re running no more than 30mi/wk.
I’ve quite a few 10+ miles runs in the BA2s without any kind of pain or discomfort in the feet or lower legs. I’m not sure they’re a good choice for a transitioning shoe because they’re not very forgiving when you heel strike, but otherwise they’re great shoes, in my opnion (the only thing I’d change is the heel that I find a tad sloppy) and I will probably run my next half marathon in them and hopefully break 90 minutes.
For the record, I’m 6’1″, 175lbs. That makes me pretty hard on shoes even when I’m trying to be light on my feet.
Fair enough, I’m 6′, 140lbs.
I’ve found the heels are cushioned *enough*, but I’ve worn the forefoot pretty hard and fast.
My problem with the heel is not so much the lack of cushioning ( I usually don’t run long enough to have to heel strike) as the fact it’s slightly too loose. I like the way the trail glove fits a lot better.
That being said I have been a bit surprised by how fast the vibram outsole wears out on the BA2s. But it could be due to the fact I don’t run light enough.
So I’m not the only one who is disappointed with the outsole durability on the BA2?! I was beginning to think I was just nuts.
I’ve got 150mi on mine and the main pad at the balls of my feet is already starting to wear completely flat.
I’m not sure how many miles I’ve put on my BA2s, but the general feeling is that the tread on the outside of the foot (where I land) is disappearing too fast.
It’s still holding up better than my Kinvaras 3, so I’m not really complaining.
I don’t regret buying them, but I’m disappointed in how quickly they’ve worn.
I just checked and it appears I’ve put around 300 miles on mine in the last 2 months, so it’s probably not as bad as I first thought. Still, I’m not sure they’ll carry me another 300.
If I could make it *to* 300 miles, I’d be amazed.
My buddy Nate has had delamination of the outsole on his pair, he mostly uses them as a casual shoe.
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Pete Larson’s Web Links:
-My book: Tread Lightly: http://ow.ly/bdUO0
-Blog: https://runblogger.com
-Twitter: http://twitter.com/Runblogger
-Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Runbl…
-Discussion Forum: https://runblogger.com/forum
The GoBionics are my favorite running shoe but I am not proficient enough to run in them more than 4 or 5 miles. Past that my feet and legs begin to feel the pounding. I’d be curious to know your thoughts on the Torin as I love zero drop shoes but need more cushioning for a marathon length. I noticed the review link was from a guest reviewer.
I have a pair of Torins, but haven’t run in them yet. Just bought a pair for my wife to try as an alternative to her Hokas. Nate loves them, and I trust his opinion – he writes a lot of guest reviews for me.
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Pete,
I run in more than half the shoes listed — mark it up to wide feet, high toes and trying to find the right tool.
In my opinion the Mizuno Wave Evo Cursoris is by far the most comfortable, but the outsole is NOT lasting at all. I have 4 times as many miles on my Brooks Pure Drifts, which are the most similar in terms of outsoles, and the BPDs show far less wear.
I know that you are a smaller (i.e., lighter) runner, and I wonder if you are having the same experience with the Cursoris.
Brad
I have about 35 miles on the Cursoris and it’s holding up for me pretty well so far, some abrasion on the forefoot outsole, but no real breakdown. Which area is showing most wear for you?
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Pete Larson’s Web Links:
-My book: Tread Lightly: http://ow.ly/bdUO0
-Blog: https://runblogger.com
-Twitter: http://twitter.com/Runblogger
-Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Runbl…
-Discussion Forum: https://runblogger.com/forum
Forefoot outsole, where Mizuno didn’t use “harder” rubber. I end every run in the Cursoris pulling off little orange “tags.”
Ok, yeah, I get those too, but they just seem to form at the surface and the wear doesn’t extend too far down for me.
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Altra The One is my new favorite running shoe. It just feels right with its medium firmness, not to soft or too hard and it just kind of disappears on my feet when running. I have the Merrell Bare Access and they are a little to firm, the Altra Instinct is a little too heavy, the New Balance MR00 was uncomfortable in the midfoot for me and after some failed shoe surgery they went in the trash, the go bionic is an ok shoe but I never wear it because I always have the One on.
I love the Merrell Road Glove but it has no cushiong so I just wear it for Crossfit and casual wear.
I currently run in the Brooks PureDrift with PureCadence 2 insoles installed and love them. I’m looking forward to the PureDrift 2. Pete, any rumors on changes for the PureDrift 2? I know in your review you recommended making them a little softer, I hope Brooks listens!
No word on updates, I know it’s in development. The main designer of the Drift just left Brooks for Reebok though, not sure how that will impact things.
—-
Pete Larson’s Web Links:
-My book: Tread Lightly: http://ow.ly/bdUO0
-Blog: https://runblogger.com
-Twitter: http://twitter.com/Runblogger
-Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Runbl…
-Discussion Forum: https://runblogger.com/forum
Even Vibram starts to make five finger cushioned shoe
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akam…
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akam…
I’m really interested in your review of the evo cursoris. I still have 4 pairs of the original GoRuns that I haven’t worn – but I’m already looking to the future! One thing I love about my GoRuns is that they really don’t have much of a collar. I put them on/off without ever untie-ing. Are any of these shoes made like that?
I always look forward to the shoe guide–thanks! Though not as drastic as your wife’s Hoka One One adventure, I am enjoying running in the plush Altra Torins. The beginning of each run feels like most shoes, but these have the extra “bounce” to get home at the end.
I just bought her a pair of Torims, she developed a tear in the upper of the Hokas after less than 50 miles. Keeping my fingers crossed that they’ll work out!
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Hope they are working for her!
Love my GObionics….my MR00’s are nice too, but not as nice as the GObionics.
Any thoughts on the Cursoris from the audience?
I have a long term update for Bare Access 2, I managed approx. 700miles on a pair, the soles would be good for about another 300miles for me but I got splits at medial forefoot and they started rubbing. A good shoe when you break them in the arch area!!! I have run up to 24 miles in them with no problem but a marathon is probably my limit at moment. For £37 I cant ask for more really can I?
Thanks for the update Mark!
Hi Petey (Sorry, I call everyone I know named Peter, Petey.)
You have any plans to do something like this again soon with updated 2014 models? In looking into zero drop footwear, I found this to be one of the best info sources/comparisons on the web. Coming off a knee tweak I started lifting, reading and started over, determined to run with great form. I came across Eric Orton’s material and it has been a lifesaver for me but sorting through all the marketing noise is difficult, at best. Immediately, I am looking for a moderately cushioned zero drop shoe with a wider toe box and would love to see this list updated. Thanks!
Yeah, I need to get on that at some point. As a quick start, two to check out are the Altra The One2 and Skechers GoBionic 2.
I need shoes that will accept a 12 mm lift in the right shoe. Reqiure a removable insole. Anyone have any recommendations I try to stay with minimal or no lift as with the insert; the lift is exaggerated; exerting pressure on the ball of the foot.
I’ve tried Saucony Virrata (happy for 2 years in that shoe) and just recently switched to Merrell Bare Access as the Virrata & Virrata 2 are discontinued. Gotta say, the Bare Access 4 is like running in flip flops vs. the Virrata. I guess I like a zero drop but cushioned shoe, vs. the Bare Access which, I should have known by the name, would be a bit harsher on the ball & heel of my foot. One foot (left) tends to cry in pain right at the ball when running in these. Otherwise they are okay but not very comfortable.
Would I really feel a difference by using the Kinvara? I want something as close to the Virrata as possible – lightweight, zero drop (ideally), but cushioned, relatively speaking to some of the other offerings. Who has used & enjoyed the Altra Instinct here? The Mizuno?
Update: my feet got used to the Bare Access shoes just fine after a week of training, and I’ve been using them exclusively since February. Running a marathon in them in a week and a half. Still, as nice and light as they are, I really loved the Virrata. I tried Altra shoes and just didn’t like the way they fit – tried two different types and wasn’t liking it, felt like the sole and upper were just not jiving with each other; the cushioning felt simply off. So that brand is out. Any other suggestions for good zero drop road shoes?
Since I have switched to barefoot/minimal shoes, my foot started to numb after 5km. Is it can be related to shoes I am using? I have used Vapor Glov 3 and currently using NB minimals. Will you please advise how can I avoide numb foot problem providing currently I am running on Asphalt.