Running Shoe Buzzword: Drop

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merrell run road glove dash 3

I have been wearing barefoot and minamalist shoes and zero drop shoes for about a year and a half. It took me a few weeks to get accustomed to the zero drop but now I don’t think I could go back! A barefoot or minamalist shoe allows you to run and walk more naturally while strengthening your feet and leg muscles. You will feel more connected to the ground since you will have more proprioception.

So what does drop actually mean?

“The newest buzzword for running sneakers is drop, or the height difference in millimeters between the shoe’s heel and forefoot. Here’s how to shop your drop.

0 to 4 mm A lower drop encourages a more natural midfoot strike. Some “zero drop” (aka no-rise) styles are supercushioned, while others leave you almost barefoot. Neutral runners, this range is for you.

4 to 8 mm This range still helps you adjust to a natural stride to a natural stride while providing plump cushioning for high-arched runners or a little stability for those who over-pronate.

8 to 12 mm The bigger the drop, the more likely you are to strike the ground with your heel. This rangeĀ  is best for runners who instinctively tend to land heel to toe and moderate to severe overpronators who need extra stability.”

What type of drop do you look for in your running shoes? Have you paid attention to drop in the past? If not, make sure you check it out the next time you shoe shop!

Drop Buzz Word Credit Fitness Magazine 2014 April Issue

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Renae is a married working mom of two handsome boys. She works as a registered dental hygienist by day and blogs here at How to Have it All by night. She enjoys cooking from scratch, working in her vegetable garden and functional training.

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Comments

  1. Were you a heel-striker before you switched to the zero-drop shoes? Did you have to alter your running style with the new shoes? Thx and good luck to you…
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