Top 10 Rated & Best Zero Drop Trail Running Shoes, Expert-Approved Choices
About Zero Drop Trail Running Shoes
If you’re looking for a trail running shoe that’s designed to help you run with greater efficiency and better form, then zero drop trail running shoes are the perfect choice. These shoes provide a zero drop platform, meaning that the heel and forefoot are at the same level, helping to encourage a midfoot or forefoot strike. This type of strike is often recommended for runners who are looking to increase their speed, as it helps reduce injury risk associated with heel striking. The shoes also feature a lightweight, breathable upper and durable sole that provides ample traction, making them ideal for running on uneven surfaces. Whether you’re an avid trail runner or just looking to try something new, zero drop trail running shoes are an excellent choice.
1#. WHITIN Men’s Cross-Trainer | Barefoot & Minimalist Shoe | Zero Drop Sole | Wide Toe Box
Features
Rubber sole
Anatomical shape provides natural comfort.
Adaptive materials and minimalist construction.
Zero drop from heel to toe for a natural stride.
Our vegan friendly footwear uses 0% animal products.
It is true to size, please order your normal size.
2#. WHITIN Women’s Barefoot & Minimalist Shoe | Zero Drop Sole | Trail Runner
Features
Rubber sole
Zero-drop, non-elevated sole for proper posture and balance.
Adjustable hook-and-loop closure at instep for a more secure fit.
Removable sockliner (insole) if you want a “more barefoot” feeling.
A Wide toe box is flexible enough to let your feet bend, move, and flex the way.
SIZE ATTENTION: True to size! If between size, order next size down for snug fit or order next size up for comfort fit. 8-12-2019 Updated size guide based on customer’s comments.
3#. Xero Shoes TerraFlex II Women’s Zero Drop Hiking and Trail Running Shoes
Features
Rubber sole
CONQUER ANY TRAIL: Go off the beaten path, embrace the wilderness, and indulge your love for adventure. TerraFlex II gives you the signature barefoot feel of Xero Shoes with a serving of trail-gripping traction. All courtesy of the aggressive 4mm lugs that help you dominate the terrain. To enhance your experience whenever you go hiking, these zero drop shoes have a protective toe bumper, reflective straps for better visibility, and a tire-tread-inspired sole for confident traction.
FEEL THE WORLD: Women’s hiking shoes inspired by nature: that’s what separates TerraFlex II from all the rest. We designed them to give you the fun and freedom of natural, barefoot movement with just the right amount of protection to take you wherever you want to go. The secret behind the freedom? Our patented 5mm FeelTrue sole that lets feet bend and flex naturally, a low-to-the-ground design that allows you to connect to the world, and a wide toe box that gives toes room to spread.
YOU’LL BE HIKING IN COMFORT: Focus on the majesty of nature; not on the strain of achy feet. 3mm of embedded BareFoam shows bumps who’s boss, while a removable 2mm insole gives you the freedom to adjust the level of ground feedback. Our women’s trail running shoes also have an upgraded welded upper for increased midfoot flexibility and an abrasion-resistant wicking mesh that helps keep feet cool & dry. And at just 7.9oz for women’s 7, you won’t stop raving about the ‘barely there’ feel.
VEGAN SHOES WITH A CONSCIENCE: These are more than just adventure-fueling, feet-pampering hiking shoes for women; they are a testament to earth-friendly sustainability. Our lightweight barefoot shoes are proudly vegan, which means no animal products are used in construction. We’re also making more of our shoes with fast-growing, sustainable materials and transitioning to using recycled products. All in an effort to reduce our carbon footprint and take better care of our beautiful planet.
5000 SOLE MILES GUARANTEE: Sand or tarmac, grass or ground, Xero Shoes are engineered to perform. Our FeelTrue Soles are not only extremely flexible and responsive, but also made to last. That’s why they’re backed by our 5,000-mile sole warranty. We also take great pride in supporting people in the developing world who need footwear for work and school through donations to Soles for Souls and One World Running programs. Get your pair and start living life feet first!
4#. WHITIN Men’s Wide Canvas Barefoot Sneakers | Zero Drop Sole | Minimalist Footwear
Features
Rubber sole
A wider toe box that allows toes to splay naturally.
Removable insole for a closer-to-barefoot experience.
Non-marking rubber outsole for steady grip and stability.
Zero Drop, non-elevated heels allow for natural and upright posture.
Minimalist canvas upper offers superior comfort and durability for a casual appeal.
5#. Xero Shoes Men’s Prio Orignal Cross Training Shoe – Comfortable Performance Running Shoes for Men
Features
Made in the USA or Imported
Rubber sole
COMFORTABLE, FOR-EVERYTHING SHOE – Whether you’re out on a run, trying out a new trail, hitting the gym, or toeing a slackline, you’ll love the Prio’s combination of freedom and protection
XERO DROP SOLE FOR PERFECT POSTURE – The Xero Drop sole offers a non-elevated heel and is low-to-the-ground – this allows proper posture, balance, and agility for all-round performance
ULTRA-THIN BAREFOOT DESIGN – Wear with or without socks. The optional 2mm insole lets you have more or less of a “barefoot feel” depending on your mood
VEGAN FRIENDLY – Xero Shoes believes in promoting healthy and sustainable lifestyles which is why the Prio is made with zero animal products
GET THE RIGHT FIT with FREE Domestic Exchanges – This shoe runs ‘true to size.” If for any reason that’s not the case for you, contact us for a free domestic exchange of your ‘like-new’ shoe
6#. WHITIN Men’s Minimalist Trail Runner | Wide Toe Box | Barefoot Inspired
Features
Fabric
Rubber sole
A wide toe box lets your toes spread and relax.
Produced using animal free products and processes.
Removable sockliner (insole) if you want a “more barefoot” feeling.
True rubber sole provides great protection while still getting the ground feedback.
Note, if between sizes, order next size down.
7#. Xero Shoes Women’s Prio Orignal Cross Training Shoe – Comfortable Performance Running Shoes for Women
Features
Made in the USA or Imported
Rubber sole
COMFORTABLE, FOR-EVERYTHING SHOE – Whether you’re out on a run, trying out a new trail, hitting the gym, or toeing a slackline, you’ll love the Prio’s combination of freedom and protection
XERO DROP SOLE FOR PERFECT POSTURE – The Xero Drop sole offers a non-elevated heel and is low-to-the-ground – this allows proper posture, balance, and agility for all-round performance
ULTRA-THIN BAREFOOT DESIGN – Wear with or without socks. The optional 2mm insole lets you have more or less of a “barefoot feel” depending on your mood
VEGAN FRIENDLY – Xero Shoes believes in promoting healthy and sustainable lifestyles which is why the Prio is made with zero animal products
GET THE RIGHT FIT with FREE Domestic Exchanges – This shoe runs ‘true to size.” If for any reason that’s not the case for you, contact us for a free domestic exchange of your ‘like-new’ shoe
8#. Xero Shoes Women’s HFS Running Shoes – Zero Drop, Lightweight & Barefoot Feel
Features
A NEW LIGHTWEIGHT road running shoe. Foot-shaped for comfort. Built for speed!
Made in the USA or Imported
Rubber sole
SHAPED FOR COMFORT, BUILT FOR SPEED – Xero HFS features a lightweight, minimalist build that contours to the shape of your feet. Its spacious toe-box allows you to splay, spread, and relax your toes for superior comfort
XERO DROP SOLE FOR PERFECT POSTURE – The Xero Drop sole offers a non-elevated heel and is low-to-the-ground – this allows for proper posture, balance, and agility for all-round performance
FLEX YOUR FEET, FEEL THE FLOOR – Our tire tread inspired patented 5.5mm FeelTrue sole strikes a balance between just-right protection and feedback – it delivers heel to toe cues to the brain for your best run ever. Allows your feet to bend and flex as nature intended
TRAVEL FRIENDLY, 5000 MILE WARRANTY – Xero HFS’ extra-durable construction is backed by our 5,000 Mile Feel the World Sole Promise. Being ultra-flexible, you can roll ‘em up and put in your pack or pocket for compact storage and easy travel
VEGAN FRIENDLY – Xero Shoes believes in promoting healthy and sustainable lifestyles which is why the HFS is made with zero animal products
9#. Xero Shoes Men’s HFS Running Shoes – Zero Drop, Lightweight & Barefoot Feel
Features
Made in the USA or Imported
Rubber sole
SHAPED FOR COMFORT, BUILT FOR SPEED – Xero HFS features a lightweight, minimalist build that contours to the shape of your feet. Its spacious toe-box allows you to splay, spread, and relax your toes for superior comfort
XERO DROP SOLE FOR PERFECT POSTURE – The Xero Drop sole offers a non-elevated heel and is low-to-the-ground – this allows for proper posture, balance, and agility for all-round performance
FLEX YOUR FEET, FEEL THE FLOOR – Our tire tread inspired patented 5.5mm FeelTrue sole strikes a balance between just-right protection and feedback – it delivers heel to toe cues to the brain for your best run ever. Allows your feet to bend and flex as nature intended
TRAVEL FRIENDLY, 5000 MILE WARRANTY – Xero HFS’ extra-durable construction is backed by our 5,000 Mile Feel the World Sole Promise. Being ultra-flexible, you can roll ‘em up and put in your pack or pocket for compact storage and easy travel
VEGAN FRIENDLY – Xero Shoes believes in promoting healthy and sustainable lifestyles which is why the HFS is made with zero animal products
10#. Topo Athletic Men’s Pursuit Comfortable Zero Drop Trail Running Shoes, Athletic Shoes for Trail Running
Features
Made in the USA or Imported
Rubber sole
BEST USED FOR – Topo Athletic Men’s Pursuit shoes have been specifically built to inspire confidence on the trails with a comfortable, durable, and grippy ride
DESIGN – The tightly woven mesh upper provides excellent breathability and durability, with strategically placed overlays in high-abrasion areas
MORE CUSHIONING – The 0-drop, 28 mm platform offers a completely neutral alignment from your heel to your toes, promoting a midfoot strike and natural stride with ample cushioning
INSOLE – The OrthoLite Performance Insole and ZipFoam midsole provide a seriously comfortable ride with long-term resilience
OUTSOLE – The outsole features Vibram Megagrip for unparalleled grip and traction on all terrain, while optimally spaced lugs ensure quick mud and snow release
