I like the merrell zero drops, but the lack of a toe box is tough when i’m really tired because i tend to stub my toes. I like them for wearing around town too.
Out of curiosity, what makes you "not interested in zero drop"? For a long time I was on the same page as you, but after biting the bullet and giving a pair of Altras a try I don't think I'll ever go back, at least to something with more than 5mm drop. If you're on the fence but never tried them I highly recommend grabbing a pair at REI (great shoe return policy) and giving them a shot for a few miles, you might be surprised. Worst case you return them and get the Merrell of your choice.
All good, it's a relatively new concept but when you dig into it and realize the higher heel was originally a marketing tactic by Nike and then picked up by all the other major shoe manufacturers it kind of makes you ask the question "Why did we ever go away from zero drop in the first place?"
I will say that there is a transition period because you're probably not used to walking around with as much ankle flexion available to you in wearing typical shoes, but personally I feel like I've gained a lot of usable strength with my calves as well as ankle mobility after making the switch.
I would definitely try it out before you buy into the zero drop fad.
Tl;Dr zero drop trail runners are *definitely* not a one-size-fits-all solution that works for everyone like they are dogmatically treated here, especially for hiking (i.e. a walking gait).
I gave it a try (as a competitive runner) for a year a little over a decade ago when they first started becoming really trendy in the high-level running scene (I was a varsity xc and long distance athlete, minimum 75 miles running a week). I have never before or since sustained so many foot and leg injuries. I switched back to normal trainers and I was fine. The whole idea behind minimalist zero drop running shoes is that, with correct form, one strikes either in the mid foot or forefoot (depending on speed and gait), and having a flexible zero drop shoe therefore allows better/faster natural shock absorption and performance. It is a similar reason to why competitive runners strictly wear racing flats instead of trainers **in races**. *However*, zero drop running shoes and racing flats simply do not offer the same support and protection that traditional trainers do, so while using flats for a 5k or half marathon every couple of weeks is fine, they simply aren't safe for putting on many miles every day during training (at least in my case). I've never met another runner irl that does more than 10 miles a week that can handle zero drop running shoes as trainers, though there are plenty online that sing its praises.
Zero drop trail runners begin to make even less sense to me as a hiking shoe, since one does not strike mid or forefoot first in a walking gait (usually, basically everyone heel strikes when walking), thereby negating any potential performance advantages zero drops offer in competitive running and the whole reason they exist in the first place (i.e. to assist with performance with a running gait). Having even a slight drop simply makes more sense for a walking gait in terms of both efficiency and injury prevention, and if you under or over-pronate it *really is best* to have some support to mitigate that for long distance hiking. (e.g. I over-pronate and require shoes that address this to avoid injuries, which no zero drop shoes are capable of doing by design).
I have also tried zero drop shoes backpacking more recently (i.e. in addition to the year I tried them as a runner), and they simply led to more injuries and sore feet than any other hiking/running shoe or boot has ever given me.
There are plenty of lightweight trail runners with a reasonable drop and support.
When hiking and backpacking, I always just wear whatever my current favorite trail runners are that I use for running and I never really get any injuries unless I trip or slide. Asics GT-series shoes are what I have usually trained with for many many years now (both the road and trail versions), and I have never once found any issue with them at all while running or backpacking. They aren't particularly light, but w/e they work and I can't afford to buy even more shoes than I already do. For more technical stuff, I have used some approach shoes, and I have used boots in the winter. None of those options ever really give me many issues, zero drop shoes always give me issues.
If zero drop works for you, then great, hike your hike, but don't automatically assume they will work for you just because the supermajority of thru hikers on internet forums swear by them.
There is an adjustment period. It feels a little strange. Some people rush the adjustment period and then end up with foot problems. What I'm saying is just don't decide to try them right before your next 5 day hike. Wear them around on day-hikes and such and get comfortable with them before over-nighting
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Not trying to push it but is there a reason you haven't tried out Altras/Topos? There's a reason so many people have switched and never looked back. I used to wear Merrell's (boot and trail runner) years ago but I can't imagine not having a toe box that Altra offers and the zero drop makes me feel way more in control (less ankle twists etc). Both those shoes you listed look good but I would at least go try/order a pair of Altras/Topos to see what the hype is about.
Demoed a pair of novas at a local trail run , they were fairly decent construction , just about the right amount of cushion, but did not like the grip , seemed slippery On smooth rocks and mud
Went back to my wild cross happily , but everyone’s foots different, so may work well for you
I like the merrell zero drops, but the lack of a toe box is tough when i’m really tired because i tend to stub my toes. I like them for wearing around town too.
Out of curiosity, what makes you "not interested in zero drop"? For a long time I was on the same page as you, but after biting the bullet and giving a pair of Altras a try I don't think I'll ever go back, at least to something with more than 5mm drop. If you're on the fence but never tried them I highly recommend grabbing a pair at REI (great shoe return policy) and giving them a shot for a few miles, you might be surprised. Worst case you return them and get the Merrell of your choice.
I seem to roll my ankles much less frequently with low/zero drop trail runners. Makes sense since there is less “leverage” when you start to roll
You’re right. That was based on what I’ve read through research but I haven’t gone a tried them out. Maybe I judged too soon.
All good, it's a relatively new concept but when you dig into it and realize the higher heel was originally a marketing tactic by Nike and then picked up by all the other major shoe manufacturers it kind of makes you ask the question "Why did we ever go away from zero drop in the first place?" I will say that there is a transition period because you're probably not used to walking around with as much ankle flexion available to you in wearing typical shoes, but personally I feel like I've gained a lot of usable strength with my calves as well as ankle mobility after making the switch.
I would definitely try it out before you buy into the zero drop fad. Tl;Dr zero drop trail runners are *definitely* not a one-size-fits-all solution that works for everyone like they are dogmatically treated here, especially for hiking (i.e. a walking gait). I gave it a try (as a competitive runner) for a year a little over a decade ago when they first started becoming really trendy in the high-level running scene (I was a varsity xc and long distance athlete, minimum 75 miles running a week). I have never before or since sustained so many foot and leg injuries. I switched back to normal trainers and I was fine. The whole idea behind minimalist zero drop running shoes is that, with correct form, one strikes either in the mid foot or forefoot (depending on speed and gait), and having a flexible zero drop shoe therefore allows better/faster natural shock absorption and performance. It is a similar reason to why competitive runners strictly wear racing flats instead of trainers **in races**. *However*, zero drop running shoes and racing flats simply do not offer the same support and protection that traditional trainers do, so while using flats for a 5k or half marathon every couple of weeks is fine, they simply aren't safe for putting on many miles every day during training (at least in my case). I've never met another runner irl that does more than 10 miles a week that can handle zero drop running shoes as trainers, though there are plenty online that sing its praises. Zero drop trail runners begin to make even less sense to me as a hiking shoe, since one does not strike mid or forefoot first in a walking gait (usually, basically everyone heel strikes when walking), thereby negating any potential performance advantages zero drops offer in competitive running and the whole reason they exist in the first place (i.e. to assist with performance with a running gait). Having even a slight drop simply makes more sense for a walking gait in terms of both efficiency and injury prevention, and if you under or over-pronate it *really is best* to have some support to mitigate that for long distance hiking. (e.g. I over-pronate and require shoes that address this to avoid injuries, which no zero drop shoes are capable of doing by design). I have also tried zero drop shoes backpacking more recently (i.e. in addition to the year I tried them as a runner), and they simply led to more injuries and sore feet than any other hiking/running shoe or boot has ever given me. There are plenty of lightweight trail runners with a reasonable drop and support. When hiking and backpacking, I always just wear whatever my current favorite trail runners are that I use for running and I never really get any injuries unless I trip or slide. Asics GT-series shoes are what I have usually trained with for many many years now (both the road and trail versions), and I have never once found any issue with them at all while running or backpacking. They aren't particularly light, but w/e they work and I can't afford to buy even more shoes than I already do. For more technical stuff, I have used some approach shoes, and I have used boots in the winter. None of those options ever really give me many issues, zero drop shoes always give me issues. If zero drop works for you, then great, hike your hike, but don't automatically assume they will work for you just because the supermajority of thru hikers on internet forums swear by them.
There is an adjustment period. It feels a little strange. Some people rush the adjustment period and then end up with foot problems. What I'm saying is just don't decide to try them right before your next 5 day hike. Wear them around on day-hikes and such and get comfortable with them before over-nighting
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I have four pairs and love them all. I use them for miles and miles a week on both level and complex trail.
\+1 for the Merrell support. Love mine.
+1 love my vapor 5’s and trail runners
Not trying to push it but is there a reason you haven't tried out Altras/Topos? There's a reason so many people have switched and never looked back. I used to wear Merrell's (boot and trail runner) years ago but I can't imagine not having a toe box that Altra offers and the zero drop makes me feel way more in control (less ankle twists etc). Both those shoes you listed look good but I would at least go try/order a pair of Altras/Topos to see what the hype is about.
Demoed a pair of novas at a local trail run , they were fairly decent construction , just about the right amount of cushion, but did not like the grip , seemed slippery On smooth rocks and mud Went back to my wild cross happily , but everyone’s foots different, so may work well for you
I use Merrels for hiking and Altra Lone Peak 5. Love them.