Top 5 Zero Drop Running Shoes with Cushion

So you want a zero-drop shoe!? But you’re not ready to give up the cushion. 

I get it; cushion has its benefits. Although I can’t promise that barefoot shoes won’t come up at some point 🙂 

In this post, we’ll look at some of the best zero-drop shoes in this niche and maybe introduce you to a new brand or two.

And more importantly, I’ll take you through each shoe’s fit and feel to ensure it’s the right match for YOUR FEET! 

So let’s get straight into it with one of my favorite road shoes.

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Altra Escalante Racer 2

If you’re on the hunt for a low-stack yet cushioned road shoe, the Altra Escalante Racer 2 should definitely be on your radar. Designed for speed yet built with comfort in mind, I’m not sure the “racer” name is 100% true.

But with a blend of minimalism and cushioning, the Racer 2 offers a unique experience that complements both seasoned minimalists and those transitioning from more cushioned footwear.

A familiar wide toe box promotes natural foot movement. True to Altra’s heritage, the Escalante Racer 2 features a roomy toe box that encourages optimal splay of the toes. This design allows your big toe to splay comfortably, promoting natural foot biomechanics. Compared to the rest of the range, the Racer maintains a spacious feel with subtle tapering that won’t constrain your midfoot.

Moderate depth enhances comfort without sacrificing performance. While the Escalante Racer 2 has an average depth, it doesn’t skimp on space for toe movement, which is often a concern with Altra models. The open weave upper provides a breathable, snug fit without feeling restrictive, fostering a sense of security without the fear of excessive slippage. This feature is particularly useful when transitioning between different running surfaces or speeds.

Firm cushioning strikes a balance for speed and responsiveness. At 22mm stack height, the Racer offers a firmer feel compared to its cushy counterpart, the Escalante 4. This firmness isn’t a drawback, as it promotes a stable base for faster runs and enhanced ground feedback. It may require a few runs to break in, but once it does, the midsole starts to yield just enough cushion to make each step feel responsive yet grounded—ideal for pushing those PRs.

Durability enhancements make it a wise choice for regular use. Many Altra models have faced criticism for premature wear, but the Racer 2 seems to be an improvement in this department. The upper utilizes a semi-flexible material that holds up better under stress while the reinforced lacing eyelets add an extra layer of stability. While the outsole is designed to minimize weight, it may lead to less longevity for certain wear patterns, particularly if you rely heavily on your midfoot during runs.

Who is the Altra Escalante Racer 2 for?

Fit: Suitable for runners with an average to wider foot. While the toe box allows for ample room, those with a broader midfoot may want to experiment with lacing adjustments for the best fit.

Feel: Firm low-stack cushion for minimalists looking to incorporate a bit of cushioning into their rotation or anyone looking to transition into lower-stacked runners.

Topo Athletics ST-5

When it comes to zero-drop shoes with ample cushioning, Topo Athletics is a brand that often enhances the conversation, right up there with Altra. While both brands began with minimalistic models, they’ve expanded their offerings over time. 

One standout in the Topo collection is the ST-5—coming in at a nimble 14mm stack height, it strikes a balance between ground feel and cushioning, making it an enticing option for runners seeking a touch more softness. However, the ST-5 isn’t without its quirks, which we’ll explore below.

The toe box is plenty wide enough to fit most foot types. Taking a bird’s eye view of the ST-5 highlights the width of the toebox, minimal taper around the big toe, and the (generally speaking) more square-than-conventionally-shaped shoes. These attributes mean that 95% of foot types will fit the toebox with no issues. 

The heel could use a little more work. The heel cup is an odd design, using a wetsuit-like material with minimal padding. Usually, an unstructured heel works well for me, but this time the collar just didn’t wrap around and lock me in a place like I’d want to. The feeling didn’t translate into any problems during a run, but I can’t say it was perfect. This particular design would be most comfortable for those with a slightly larger ankle or broader heel.

14mm of softer cushion is the sweet spot. There’s a fine line between high-cushioned and loss-of-ground feel, and ST-5 straddles that perfectly! When I planted my foot, I could feel a little give which I would describe as squishy, which makes them perfect for long, easy runs as a barefoot runner. For others, they’ll suit shorter distances or as a transition shoe from a conventional shoe brand. 

Arch support….. seriously?! The conventional shoe industry has no issue with arch support in shoes. But in the barefoot world, arch support is a no-no. Your arch has a specific purpose in the running gait. It should be trained to take the load upon landing and act as a spring upon take off. While the support is minimal, and I technically only felt it when walking, it’s there. The design flies in the face of the original Topo designs, where barefoot was king, so why the change? 

Who’s the Topo ST-5 for?

Those who can’t do the Escalante for some reason. 

Fit: Wide toe box and an average depth. The heel lock could be an issue for some.

Feel: Great ground feel; just ensure you rotate with a barefoot option so you don’t lose that arch strength!

Bahé Revive

With a stack height of 10mm, it comfortably sits between minimalist shoes like Xero Shoes and cushioned options from brands like Altra. This shoe aims to support your run while connecting you with the earth, potentially enhancing your health. It’s also zero-drop and flexible.

A spacious and accommodating fit in width and volume, ideal if other brands feel restrictive. It fits true to size but is roomy in the midfoot. If you’re between sizes, try a half-size down for a snugger fit and adequate toe space. The anatomical toe box lets your toes spread comfortably, perfect for deeper feet needing relief from pressure.

Balanced Cushion and Ground Feel. The 10mm stack height is the sweet spot for some people. It provides enough cushioning for longer runs while maintaining a decent ground feel. The midsole foam balances firmness and softness, making it perfect for recovery runs or transitioning to a more minimal style.

A Promising Build with Some Considerations. Being a newer brand, Bahé’s durability remains somewhat uncertain. However, the Revive is constructed with TPU overlays and recycled polyester mesh, indicating solid build quality. The softer rubber outsole may wear more quickly on roads but should perform well on light trails.

Grounding Technology: Potential Health Benefits. The Revive features unique grounding technology aimed at electrically connecting you with the earth. While the evidence mainly pertains to grounding practices rather than shoe-specific studies, the potential for reducing inflammation and enhancing recovery is intriguing. This shoe may align well with your preferences if you’re inclined toward holistic health solutions.

Who is the Bahé Revive for?

Fit: The Revive suits average to wide-footed runners who need depth and space. If you’ve felt restricted by other brands, this shoe will likely provide the room you desire.

Feel: The Revive ensures a soft, responsive ride for casual runs and recovery, enhancing comfort while maintaining ground connection.

Altra King MT 2

The Altra King MT 2 revives earlier designs, first released in 2019 and reintroduced due to demand. It combines ruggedness and performance with 6mm lugs and a 19mm stack height, ideal for tough trails.

However, does it compete with modern trail shoes? Let’s analyze.

The Altra King MT 2 features a classic toe box but is not the widest option. The forefoot permits some toe splay, but the big toe area is narrower than the Escalante and aligns more with the Lone Peak, possibly limiting depth and width. Sizing up is essential for comfort. The midfoot provides more room than most Altra models, ensuring a snug fit thanks to the power strap, which secures the midfoot during descents and minimizes forward slippage.

The King MT 2 strikes a balance with its 19mm stack height, offering protection without sacrificing ground feedback. A rock plate adds rigidity and protects against sharp rocks, perfect for technical terrain. However, it limits flexibility, making it less suitable for those seeking a barefoot feel. While this trade-off benefits rugged trails, minimalist runners may feel less adapted.

The Vibram outsole is a standout feature, delivering impressive grip on various surfaces. The aggressive lug pattern excels in mud and navigates alpine trails, providing assurance on slippery or rocky paths. For those needing a shoe for extreme environments, the King MT 2 offers superior traction.

Constructed with solid materials, the upper feels robust yet carries a somewhat dated design. Stitched overlays and a thicker toe cap enhance durability, but the weight may not suit everyone. Practical features like drainage holes and a velcro gaiter strap improve functionality for trail runners. However, concerns about durability remain due to potential wear in stitched areas, though early tests show resilience.

Who is the Altra King MT 2 for?

Fit: Ideal for average to wide feet seeking a snug midfoot fit from the power strap. Size up for comfort, especially if extra toe room is needed. 

eel: This shoe provides grip for technical trails, perfect for racers and adventurers prioritizing traction over minimalism. The King MT 2 excels on rugged terrains.

Altra Superior 6

Another one from Altra, because they make the best trail running shoes! 

The Superior is similar to the Lone Peak, just cut back somewhat. 

Less stack height, less aggressive, and less volume across the midfoot. And I think it’s a better shoe all around! 🙂 

The forefoot is wide and beautifully squared towards the big toe. Altra’s foot-shaped toebox still exists! It’s wide enough for super toe splayers and even fits my stupid bulbous big toe. 🙂 So yeah, it’s wide enough for most of you out there. The taper on the little toe side is not too aggressive, so it should fit a more square-shaped foot. 

It’s wide, but our feet are 3D! There’s no depth to this shoe. If you have a lot of volume in your foot, you may have felt a lot of pressure on the top of the foot in Altra’s. For me, the Superior 6 is no different. I felt a lot of pressure over the top of my foot from the upper. So my super sneaky trick is to replace the insole with something thinner, like a Xero Shoes insole. 

You need to be comfortable with your feet doing the work! If there is one thing we’re passionate about at Barefoot Run Review, it’s foot function. Most modern shoes don’t allow your foot to move, let alone contribute to the running gait. The Superior’s do allow your feet to work! The shoe is flexible enough to feel your foot engage on toe-off and minimal enough that your calves will get a good workout. 

It’ll take a little time for all the materials to break in. The materials in the upper and midsole are a little stiff and lifeless at first. So it’s going to take a little time to break things in. After 50km, the Superior felt less like a cast and more like an extension of my foot, which is all a shoe should be! 

Who’s the Altra Superior 6 for?

Fit: Wide toebox with a shallow depth. Great for those who drown in a Lone Peak.

Feel: Responsive with some ground feel! The flexibility grows over time. 

And that’s your top 5 zero-drop shoes!

Some for the trail and some for the road. 

Just remember, the main factor on all these shoes is fit, so if you want to drill down into more details on any of these shoes, check out the full reviews below. 

Altra Esclante Racer 2 Review

Topo Athletics ST-5 Review

Bahe Revive Review

Altra King MT 2 Review

Altra Superior 6 Review