If you’ve ever worn a pair of zero drop shoes, you know that they can really help with your posture. But how do you know if they fit right?
The answer is complicated: every person’s feet are different. That means that no matter how many steps you take in a shoe before you buy it, there’s no guarantee that the shoe will fit perfectly.
When it comes to shoes, there’s one thing that most of us can agree on: comfort. And with the growing popularity of zero drop shoes, comfort is more important than ever. Zero drop shoes are designed to mimic barefoot running by having a minimal heel-to-toe drop—meaning the difference in height between your heels and toes is minimal.
In this post we’re going to talk about how to find the perfect zero drop shoes for your needs. We’ll talk about how you can tell if your shoes are fitting correctly and how to make sure they’re ready for long-term wear.
What is a zero drop shoe?
A zero drop shoe is a running shoe that is designed to have the same amount of space between your heel and the ground as it does between your toes. This means that your heel will not be raised, which helps you to maintain an even gait without putting undue pressure on any one part of your foot.
The idea behind zero drop shoes is that they are more natural than traditional running shoes, which can cause unnatural pronation (rolling inward) and supination (rolling outward). These two motions can put stress on joints and muscles, leading to injuries or chronic pain.
Zero drop shoes are often recommended for people who experience knee pain or other joint problems when they run. They are also popular among people with plantar fasciitis or shin splints because they provide extra cushioning for shock absorption and protection against impact forces.
Can you move freely with zero drop shoes?
Yes, you can! Zero drop shoes are designed to allow you to move freely and without restriction.
The freedom of movement in a zero drop shoe comes from its flexibility, which is due in part to the fact that it doesn’t have any extra material in its design. The sole of a zero drop shoe is generally made out of rubber or polyurethane, which are both flexible materials.
The Theory Behind Zero Drop Shoes
When looking for a pair of zero drop shoes to wear, it’s important to get the shoes and try them on to fit first. This will give you a better idea of how your feet will feel in the shoes before you purchase them. It also helps to know what size shoe you wear so that you can find a pair that fits comfortably without being too tight or too loose on your feet.
The theory behind zero-drop shoes is that by wearing a pair of shoes with no heel drop, your foot will be forced to work harder to stay stable, which will strengthen it over time. But if you’re not used to this style of shoe, you may experience some discomfort at first.
“The heel drop is what makes the shoe stable for most people,” says Dave Robinson, personal trainer and competitive obstacle course race athlete. “When you take that away from them, it forces the foot to adapt and become more mobile.”
Robinson recommends zero-drop shoes because they help you develop better foot strength while also encouraging good posture. He also suggests that you give yourself time to adjust to the new type of shoe—it may take a few weeks before you’re used to it.
How Do You Know If You Need a Zero Drop Shoe?
Zero drop shoes conform to your foot so well that it doesn’t need to be altered in any way. The goal is to create a shoe that fits your specific foot shape perfectly, so there are no pressure points anywhere on your foot—and because of this, they can be worn comfortably for long periods of time without causing any pain or discomfort.
If you are not sure whether or not you need a zero-drop shoe, there are a few ways to find out:
- The first thing to do is to look at your current shoes. Are they flat? If so, then you probably don’t need a zero-drop shoe. Flat shoes are better for your feet because they allow the arches and muscles to relax while still providing support.
Zero drop shoes are also good for people with mild to moderate pronation (or flat feet). If you have flat feet, you probably already know that regular running shoes typically don’t work for you because they put too much pressure on the inside of your feet and cause pain or discomfort over time. But zero drop shoes distribute pressure evenly across both sides of your feet, so there’s no pressure point at all!
- The second thing to do is look at the shape of your feet. If they are wide or narrow, then this will affect how much padding you need in your shoes. You may need more padding if you have wider feet than someone who has narrower ones.
- Another way you can tell what kind of shoe would work best for you is by looking at how much pressure is placed on specific areas of the foot when walking around all day long at work or school during the weekdays (if possible).
This will give an idea of where pressure points might be forming from wearing non-zero drop shoes over time and what kind of padding might be needed to avoid sore spots later on after using non-zero drop shoes for too long without taking breaks.
The Importance of a Properly-Fitted Zero Drop Shoes
The importance of a properly-fitted zero drop shoe is hard to overstate. If you spend your days on your feet, you want to be sure that you’re getting as much support as possible. A well-fitted pair of zero drop shoes will help you avoid soreness and injury, so that you can keep working towards your goals.
There are a number of ways to tell if your shoes are properly fitted:
1. Your toes should not touch the front of the shoe at all when standing or walking in them (this can lead to blisters).
2. Your heel should not slip out of the back of the shoe when walking or standing in them (this can lead to blisters).
3. The arch of your foot should be supported by the midsole (the part between your footbed and outer sole) when standing or walking in them (this can help prevent heel spurs).
How to determine your foot shape and width
If you’re trying to figure out your foot shape and width, there are a few quick and easy ways to do it.
1. The first thing you’ll want to do is stand up and put your feet together. Then, look at the space between the two big toes on each foot. If the gap between them is wider than an inch, then you have an arch. If it’s not wider than an inch, then you don’t have an arch.
2. Next, stand up with your feet together again, but this time look at how far apart your heel and big toe are on each foot (or “big toe” if you don’t have a second toe). If they’re less than half an inch apart, then your shoes will probably be too tight. If they’re more than half an inch apart, then your shoes will probably be too loose.
3. Finally, take off your socks and examine the soles of both feet—what do they look like? Do they seem flat or curved? Are there deep lines between each toe? All of these things can help inform which type of shoe would work best for you!
How to find the right size for your feet
The right shoe size is important for your health, comfort, and performance.
- First, take a look at the size chart on the shoe’s packaging. If you don’t have the packaging, check out their website or go to a store and ask them for help.
- Next, try on different sizes until you find one that fits comfortably. You’ll know when it fits right because your toes won’t hang over the edge of the shoe or pinch together when they’re in it.
- If you still can’t find something that works, consider asking an employee at the store where you bought the last pair of shoes if they have any suggestions on how to get a better fit next time around.
What to do if your shoes don’t fit quite right
If your zero drop shoes don’t fit quite right, there are a couple of things you can do to make them more comfortable.
- First, try stretching the shoes out by wearing them around the house for a few hours and then taking a break before wearing them again. This will help loosen up the leather and make it more flexible.
- If that doesn’t work, try loosening the laces on your shoes and tightening them back up again. This should create some extra space in the toe box of your shoe, giving your toes more room to move around.
- If neither of these options works for you, it’s probably time to return or exchange your shoes. It may just be that they aren’t right for your foot shape and body type.
Which Activities Are Suitable For Zero Drop Shoes?
Strength training
If you’re doing any kind of weight-bearing exercise, you should be wearing zero-drop shoes. Zero-drop shoes allow your feet to function as they were designed to—they give you a flat surface so that your toes and heels are on the same level and you can distribute your weight evenly across the bottom of your foot. This allows for better balance and more stability, which is key when you’re lifting heavy weights.
Running
When you’re a beginner runner, or if you have been running for a while and are looking to switch up your current shoe, zero-drop shoes are the way to go. With zero-drop shoes, every step you take is the same height as the last one. This helps you develop a more natural stride and reduces the risk of injury.
Zero-drop shoes also make it easier to transition from walking to running because there’s no need for a heel lift. If you’re just starting out with running, this can make all the difference in how quickly you progress with your training. As long as you’re running on flat surfaces (and not uphill), there’s no reason not to try out zero-drop shoes.
Things To Consider When Buying Zero Drop Shoes
Zero-drop shoes are becoming more popular, but they’re not for everyone. When you’re out shopping for the best one, you probably think about comfort, style, and price. But before you buy, consider these things:
- Zero-drop shoes are becoming more popular, but they’re not for everyone. Before you buy, consider these things:
- Zero-drop shoes are designed to be worn without arch support. If you have a foot that’s used to wearing arch supports, zero-drop shoes will feel uncomfortable at first. You’ll need to get used to them over time.
- If you have high arches, the lack of support in zero-drop shoes can cause issues with your feet and ankles. They can also cause pain in your knees and hips.
- If you’re expecting a shoe with a higher heel (like a running shoe), then zero-drop shoes may be disappointing because they don’t provide any heel lift at all!
- Zero-drop shoes should not be used for running or exercise activities; they are meant only as casual wear or casual office wear where people walk around most of their day on hard floors or concrete surfaces like sidewalks or parking lots where there isn’t much traction for athletic activities like running would require (such as grass fields).
Final Verdict
The best thing about zero drop shoes is that they have so many uses. You can wear them when you run or hike, and then throw them on afterward with jeans and a t-shirt for an effortless look.
The bottom line is that zero drop shoes are designed to fit you exactly as they should and allow you to live healthier lives without compromising style or comfort. The best way to make sure they’re fitting you properly is to take them for a test run. Don’t just try on a pair and leave the store—walk around in them for a while, and make sure they feel good to you. We would also recommend that you purchase zero drop shoes in size and width that are slightly larger than what you normally wear so that your toes have room to spread out.