Recommended Zero Drop, Cushioned Trail Running Shoes

Though I enjoy wearing zero drop, barefoot-style shoes casually and while running on roads, I’ve found out the hard way that running trails in minimally cushioned shoes can sometimes be difficult, especially if pointy rocks are strewn about (a bruised foot during my first 50K made me realize the value of a good rock plate…).

Fortunately, more and more options are popping up in the cushioned, zero drop trail running niche – below are my recommended shoes in this category. All of the shoes listed below work well on roads too and thus offer quite a bit of versatility. However, if you are looking for dedicated zero drop road shoes, you can also view my recommended zero drop, cushioned road shoes here.

NOTE: I’ve only included shoes that I personally have worn or that have been reviewed here on Runblogger.com. If you think there’s a shoe that should be here that’s not currently included, leave a comment and I’ll look at giving it a try!

Zero Drop, Cushioned Trail Shoes

Merrell Ascend Glove Stack Height: 10.5mm, 10.5mm Weight: 8.5oz (size 10) Quick Take: firm cushion, forefoot and heel rock plate, wide forefoot, drains well, decent traction My Full Review (click to read) Buy at Running Warehouse Buy at Zappos Buy at Optimal Run (ships internationally)	Altra Superior Stack Height: 12mm, 12mm Weight: 10.3oz Quick Take: removable rock plate, very flexible, super-wide toebox, runs 1/2 size small, very versatile shoe  My Brief Review Buy at Running Warehouse Buy at Zappos Buy at Optimal Run (ships internationally)
Inov-8 Trailroc 235 Stack Height: 13mm, 13mm Weight: 8.3oz Quick Take: roomy fit, no rock plate but protective outsole, firm ride, decent traction, some have had upper durability issues My Full Review (click to read) Buy at Running Warehouse Buy at Zappos Buy at Sportsshoes.com (outside US) Buy at Wiggle (outside US)	Skechers GoBionic Trail Stack Height: 12mm, 12mm without insole, 18mm 14mm with insole Weight: 8.8oz Quick Take: soft cushioning, rock plate, good traction, removable footbed allows switching between 0mm and 4mm drop Read a Full Review by Caleb Masland (my coach; my review soon) Buy at Zappos Buy at Skechers.com (use code AAA20 for 20% off)

Other zero drop, cushioned trail shoes that I have not yet run in include the Altra Lone Peak, Inov-8 F-Lite 232, and the soon to arrive Mizuno Ferus.