https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/zero-shoes%e2%80%a6yeah-or-nay-yeah-for-me Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 22 Apr 2026 01:53:00 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/zero-shoes%e2%80%a6yeah-or-nay-yeah-for-me#post-2353470 Thu, 22 Feb 2024 15:46:40 +0000 April 2353470@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I had a pair of Lem's that yes, I did find hideous. I'm not a runner - far from it - but am always seeking comfort.</p> <p>Lately I'm finding it in chef shoes. Have one pair of Mise and 2 of Crocs (sort of a clog w/removable neoprene footbed.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/zero-shoes%e2%80%a6yeah-or-nay-yeah-for-me#post-2353348 Wed, 21 Feb 2024 12:06:05 +0000 Staysfit 2353348@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another brand of almost zero drop/low drop running shoes are Newtons. &nbsp;They have the roller action in the forefoot. &nbsp;My brother loves them, I haven’t tried them. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/zero-shoes%e2%80%a6yeah-or-nay-yeah-for-me#post-2353334 Wed, 21 Feb 2024 04:10:25 +0000 elpgal 2353334@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am another card-carrying member of Team zero drop/minimalist shoes and have a small collection I have been building over several years. Sandals and sneakers are very easy to find, dress shoes less so but there are so many options now compared to before. There is a Facebook page - Minimalist Shoes - that has helpful information. Anya’s shoes is another great resource. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/zero-shoes%e2%80%a6yeah-or-nay-yeah-for-me#post-2353161 Sun, 18 Feb 2024 18:59:11 +0000 Anonymous 2353161@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yay to running again!<br /> I had some zero drop Merrills, but passed them on. It wasn't the drop that was the issue, but the toebox was too low to be comfortable. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/zero-shoes%e2%80%a6yeah-or-nay-yeah-for-me#post-2353158 Sun, 18 Feb 2024 17:00:49 +0000 Angie 2353158@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you so much for the detailed explanations <b>Suz </b>and<b> La Ped</b>! Much appreciated :)&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/zero-shoes%e2%80%a6yeah-or-nay-yeah-for-me#post-2353156 Sun, 18 Feb 2024 16:39:49 +0000 LaPed 2353156@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, Chuck Taylors are probably zero drop, or very close to it. The heel and the forefoot are level, with no heel elevation whatsoever. Skate shoes like Vans fall into this category too. Most mainstream athletic shoes these days have about an 8-10 mm difference (sometimes referred to as "drop") between heel and forefoot. There's been a big shift towards lower but not necessarily zero-drop shoes in the running world. Hoka is a good example of this. They are very cushioned (high "stack height"), but most have only a 5-6mm drop. Altra is probably the most mainstream brand offering exclusively zero-drop shoes.&nbsp;</p> <p>A lot of people who switch to zero-drop shoes also want a thinner, more flexible sole -- usually without any arch support, contouring, or rockering, as Staysfit mentions -- and a wider toe box than most classic flat sneakers (Converse, Vans, old school Adidas) offer. Thinner, flexible soles help strengthen the small muscles in your feet and improve balance/stability. And a foot-shaped, non-tapered shoe allows your toes to spread out, which can improve gait and posture. For me, a wider toe box was the number one factor in preventing stubborn tendonitis in my knees. I used to develop crippling pain and inflammation in my knees on multi-week backpacking trips, no matter how light I made my pack. Switching to Altras eliminated my knee issues, even when carrying significantly more weight (baby on the front, pack on the back).&nbsp;</p> <p>It may not be for everyone, and it is a process (I started wearing zero-drop ~10 years ago after a major surgery that required me to ease very gradually back into physical activity anyway), but it's worth considering! For folks who want to do a deep dive into barefoot shoes, the blog <a rel="nofollow" href="https://anyasreviews.com/benefits-barefoot-minimalist-shoes/">Anya's Reviews</a> is a great starting point.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/zero-shoes%e2%80%a6yeah-or-nay-yeah-for-me#post-2353080 Sat, 17 Feb 2024 07:38:21 +0000 Bijou 2353080@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am convinced that when it comes to footwear, comfort is key. I am so glad that these are working for you. I find running tough on my knees and prefer to run indoors on soft cushioning mats or use the elliptical machine.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/zero-shoes%e2%80%a6yeah-or-nay-yeah-for-me#post-2353056 Sat, 17 Feb 2024 00:08:34 +0000 Sal 2353056@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting - and I am pleased you can run again Staysfit. That’s awesome.</p> <p>There are so many variations in shoes now- I regret a few of the uncomfortable choices I made in the name of fashion. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/zero-shoes%e2%80%a6yeah-or-nay-yeah-for-me#post-2353048 Fri, 16 Feb 2024 23:36:41 +0000 Staysfit 2353048@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It’s interesting that the pain I experienced when wearing shoes with a heel lift and rocker action was in my lower back more than in my feet. &nbsp; &nbsp;My running shoes are cushioned but are zero drop, meaning they have no heel. &nbsp;The lack of rocker action may also play a role. &nbsp;The rocker action seems to propel my foot in an unnatural way. &nbsp;</p> <p></p> <div><br /></div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/zero-shoes%e2%80%a6yeah-or-nay-yeah-for-me#post-2353037 Fri, 16 Feb 2024 22:07:19 +0000 Brooklyn 2353037@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That’s really interesting Staysfit. I’m glad you found a solution to your problem. I also found some of the replies very interesting.</p> <p>I’ll share my experience in case it helps anyone. </p> <p>I’ve had issues with foot pain for close to 2 years now. It started before my dog died when I was walking her a lot - around 12 km a day. Sometimes more. Both my feet hurt. I figured it was overuse but I wasn’t prepared to rest because I knew she had cancer (my mission during that period was to take her wherever she wanted to go, so no regrets). After she died I cut back to about 6 km a day and the pain improved significantly. But every time I try to increase my walking again, it came back. It is now focused on the left foot in the heel. Definitely PF. I tried arch supports but they made it worse. But, like Suz, I do seem to benefit from having some form of cushioning, especially around the heel. </p> <p>I have read the stuff about barefoot walking. Even though I’m now wearing a little heel or sole cushioning, I have tried to have a bet both ways by doing a LOT of foot and leg strengthening exercises. Walking backwards. Lots of squats and lunges. Stairs. Balance beam exercises. Toe exercises. I lift up things with my toes now as a party trick for visitors :)</p> <p>The pain is much better than it was and I’m hoping it will resolve eventually. I suspect complete rest would help. But, like Suz, I refuse to actually stop walking. It really affects my mental health. </p> <p>Another thing I should mention is that I also strap my foot (to support the plantar) on days when I know I’m going to be pushing it a little, walking distance wise. That does seem to help. I don’t like to do it every day because I don’t want to become dependent on that. </p> <p>The whole saga has definitely made me conscious of the need to look after my feet. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/zero-shoes%e2%80%a6yeah-or-nay-yeah-for-me#post-2353017 Fri, 16 Feb 2024 20:24:56 +0000 Janet 2353017@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I say if they feel great, that is the most important thing!</p> <p>I am with Suz and need just the opposite type of shoe — something with a little heel support/height. I tried a lower profile running shoe years ago, and tripped and even fell during 5ks several times. Lesson learned. Brooks Ghost for me ever since. I always wondered if it was because of the asymmetry in my leg length or tight hamstrings/calves. Whatever the case, thank goodness there is a solution for all of our fit issues! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/zero-shoes%e2%80%a6yeah-or-nay-yeah-for-me#post-2352999 Fri, 16 Feb 2024 19:14:24 +0000 Suz 2352999@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Star,</b> I don't need cushioning really now any more, either -- just needed it to heal the PF, and now prefer firmer supportive shoes as well.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/zero-shoes%e2%80%a6yeah-or-nay-yeah-for-me#post-2352997 Fri, 16 Feb 2024 19:08:11 +0000 Star (Lise) 2352997@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Suz&nbsp;</b>good to hear I am not alone but I empathize about the pain.&nbsp; I don't really need cushioned soles, I need hard-core support, ie. sturdy heels.&nbsp; I must mention that I also wore aqua shoes for a few days which are like walking with bare feet (I live by the sea).&nbsp; I have never had heel pains before this. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/zero-shoes%e2%80%a6yeah-or-nay-yeah-for-me#post-2352993 Fri, 16 Feb 2024 18:29:45 +0000 Suz 2352993@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My experience was like yours, <b>Star </b>-- the only way I could cure the plantar fasciitis that I got from wearing the zero drop runners was by wearing a very cushioned sandal or shoe for some time. (I had physio, I did all kinds of stuff...except I wouldn't stop walking on it, so...some of this could be my refusal to rest, LOL.) Anyway, going forward I ditched the zero drop, got inserts for PF in some of my boots, chose a more cushioned runner, and have had zero problems since!&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Angie</b>, not <b>Staysfit</b> but can answer a couple of your questions.&nbsp;</p> <p>1. Zero drop refers to the TYPE of shoe, not the brand. It is completely flat.&nbsp;</p> <p>2. No, your flats are not zero drop. The heel is lifted by a certain amount, hence, not zero drop. Even very flat sandals or Cons may not be zero drop (they probably come close, but experts like <b>LaPed</b> would know better.)&nbsp;</p> <p>3. What I *think* proponents of zero drop would say about the arches thing is that the reason people desire the support of orthotics etc, or a heel is that their arches are weak, and need to be strengthened by wearing more "natural" footwear, closer to the experience of going barefoot. The muscles have weakened from wearing ordinary shoes. </p> <p>There is research, for and against this view. I did a lot of work on this on my days in the fitness company. I have been away from the field for a while, though, so am not up to date and there may be more recent and conclusive findings. Based on my very unscientific anecdotal evidence, the zero drop worked brilliantly for some people -- and not at all for others. ;)&nbsp; Some of this may have to do with "user error," i.e. some people rush to wear the shoes and hurt themselves in the process, or overdo it (guilty here...I was fine with the shoes for short runs at home and quite liked them.) Others maybe don't try long enough. On the other hand, there are cases of very careful people injuring themselves or doing very badly. It seems that in athletic gear, fashion plays a huge role as well. We went from old fashioned flat Adidas to "dad" sneakers (for athletics) to zero drop to Hokas (which are very very cushy and have a padded heel.)&nbsp;</p> <p>My view in the end is "courses for horses", and if we have an issue we need to investigate and experiment, as Staysfit has done, to find what works best for us personally.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/zero-shoes%e2%80%a6yeah-or-nay-yeah-for-me#post-2352984 Fri, 16 Feb 2024 17:28:36 +0000 Star (Lise) 2352984@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This past summer I developed plantar fasciitis.&nbsp; I was walking at home on wooden floors in rubber slip ons with zero heels.&nbsp; I also had two new pairs of knit sneakers that have zero support that I was wearing outside.&nbsp; At first they felt so comfy and now they are torture.&nbsp; My heel has finally healed by wearing shoes with supportive heels at home and outside.&nbsp; When I have worn those knit sneakers even for just 10 mins the pain returns.&nbsp; I have very high arches.&nbsp; I have to purge the flats and make sure all my shoes from now on are supportive.&nbsp; Incredible how different our experiences are. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/zero-shoes%e2%80%a6yeah-or-nay-yeah-for-me#post-2352980 Fri, 16 Feb 2024 17:05:14 +0000 Angie 2352980@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>SO GLAD your feet are happier, <b>Staysfit </b>:)</p> <p>Happy Feet, Happy Life!</p> <p><u>I have some questions:</u></p> <ul> <li>Does "Zero Drop" refer to the brand, or design of the shoe?&nbsp;</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Are flats with a sturdy heel like the loafers I wear zero drop by design?&nbsp;</li> </ul> <ul> <li>High arches usually like a bit of a heel - that's what all my clients say! - and your experience is different! Fascinating :)&nbsp;</li> </ul> Wear what works best for your feet. Full Stop!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/zero-shoes%e2%80%a6yeah-or-nay-yeah-for-me#post-2352978 Fri, 16 Feb 2024 16:35:07 +0000 Roberta 2352978@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This was fascinating, and I'm so glad you found a solution to chronic or intermittent pain, which is so debilitating. I suspect that many of my shoes are accidentally zero drop, as even the slightest incline on nerves my whole body these days. But they must have some arch support, or they hurt my feet. Is it possible to have zero drop shoes that have some arch support? The article that I read online just now seems to say, yes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/zero-shoes%e2%80%a6yeah-or-nay-yeah-for-me#post-2352977 Fri, 16 Feb 2024 16:30:43 +0000 Bonnie 2352977@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is a really interesting and informative post. My feet feel fine with what I've been wearing but I'd like to improve my posture. I get neck and shoulder pain that I believe is caused by my posture. You've given me something to think about. Thanks! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/zero-shoes%e2%80%a6yeah-or-nay-yeah-for-me#post-2352975 Fri, 16 Feb 2024 16:23:27 +0000 Suz 2352975@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, amazing. I am so glad you found something that works well for you!&nbsp;</p> <p>I had a pair of zero drop runners some years back and -- alas! -- they gave me plantar fasccitis. Admittedly, it was somewhat my fault because I had worn them regularly for short runs at home without issue and then decided to take them on a trip. Well, the ground was considerably harder and my run ended up being a bit longer, and then -- oops.&nbsp;</p> <p>Anyway, that experience -- along with the fact that Cons and completely flat sandals are the most excruciatingly painful shoes I can wear, convinced me that this type of show is not for me. But maybe I am wrong! I also have high insteps and a slightly high arch, narrow heels, and one foot larger than the other. Hmmmm.&nbsp;</p> <p>I like the ankle boots you found! And it was intriguing to see LaPed's collection!&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/zero-shoes%e2%80%a6yeah-or-nay-yeah-for-me#post-2352973 Fri, 16 Feb 2024 15:31:59 +0000 LaPed 2352973@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've been on Team Zero Drop for years; welcome to the party! I don't wear them exclusively; I keep a few pairs of low heels and tapered toe boxes around for when I want a certain look, and it's easier to find things that work in mild weather than in the winter, but I'm in barefoot style shoes maybe 75% of the time. I have those same Xero boots for winter! Most of my collection is in Finds. Hoping to add a pair of light coloured casual sneakers (not running shoes) this spring. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/zero-shoes%e2%80%a6yeah-or-nay-yeah-for-me#post-2352972 Fri, 16 Feb 2024 15:11:14 +0000 cat2 2352972@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congrats on finding a solution to long standing pain. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/zero-shoes%e2%80%a6yeah-or-nay-yeah-for-me#post-2352970 Fri, 16 Feb 2024 14:34:09 +0000 cjh 2352970@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Good news on being able to run again! That must be thrilling. I’m glad you found the right shoes to improve your health and life.</p> <p>Honestly, I feel that wearing my minimalist Converse have helped me to much the same extent. I add a thin foam insole for a little padding, but the flat, flexible shoes make my feet work harder, so they seem to have become more able to take various activities. I think they contribute to maintaining if not improving strength, balance and endurance. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/zero-shoes%e2%80%a6yeah-or-nay-yeah-for-me#post-2352969 Fri, 16 Feb 2024 14:27:56 +0000 Dee 2352969@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is interesting, and it looks like you’ve got a nice assortment to suit your needs, I’d say if your feet are happy, then enjoy. </p> <p>I had bought a pair of Altra Lone Peak 6 shoes last year, and I’m not quite sure how I feel about them. I am not a runner, but I was looking for a wider toe box for my bunion/neuroma issues. They are very comfortable for that, but I also felt a bit of a strain in one ankle, not while wearing but later after resting. Perhaps I over-wore them too much without getting used to them first, but I also can’t rule out the other shoes I wore in conjunction with them as a potential source for this &nbsp;problem.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/zero-shoes%e2%80%a6yeah-or-nay-yeah-for-me#post-2352967 Fri, 16 Feb 2024 14:10:38 +0000 Indigoprint 2352967@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well Angie said it well in her post...Happy feet Happy life.<br />I would not describe them as "not pretty" the toe box reminds me of Birkies. The ankle height boots are cute to my eye and the others look good too. The most important is that they work for you, and if you notice the posture benefits that seems like a win-win given the postural control challenges we have as we get older and have to depend on leaning over a computer for so many things now.<br />I vote Yeah! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/zero-shoes%e2%80%a6yeah-or-nay-yeah-for-me#post-2352964 Fri, 16 Feb 2024 13:21:43 +0000 Staysfit 2352964@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This summer DD30 started wearing minimalist, zero drop shoes. &nbsp;I always thought these shoes looked ugly shoes and associated them with runners who would wear them without carefully building up duration and then injure themselves. &nbsp;DD30 is very persuasive. &nbsp;She showed me convincing information that they could be good for my posture and my feet. DD30 wore them for two months, June and July and the. showed me &nbsp;before and after pics of her feet. &nbsp;I could see changes, probably improvements. &nbsp;After consultation with a PT, I purchased a pair of Vivo Barefoot’s in August. &nbsp;I slowly increased the duration I wore them until I could wear them all day. &nbsp;I gradually started to take increasingly longer outdoor walks with them. &nbsp;I &nbsp;liked how they felt and noticed that my feet were hurting less than ever before. &nbsp;I ditched my orthotics which I used in other shoes ordered some zero drop minimalist shoes for everyday use. Since October I have been wearing them exclusively. &nbsp;I even found some zero drop minimalist boots for snow.</p> <div><br /></div><div>About a month ago, I spoke with a pain medicine specialist and told him that after fracturing my femur while training for the Boston Marathon, many years ago, I have experienced pain in my Sacroiliac joint whenever I try to return to running. &nbsp;He advised I switch to zero drop running shoes! &nbsp;He thinks my leg healed with a slightly new alignment and the heel lift and rocker in most shoes is problematic. He said I don’t need all that because I am not a heel striker when I run, I have a mid/forefoot strike. &nbsp;I &nbsp;went to the local running store and discovered the following.<br />1. one foot is almost a full size smaller than the other and edging to a wide width, the longer foot is medium to narrow in width.<br /></div><div>2. &nbsp;I have high arches and insteps.<br />3. I have skinny heels. &nbsp;</div><div>4. Almost every shoe company has a zero drop shoe, or a low drop shoe although not one that will fit my foot. &nbsp;I tried some from Hoka, Saucony, Aasics, and Altra. &nbsp;The Saucony shoes fit well but had too much rocker motion so I vetoed them and purchased the Altras which have a skinny heel and wide toe box like my other zero drop shoes. &nbsp;So far, I only have some minor plantar fasciitis the morning after a run but it goes away after stretching and warming up, so I think it’s going to resolve. &nbsp;I’m into my second week and have no Sacroiliac pain, which is amazing, since the back pain has typically started immediately, even with a short episode of slow running. &nbsp;Fingers crossed. &nbsp;I am motivated and doing my best to progress slowly. &nbsp;I’m using the Runna App. &nbsp;<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>My collection of zero shoes now includes my first pair of Vivo’s, plus a second pair of leather lace ups. &nbsp;Some winter boots made by Xero, water resistant hikers from belenka, two pair of leather sneakers from Zaqq and my new Altra running shoes. </p> <p>Those who know me from this forum know I have a large collection of fashionable shoes collected over many years however, I haven’t been wearing them! &nbsp;I’m not ready to give them away but I do find them much less comfy! &nbsp;</p> </div><div>They aren’t pretty, and may not be fashionable but they are working well for me. What do you think?</div><div><br /></div></p>