Best Women’s Shoes with a 10 MM Drop or Lower – Embrace the Barefoot Experience

Are you looking to try an 8-10 millimeter drop shoe or lower, but are having a hard time deciding on which shoes to choose? Nowadays there are many styles and types of shoes out there and it may be challenging to ascertain which shoes are the best for you, especially if you have a specific foot condition or uncommon foot shape/size. Luck for you, this is my area of expertise and I will cover some basic information and will provide you with a selection of the best women’s shoes with a 10 mm drop or lower.

What is 10 MM Drop in Shoes and What is the Advantage?

First off, let me clarify what is referred to as a 10 mm drop shoe. This refers to the difference in height between the heel and the forefoot. Note, most running shoes have an 8-10mm drop. For example, a lower drop of 6 mm is best for someone whose mid-foot or forefoot hits the ground first. On the other hand, the 5 mm heel-toe drop are great for long periods of standing since it encourages a more natural foot and ankle position.

There is an advantage of low heel drop shoes as the stress usually distributes evenly throughout the whole foot. They can strengthen the intrinsic musculature over time given that they place the feet in a more natural stride/position in gait. Moreover, a lower drop can shorten step length to improve cadence and a higher drop slows foot switch.

In addition, I have noticed that in recent years, the popularity of 10 mm shoes has been increasing amongst women who seek footwear that promotes a more natural position and encourages proper alignment. 

The Importance of Wearing Shoes in the Correct Size

From my standpoint, one of my key takeaways from my many years of experience is that many women tend to associate foot problems with wearing shoes that are small, however, wearing shoes that are too big can also bring all sorts of foot issues! Thus, the utmost important thing is to wear any kind of shoes in the correct shoe size. You can’t imagine the number of women walking around with shoes that are either too short or too loose for their feet.

Brands That Manufacture 10 MM Drop Shoes or Lower

1️⃣ Brooks PureFlow: The PureFlow series from Brooks offers a 4 mm drop, making it suitable for those women seeking a lower drop shoe with cushioning and flexibility.

2️⃣ New Balance Minimus: The Minimus collection by New Balance features a range of shoes with varying drop heights, including models with a 4 mm drop.

3️⃣ Saucony Kinvara: The Kinvara line from Saucony is known for its lightweight and responsive design. It typically has a 4 mm drop, making it a suitable option for those desiring a lower drop shoe.

4️⃣ Merrell Vapor Glove: Merrell’s Vapor Glove shoes offer a zero-drop platform, meaning there is no difference in height between the heel and forefoot. They provide a minimalist feel and are ideal for those women seeking a barefoot-like experience.

Women’s Shoes with a 10 MM Drop or Lower – Embrace the Barefoot Experience

For easy access, below you can find the links to the different shoe recommendations. In the description of each shoe, you can find out if it can accommodate your foot shape (narrow, medium, wide, extra wide) and the size you should order to prevent your longest toe from rubbing against the front part of the shoes. Disclosure: Some links in this post may be affiliate links and we may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) when you click our links and make purchases. 

Are You Certain You Know Your Correct Shoe Size?  

Ensuring you know your foot length and width is the first step to finding the correct shoes for your unique feet. Thereafter, with your accurate measurements, you’ll have a reliable reference point for shopping online, and this will give you a broader range of choices for any kind of shoes online. Certainly, if you identify a brand that consistently fits your measurements (length and width), it will be much easier to shop online without the hassle of having to go to a store and try on many pairs. 

Did you know that there is a study by the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society that showed that 88% of American women wear shoes that are too small?

There is nothing more uncomfortable than wearing the wrong size shoe! Be aware that your foot shape and size can change over time, so I recommend getting a fitting every 6 months. I know that when shopping for these types of shoes you might think that buying them a bigger size won’t be a big deal as you probably plan to wear them with thick socks. You should try the shoes wearing the socks that you would normally wear but be careful not to end up with a shoe that leaves too much room. 

Additionally, when it comes to sizes you don’t only need to only look at the length of your foot but also the width. One of the most important features that your boots need to have is that it must fit the shape of your feet perfectly. It’s important to know your exact foot size, especially if you are going to be buying your boots online. Quality measurements begin with expert consultation, you can start by reading an article that describes the simplest, yet most effective way to figure out your foot size from home. Just click on the post link below:

How To Measure Your Foot Size – The Most Simple And Effective Way!

Additional Resources

In connection with this post, if you are also looking for the best shoes for a little one in your family or a dear friend’s family, you can find helpful information n our partner website:

Minimalist Shoes for Kids – It’s Time to Set Some Rumors Straight!

Many thanks for reading! We hope you found helpful this post on the best women’s shoes with a 10 mm drop or lower. Feel free to share this post with your community on social media as well as your experiences in the comments section below. If you have any questions or need any further assistance, you can also contact us via e-mail and we will get back to you as soon as possible.