Zero drop in footwear: what it means and why more and more brands are using it

Zero drop in footwear means that the heel and the front of the foot are at the same height. No height difference, no raised heel, just a sole that stays level from heel to toe. 

It is one of the characteristics of barefoot footwear, but what makes it special and why is it talked about so much?

What does zero drop in footwear mean?

You may have heard of zero drop and thought: zero what? Don't worry, it has a pretty simple explanation.

Most of the shoes we know have the heel a little higher than the front. Sometimes it is very noticeable, like in heels, and other times it goes practically unnoticed.

That height difference is what we call drop.

So when we talk about zero drop footwear, we are referring to shoes that keep the heel and toes at the same level.

And no, it doesn't mean that the sole has to be thin. It can be thicker or thinner, as long as it is the same thickness at the heel and forefoot.

Zero drop and barefoot: are they the same?

They are very similar, but they are not exactly the same.

Zero drop is a shoe feature, while barefoot footwear brings together several features designed to give our feet more freedom.

And what are they?

• Zero drop: heel and toes at the same height.

• Wide toe box: room for your toes to spread out.

• Flexible sole: to follow the movement of the foot.

• Lightweight design: without unnecessary rigid structures.

That is why a shoe can be zero drop without being barefoot, but barefoot footwear does incorporate zero drop as one of its main features. 

What does zero drop offer?

Zero drop eliminates the tilt produced by shoes with an elevated heel, allowing the foot to rest on a level base.

When combined with a wide toe box and a flexible sole, as in barefoot footwear, it allows the toes to have more space and the foot to move with greater freedom.

That said, not all feet need the same thing. If you have spent your whole life wearing shoes with an elevated heel, switching to zero drop may require a little adaptation.

Our advice? Take your time and listen to your feet. After all, they carry you everywhere. 

And if you are not quite sure where to start, here are a few tips to help you find your own pace.

Why are more and more brands opting for zero drop?

Because we are paying more and more attention to what we wear on our feet. And we are not just talking about choosing beautiful shoes, but also paying attention to how they are designed and how we feel when wearing them.

The interest in barefoot footwear has made features such as zero drop, wide toe boxes, and flexible soles start to gain prominence.

And we love that it is being talked about. Because comfort does not always mean adding more cushioning, more height, or more structure.

Sometimes, less is more. That goes for our feet too.

Zero drop, lots of color, and a little bit of Mexico

At MEXAS we believe that every foot is different. And that is why not all our sandals are the same.

Our MEXAS Barefoot combine zero drop with a wide toe box and a flexible sole, without leaving behind our handcrafted braiding, color, and all that Mexican essence we love so much.

And for those who prefer a little height, we also have our transition models, with a low drop.

And you, are you more into zero drop or a little height?

👉 Discover our MEXAS Barefoot