10 Best 5mm Drop Running Shoes [2022] (2024)

This is the second 5mm drop running shoe that is great for the trails. As mentioned above, Topo Athletic is a brand that specializes in trail running shoes.

Also, this is one of the brands that have a large collection of 5mm drop shoes. We could not include all of them due to the space constraint, however, you can very well do your research here.

Now let’s focus on Topo Athletic ULTRAVENTURE 2.

This is a trail running shoe with a high level of cushioning. This is highly shock absorbing and is great for technical terrains.

This is a neutral running shoe that is formed with a 3-piece of EVA foam. This provides the midsole with just enough rigidity for a more snappy ride.

It comes with a TPU heel counter that provides you with more stability. It locks in the heels and doesn’t let it move around. With this heel counter, you will not face the problem of heel slip.

If you compare this version of ULTRAVENTURE with the previous model, you will find that the number of overlays has reduced. This improves the breathability of this running shoe and makes you more comfortable.

It comes with multi-directional lugs that provide you with excellent traction on a variety of surfaces.

FAQ

Is 5mm drop good?

Yes, 5mm is a good drop for a runner who lands on mid or forefoot. However, for a heel striker, a higher drop is preferable.

5mm drop stands on the borderline of low drop and medium drop with characteristics more like that of low drop shoe.

If you are a runner who runs on forefoot or midfoot, this is an ideal drop for you. Your feet have the optimal strength to handle the landing and your shoe also has to cushion in the right place.

However, if you are a heel striker, this may not be a good shoe for you.

Heel strikers are those runners who land on their heels. This causes your calf muscles to extend and stretch a lot more than that of a midfoot or forefoot striker.The same is true for your Achilles region as well.

For such a runner, it is preferable to have a higher heel drop as this will stop the overextending of your calf and Achilles area.

In such cases a drop of 8mm or higher is preferable.

What does 5mm drop mean?

The difference between the heel stack and the forefoot stack is 5mm. This is the meaning of 5mm drop.

For example:

Let’s say the heel stack or the heel height of a running shoe is 35mm and the forefoot stack or a forefoot height is 30mm, then the drop or the heel drop of the shoe is 5mm.

Again if the heel height is 20mm and the forefoot height is 15mm, the drop is 5mm.

If the heel height is 40mm and the forefoot height is 35mm, then also, the heel-to-toe offset is 5mm.

Basically, the heel-to-toe offset is independent of the stack height of the heel and forefoot and is merely a difference between the two values.

What is a normal running shoe drop?

Any drop is a normal running shoe drop and the choice will vary on the goal of the runner and the kind of the runner.

Currently, there are running shoes in the market whose drop ranges from 0-15mm, with 0-4mm being the low drop, 5-8mm being the medium drop, and 9-15mm being the high drop.

Each of the shoes is suited for a specific type of runner as mentioned previously.

Runners who have foot injuries or Achilles problem is better off with running shoes with greater than 8mm drop.

Whereas, if you want to strengthen your feet and want a more natural way of running, then go for running shoes with a 0-4mm drop.

A beginner may find a running shoe with a 5-8mm drop more suitable as they start getting accustomed to the way of running.

Related:Running Shoe Heel Drop Chart (Illustrated)

What does mm drop mean in shoes?

The meaning of mm drop in shoes is millimeter. Since the difference between the forefoot and heel stack is so small, it is expressed in millimeters.

In fact, other than the length of a running shoe, all the other values are generally expressed in mm and this is true for heel-to-toe drop as well.

Is 5mm drop running shoe a low drop running shoe?

Technically, a 5mm drop running shoe is a medium drop running shoe and not a low drop running shoe. Practically it is neither a medium drop running shoe nor a low drop running shoe as it is at the border of the two.

As mentioned above, 5mm drop actually belongs to the medium drop category. However, feel-wise, you will not feel much of a difference, between a 4mm and a 5mm drop.

Also, this drop will not feel as high as an 8mm drop. Basically from the drop category perspective, this is right in the grey zone.