What is Drop in Sneakers?

Shoe drop refers to the difference in height between the heel and the front (forefoot) part of the shoe. In simple terms, if a shoe has a 10mm drop, it means that the heel is 10mm higher than the forefoot. Most mainstream shoes have a significant drop, usually ranging from 8-12mm.

Not to be confused with the heel of dress or fashion shoes, the drop is more subtle, although its impact on the biomechanics of the body can be significant.

What is the Purpose of the Drop?

The concept of drop first emerged in athletic footwear design, particularly in running shoes. The idea was to help runners who tended to land on their heels (a common but not ideal running technique) mitigate impact. By slightly elevating the heel, the goal was to reduce direct impact with the ground and supposedly prevent injuries such as plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis.

However, what started as a tool to correct incorrect running technique quickly spread to almost all types of sports shoes. Over time, the use of the drop expanded beyond its initial purpose. Today, the drop in many shoe models is not only justified as a functional measure, but also as an aesthetic element. The inclination of the foot produced by the drop can make the shoe look "modern", it also gives a certain height to the wearer and increases the "leg slenderness". This has led to its inclusion in almost all shoes on the market without considering the health consequences.

Problems Associated with Drop

1. Alteration of Natural Posture: The drop alters the natural alignment of the body. With the heel elevated, the body tends to lean forward, which forces the pelvis and spine to adjust their posture to maintain balance. This change in posture can create tension in the lower back, hips and knees, increasing the risk of chronic pain and injury.

2. Incorrect Weight Redistribution: In a natural stance, the body's weight is evenly distributed across the entire foot, with special emphasis on the midfoot (arch) and heels. However, the drop shifts the weight to the metatarsals (front of the foot), increasing pressure on this area and leading to possible problems such as metatarsalgia or neuromas.

3. Achilles Tendon and Calf Muscles: Constantly wearing high-drop shoes keeps the Achilles tendon in a shortened position, which reduces its elasticity over time. This lack of flexibility can make the tendon more susceptible to injury, especially during activities that require greater extension of the foot, such as running or jumping.

   In addition, the calf muscles (gastrocnemius) are also shortened by this altered posture, which not only affects ankle mobility but can also contribute to increased stress on the arch of the foot and cause problems with the plantar fascia.

4. Decreased Proprioception and Control: Proprioception is the body's ability to sense its position in space. A shoe with a drop decreases the foot's connection to the ground, which reduces the sensitivity and control we have over our steps. This can increase the risk of sprains and falls, especially on uneven ground.

5. Muscle and Joint Compensations: The tilt of the foot due to the drop creates muscle and joint imbalances throughout the kinetic chain. The hips, knees and ankles must compensate for the altered posture, which can generate incorrect movement patterns and lead to overload in certain joints, increasing the risk of injuries such as patellar tendonitis, tibial periostitis or overload of the tensor fascia lata.

The worrying thing is that nowadays, drop is often incorporated into shoe design for aesthetic rather than functional reasons. Many manufacturers have adopted drop as a standard feature, without considering how it affects the user’s health. This means that even people who don’t run regularly, or who have a correct running technique, are using footwear that alters their natural posture and movement, all for the “modern” look of the shoe.

At ROOTS BAREFOOT, we believe in the importance of respecting the body's natural anatomy and biomechanics . That's why we advocate a more natural, drop-free approach to footwear. Drop-free footwear, known as barefoot or minimalist footwear, allows the foot to maintain its natural posture and functionality. This promotes proper body alignment, balanced weight distribution, and progressive strengthening of the foot muscles.

Going barefoot not only improves posture and balance, but it also allows you to reconnect with the way the human body was designed to move. By freeing your feet from the drop, you are choosing a path to greater health and well-being.

Conclusion

The drop in shoes, although born with good intentions, has evolved to become a standard that is often more aesthetic than functional. This evolution has had multiple negative effects on the body's biomechanics, from altered posture to reduced proprioception. Opting for a drop-free shoe , such as ROOTS BAREFOOT, is a step towards a more natural, healthy and balanced stride.

If you're ready to experience the benefits of a natural gait, we invite you to explore our collection of barefoot footwear at ROOTS BAREFOOT. It's time to free your feet from the drop and allow your body to move naturally!