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10 Best High Drop Running Shoes | Ideal for Achilles Or Ankle Mobility Issues

Last Updated on by Trisha Leigh, Amanda Brooks
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We’ve tested a ton of high drop running shoes and have rounded our favorites up for you in this list.

best high drop running shoes

We’ve said over and over that there is no running shoe that is going to be perfect for every runner in every situation – and when it comes to a low or high drop, your needs could change as you age or deal with injuries, too.

High drop refers to running shoes with a heel-to-toe drop between 12mm-10mm, so definitely higher than your 8mm average shoe. They’re beneficial for runners who are dealing with Achilles issues, and also those with limited ankle mobility.

We’re going to talk about those problems and more below, so lock in and let’s chat.

Who Needs a High Heel Drop?

Put simply, heel-to-toe drop is the difference between the height of the shoe at the heel and the height of the shoe at the forefoot. It’s also sometimes called offset, and ranges from 0mm to 14mm.

High drop shoes used to be the standard, but have slowly been falling out of favor with runners for various reasons (a big one being the lower drop seems to reduce force in the knee). There is still a place for them on the shelves though, especially if you have some specific physical concerns.

One of those is irritated calves or Achilles, which are unloaded in a higher drop shoe. The higher heel drop eases range-of-motion requirements on that part of your leg.

Runners dealing with posterior tib issues or simply a lack of range of motion at the ankles might also benefit.

10 Best High Drop Running Shoes

There are still quite a few high drop running shoes out there to choose from, and our goal is to take some of the pressure off you. Our team of testers covers all kinds of paces and goals, so no matter where you fall in the pack, we’re sure one of these shoes is going to work for you.

So, for our money, these are the 10 best high drop running shoes on the market.

Go To High Drop Daily Trainer: Brooks Ghost 18

We logged a ton of miles in this shoe, and now we’re ready to tell you what makes them a high drop winner for so many runners.

First up, this is a very durable, comfortable shoe with 1.5mm more cushion than previous versions, but still doesn’t have a huge stack. The Ghost 18 is firm and can handle a whole lot of miles.

It’s also light enough to not slow you down on race day, which can make this shoe an easy grab for some runners. The Ghost is also affordable, making it versatile enough to go from every day to race day without skipping a beat.

Brooks Ghost 18 Review

The Ghost 18 is your dependable daily training shoe. If you want something that’s going to hold up run after run without making you think too hard about it, this is it. It’s not your race shoe; it’s not your speed workout shoe. It’s the one you reach for the rest of the time, and it does that job really well.

Max Cushion Daily Trainer: Nike Vomero 18

For easy days and long runs, the Nike Vomero 18 just might be your new best friend. Despite it’s look, it’s not heavy or clunky, and will make you happy no matter how many miles you’re putting on them.

Admittedly, Coach Amanda has moved away from a lot of higher drop shoes, but was smitten with these pretty quickly and they now have a place in her weekly training.

The shoes are soft but also durable, so these will last you as long as you want to keep them, and has a decent energy return for a daily trainer.

When you start getting in to high stack shoes, it’s really easy to get something a bit mushy or that sucks away the energy. These aren’t bouncy like a carbon plated race shoe, but almost give you that same impression. It’s a really comfortable ride for those long mileage days or for a great easy run. You’ll see the Puma mentioned below is better for recovery runs because it is much softer.

    • Weight: 11.5 oz Men’s, 9.3 oz Women’s
    • Heel drop: 10 mm
    • Available in 6 colors
    • Not available in wide
    • Available now on nike.com for $155
    • Read our full review of the Nike Vomero 18 >>

Best High Drop Stability Shoe: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25

The “GTS” stands for “Go-To-Support,” and this shoe is really made for runners who need max stability and support, while still prioritizing comfort. It’s lighter than ever, even with the unique GuideRails support system that helps keel the body aligned.

Combined with the high drop of 12mm, these shoes gently guide the foot and ankle into proper alignment.

The new model coming Fall 2025 will be dropping to a 10mm. It’s definitely a sign that things are changing and as the brands add more cushion, they have to decrease the drop to keep the shoe stable.Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25Brooks is going to be on the list a lot because they still create a lot of 10mm heel drop shoes, where other brands like Hoka have started at 4-5mm and stuck to it.

The Adrenaline is a classic stability shoe favorite and that’s why we’ve made it to model 25. The Adrenaline does a great job of giving you that cushioned feeling, alongside the guidance to stop your foot from dropping inward.

Best Lighter weight Shoe: Mizuno Wave Rider 29

Mizuno called their Wave Rider 28 the “ultimate daily trainer,” but this update makes us feel like the 29 actually deserves the title instead.

They have durable cushions, aren’t flashy, but can go the distance on a training day or a race day. Their ENERZY NXT midsole compound is “designed to maximize energy return and cushioning for optimum performance.”Mizuno Wave Rider 29 ReviewThe shoe is soft but not squishy, and the firmness is what a lot of people look for in a high drop shoe. This provides much needed stability if your heels and/or ankles feel like they need some help, but remains soft enough with a good energy return as well.

The 1mm higher stack height adds a little weight, but this version does feel a little softer and faster than the 28.

The Pebax Mizuno Wave plate felt a little stiff in the 28, but either due to the higher stack or lower heel drop in the 29, the shoe felt softer while still offering its trademark stability.

Durable 10mm Heel Drop Daily Trainer: Nike Pegasus 41

The Nike Pegasus has been one of the most popular running shoes for decades, and it’s definitely become a go to running shoe around here. We like that this isn’t a big max cushioned trainer, which is overkill for a lot folks.

Instead, it’s a moderate cushion that’s going to feel good for plenty of miles and allow you to pick up the pace or just keep it at an easy cruise.Nike Pegasus Stack heightThe full ReactX form midsole feels fantastic, and feels good and sturdy underfoot without being overly soft.

The outsole is durable, the breathable mesh up to keeps your foot feeling fresh and dry, and a firm heel counter keeps your foot locked in place. It’s a great choice for longer runs, and is able to go the distance for 300+ miles, too.

And even though it’s a great choice for weekday runs, it can also deliver during marathon training.

As an added plus, Nike is working to reduce its carbon footprint, and this shoe reduces their impact by 43%.

Best Max Cushion Shoe: Saucony Triumph 24

The Triumph is cushioned, comfortable, and energetic – a great combination for your daily miles and especially those long easy miles.

The incrediLUX foam is meant to feel plush and responsive underfoot while also dramatically reducing the shoe weight as compared to traditional TPU foams used in prior models.

While Saucony reduced the weight of the Triumph from 9.2oz in a men’s size to 8.8oz in this latest version, they also increased the stack height on the shoe, changing it from a moderate stack height to a true max stack height contender.

The prior model of the Triumph had a 37mm stack height, while the Triumph 24 clocks in at 43mm at the heel. What amazed me was the ability of Saucony to make this change while keeping the shoe so lightweight and durable – a big upgrade for my peak training feet!

The outsole of the Triumph 24 is pretty standard rubber that feels durable and supportive on the road and on the treadmill.

Sauconyh Triumph 24 Foam

While I wouldn’t reach for these shoes for uptempo workouts or speedier days, I do think these shoes are incredibly wearable for long, easy miles and for non-running activities alike.

Best Recovery Run Shoe: Puma Forever Run Nitro 2

The Puma Forever Run Nitro 2 is super comfortable and light,  and we think it would be great for providing the support needed on recovery days. This is their max cushioned stability running shoe, and they’ve put a lot of thought into how it works.Puma Foreverrun Nitro 2 OverviewThe shoes flares out in spots that create the most stability, and employs a more rigid heel counter to add support. This structure keeps your foot in place as you pick up the pace.

The wider midsole and dual-density NITROFOAM gives you enough cushion to be comfortable on longer runs, and Puma improved the fit by adding a rolled heel collar.

Overall, these are a good, everyday shoe that will give you the support you need to log extra miles, and the comfort you crave along the way.

Light Weight High Drop: On Cloudrunner 3

Out of the box, these shoes look stylish and comfortable, and once we slipped them on, they definitely did not disappoint.

This mild stability trainer is comfortable and perfect for everyday runs. The stability aspects are easy to ignore, which makes it a great daily trainer for people who don’t want to be reminded they’re wearing a shoe for that purpose.

ON CLOUD RUNNER 3 Review

Its moderate cushion and decent energy return leaves it light underfoot, and is likely to sit in the sweet spot for many runners.

Best High Drop Trail Shoe: Nike Wildhorse 10

At under 10mm this one could be a stretch for high drop, but there aren’t a ton of high drop trail shoes and even less that we would truly recommend. Meanwhile, we’re really impressed with this shoe for a lot of runners.

If trail running is your think, you might be looking for a high drop shoe that can offer you support on the trail – and the Nike Wildhorse 10 delivers.Nike Wildhorse 10 ReviewThis shoe is breathable, protects your ankles from debris, features a Trail ATC outsole, and has a ReactX foam midsole that gives it a responsible feel. It’s perfect for terrain that’s moderate to rolling, and reduces impact fatigue on longer runs.

We did think the shoe has reduced ground feel that left us a bit disconnected from the trail, but on longer runs, you don’t want to feel every root or rock, either.

Overall, these trainers were great for offering extra support on trail runs, while not trading any comfort if you run longer distances.

Best Lower Stack Height: Adidas Supernova Rise 3

It’s got a lower stack height than many max cushioned shoes, so if that’s what you’re looking for, you should definitely give this a try. Runners who overstride and heel strike could also find that reduced stack height beneficial to their training.

If you’re someone who likes to feel as if you’re cruising for those daily miles, this firm sole may not be the best choice. They do need a bit of a break-in period, especially if you’ve been running on higher stack, super cushioned shoes.

adidas supernova rise 3 specs

We think it’ll be a really solid option for mid and back-of-the-pack runners training for their first marathon or even half-marathon.

It’s cushioned, supportive, and now has a smoother ride that makes those longer miles feel a little more approachable.

Heel drop isn’t the most important thing when deciding on a shoe, but it’s right up there with overall feel underfoot.

And remember, just because you’ve always run in one type of shoe, it doesn’t mean you always will. Our needs change as we train and as we age. Don’t be afraid to step in to something new and especially if you order from most of the brands we’ve reviewed you’ll find a good 30 day return policy so you can test it out!

We hope this list was helpful to you on your journey to finding the perfect running shoe for you.

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Category: Buyer's Guides, Running Shoe Reviews
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Author

Trisha Leigh
Trisha Leigh Ziegenhorn is a published author of fiction and has been writing web content for more than a decade. When she’s not working, she’s wrangling her three young boys, walking her too-large dog, or listening to an audiobook (sometimes all three at once!). You can find out more about her writing at http://lylapayne.com.

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