Why do the elite runners don't use zero drop shoes?

Because they are slower than shoes with two inches of stack.

Because they want to go fast and not be injured.

ethiopian wrote:

After reading "Anatomy for runners", I am kinda sold on zero drop shoes and plan to transition slowly to them (within a year). However, I don't understand why the best elite marathon runners don't use them if they were so much better?

I think some ultra dudes like Zack Bitter use zero drop, but don't remember seeing anyone winning a marathon or half wearing one. I don't think Nike/Adidas even have zero drop road running shoes.

Any thoughts?

I ran and won a marathon in Altra's in 2:17.

I liked the shoes, but had persistent injury problems running only in Altras even after transitioning and then using them for nearly two years. I switched to Hoka/Nike/Saucony and have been healthy ever since.

I think the Zero Drop platform is great for trail running because it allows really great agility and stability on rough terrain. For road running, it is just too harsh on the legs.

I'll take things that didn't happen for $500, Alex.

Aaron, is that you?!

To the OP: I read Anatomy for Runners a few years ago (while I was in PT school). It's interesting, but purely theoretical. Likewise, there's no hard science behind why zero drop would be beneficial, just a good theoretical narrative. I agree with "Altra runnr" though, that they feel great on trails but can be a little harsher on the pavement. I think Altra and other zero drop shoes are great to have in the quiver, but for many elites will not be great for exclusive use.

Whatever the drop is on Nike monstrosities should be what you use.

I think it started as the drop on the Adidas shoe DK wore, then evolved from there.

Hobbyjoggin Henry wrote:

Altra runnr wrote:

I ran and won a marathon in Altra's in 2:17.

I liked the shoes, but had persistent injury problems running only in Altras even after transitioning and then using them for nearly two years. I switched to Hoka/Nike/Saucony and have been healthy ever since.

I think the Zero Drop platform is great for trail running because it allows really great agility and stability on rough terrain. For road running, it is just too harsh on the legs.

I'll take things that didn't happen for $500, Alex.

Is this proof enough for you?

indeed,

torn achilles tendons can happen to even the best runners, and that i high drop shoes.

I personally love zero drop, but would never run more than 10k in them.

Too funny. Hobbyjoggin Henry gets smacked down.

Checkmate

I don't think Altras are any better on trails than they are on roads. I just think that trailrunners are more open to trying them out. I also think that Altra sponsors a lot more trailrunners than roadrunners and that's their main market.

Altra runnr wrote:

Hobbyjoggin Henry wrote:

I'll take things that didn't happen for $500, Alex.

Is this proof enough for you?

https://www.instagram.com/p/BpuN3sznU0d/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Looks photoshopped. Guy looks to be going 12 min pace at best

npurdy1112 wrote:

Looks photoshopped. Guy looks to be going 12 min pace at best

Haha, i probably was going 12 minute pace by that point. Total bonk. Staggered to the finish. Quads were trashed.

Altra runnr wrote:

Hobbyjoggin Henry wrote:

I'll take things that didn't happen for $500, Alex.

Is this proof enough for you?

https://www.instagram.com/p/BpuN3sznU0d/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

When I'm an old man I'll tell this story to my grand kids so many times they'll know it by heart and repeat it to their grand kids and it will live on through the ages.

And thats why you don't use zero drop shoes.

OP, remember the Vibram 5 Finger? I have never seen a runner in those who was NOT running on concrete. Zero drop, Nike Free, minimalist shoes (including your Altras) should be run on soft surfaces. Trails are not soft surfaces.

The ideal place to run in zero drop and minimalist shoes are golf courses, Pre's Trail, mega soccer complexes (8 fields).

I wish you guys had been more patient with the Nike Free. And that Nike had put outersole rubber on the heel and the ball areas for more durability.

Camille Herron was a Minimalist runner before she jumped on the Vaporfly train.

http://naturalrunningcenter.com/2012/02/02/minimalist-average-runner-elite-marathoner-237/

Why are you posting Instagram pictures of other people?

+1

I used Altras for a while but now I’m back to Nike’s. Zero drop puts a lot of stress on the Calf and Achilles.