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There are a lot of running shoes available on the market that has a medium heel-to-toe drop. Most running shoe companies manufacture them. If you try to find 5mm heel drop running shoes, it becomes a bit tedious.

This category is dominated by Hoka One One and you will get a variety of shoes that has a 5mm drop.

If you are short on time and don’t want to spend it reading this whole article, you can blindly go with Hoka Clifton 8.

This is one of the shoes that are at the top of the list and in my mind.

Most of the popular shoe companies like Brooks, New Balance, Nike, Mizuno, and Salomon don’t manufacture a running shoe that has a 5mm drop.

Asics and Adidas do manufacture them, but with the overwhelming number of models that they have, it is tedious to find such a shoe.

Now being said, we know that you don’t have that kind of time to go through the overwhelming choices that are there.

So, we have come up with a list of the 10 best 5mm drop running shoes that will narrow down the search for you.

We have included shoes for every type of runner like overpronation, underpronation, neutral, road, and trail runners. Hopefully, you will find your match.

10 Best 5mm Drop Running Shoes

1. Hoka Clifton 8

2. Hoka Mach 4

3. Hoka Rincon 3

4. ASICS Magic Speed

5. ASICS GlideRide 2

6. Hoka Challenger ATR 6

7. Hoka Carbon X3

8. ON Cloudflash

9. Topo Athletic ULTRAFLY 3

10. Topo Athletic ULTRAVENTURE 2

Best 5mm Heel Drop Running Shoes (Detailed Review)

Hoka Clifton 8

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The first running shoe that we have in the 5mm heel drop category is Hoka Clifton 8. If you are not living under the rock, then you must have heard about Clifton.

Also, if you are a long-term runner, you may also have used one. Nonetheless, Clifton is one of the best running shoes in the market and tops our 5mm heel drop chart.

Clifton comes from the house of Hoka and is a very well-cushioned running shoe. It has excellent forefoot and rearfoot cushioning which comes from CMEVA or compression-molded EVA.

The heel stack of Hoka Clifton is 37mm and the forefoot is 32mm which is equal to 37mm-32mm=5mm heel-to-toe drop.

Although having a lowish drop, Clifton has a huge amount of cushioning which is evident from its high heel and forefoot stack.

Apart from excellent cushioning, Clifton is a good-looking and stylish shoe. With the incorporation of the extended pull tab and a contrasting color of the collar, its appeal has increased further.

The running platform is also very stable and it will do an excellent job at shock absorption in landing on forefoot or midfoot.

It comes with a beveled heel, however, that is not used in the calculation of the heel-to-toe drop of Clifton. This would have reduced the drop further.

This is not used because, to measure the height of the heel and the forefoot, you will have to place the shoe on a flat surface and measure the heel height and the forefoot height from that surface.

Pros

• Good fit and style.
• No breaking-in period is needed.
• Available in two widths, regular and wide.
• Excellent for foot issues like metatarsalgia and bunions.

Cons

• Not good for long toes.

Hoka Mach 4

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Hoka Mach is an everyday running shoe and comes with responsive PROFLY cushioning. It is shock-absorbing and snappy and is excellent for racing.

This is a very lightweight shoe with a weight of around 7.2oz. Hoka Mach 4 also has a very close cousin called Hoka Mach Supersonic. It has very similar features to that of Hoka Mach.

The only difference that I found is the slight difference in weight and the additional pull tab ribbon that is not present in Hoka Mach.

From the cushioning level perspective, both are equivalent, and here is why…

The kind of cushioning that they use is the same PROFLY and the heel-to-toe drop and both stack heights are the same.

I’m digressing…let’s get back to Hoka Mach 4.

Hoka Mach 4 has a heel stack of 35mm and the forefoot stack of 30mm. So the heel-to-toe offset of Hoka Mach is 5mm, which is the same as Clifton as mentioned above.

However, the level of cushioning of Hoka Mach is slightly less than Hoka Clifton which is evident from the stack height and the kind of cushioning materials used in both types of shoes.

The PROFLY material is slightly stiffer and more responsive and is great for day-to-day running and races.

This kind of drop makes it an ideal choice for runners who run on forefoot or midfoot.

Stylewise Hoka Mach looks great and is very stylish. The anatomical Achilles construction provides you with excellent Achilles support and is great for preventing blisters.

Pros

• Good for everyday running, and races.
• Very responsive.
• Stylish.
• Early-stage meta-rocker.
• Good for sesamoiditis.

Cons

• Not available in a wider fit.

Related: Hoka Mach Vs Arahi: Which Hoka Should You Choose?

Hoka Mach Vs Bondi: Which Hoka One One Should Your Choose?

Hoka Rincon 3

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Like the previous two, Hoka Rincon is also a neutral running shoe. It comes with a balanced cushioning as per Hoka.

However, when I tried it on, it feels more like plush cushioning, and you won’t be feeling the unevenness of the roads.

Being a balanced cushioned shoe, it provides you with good responsiveness. Hoka Rincon is good for running longer distances and will keep you comfortable.

Unlike Hoka Mach, Rincon has high abrasive rubber pasted on the high wear and tear areas. This ensures that Rincon has an excellent grip on the roads and will last you for a long time.

Now coming back to the drop of this shoe, Hoka Rincon like all the previous Hoka running shoes on this list, has a drop of 5mm.

Hoka Rincon has a heel stack of 33mm and a forefoot stack of 28mm, the difference of which comes as 5mm.

Although Rincon and Clifton belong to the same category of shoes with neutral pronation and balanced cushioning, the cushioning level of Clifton is slightly higher than that of Rincon.

This is very evident from the stack height difference between these two shoes, however, when you wear these shoes, you will be very comfortable.

Also, having a slightly lesser stack height makes Rincon a bit more responsive which is not there in Clifton and you will feel the slight dampening of the energy return when you wear Clifton.

So, although both the shoes have the same drop with respect to heel-to-toe, the experience that you will get out of these two shoes is very different.

Pros

• Responsive.
• Good for a marathon.
• Prevents blisters.
• Well-cushioned.
• Stylish but traditional.

Cons

• The tongue feels thin.
• The fitting is a bit snug.

Related: Why Do Hokas Hurt Your Feet? (All models explained)

ASICS Magic Speed

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This is the first ASICS running shoe on our list that has a 5mm drop. As mentioned earlier, ASICS is one of the few companies that manufacture a 5mm drop shoe.

With Hoka the predominant drop is 5mm, however, with ASICS, you will get a wide range of drops starting from a low drop, followed by mid-drop and even the high drop running shoes.

 However, each of these categories has excellent running shoes and will provide you with a great running experience.

ASICS Magic Speed is no different. It is a comfortable running shoe that is great for long-distance running as well.

This is one of the few shoes that are under $100 and has a carbon fiber plate in them. With a mix of FLYTEFOAM, Carbon Fiber Plate, and GUIDESOLE, this is one of the most efficient shoes around.

However, since this is on this list, it also has a drop of 5mm.

Why?

The heel stack of ASICS Magic Speed is 34mm and the forefoot stack is 29mm. The difference between the two is 5mm. In other words, the heel-to-toe offset of ASICS Magic Speed is 5mm.

This is a very efficient running shoe, however, looks-wise it is not at all traditional. It is very stylish to look at and will definitely make you stand out in a crowd.

Also, this is a very lightweight shoe that is great for longer distances where every extra gram matters.

Pros

• Lightweight.
• Stylish.
• Cushy.
• Pocket friendly with carbon fiber plate.

Cons

• Sizing seems to be an issue.
• Loosening of laces will be required to slip it on.

ASICS GlideRide 2

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ASICS GlideRide 2 is the second and last Asics running shoe on this list. It is a max cushioned running shoe and is excellent for long-distance running.

 The side profile of Asics GlideRide looks very similar to that of Asics Magic Speed, however, the technologies that it uses are completely different.

One thing of GlideRide is very similar to Hoka other than the drop is that it also uses a rocker midsole.

This makes your running feel more effortless and you can run longer with less tiredness.

The primary midsole material of this shoe is the FlyteFoam. However, to make this shoe more bouncy it comes with an additional layer of FlyteFoam Propel. This makes the shoe feel more energetic and is very responsive.

Despite being max-cushioned the drop of this shoe is 5mm. The heel stack of Asics GlideRide 2 is 40mm and the forefoot stack is 35mm.

This is the most cushioned running shoe in this 5mm heel drop running shoes list. This is a fact shoe and has a different appeal than the rest of the running shoes on this list.

Although max cushioned, it doesn’t look as bulky as a Hoka shoe. On the contrary, it looks sleek and stylish and has a strikingly different design.

It comes with a comfortable in-shoe experience with a well-padded collar. The tongue is definitely more padded than Asics Magic Speed and will keep you comfortable.

Like most running shoes, Asics GlideRide also has adopted a flat lace design. It is made from polyester and will remain tied throughout your running session.

It is one of the most comfortable shoes in the 5mm heel drop category.

Pros

• Shock absorbing.
• Great for uptempo runs.
• Stylish.
• Maximal cushioning.

Cons

• Not good for anything else other than running.

Hoka Challenger ATR 6

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Hoka Challenger ATR 6 is a trail running shoe that can be used on the roads as well. It is good for any kind of trail and for roads that are not too smooth.

It is well cushioned and is great at shock absorption. The cushioning level of the Hoka Challenger ATR is high. It is slightly higher than Clifton which has balanced cushioning.

The midsole of the Hoka Challenger ATR is made from CMEVA or compression-molded EVA which is the same material as Clifton.

Also, the overall cushioning height of both the forefoot and the heels is the same as the Clifton.

Hoka Challenger ATR has a heel-to-toe drop of 5mm. The forefoot stack measures 32mm whereas the heel stack measures 37mm providing an effective drop of 5mm.

This is a shoe that is true to size with arch support of medium to high arches.

The upper has dual-layer mesh that is breathable and comfortable and is built with Unifi REPREVE recycled yarn.

It has a textured TPU toe cap that increases toe protection and saves you from unlikely injuries.

Since this is a trail running shoe, it has sizable lugs on its outsole. The individual lug length is around 4mm and provides reliable traction on the trails.

Like Clifton, Hoka Challenger also comes with an early-stage meta rocker. This helps you with an easier heel-to-toe transition and an overall lesser effort in running.

Pros

• Very comfortable.
• Decent-sized lugs for stability on terrains.
• Can work on multiple surfaces.
• Eco-friendly.
• Gusseted tongue.

Cons

• Lateral stability is less.

Related: Hoka Vs New Balance: Which Brand Is Right For You?

Hoka Carbon X 3

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This is the last Hoka running shoe on this list, I promise.

Hoka Carbon X 3 is a bit different than the rest of the Hokas that we have listed above. It is the one that has a carbon fiber plate and provides your feet with an additional pep.

To improve the peppiness of this running shoe along with using a carbon fiber plate, Hoka has combined PROFLY with CMEVA. PROFLY being more responsive adds another bit of snappiness to the cushioning.

Since this is in this list obviously the drop of this shoe is 5mm. Now, let’s check the stack height of these shoes…

The heel stack of Hoka Carbon X 3 is 37mm whereas the forefoot stack is around 32mm. This makes the overall heel drop as 5mm.

The level of cushioning of Carbon X 3 is similar to that of Clifton or Challenger ATR. However, the sole of Carbon X feels snappier than both of these shoes.

One of the reasons is, that the composition of the midsole is completely different than that of Clifton or Challenger.

Looks wise, Carbon X has the typical look of Hoka. It looks broad and big and comes with an integrated tongue.

This is great as the tongue will not move around and be uncomfortable. However, this makes one thing a bit problematic…you have to loosen the laces so that you can wear the shoes.

Also, the laces are flat and they remain tied throughout your running session. It comes with an extended pull-tab and this makes wearing this somewhat easier.

This also provides a bit of additional Achilles support and makes your running that much easier.

Pros

• Cushy and shock absorbing.
• Excellent responsiveness.
• Good for multi-sport.

Cons

• A bit snug.
• Expensive.

ON Cloudflash

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ON Cloudflash looks more like a cycling shoe than a running shoe. But trust me, this is one of the best running shoes that you will ever run in.

However, ON Cloudflash is meant for shorter distances. If you run 10K or shorter distances, then it is one of the best running shoes out there. However, for longer distances, you may not be as comfortable in them.

This is refined over the years after taking feedback from the elite runners and what you have now is one of the fastest running shoes around.

It comes with two layers of Helion-powered CloudTec which means better cushioning and you will be able to feel the ground better.

Also, it has a carbon fiber-infused Speedboard that will deliver a more responsive ride.

The heel area is lower and has molded padding. This provides you with a more secure fit.

And of course, this has a drop of 5mm with a heel stack of 20mm and a forefoot stack of 15mm. This is the smallest stack height in the entire list of running shoes with 5mm drop or less.

Pros

• Good for shorter distances.
• Excellent shock absorption.
• Lightweight.

Cons

• Would have preferred a bit more tongue padding.

Topo Athletic ULTRAFLY 3

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Topo Athletic is another brand other than Hoka that has a lot of running shoes that have 5mm drop.

Also, primarily a trail running brand, this is advantageous as there are hardly any 5mm shoes in other brands.

Although there are a lot of options to choose from, we have chosen two of them as including all the models that are available in this category is virtually impossible.

Feel free to do your research if you don’t the one that we have chosen…

The first model that we would like to show you is the Topo Athletic Ultrafly 3.

In this model, Ultrafly is introducing a new type of foam that is lighter and offers you more rebound than EVA. This foam is called Zipfoam.

Due to this foam, Ultrafly has become lighter and more responsive than the previous version…Also, technically this puts you in a position to run longer miles and enjoy more runs.

Ultrafly provides you with some stability with the use of medial posts. However, if you are a runner with severe overpronation, then this may not be the right shoe for you.

This running shoe is a bit heavier than some of the shoes on this list.

It has a rubber outsole, and is excellent with grip on the roads…yes, this is a road running shoe…

The drop of this running shoe is 5mm as expected. The heel stack is around 30mm and the forefoot stack is around 25mm. The difference between this two comes down to 5mm.

Pros

• Good for road running and longer distances.
• Moderate stability.
• Good arch support.

Cons

• Heavy.

Topo Athletic ULTRAVENTURE 2

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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.

Also, the Vibram XS Tek Outsole is great for better durability and traction.

And obviously, this is a 5mm drop running shoe. The heel stack of this shoe measures 34mm whereas the forefoot stack measures 29mm. So the effective drop of Topo Athletic ULTRAVENTURE is 5mm.

Pros

• Great for technical trails.
• Very cushy.
• Multidirectional lugs for excellent traction.

Cons

• Not good for runners with bunions.

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.

Related Articles

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Blisters are a nuisance. Those fluid-filled bubbles are annoying, to begin with, and when they pop, they become painful…And takes days to heal and leaves nasty scars…

Plus, with them, you can hardly run as they will constantly remind you that they are there with their pain and persistent irritation…

However, if you have to stop walking or your regular exercise because of that, the problem is twofold….first you have to bear the trouble of having a blister plus your health goals will suffer…

Then again, you really cannot do much, if you have blister-prone feet…or can you?

If you think that this is a lost cause, then take a look at New Balance 874v4…I’m not saying that it will take away all your blister problems, but it will surely minimize them…This is an effective solution if you have blister-prone feet…

However, if you are not a fan of New Balance or you want to try out some other shoe or you are just simply curious, check out the rest of the walking shoes in our below list of “best walking shoes for blister-prone feet“. Hopefully, they will help…

Top 10 Walking Shoes For Blister Prone Feet

1. New Balance 874v4

2. Brooks Addiction Walker 2

3. New Balance 577v5

4. Brooks Ariel’20

5. New Balance 877v1

6. Newton Kismet 8

7. RYKA Devotion PLUS 2

8. Skechers GO Walk JOY-15641

9. ADIDAS Questar Flow NXT

10. Under Armour Charged Assert 9

Best Walking Shoes For Blister-Prone Feet (Detailed Review)

Related: 10 Best Running Shoes For Blister-Prone Feet (Highly Rated)

New Balance 847v4

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The first walking shoe on the list is New Balance 847v4. I always like New Balance shoes due to the comfortable width that they provide.

New Balance 847 is also not an exception…

But why is required if you are trying to avoid blisters?

First of all, if your toes are cramped in a smaller toe-box, they will rub against one another. This friction will generate heat and will create blisters.

Also, a similar thing will happen with the walls of the shoes that will get rubber against the sides of your feet. This increases the probability of getting a blister.

However, with a wider toe-box like that in New Balance 874, such a problem will not occur and your toes can easily splay without getting rubbed against the walls of the shoe.

Also, the overall fit of the New Balance 847 is wideish and it doesn’t rub against your feet to cause irritation and blisters.

The inner lining of this shoe is smooth and doesn’t have any stitches. This makes it very comfortable and doesn’t irritate your skin.

Also, the heel cup area is decent and locks in your feet. It doesn’t slip to cause excessive friction. The padding of the tongue and collar also is an added protection to the skin of the feet.

That is why it is a very good walking shoe to protect you against blisters.

Pros

• No-sew upper.
• Different widths are available.
• Engineered mesh for added breathability.
• Smooth interiors.
• Good stabilization of feet.

Cons

• Boring to look at.

Brooks Addiction Walker 2

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Brooks Addiction Walker has been a crowd favorite for some time now. They are roomy, comfortable, and have great cushioning.

But will they work for your blister-prone feet?

Let’s find out.

Brooks Addiction Walker comes in different styles of upper with essentially the same midsole and outsole.

It has a mesh version and a leather one. One of the versions even comes with a velcro strap instead of laces.

What is common in all these uppers is that all of them are very comfortable…

The toe-box of this shoe is roomy and accomadates your natural splay easily. This way you won’t feel cramped and suffocated. Your toes will have enough space to wiggle and they won’t rub against each other avoiding any friction between them.

This will help in avoiding any potential blisters that may form in between your toes.

Also, having enough wiggle space helps in not rubbing off your feet against the walls of the shoe. This way, the sides of your big toe and little toe are safe from blisters.

It has some stitching on its upper. However, you won’t be able to feel them from the inside of the shoe. In other words, the stiches will not irritate your skin to cause blisters.

However, there is one concern that you may have with this shoe, which I also had. The upper is made from a leather like material. This restricts the breathability of the shoe to certain extent.

If you have a naturally sweaty feet, then it is best to avoid this type of upper. Go for the one which has mesh in the upper and you will be able to not have to worry about the beathability of the shoe.

Brooks Addiction has a well-padded collar and tongue and will provide you with excellent comfort and stability. This also minimizes any further mivement. Also, the heel cup is good and holds your heels in place.

All these measures help you to avoid any potential blisters that may occur.

Pros

• True to size.
• Wideish overall fit.
• Good for standing all day.
• Squarish front area for more room.

Cons

• Needs to be broken in.
• Makes a squishy sound.

NEW BALANCE 577v5

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New Balance 577v5 is not only a walking shoe and can be used for everyday training as well. It is stable and comfortable.

The cushioning of this shoe comes from CUSH+ midsole and memory insert that provides you with ultra-soft underfoot cushioning.

The upper is made from breathable mesh. This keeps the airflow in the shoe proper during your walking. Also, the material is sweat-wicking, keeping your feet dry. This helps you to avoid blisters due to moisture and heat generated during workouts.

You find some overlays on the upper of this shoe. These overlays, however, are no-sew, which means that you will not have to deal with irritation due to exposed stitches.

The inner lining of the shoe is smooth and will not rub against your feet to create hot zones that later convert into blisters.

The overall fit is also comfortable and provides your feet with enough room to expand without being squished. This is why you may not have to deal with blisters while wearing this shoe.

Also, this is available in wide as well, providing comfort to runners with wide feet.

The heel cup and the overall heel area are also decently padded and smooth. It will not slip and slide and will not cause blisters on your heels or your ankle area. I would have loved the collar padding to be a bit more, but the price range at which this is available provides good enough padding and stability.

The skin of the top of your foot is protected by the decently padded tongue which sits in between the foot and the flat laces. The padding of the tongue could have been better, but, nonetheless, it provides ample protection for you against the rubbing of the laces against your feet.

Overall, I like the shoe and it has all the measures in please to avoid any blisters during walking or training.

Pros

• No-sew overlays on the upper.
• Available in standard and wide fit.
• Stylish and breathable.
• Multipurpose.

Cons

• Not enough arch support.

BROOKS ARIEL’20

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I know I know…

This is not a typical walking shoe, for that matter, it is a proper running shoe and yes it is…

However, you can comfortably use it for walking and you will not be let down. Plus, this is a motion control shoe which is a bit hard to find in a typical walking shoe.

Nonetheless, Brooks Ariel speaks for itself…

It is a well-made, highly cushioned workout shoe that will provide you with excellent stability and great comfort.

Can you avoid blisters in them?

Well definitely…Let me tell you how…

First of all, Ariel has a roundish and wideish toe-box…this is one of the primary requirements of any shoe in which you want to avoid blisters. The shoe should not rub your toes, nor it should squish them.

Brooks Ariel’s toe-box has enough room for you to comfortably splay your feet. It will not restrict your movements and will not create any hot zones or additional friction. This makes it perfect for someone with severe overpronation and blister-prone feet.

Another great aspect of Brooks Ariel is the mesh upper. It is very breathable and will provide you with a cool and dry space within the shoe. Also, the temperature of your feet will remain controlled during the walking session.

The material of the inside of the shoe is also moisture-wicking. It will help to dry the sweat very easily.

The tongue is very well padded and the lining of it is very smooth. It is also breathable making the top of your feet very comfortable and dry. It will not move around your feet while you are walking and will not create additional friction to cause any blisters.

The same goes for the heel area. The heel cup is very well made and will not slip which is one of the primary reasons for blisters at the back of the heels.

Also, the ankle cut height is just right. This doesn’t rub against the bone of the ankle joint to create any blisters.

Overall, I like the shoe for its smoothness and stability. You may not have to deal with blisters at all if you are using this shoe.

Pros

• Breathable mesh.
• Roundish and widish toe-box.
• Very comfortable.
• Excellent stability.

Cons

• Heavy.

NEW BALANCE 877v1

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New Balance 877 is a proper walking shoe. You won’t be able to run in them. It can be used for training to a certain extent but, it is not made for such activities.

However, it does a fabulous job as a walking shoe and is get for even walking long miles or standing all day.

But will it protect against blisters as the are overlays that are stitched on the upper?

If you are concerned about that, there is nothing to worry…You won’t be able to feel those stitches from inside the shoe. So, there is very minimal chance of them rubbing against your skin.

This is good news if you have sensitive or blister-prone skin. This will not irritate your skin and will not cause further blisters.

Also, the width of the shoe is very comfortable and will not squish any part of your feet. This is great as any kind of constriction will basically create hot zones which will get converted to blisters.

The same goes for the heel area. It has a smooth lining and moisture-wicking material. This will not let your heels sweat. Also, the heel cup will keep the heels in place and will not let them slide.

This way you will be able to avoid blisters on the heels.

The tongue of this shoe is also well-padded and breathable. It has a smooth lining along with moisture-wicking material. This will not let the top of your feet sweat and rub against it to cause blisters.

This is a good shoe for standing all day or walking and you will not have to worry about breaking out in blisters.

Pros

• Stitches are not exposed inside.
• Available in 4 different widths.
• Looks vintage.
• Good for all-day standing and walking.

Cons

• The length of the shoe feels small.

NEWTON KISMET 8

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I love the look of Newton Kismet 8. This is ultra-stylish stability running shoe that can be used for walking as well.

It has a gender-shaped fit and is very lightweight.

To make it lightweight, one of the primary contributors is the engineered mesh upper. This upper apart from being very stylish looking is very practical and breathable.

It is a no-sew upper and doesn’t have any stitches exposed on the inside of the shoe. This way, your feet will remain comfortable and they will not rub against your skin to create hot zones and blisters.

The width of the toe-box is also comfortable, it will not restrict the natural splay of your toes and is great for people who have blister-prone feet.

It will not rub against your skin and will not squish your toes, two of the primary reasons for blisters.

Also, the shoe itself is roomy and will not constrict you in any way. This way, your feet remain separated from the walls of the shoes and will not rub against them even when they expand.

This is good to avoid blisters because this is when they typically get formed.

What about the heel area?

It is very smooth and has moisture-wicking material. This will keep your heel area dry and will not let blisters form. Another reason that you may not have heel blisters is that the shoe heel doesn’t slip and locks in your heels and minimizes any type of heel movement.

Also, the overall breathability of the mesh is high, keeping your feet cool and dry during walking. This helps to avoid blisters mostly, if not completely…

Pros

• Plush and stable.
• Very stylish.
• Can be used right out of the box.
• Lightweight.
• Good for foot issues like metatarsalgia, sesamoiditis, etc.

Cons

• Length may be slight of a problem for long toes.

RYKA DEVOTION PLUS 2

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Ryka Devotion Plus 2 is a workout plus walking shoe. It has a good amount of cushioning and there is a circular zone under the ball of the big toe to add a little bit of extra pep.

The shoe is comfortable and wide and has a smooth interior. This is good for walkers who have blister-prone feet.

If the stitches are exposed inside, they will inevitably rub against the skin of your feet. This will create heat and subsequent blisters no matter the type of feet.

Having a smooth interior of Ryka Devotion Plus 2 helps you to avoid this situation.

One thing I love about Devotion Plus is that the toe-box of this shoe has a lot of depth. This means the top of the shoe will not rub against the skin of the toes. Although having a lower toe-box depth is not a problem generally, but for a person whose feet is prone to blisters, this may create a problem.

This is where Ryka Devotion Plus shines.

Also, the padded tongue and collar along with the smooth heel area protect the heel area and the top of the foot from any kind of friction that can create blisters.

It is well-ventilated and is excellent for keeping your feet cool and dry. With reduced friction and dry feet, blisters can be totally avoided, if not they will be at a minimum.

Pros

• Good depth of the toe-box.
• Additional pep due to the kind of midsole and outsole.
• No breaking-in period is needed.
• Excellent for walking and cross-training.

Cons

• Bulky.

SKECHERS GO WALK JOY-15641

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Skechers GO Walk Joy-15641 is a proper walking shoe. It is a lightweight shoe that is good for walking. However, if you want to walk long distances, it is not that helpful as cushioning is not that supportive for longer distances.

However, for shorter distances and for evening walks, they are perfect and comfortable.

The upper of Skechers GO Walk Joy is made from mesh. It is breathable and comfortable and doesn’t let your feet remain damp.

The inner of the shoe has more of a velvet kind of feeling rather than a silky soft feeling. However, that is not rough against your skin to generate heat or friction.

It will not rub against your skin to irritate it and create blisters. This is true throughout the length of the shoe and provides you with a comfortable experience.

Due to good airflow in the shoe, your feet will not become hot and sweaty. The inner lining of the shoe absorbs sweat fast and dries easily.

This keeps your feet dry and reduces the chances of blisters developing due to dampness.

The heel cup and the tongue are is padded decently. The padding is not very high but is decent enough for keeping your feet in place.

This invariably reduces further friction and will help you to keep blisters at bay…

Pros

• The upper doesn’t have any stitches.
• Good for short-distance walking.
• Lightweight.

Cons

• Not long-lasting.

ADIDAS QUESTAR FLOW NXT

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Adidas Questar Flow Nxt is a lightweight shoe for short-distance running, walking, and training purposes.

It is functional and comfortable and will help you to get your workout in. It is a no-fuss bare minimum workout shoe that is stable and supportive.

The upper of this shoe is made from mesh material making it comfortable and breathable. This keeps the airflow inside the shoe high and will keep your feet dry.

This way, your feet have fewer chances of developing blisters as the dampness that contributes to this will not be there.

Also, the inner lining is smooth and is unlikely to create hotspots and friction. This will keep blisters at bay even if you have blister-prone feet.

One thing that I found maybe a bit of a concern for this shoe is the tongue area. The tongue area has light stitches. The stitches are soft and malleable and unlikely to cause blisters.

However, if you have a severely blister-prone foot, you may have a problem with this. In this case, proper socks may be good to use and be comfortable.

Also, the thickness of the padding of the tongue is not great. You will be able to feel the laces through it. Although that may not to sufficient to cause blisters, nonetheless the feeling will be there.

This Adidas is more like the ‘cades’ that we used to use in schools (I know, those were ancient days for me)…but they have additional padding in the heel area, which is more than ‘cades’. A little more would have been better.

Pros

• No-sew upper.
• Minimalistic.
• Good breathability.
• Lightweight.

Cons

• Not enough padding on the tongue.
• The tongue has stitches.

UNDER ARMOUR CHARGED ASSERT 9

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Under Armour Charged Assert 9 is the last shoe on our list. It is a comfortable workout shoe that is great for walking.

Also, it doesn’t have the problems that the workout shoe that was previously on our list. The tongue of Under Armour Charged Assert is well padded and doesn’t have stitches on the inside.

The inside of the tongue is smooth and will not irritate the top of your feet. This way you will be able to avoid blisters on the top of the feet as the tongue will not rub against your skin.

Also since it is between the top of your foot and the laces, the laces will also not rub against your skin and the chances of blisters are further avoided.

The inner lining of the shoe is also smooth and devoid of stitches. This is also great if you have blister-prone feet.

The last but final area of concern is the heel area. The heel area is lined with a soft lining and is devoid of stitches. It is unlikely that it will create any irritation and blisters.

Also, the upper is made from mesh material and is well ventilated. This further reduces the chances of blisters as your feet will remain dry and cool.

Pros

• No-sew upper.
• No breaking-in period is needed.
• Lightweight.

Cons

• Toe-box is a bit short.

FAQ

How to select a walking shoe for blister-prone feet?

To select a walking shoe for blister prone feet, the toe box should have sufficient space, a smooth inner surface, and the heel area should be locked in.

I’ve already explained this in detail here.

Some of the things that I’ve missed there, I’ll include here:

Bunching of the insole

This is another major reason for blisters in walking shoes. Sometimes the insole may move around or may bunch up.

They rub against your underfoot generating blisters.

Old and worn shoes

If you are wearing an old shoe that is worn down, then you may get blisters. For example, the cushion of the heel area has developed a hole, and the fabric covering has come off and hanging.

Now, this may rub behind your heels creating heat and friction and a blister may develop.

How do I prevent blisters from new walking shoes?

To prevent blisters from new walking shoes, you need to select them properly so that it is overall spacious, has a smooth internal lining, a thick tongue, and collar, and good heel lock-in. Also, you need to break in the walking shoe properly.

Before purchasing online, if possible try out the shoe in a store, to check if you are feeling restricted anywhere while walking. If you are feeling restricted anywhere, then only it is a problem and blisters will surely occur. If not, then you are good to go.

Related: How To Break In New Running Shoes?

How do I prevent blisters on my feet when walking?

To prevent blisters on your feet when walking does the following:

• Select your walking shoe carefully.
• Gradually break in the walking shoe.
• Apply a thin layer of moisturizer or petroleum jelly on the feet before starting to walk.
• Wrap your feet with a soft bandage.
• Use moisture-wicking socks.
• Use socks that are specifically made to prevent blisters.
• Stop walking immediately, if you feel any kind of discomfort or irritation.

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