The Best 8mm Drop Running Shoes
The 8mm drop is one of the more popular running shoe geometries on the market today. Here, we've whittled it down to the 10 best.
The 8mm drop is the prom king shoe drops. Popular and widely liked, it's a commonly used running shoe drop that gets along well with most runners. From the plushest of max cushion cruisers to the speediest of super shoes, there are multiple great shoe options in every category. While zero drop and high drop options may be more limited, there's no shortage of choices here. Below, we've rounded up all the best 8mm drop running shoes on the market today.
The Best Running Shoes with an 8mm Drop
The 8mm drop is one of the more popular running shoe geometries on the market today. Brands like ASICS and Nike have multiple options in their lineups that use it, and almost all of Saucony's performance running lineup has an 8mm drop (9 shoes!). We've whittled the list down to the 10 best 8mm drop running shoes—and provided alternative choices for some of the more competitive categories.
1. Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 ($170): Best All-Around Running Shoe with an 8mm Drop
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 is an uptempo and everyday running shoe with a fast and comfortable ride. Part of Saucony's popular Endorphin series whose shoes are characterized by a pronounced rocker platform, the Speed 3 uses a PEBA-based foam called PWRRUN PB that provides a soft and bouncy ride. There's also a nylon plate that helps stabilize the platform and add a touch of pop. The Endorphin Speed 3 is a great do-it-all shoe because the PWRRUN PB foam is soft and compliant at slower paces but transforms into a snappy and responsive compound at faster training efforts.
Saucony Endorphin Speed 3
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2. ASICS Novablast 3 ($140): Best Daily Trainer with an 8mm Drop
The Asics Novablast 3 is a cushioned daily trainer with a comfortable and mildly responsive ride. The Novablast uses Asics' FF Blast Plus foam, a soft and durable compound that's also in the Cumulus, Gel-Nimbus and Magic Speed. The feel skews soft and relaxed, so the Novablast will be best for slower efforts for most runners. If you prefer a firmer ride, the Saucony Ride 16 is another great everyday running option with an 8mm drop.
ASICS Novablast 3
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3. Saucony Kinvara Pro ($180): Best High Mileage Trainer with an 8mm Drop
The Saucony Kinvara Pro is a max cushioned dual-foam shoe that has a three-quarter length carbon fiber plate. The Kinvara Pro uses Saucony's soft and bouncy PWRRUN PB foam on the top layer of the midsole and the firmer and more supportive PWRRUN foam on the bottom to add stability, durability and outsole coverage to the shoe. The carbon-plate in the middle of the two foams helps stabilize the platform and make it a bit easier to pick up the pace. The ride of the Kinvara Pro is smooth, cushioned and soft rather than snappy and responsive, so it's a great option for double digit mile long runs or beginners runners looking for a carbon fiber shoe.
Saucony Kinvara Pro
4. Brooks Hyperion Max: Best Non-Plated Uptempo Shoe with an 8mm Drop
The Brooks Hyperion Max is a non-plated uptempo shoe with a lightweight construction and snappy ride. The Hyperion Max uses Brooks' DNA Flash foam, which is a responsive and versatile compound that's accommodating for slower paces and performance-ready at faster paces. At 7.8 ounces for a US mens 9, the Hyperion Max feels feather-light and eager to tackle anything you have on the training calendar, from everyday aerobic-paced runs to track sessions and longer efforts.
Brooks Hyperion Max
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5. Saucony Guide 16: Best Stability Shoe with an 8mm Drop
The Saucony Guide 16 is the stability version of Saucony's classic Ride daily trainer. The Guide uses firm and responsive PWRRUN EVA-based foam underfoot and has extra support on the medial side of the shoe for overpronators. The Guide fits into the mild stability category and isn't overly cumbersome, coming in at a spry—for a stability shoe—8.8 ounces. The stability used here is also gentle enough that neutral runners can use the Guide, though they may be better served by the regular Ride, which is an inherently stable neutral shoe.
Saucony Guide 16
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6. Nike Vaporfly Next% 3: Best Marathon Racer with an 8mm Drop
The Nike Vaporfly Next% 3 is a marathon racing super shoe with a fast and cushioned ride. Now in its third iteration, the Vaporfly pioneered a category of high-stacked racing shoes with bouncy, responsive foams and carbon plates. The Vaporfly remains the shoe-to-beat on race day with its lightweight construction, energy returning ZoomX foam and peppy, on-your-toes ride. It's not the most durable super shoe, with exposed foam around the heel area being the biggest If you're looking to mix it up, other great super shoes and marathon racers with an 8mm drop include the ASICS Metaspeed Edge+, Nike Alphafly Next% 2, Saucony Endorphin Elite and Saucony Endorphin Pro 3.
Nike Vaporfly Next% 3
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7. Asics Gel-Nimbus 25: Best Max Cushion Shoe with an 8mm Drop
The Asics Gel-Nimbus 25 is a max-cushioned cruiser with a soft ride, rockered platform and comfortable upper. The Nimbus uses ASICS' FlyteFoam Blast Plus Eco foam, the same soft and comfort-oriented compound found in the Novablast 3. Here, there's a 41.5mm stack of it in the heel where there's also a gel unit, making it a tall shoe with lots of support and protection. There's also some inherent stability built into the platform due its wide base and wide forefoot. The Nimbus is best for recovery runs and slower efforts due to the soft ride and wide feel. The one downside is the upper can get warm, which makes this not the best option for summer running.
ASICS Gel-Nimbus 25
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8. Saucony Tempus: Best Mild Stability Shoe with 8mm Drop
The Saucony Tempus is a dual-foam midsole shoe that has a faster and more exciting ride than other stability options on the market. The Tempus uses an outer shell of firm EVA-based PWRRUN foam to cradle an interior bed of softer and more responsive PWRRUN PB, the same compound in the uptempo Endorphin Speed 3 and marathon racer Endorphin Pro 3. In the Tempus, the PEBA-based PWRRUN PB provides pep and pop, while the EVA foam keeps the ride balanced, smooth and stable. The Tempus is a great all-around shoe for runners who need stability, and it can even be used as a racer for stability runners.
Saucony Tempus
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9. ASICS Superblast: Best Long Run Shoe with an 8mm Drop
The Asics Superblast is a super max cushioned shoe with a versatile and supportive ride. The Superblast has 45.5mm of cushion in the heel, making it one of the tallest stacked shoes on the market, behind only the Tempo Next% and Adidas Prime X Strung. The Superblast uses two midsole foams from Asics to create a ride experience that's cushioned without being soft and fast without being harsh—a unique combination that's tough to find. The FF Turbo foam found in racing shoes like the Metaspeed Edge provides the pop, while the FF Blast Plus foam provides the balance and comfort. Due to the amount of cushion here, the Superblast excel at long runs where you'll be including sections of marathon pace.
ASICS Superblast
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10. Asics Gel-Cumulus 25: Best Comfort-Oriented Daily Trainer with an 8mm Drop
The Asics Gel-Cumulus 25 is a comfortable, smooth-riding daily trainer. It uses a similar foam as the Novablast, but the tuning is slightly firmer and more responsive in the Cumulus platform. The Cumulus is a comfort-oriented yet still versatile option that's great for the varied demands of training, including long runs and light speed work—though you'll want something speedier for dedicated workouts. The upper of the Cumulus is similar to the Nimbus, so it's not the most breathable for running in warmer summer months.
ASICS Gel-Cumulus 25
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Final Thoughts
The market for 8mm is competitive and crowded. As a consumer, there are lots of great choices to pick from based on your preferences and needs. If you're having trouble choosing, our vote is to go for the one that will inspire you to chase your next running goal.
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