The Best Running Shoes with a 10mm Drop
The 10mm drop is a staple in our rotation. Here are the best running shoes with a 10mm drop for sale today.
In running, the 10 mm drop is as classic as the 3 inch split short. It's a platform that's familiar yet still exciting—and while zero drop shoes have made waves, the 10 mm drop has stood the test of time in daily trainers like the Nike Pegasus. Here are the best running shoes with a 10mm drop.
The Best 10mm Drop Running Shoes
The 10mm drop is a staple in our rotation. Cushioned shoes with a difference of 10 mm in height between the heel and forefoot put the foot in a position primed for speed while relieving the achilles and ankle. Where low drop shoes help strengthen the muscles in your feet and low legs, 10mm drop shoes help those muscles do the work of running. Here are the best running shoes with a 10mm drop.
1. Nike Pegasus 40 ($130): Best Daily Trainer with a 10mm Drop
The Nike Pegasus 40 is a classic daily trainer with a simple ride in a durable package. It uses Nike's slightly firm and moderately responsive React foam, plus air pod units in the midsole to add stability and pop. There's a large covering of rubber on the outsole to help navigate inclement weather on the roads and any light trails you might encounter on your everyday runs. The Pegasus, affectionately called the Peg by many runners, is a traditional shoe that's delivered the same reliable goods year in and year out, making it a great option for a 10mm drop daily trainer.
Nike Pegasus 40
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2. Brooks Launch 10 ($110): Best Affordable Running Shoe with 10mm Drop
The Brooks Launch 10 is a simple everyday running shoe that comes in at an affordable $110. It uses Brooks' EVA-based DNA foam, which is firm and slightly responsive. The Launch has a smooth and planted feel with a decent amount of inherent stability. Like many of Brooks' shoe, it also comes in a dedicated stability version, the Launch 10 GTS, for overpronating runners. While it doesn't have the most exciting ride, it's a versatile and durable option that won't break the bank.
Brooks Launch 10
3. Brooks Glycerin GTS 20 ($160): Best Stability Shoe with 10mm Drop
The Brooks Glycerin GTS 20 is a max cushioned stability shoe with a comfortable and planted ride. The shoe uses DNA Loft v3 supercritical EVA foam, which is a soft, cushioned and bouncy material that'll protect your legs no matter the distance. With a 38mm heel stack height, the Glycerin GTS 20 comes in at 10.5 ounces for a mens US 9, which is on the heavier side for an everyday running shoe. However, the weight shouldn't be a problem if you plan to use the shoe for strictly recovery runs and easy days.
Brooks Glycerin GTS 20
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4. Saucony Triumph 21 ($160): Best 10mm Drop Max Cushion Shoe
The Saucony Triumph 21 is a max cushioned cruiser that has a bouncy ride and lighter weight than competitors. It's one of the most comfortable running shoes on the market today thanks to the cushioned and bouncy beaded TPU PWRRUN+ foam in the midsole. On the run, the foam is impact absorbent but also responsive, making it the ideal companion for a long run or daily training session where you're not overly concerned about pace. With 37mm of stack in the heel and a slightly narrow base, it can feel a tad unstable at certain paces and footstrike patterns—so the Triumph is best for true neutral runners, while overpronators seeking a max cushion 10mm drop shoe will be better served by the Glycerin GTS 20.
Saucony Triumph 21
5. On Cloudboom Echo 3 ($290): Best Super Shoe with 10mm Drop
The On Cloudboom Echo 3 is the new-kid-on-the-block super shoe from Swiss running brand On. As the brand's first shoe using Pebax, the Cloudboom Echo 3 has a speedier and more responsive ride than previous versions. The Cloudboom Echo 3 also has a carbon fiber plate to add rigidity and pop to the platform and a lightweight, snug race-ready upper. At 7.7 ounces, it's not as light as the leading super shoe, Nike Vaporfly Next% 3, and is $40 more expensive. On tends to price their shoes more expensive than market average to convey their premium positioning, but at nearly $300 you'll want to see if you can try before you buy with these.
On Cloudboom Echo 3
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6. Nike Pegasus Trail 4 Gore-Tex ($160): Best Road-Trail Hybrid Shoe with 10mm Drop
The Nike Pegasus Trail 4 Gore-Tex is a road-to-trail shoe designed to excel on a variety of surfaces. It uses Nike's responsive and durable React foam midsole and has a copious covering of rubber on the outsole to provide traction on and off the roads. This version also has a waterproof Gore-Tex membrane, so it's a great all-weather and all-season shoe for trudging through the stormiest of summer rains and winter snowfall. Nike will often discount specific colorways of the Trail 4 Gore-Tex, so you should be able to pick up a pair for around $100.
Nike Pegasus Trail 4 Gore-Tex
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7. On Cloudsurfer ($160): Best On with a 10mm Drop
The On Cloudsurfer is a comfort-oriented daily trainer that uses a softer version of On's Helion foam and a new formulation of CloudTec pods called Phase. The Cloudsurfer has a moderate 32mm stack in the heel that puts it in the sweet spot for daily trainers—it has enough cushion to keep the legs fresh but not too much to keep it from being nimble. At $160 it's a bit more expensive than other daily trainers like the Saucony Ride 16 ($140) and the 10mm drop Nike Pegasus, but it will provide a unique ride you won't get in those other shoes.
On Cloudsurfer
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Final Thoughts
If you're looking for a 10mm drop shoe, there are great options in every category, from daily trainers to race day super shoes. The classic Nike Pegasus is a reliable option that's keeping the 10mm tradition alive, while newcomers like the Cloudboom Echo and Cloudsurfer are introducing new tech to the 10mm drop equation. Keep in mind shoes vary based on the type of foam used, upper construction and outsole rubber, so you'll want to compare across those dimensions to get the ideal shoe for you.
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