If zero drop shoes can make our feet stronger, make our toes happy, and encourage a safer pattern, why isn’t everyone wearing it?

First, running is an extremely personal thing. It is natural that shoes without falls will not suit everyone.

Even if you think switching to non-slip shoes is the right move for you, it’s important to think about the change and pay attention to how your body feels in your new shoes.

“A shoe with no grip will require the calf muscle to function at a greater length (a more stretched position) than in a shoe with grip,” explains Sharkey.

“Because there is practically no support [in a zero-drop shoe]the biomechanics of the foot and lower leg can be altered during running for long periods of time, possibly leading to impact and overuse injuries to the arch, Achilles, heels, shins and calves,” adds Scaffidi.

Lui adds that zero-drop shoes may not be suitable for people with certain conditions, including Achilles tendinitis, plantar fasciitis or flat feet. “They may helps prevent these problems by strengthening the foot muscles, but it can also make your symptoms worse if you already have the condition,” she says.

Keeping these risks in mind, both experts emphasize the importance of a transition period when transitioning from traditional sneakers to minimalist sneakers. “Start by wearing them for walking before moving on to running, and start with shorter distances,” suggests Louie.

“If you’re prone to heel pain, plantar fasciitis, or Achilles tendinitis, using shoes without a transition period can lead to increased pain and injury,” warns Sharkey.