When it comes to choosing the right footwear, there’s one term you need to understand if you care about comfort, performance, and long-term health: zero-drop shoes.
OESH was the first company to design and sell shoes that were purposefully flat from toe to heel, now known as zero-drop, based on the research of OESH founder Dr. Casey Kerrigan. At OESH Shoes, we don’t just follow trends—we follow science, and the science around zero-drop footwear is clear. It’s not just a buzzword. It’s a game-changer for your joint health, posture, and whole body function.
Let us break down exactly what zero-drop shoes are, why they matter, and how OESH’s women-focused, science-backed footwear is redefining what your shoes should be doing for you.
What Does “Zero-Drop” Mean?
The term “drop” in footwear refers to the difference in height between the heel and the forefoot of a shoe.
Traditional shoes (including most sneakers and running shoes) have a heel-to-toe drop of 8–12mm.
Zero-drop shoes (including all OESH shoes) have no height difference between heel and toe. Your foot lies flat, just as it would if you were barefoot.
This design difference has a huge impact on how your body moves. It might be obvious that a fancy high heel isn’t the healthiest, but other shoes like clogs and even sneakers can have significant heel elevation that is sneakily working against you.
Why Zero-Drop Shoes Matter
Most modern footwear forces our bodies into unnatural positions—elevated heels tilt the pelvis, change spine alignment, and throw off natural gait patterns.
Here’s what makes zero-drop footwear so essential:
1. Stronger Feet and Ankles
Zero-drop designs encourage full use of your foot muscles. Over time, this helps improve foot strength, balance, and proprioception—reducing injury risk.
2. Joint-Friendly Movement
The more natural gait that zero-drop promotes means less impact on your knees and hips. For people dealing with arthritis or joint discomfort, this can make a major difference.
3. Natural Alignment and Better Posture
A zero-drop platform lets your body stack properly—ankles, knees, hips, and spine. Elevated heels can subtly push everything out of alignment, increasing the forces on your joints. Zero-drop shoes help promote an upright, stable posture without those extra forces.
Why OESH are the Best Zero-Drop Shoes You Can Buy
At OESH, we don’t just offer zero-drop shoes. We design them from the ground up based on decades of medical and biomechanical research.
Our founder, Dr. Casey Kerrigan, was the first to publish peer-reviewed studies proving how traditional footwear harms women’s joints—and how better shoe design could prevent harm.
That’s why every pair of OESH Shoes features:
- True Zero-Drop Design: Flat from heel to toe, every time.
- Responsive, Springy Soles: Engineered for energy return and full-body wellness.
- Women-Focused Fit: Designed by women, for women, with a narrow heel and wider forefoot
From our Warrior athletic shoes to our 3D printed Townie flats, every style puts your health first—without compromising on style.
Is Zero-Drop Right for You?
It might be time to try zero-drop shoes if you:
- Have foot, knee, hip, or lower back pain
- Want to improve your posture
- Are transitioning to barefoot/minimal footwear
- Want to feel more grounded and stable
- Are worried about osteoarthritis in the future
- Are tired of traditional shoes that hurt your feet
Not all zero-drop shoes are created equal. Many brands focus only on outward appearance and quick trends. OESH focuses on evidence-based design that prioritizes your health.
Tips to Transition to Zero-Drop
When starting to wear zero-drop footwear, take it slow. If walking around barefoot at home is tough, you might need more transition time. If you already spend a fair amount of time without traditional shoes, it might be an easier transition!
- Start with Short Walks: Let your body adapt to the change in alignment.
- Stretch & Strengthen: Pay attention to your calves and feet—tightness can be normal at first, but don’t suffer through pain.
- Alternate Footwear: Mix in your new zero-drop shoes gradually over a few weeks. There’s no need to throw out all your shoes on day one.
Our customers often tell us that once you experience OESH, you never want to go back. Just check out some of our years of testimonials.
Feel the Difference in Every Step
Zero-drop isn’t just a feature—it’s a philosophy of movement that honors the way your body was meant to move.
At OESH, we believe your shoes shouldn’t hold you back. They should support you, empower you, and move with you.
Ready to feel the OESH difference? Shop Zero-Drop Shoes Now! Your feet, and your whole body, will thank you.
