TYR DropZero 2 Review | Step In the Wrong Direction?

I’m going to be honest up front, this is a hard one for me to write. It’s not often that I am this utterly disappointed in a shoe. Especially a Gen 2 shoe.

The TYR DropZero is (was?) a good shoe. It wasn’t my favorite barefoot trainer, especially for it’s price point. But it was an entry into the barefoot market from TYR.

Not to be too harsh here, but the DropZero 2 feels like a pretty substantial step backwards in some areas. After testing it, it feels more like a prototype or Gen 1 shoe than something that is supposed to be an evolution of an already solid and established model.

All that said, just because I didn’t vibe with the DropZero 2 doesn’t mean it’s not without merit, though. I have no doubt some will love it and I’m trying my best to separate my personal bias and quips with it here. I’ll explain more below.

Who Should Buy the DropZero 2?

• If you have a narrow or medium width foot. This is a decent barefoot option for slimmer feet when so many others run wider.
• If you have a low volume foot and still want a sock-like snug fit. The upper construction on this will contour to your foot nicely.
• If you loved the DropZero 1 but wanted more structure and grip, these can be a solid bet. The lower profile upper and better grip give this model a different feel than the 1.
• If you need a shoe for primarily strength work. For lifters who skew more towards basic frontal plane strength training with some light cross-training or CrossFit, this will get the job done.

Who Shouldn’t Buy the DropZero 2?

• If you’re shopping on a budget. The $160 price tag makes these a steep investment when there are other options that cost less and perform at similar capacities.
• If you have a 3E width foot or wider, or a higher volume foot. These will be too snug and uncomfortable.
• If your training is biased more towards dynamic movements (weightlifting, lateral sled work, shuttle runs, etc.). The lack of upper security can be a miss for workouts where you’re moving in different directions and jumping.

Fit & Sizing

About My Feet: I have a normal arch/instep and my feet come in at an E/EE width. The length of my left and right foot are consistent with one another, and I size as a true US 10 for most companies’ sizing charts.

Fit Breakdown:

• Narrow feet: Size down a half size.
• Medium width: Size down a half size.
• E and EE: True to size.
• 3E+: 3E may be okay, 4E feet there are probably a pass.

The DropZero 2 run a bit long. In my normal size 10, I had a full thumb’s width of room at the toe. I thought about sizing down a half size, but considering how snug they were, I was afraid they’d be too narrow if I did. I also experienced a bit of heel rub on things like rowing because of how long they are.

That said, if you have a narrow or medium width, sizing down a half size is the right move. You also may not have the heel rub issue I have, and the width will still be on point.

If you’re in the E or EE foot width range, I’d stay true to size. The length will be interesting, but you at least won’t be uncomfortable through the midfoot. Anything 3E or wider though, I’d tread lightly and prepare for a potential return.

It’s also worth discussing the upper volume, or lack thereof. I have a normal arch and don’t consider myself someone with a thicker foot that needs a lot of upper volume. These were uncomfortably low for me. So much so that I had a hard time tying them without restricting my foot too much. 

They do have a removable insole that gives you a bit more volume. But if you rely on custom insoles or orthotics, there probably won’t be enough upper volume to be comfortable.

Performance

Lifting: 8/10

The DropZero 2’s were okay for static lifts. Think squats, deadlifts (conventional, not sumo), and accessory work. Basically anything that involves the frontal plane (moving forward or backward). Once I started trying to do anything dynamic, they became a liability. Even pulling sumo, I was spilling over the sides. Lunges, cleans, anything that required my feet to move were an issue. 

The grip is on point thanks to the TYRTac rubber outsole. The more aggressive tread pattern held on to every surface I could find. It didn’t matter if I was on a rubber floor, wooden platform, or doing turf work, there weren’t any concerns about slipping or sliding.

Again, if you’re training is more general, basic lifts, hypertrophy work, machines, these can get the job done. They do get bonus points for breathability, especially if you train in hotter climates or your gym doesn’t have great AC.

Cross-Training & CrossFit: 7.5/10

If the DropZero 2’s were okay for lifting, they were even more so-so for cross-training. It’s hard to really train with any athleticism when you’re limited to the frontal plane only. Lateral jumps and cuts, sled pulls and pushes, any type of directional work, they all highlighted the disconnect between the grip of the outsole and the lack of upper security.

I’d land from a jump or cut and the shoe would grip the floor, but my foot would keep sliding, trying to bust out the sidewall. And don’t get me started on lateral sled drags. Right when you need grip and security the most, it’s not there.

Running: N/A

I didn’t test these for running at all. Between the heel rub, the lack of upper security, and the uncomfortable fit, running was not something I wanted to do in these.

There are plenty of decent barefoot options out there that can handle some short interval runs or treadmill sprints. These are not one of those options.

Daily Wear: 7.5/10

I was genuinely bummed about how much I disliked wearing these. You know how much I love a sock-like feel and booty-style construction. Add that into a barefoot shoe that’s as clean as the DropZero 2 and it hits right in my sweet spot.

I didn’t even make it to midday before I wanted these off my feet. They’re too narrow and there’s not enough upper volume. Even with the stretchy knit upper material, there’s not enough give for them to be comfortable.

I even tried wearing them unlaced to see if that helped. Surely giving my feet a bit of upper breathing room would make them bearable. Nope. That just made the heel rub and too-long-length more of a problem.

Construction Details

The DropZero 2 weighs in at 9.00 oz, has a 0 mm heel-to-toe drop, and a thin removable insole.

The outsole extends up the toe for a bit of added protection. There’s also a light internal toe guard that wraps around the toe box. The upper is a full mesh and knit material with synthetic and textile overlays on the midfoot and heel.

There is an external heel tab. The boot itself is a booty style construction. There are 5 core eyelets running up the midfoot.

The outsole is a full rubber outsole, TYR’s TYRTac rubber. It features an aggressive tread pattern with breaks throughout the forefoot and midfoot for added flexibility.

DropZero 1 vs. DropZero 2

• Ventilation
  • The DropZero 2 removed the ventilation holes on the midfoot reducing overall breathability compared to the DropZero 1. It’s not terribly noticeable, the DropZero 2 is still very breathable, but it’s worth noting.
  • The DropZero 2’s tread pattern is more aggressive than the DropZero 1. 
  • The outsole on the DropZero 2 extends up the medial and lateral sides, and the heel of the shoe provides more structure than the DropZero 1.
  • The DropZero 2 has a significantly reduced upper volume compared to the DropZero 1.
  • The DropZero 2 is more rigid than the DropZero 1. This is especially noticeable at the tongue that can dig into the ankle if you’re not wearing socks.

Final Thoughts: Would I Buy Again?

I’m very let down by this model. TYR typically makes a solid shoe, and I was genuinely impressed by the DropZero 1.

If you gave me the DropZero 1 and 2 and asked me to tell you which came first, the DropZero 2 feels like they’re trying to figure out how to make a barefoot shoe while the DropZero 1 is a solid entry.

The DropZero 2 is a big step back, or at least in the wrong direction, for TYR.

If you’ve made it this far and are still interested in the DropZero 2, I’d recommend the Airhas Knit Barefoot on Amazon. For $60, it’s a better built and more comfortable version of what TYR is trying to accomplish with the DropZero 2.