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* '''Not recommended'''. These are the shoes that looked promising, but failed.
** '''Asics GT 2000.''' The [http://www.roadrunnersports.com/rrs/products/ASC1638/mens-asics-gt2000-2/ Asics GT 2000] has been around for many years in one form or another, a reflection of its popularity. The GT 2000 series could be considered one of the best "average" running shoes, and it is often used as the starting point when a new runner is looking for their first shoes. The original GT 2000 was introduced back in 1995 and has been updated many times. (They did add 10 to the number every year until the 2170, then reverted to 2000 and added a version number.) So I've included the GT 2000 here partly as a good starting point for those looking for a traditional running shoe and partly as the shoe that is probably closest to the average running shoe.
** '''Patagonia EVERlong.''' This shoe claims to be a 4mm drop, but I measured it at 9mm, a huge difference. If it were true to its specification, it would be a reasonable shoe, but sadly, it fails. [[Patagonia EVERlong| Patagonia EVERlong Review]].
** '''Brooks Transcend.''' The [http://www.roadrunnersports.com/rrs/products/BRK1126/mens-brooks-transcend/ Brooks Transcend] is included in this section, not because it is one of the best running shoes, but because it is sometimes considered a "maximum cushioning" shoe, and Brooks claim it is "the Ultimate Plush Ride". However, when compared with a traditional running shoes, the transcend is only 1-2 mm thicker, and the foam is too firm to be considered a [[Minimax]] shoe.
** '''New Balance Fresh Foam 980.''' The [http://www.roadrunnersports.com/rrs/products/NBA1584/mens-new-balance-fresh-foam-980/ New Balance Fresh Foam 980] has less of a drop than a traditional running shoe, but it does not have the same soft cushioning of a Minimax shoe. This is not a bad shoe for someone looking for slightly less of a drop than a traditional shoe while avoiding the thin sole of a minimalist shoe.
** '''Hoka Huaka.''' This is not quite as heavy as the Conquest, it's still too firm to provide the cushioning a Minimax shoe deserves. [[Hoka Huaka| Hoka Huaka Review]].
** '''Hoka Rapa Nui.''' The Rapa Nui 2 is lighter, thinner and a little cheaper than the other Hokas, but I found it even firmer than the Conquest. In fact, the Adidas Energy Boost feels far more cushioned to me, though it does not offer the same level of protection from stones or uneven surfaces.
** '''Newton Brand.''' Newton shoes focus on forefoot running by adding extra height to the forefoot of the shoe. The result of this high forefoot is an unstable shoe. I believe the Newton takes a bad idea (the traditional running shoe) and makes it worse. You can get I'd highly recommend trying a better zero-drop shoe as an alternative to the Newton just by hacking . Another alternative for a true forefoot runner is to cut off the sole heel off an old pair of running shoes. (The If you're a fan of the Newton is mentioned in The 4 Hour Body as that's tried a zero-drop shoe that is correlated with injuriesand prefer the Newton, I'd love to hear your rationale.)
=Shoe Modifications=
''Main article: [[Shoe Modifications]]''