Do Running Shoes Make You Taller? (With Average Stack Heights)

Now and again, most of us wish we could add a couple of inches of height. At least I do. What if I told you the answer to your heart’s deepest desire can be found in your everyday running shoes? You wouldn’t believe me. Truthfully, do running shoes make you taller?

Your running shoes can make you taller – at least while you’re wearing them! Stack height is the distance between your foot and the ground; the larger the stack height, the taller you will appear in your running shoes. Aim for maximalist running shoes with over 30mm of stack height for the greatest height boost!

Keep reading to learn all about shoe stack heights and how they can affect your run.

What does stack height mean for running shoes?

While you may have heard of “heel drop” before, the term “stack height” might be foreign. What exactly is stack height?

Stack height is the measurement from the bottom of your shoe to the bottom of your feet. In other words, it’s the difference between the sole of your feet and the ground.

Do running shoes make you taller? Stack height, as indicated on the Altra Running Via Olympus shoe.
Stack height, as indicated on the Altra Running Via Olympus shoe.

Stack height is an over-complicated term. When you break it down, it’s simply the distance from the ground to your foot.

There is a close correlation between stack height and the cushioning of your shoes.

If you’ve ever seen shoes with a ton of cushioning, you’ll notice the runner’s feet end up being far from the ground. Conversely, you’ll notice barefoot running shoes put almost zero distance between the ground and the runner’s feet.

Running shoes can add anywhere from nearly no height all the way up to 50mm, which equates to 2 inches!

The average height advantage sits at about 25mm, which comes out to an extra inch of stature. Pretty good deal if you ask me.

Of course, you should choose your shoes running shoes based on the best cushioning for your stride, not your desire to maximize (or even minimize) your height. However, if they align, lucky for you!

Average stack height for running shoes

Now that we’ve established stack height is how far your foot’s off the ground, what is the average stack height in running shoes?

Graphic showing the standard stack heights of running shoes - barefoot, minimalist, regular, maximalist.

The average stack height for running shoes hovers around 20mm to 25mm. This is based on the wide range of stack heights between barefoot, minimalist, regular, and maximalist running shoes.

Average stack height is hard to determine, considering there are a wide variety of cushioning options for running sneakers. However, each range of cushioning is easily categorized as the following:

  • Barefoot running shoes – 1mm-10mm stack height
  • Minimalist or low cushion running shoes – 11mm-20mm stack height
  • Regular running shoes – 21mm-30mm stack height
  • Maximalist or extra cushion running shoes – 31mm+ stack height

Based on these categories, the average stack height is within the regular stack height range.

Running shoes with the biggest stack height

While some people may not want shoes that give you as much height as possible, inches are exactly what we’re looking for here.

Here are my favorite running shoes that also have some of the largest stack heights in the industry:

  • Hoka Clifton 9
  • Altra Via Olympus
  • Hoka Bondi 8
  • Saucony Endorphin Shift 3
  • Asics Superblast
  • New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer

If you’re looking for shoes to maximize your height, give one of these a try!

Hoka Clifton 9

Stack height: 32mm

For a great daily trainer, consider the Hoka Clifton 9 with a 32mm stack height. The Clifton 9 has a breathable mesh upper and a cloud-like EVA midsole foam!

Altra Via Olympus

Stack height: 33m

The Altra Via Olympus comes in at a 33m stack height while offering some of the best cushioning in the industry and a natural footshape for runners who desire a more comfortable fit.

Hoka Bondi 8

Stack height: 33mm

The Hoka Bondi 8 measures in at a 33mm stack height while providing maximum cushioning along with a sleek shoe for runners who desire a stylish trainer.

Saucony Endorphin Shift 3

Stack height: 39mm

Pushing the boundaries with a 39mm stack height, the Endorphin Shift 3 is a phenomenal running shoe for daily training and speed work. It’s lightweight and versatile, everything a runner could ever ask for.

Asics Superblast

Stack height: 45mm

Pick up the Asics Superblast to add 2 inches to your height whilst enjoying a durable running shoe that can withstand long, grueling training days.

New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer

The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainers have a stack height of 47 mm (about 1.85").

Stack height: 47mm

The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer has an insane stack height of 47mm. Unfortunately, this exceeds the World Athletics competition rules; however, they are a great training shoe with supreme cushioning.

Stack height for popular running shoes

If you’re set in your ways and prefer a specific brand, that’s alright. Many popular running brands offer varying levels of stack height for whatever your preference may be.

Here are some popular running shoes and their accompanying stack height:

  • Adidas UltraBoost
  • Asics Gel-Cumulus 25
  • Brooks Ghost 15
  • Hoka Clifton 9
  • Nike Vaporfly 2
  • On Running Cloudsurfer
  • Saucony Endorphin Shift 3
  • Under Armour HOVR Sonic 5

What I’ve attempted to do is compile the most popular running shoes in 2023 from a variety of popular brands along with their stack height. This way, you can check out all the options on the market!

Adidas UltraBoost

Stack height: 30.5mm

The Adidas UltraBoost measures 30.5mm in stack height. It’s been a staple in the running industry, as well as in the fashion industry for as many years as I can remember. Good news: it isn’t going anywhere.

Asics Gel-Cumulus 25

Stack height: 36.5mm

Named after the cumulus cloud, this Asics model aims to make you feel like you’re gliding through mid-air. It is, without a doubt, a maximum cushioning shoe with a stack height of 36.5mm.

Brooks Ghost 15

Stack height: 35mm

I would recommend the Brooks Ghost 15 to anyone; it’s my current daily trainer and I swear by it. Bonus points because it has a 35mm stack height if you want to look taller!

Hoka Clifton 9

eight: 32mm

For a great daily trainer, consider the Hoka Clifton 9 with a 32mm stack height. The Clifton 9 has a breathable mesh upper and a cloud-like EVA midsole foam!

Nike Vaporfly 2

Stack height: 40mm

Coming in at a 40mm stack height, the Nike Vaporfly 2 is a carbon-plate shoe fit for a beast. It’s lightweight, breathable, and durable for all your running needs.

If you go for the Vaporfly, know you’ll be in good company! Olympic gold medalist runner Eliud Kipchoge runs in them!

On Running Cloudsurfer

Stack height: 32mm

The Cloudsurfer clocks in at a stack height of 32mm. It’s a comfortable sneaker with a lightweight upper that can accommodate many different runs including long distance, tempo work, and the daily jog.

Saucony Endorphin Shift 3

Stack height: 39mm

Pushing the boundaries with a 39mm stack height, the Endorphin Shift 3 is a phenomenal running shoe for daily training and speed work. It’s lightweight and versatile, everything a runner could ever ask for.

Under Armour HOVR Sonic 5

Stack height: 25mm

The lowest stack height of 2023’s most popular shoes is awarded to the Under Armour HOVR Sonic 5 at 25mm. Despite this, the knitted upper along with a low price point makes this a desirable sneaker for many.

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