I like a low 4mm heel-to-toe drop, but with the rocky terrain I usually run on I like protection too – that's more for longevity, because I don't want to get stress fractures.
Compare the Merrell Barefoot Trail Gloves' zero-drop to the NB Minimus Trail, which has a 4mm heel-to-toe drop and is overall a bit thicker-soled at 15mm or so at the heel (The New Balance NB Minimus Trail is slated for release in March 2011).
Minimal cushioning and zero (heel-to-toe) drop was touted as the answer to making our feet stronger, our running form more natural, driving hoards of runners to give up cushioning like gluten.
"He keeps you on your toes, dropping the odd comment round about the hotel and he keeps you going.
The disease has historically been hard to diagnose, despite the popular, but inaccurate, image of fingers and toes dropping off victims.
The day before a fellow had represented himself as a purchasing agent for Halloran Hospital, & another declared that his wife had a rare disease that would result in her toes dropping off if she smoked anything stronger than Parliament.
There's a famous Thai proverb* that goes something like this: "If you boogie with Beelzebub don't complain when he treads on your toes, drops his hand and slips a bit of pervy plink-plink fizz into your Smirnoff Ice when you're not looking".
Practice picking up an article of clothing or a towel with your toes, dropping it, then picking it up again.
Toe stall: Drop the bag to the front and again, cradle the bag by lowering the foot a couple of inches.
My first (and only) Walkman was so huge it was liable to break a toe if dropped (see above picture).
Stand on the tips of your toes, then drop down onto your heels.
