Stack Height
Definition
Definition
Stack height is a term that you may hear mentioned when you are buying shoes and refers to the amount of shoe material (Sole) between your foot and the ground. Typically we don’t mention stack height but instead refer to the amount of cushioning that a shoe has although cushioning implies comfort (how they feel) whereas stack height which is more about the measurement. The sole material and how the compound acts underfoot will have just as much as an impact that the stacks height will.
Stack heights can range from being almost non existent in barefoot/minimalist shoes with the example in the image below only having a stack height of 3.7mm. This means that you will feel the ground more which is both a good and a bad thing depending on the terrain that you are travelling over.
At the other end of the scale there are some models on the market that have stack heights over 30mm and these will usually provide a good deal of comfort, almost to the point that you feel like you are walking on clouds, but with that you loose almost all sensitivity to the terrain.
Most hiking footwear tends to sit in the middle and will have a stack height of around 25mm give or take and when choosing new footwear this is just one factor to consider.
Altra Olympus 5 have a stach height of 33mm
Vibram V- Trail V2 have a stack height of 3.7mm