The KRAFTBARE FORGE and the TYR DropZero are both true zero-drop, wide-toe-box lifting shoes built for the barbell, so they perform similarly under a heavy squat or deadlift. The biggest practical difference is price: the FORGE is $69.90, while the DropZero typically sells around $130. If you want a hard, flat, ground-feel platform without paying a premium, the FORGE wins on value; if you specifically want TYR's dual power-strap system for cross-training, the DropZero has an edge.
Are the KRAFTBARE FORGE and TYR DropZero both zero-drop?
Yes. Both shoes use a genuine 0 mm heel-to-toe drop, meaning your heel and forefoot sit at the same height. That flat base keeps your weight centered over mid-foot for squats and lets you drive straight into the floor on deadlifts. This is the core reason lifters choose either shoe over a cushioned running trainer.
Zero-drop isn't a marketing label here for either brand — it's the actual geometry of the sole. A flat, incompressible platform doesn't let the heel sink or the load drift forward, which is exactly what you want when the bar gets heavy. If you're new to the idea, our guide to the benefits of barefoot zero-drop lifting shoes breaks down the mechanics.
KRAFTBARE FORGE vs TYR DropZero: full comparison
Both shoes share the essentials strength lifters care about — zero drop, a wide toe box, and a firm sole. They differ most on the strap system, weight, and price. The table below lays out the head-to-head so you can match the shoe to how you actually train.
| Feature | KRAFTBARE FORGE | TYR DropZero |
|---|---|---|
| Heel-to-toe drop | 0 mm (true zero-drop) | 0 mm (true zero-drop) |
| Sole | Flat, incompressible, firm ground feel | Firm TYRTac outsole |
| Toe box | Wide, room for toe splay | Wide, room for toe splay |
| Closure | Laces | Laces plus dual stability straps |
| Best for | Squats, deadlifts, strength & powerlifting, functional training | Strength plus higher-intensity cross-training |
| Price (USD) | $69.90 | ~$130 |
| Sizes | US 7–11 | Full men's & women's range |
| Colorways | 5 (Onyx Black, Chalk, Volt, Steel, Raw Pink) | Rotating seasonal colors |
Which is better for squats and deadlifts?
For pure barbell strength work, they're close to a wash — both give you a flat, stable base with no compressible heel, which is the whole point. The FORGE is the more focused choice: it's built specifically around squats, deadlifts, and powerlifting, and at $69.90 it removes the price barrier to owning a dedicated lifting shoe.
On the deadlift, a thin, hard sole shortens the distance the bar has to travel and puts you closer to the floor — both shoes deliver this. If deadlifts are your priority, see our breakdown of the best shoes for deadlifts. For squats, the flat base keeps the load balanced, though be honest with yourself about your ankle mobility — more on that below.
When does the TYR DropZero win?
The DropZero's dual stability straps give it an edge for athletes who mix heavy lifting with lateral, explosive, or higher-intensity conditioning work in the same session. That extra midfoot lockdown can feel reassuring during rope climbs, box jumps, or agility drills where the foot moves inside the shoe.
If you live in a CrossFit-style class that blends barbell and metcon work, the strap system is a legitimate feature worth paying for. That said, for most people whose sessions are barbell-first, laces provide plenty of lockdown — and the FORGE handles functional training well too, as we cover in our look at zero-drop shoes for CrossFit WODs.
When is a raised-heel shoe the better call instead?
Neither of these shoes is ideal for everything. If you do high-bar Olympic-style squats, snatches, or clean & jerks, a dedicated raised-heel weightlifting shoe usually wins — the elevated heel lets you hit deeper, more upright positions if your ankle mobility is limited. Zero-drop is the wrong tool there.
Choose the FORGE or DropZero when you want ground feel, natural foot positioning, and versatility across squats, deadlifts, pressing, and general training. Choose an Olympic shoe when depth and a forward knee travel in the squat are the goal. We compare both approaches in zero-drop vs Olympic weightlifting shoes.
How do I choose between the FORGE and the DropZero?
Use this quick checklist to decide:
- Pick the KRAFTBARE FORGE if: your training is barbell-first (squats, deadlifts, pressing), you want true zero-drop and a wide toe box, and you'd rather not spend $130+ on a lifting shoe.
- Pick the TYR DropZero if: you regularly blend heavy lifting with lateral or explosive conditioning and specifically want a dual-strap lockdown system.
- Pick a raised-heel Olympic shoe if: you compete in weightlifting or do a lot of deep, high-bar Olympic squatting and want heel elevation.
- Skip both barefoot shoes for now if: you've only ever trained in thick cushioned trainers — transition gradually first.
Need help dialing in fit? Our FORGE sizing guide covers the wide-toe-box fit across US 7–11.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the KRAFTBARE FORGE as good as the TYR DropZero?
For barbell strength work, yes — both are true zero-drop, wide-toe-box shoes with a firm, flat sole. The DropZero adds dual stability straps for cross-training, while the FORGE focuses on squats and deadlifts at $69.90, roughly half the DropZero's typical price.
How much cheaper is the FORGE than the TYR DropZero?
The KRAFTBARE FORGE is $69.90, while the TYR DropZero typically retails around $130. That makes the FORGE roughly half the price for a shoe with the same core zero-drop, wide-toe-box, flat-sole design lifters want under a heavy barbell.
Are both shoes true zero-drop?
Yes. Both the FORGE and the TYR DropZero use a genuine 0 mm heel-to-toe drop, so your heel and forefoot sit level. This keeps your weight centered over mid-foot for squats and puts you close to the floor for deadlifts — the reason strength lifters choose either shoe.
Which is better for CrossFit, the FORGE or DropZero?
The DropZero's dual straps give extra lockdown for lateral and explosive movements, which some CrossFit athletes prefer. The FORGE handles WODs well too on its flat, grippy base with laces. If your sessions are barbell-heavy, either works; strap lovers may lean DropZero.
Do I need special shoes to lift at all?
Not always — beginners can train barefoot or in flat shoes. But a dedicated zero-drop lifting shoe gives a stable, incompressible base that improves force transfer on squats and deadlifts. At $69.90, the FORGE makes that upgrade affordable without committing $130+.
Last updated: July 2, 2026
Bottom line: if you want a true zero-drop, wide-toe-box lifting shoe built for the barbell without the premium markup, the KRAFTBARE FORGE ($69.90) delivers the same core benefits as shoes twice its price. Lace up, plant your feet, and go move some weight.