Forefoot runners have more efficient feet than heel strike runners because landing forefoot-first when running (shown above left) engages the arch in a 3-point bend which was found to significantly enhance spring-loading in the arch, and the increases in spring energy in turn enhances running economy. Conversely, there’s less elastic energy drawn from the arch in heel strike running (shown above right) because the heel-to-toe-landing configuration impedes 3-point bending and the arch is more stiff and less able to compress. This results in extra muscle energy from the leg, and elsewhere in the body, as a compensatory means for the loss in spring power from the foot. Read more here!
