Is Heel Strike Running Bad for the Lower Back?

Is Heel Strike Running Bad for the Lower Back?

Knee-joint stiffness at touchdown is another problem more common in heel strike running than in forefoot running. As stated above, the knee is usually extended at heel strike which means the knee-joint is less flexed and compliant, making it less able to attenuate shock. This loss of impact absorption amplifies impact to the lower back. Read more here!

Bretta Riches

"I believe the forefoot strike is the engine of endurance running..."

BSc Neurobiology; MSc Biomechanics candidate, ultra minimalist runner & founder of RunForefoot. I was a heel striker, always injured. I was inspired by the great Tirunesh Dibaba to try forefoot running. Now, I'm injury free. This is why I launched Run Forefoot, to advocate the health & performance benefits of forefoot running and to raise awareness on the dangers of heel striking, because the world needs to know.
Bretta Riches