Is Heel Strike Bad for Running?

Is Heel Strike Bad for Running?

Heel strike during running is bad for the knees because one of the classic features of this running style is it produces a longer, more intensive brake force period which also produces greater compressive forces and mechanical loading on the knee as compared with forefoot running. This is why there are countless links between heel strike running and runners knee. Read more here on how forefoot running is more safe on the knees than heel strike running.

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