Out of any running style, heel strike running is the net contributor to injury. For starters, in order to land heel-first, the front of the foot lifts up, which was found to be the only landing pattern that causes compartment pressure to exceed normal in the foot/ankle complex, which in turn, results in tarsal tunnel syndrome. Also, heel strike running causes lower leg compartment pressure to rise to pain-inducing levels as well.
What’s worse, heel strike running is notoriously known for severely damaging the knee because of the knee hyper-extension (unbent knee) plus the high burst in collisional impact produced at heel strike. These stressors are a well-known catalyst for chronic knee ligament injuries and permanent knee damage. However, these stressors are completely eliminated in forefoot running. Read more here
