Why is Heel Striking So Bad for Running?

Why is Heel Striking So Bad for Running?

One reason heel striking is so bad for running is that it’s the only running style that produces a specific set of impact forces that directly cause long bone injuries, such as a femur fracture, even if a thick cushioned running shoe is worn. This is not the case with forefoot running. 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