The Best running shoes for heel strikers may reduce pain and injuries associated with this type of gait. Your running shoes can make a huge difference to the way that you land each step.
Running can be a great form of exercise and can often provide a lot of health benefits. However, running also comes with some risks if you’re not wearing the right shoes for your foot strike.
This blog will look at some of the best running shoes for heel strikers, and we’ll also tell you about what you should see in the running shoes for heel strikers.
Table of Contents
What is Heel Striking?
Heel striking occurs when a runner’s heel is the first part of their foot to contact the ground during running. Problems may arise when the knee is fully extended, and the heel falls in front of the body. Other foot strikes include “mid foot,” in which the runner lands in the middle of their foot, and “forefoot,” where the runner lands towards the front of their foot or on their toes.
Your running style is unique to you, and every one of us runs differently. There is no correct or incorrect method to run. If you fall on your heels first, you are more likely to sustain joint problems and develop shin splints. Some of the finest running shoes for heel strikers may be able to alleviate the discomfort and injuries that come with this kind of gait.
It might be challenging to choose the perfect running shoe for heel strikers. It is not simply a matter of whether the model has more or less padding. Many factors, including descent, rear-foot support, angles, and more, come into play. Now, you do not have to test all of them. Here you will find the five best running shoes for heel strikers.
List of Best Running Shoes for Heel Strikers
1. Asics Gel-Cumulus 23 Running Shoes
Specs
- Brand: Asics
- Type: Cushioning
- Weight: 9.9 oz
- Heel Drop: 10 mm
What Asics is doing with its entire running shoe line is fantastic. Take the Asics Cumulus, for example. The previous version, the 22, was fantastic, and the new version, the 23, is even better. The new Cumulus outperforms the 22 in every way, which is no small feat considering the 22’s capabilities.
Even though the Asics Gel-Cumulus 23 Running Shoes is a completely new design from the ground up, the ride and fit are very similar to the Cumulus 22. The Flytefoam midsole’s 10 mm heel offset provides heel-biased cushioning with an angled edge and groove-assisted landing zone.
Thanks to the updated outsole layout with rounded lug, transitions from heel to toe are smoothers. The upper is soft and true to size. The Cumulus 23 also benefits from an elevated exterior styling, thanks to the raised detailing on the knit mesh.
2. Asics Gel-Nimbus 17 Running shoe
Specs
- Brand: Asics
- Weight: 10.80oz
- Type: Cushioning
The Asics Gel-Nimbus 17 Running shoe is likely to be the softest shoe you’ve ever tried on, with almost a huge amount of cushioning. The Nimbus has long been the pinnacle of the Asics line, offering the most luxurious, well-cushioned ride available.
The 17th edition is a high-end sports model that boasts nimble performance as the lightest and most flexible Nimbus yet, while also more cushioned. When you add the rearfoot gel that sits within the heel, there’s enough cushioning to make the heel striking less surprising.
This is unquestionably your shoe if you are a natural or supinator runner looking for maximum cushioning and softness. The women’s model is designed for a woman’s foot shape, with softer foams and a higher heel lift to support the Achilles tendon. The GEL-Nimbus 17 provides:
- A secure and responsive fit.
- A smooth, comfortable transition.
- Allowing it to handle higher mileage demands.
3. Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 Running shoe
Specs
- Brand: Brooks
- Type: Stable
- Weight: 10.1oz
- Heel: 12mm
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 Running shoe is one the most popular running shoe in nearly every running store in the United States, and it’s perfect for heel strikers. The Adrenaline, made of Brooks’ personal DNA padding technology and BioMoGo foam, helps absorb nearly every heel reach blow. DNA LOFT is made of EVA foam, rubber, and air. The EVA foam adds a layer of softness, while the extra air keeps the cushioning light.
Rubber adds durability to the shoe, ensuring it can withstand wear and tear. It has a Crashpad, just like its natural counterpart, the Ghost, which helps increase padding and stability for a relatively easy heel-to-toe movement.
Not only is Adrenaline one of the best shoes for heel strikers, but it’s also one of the best shoes on the market. These shoes are best for heavier runners who are hard on running shoes, like heel strikers.
Long runs will benefit from the high-end cushioning and ultra-durable outsole. Additionally, slightly more aggressive lugs can seamlessly transition from paved sidewalks to trails.
4. Nike Air Zoom Vomero 12 Running Shoe
Specs
- Brand: Nike
- Weight:10oz
- Type: Cushioning
- Heel drop: 10mm
The Nike Zoom Vomero 12 is a solid redesign of Nike’s most cushioned models. It has a very comfortable upper with a unique lacing system and a cushioned and responsive ride. Whether you’ve been a long-time fan of this model or are considering giving it a try for the first time, we believe you’ll be pleased with its comfort and cushion.
The Nike Air Focus Vomero, the most padded natural shoe from the extensive activities, is exceptionally soft and light. The Vomero uses Nike’s Lunarlon midsole to provide extra cushioning in the heel and Move Air impact protection.
Unlike many heavily cushioned shoes, the Vomero is light only 10 oz for a men’s size 9, and springy, indicating that it’s suitable for both fast and slow work.
The upper is very similar to the Brooks Glycerin 14. The cushioning is soft, and we notice that it is thicker in the heel than in the forefoot right away.
5. Brooks Glycerin 18 Running Shoe
Specs
- Brand: Brooks
- Weight: 10.2oz
- Type: Cushioning
- Heel Drop: 10 mm
The Brooks Glycerin 18 is another excellent option worth mentioning. One of the most well-known running shoes on the market is the Brooks Glycerin line. Anyone who enjoys running will be familiar with the shoe. While it is obvious that heel strikers require a lot of cushioning and a responsive shoe, not everyone desires something as luxurious. Firm cushioning is necessary to balance the two, and that is what you will get with the Brooks Glycerin 18.
First and foremost, the Glycerin 18’s midsole cushioning is medium-firm, ideal if you require responsiveness. In addition, the Brooks Glycerin 18 has a slightly curved portion around the heel that aids in proper landing. Thanks to an internal soft bootie that fits gently around the foot while still being supportive, Glycerin 18 has an incredibly plush fit.
Furthermore, the traction on the Brooks Glycerin 18 is unmatched, making these running shoes ideal for running in almost any condition. In addition, the outsole contributes to the shoes’ shock absorption while maintaining a lightweight design.
Choosing the Right Shoe for Heel Strikers
Only choosing the right running shoes will not make your workouts more enjoyable, but it will also provide the support and protection your feet require. It’s critical for heel strikers to keep the following criteria in mind when selecting runners:
Heel-to-toe offset
The thickness between the front and back midsole heights is characterized as a shoe’s ‘drop.’ or offset. We feel that a heel-to-toe drop of between 5 mm and 10 mm is the sweet spot for heel strikers. A large heel-to-toe offset indicates that the back of the shoe is significantly thicker than the front. Not only does this provide more cushioning, but the thicker heel also makes rear-foot landings more pleasant. The mid-foot and forefoot strikers prefer running shoes with a lower offset since the contrary is true.
Rear-foot support
The midsole cushioning isn’t the only thing that matters. The rear foot must be stable since it is the initial point of contact throughout the gait cycle. The midsole should have a neutral ride nature with a low cushioning bias. The midsole should not be softer on one side than on the other. Furthermore, the entire heel should not be too soft.
Angled Heel
The angled heel edge is a prominent running shoe feature. The heel spring allows the foot to rest gently rather than edge hitting suddenly. The outsole crash pad should be divided or separated from the main outsole by a groove. Crash pads of this type bend during landing, allowing for smooth transitions. Whatever shoes you choose for your next run, pay attention to how you feel afterward.
FAQs
How can you tell whether you are a heel striker?
Examine yourself as you run around the block at a normal pace. Which part of your foot is the first to contact the concrete? Or, even better, have a friend record a video of your feet as you stride along.
You run with a heel strike if your heel strikes the ground first, followed by the rest of your foot. Also, gait analysis, arch testing, and shoe wear testing can be done. These will assist you in determining whether you are a heel striker or not. You can also see a doctor who will examine your gait and assist you in determining it
Is it harmful to run with your heels on the ground?
Certainly not. Running with your heel the strike may put you at risk for certain injuries. For example, a study from Harvard University found that heel strikers had twice the mild to moderate repetitive stress injury rate in a single year as forefoot strikers among 52 cross country runners.
Mid- and forefoot runners, on the other hand, are prone to injuries as well, although different ones than heel strikers. Mid- and forefoot strikers were found to be more likely to injure their Achilles tendon or ankle in the same study.
What can I do to avoid heel striking?
You can gradually begin to shift your foot strike. Landing in the center or mid of your feet may feel strange at first. Then, gradually increase the time spent on a new foot strike as time passes. Seek help from a professional. If you are frequently injured and are concerned about changing your foot strike, consult with a podiatrist or a running coach.
Is it preferable to run on your toes or your heels?
According to new research, changing a runner’s strike pattern does not help them avoid injuries or increase their speed. “Running toe-heel could help with knee injuries because the loads are reduced. However, where loads are increased, it may cause injuries to the feet and ankles “Dr. Barton explained.
Claim about running on your toes vs. heels, and that running on your toes or forefoot will reduce your risk of injury compared to heel running. Again, there is not much evidence to back this up. Running injuries are essentially the same whether you run on your heels, forefoot, or toes.
Conclusion
As long as no harmful pressures are generated while you run, worrying about the angle at which your feet touch the ground is probably unnecessary. By recording and monitoring your running, you can reduce your chances of having an injury-prone gait. You can easily run longer distances, recover faster on rest days, and find relief from chronic pain by selecting the best pair of shoes for your unique gait.
So, instead of wearing your usual pair of runners, try something that will make you feel younger. Keep a conscious awareness of your posture as your daily activities throughout the day. To support your running form, work on developing core strength and choose the best shoe for your feet to make your running safe and joyful.
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