When it comes to running, the question often comes up: Should you land on your heel or forefoot?
In truth, neither technique is inherently better. It depends on your body, injury history, and goals.
Heel Strike (Rearfoot Landing)
This is the most common pattern, especially among casual runners. It offers more cushioning but generates a greater vertical impact. It is often associated with knee or lower back pain in some runners.
Forefoot or Midfoot Strike
This type of stride is often seen in minimalist runners or sprinters. It reduces vertical impacts but increases the load on the calf, Achilles tendon and forefoot. This can lead to injuries like plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinopathy.
So which one should you choose?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. A change of stride can be useful in certain cases… but risky if poorly supervised. The ideal is to consult a professional (podiatrist, physiotherapist or kinesiologist) for a personalized running analysis.
