Fussing With Your Footstrike

Many distance runners seek to utilize the most economical footstrike yet research has not yet proven a definitive benefit that may avert any potential downsides to gait modification. A study published in the Journal of Sports Medicine in 2020 examined injury risk and footstrike pattern as well as improvements in running economy with a shift in loading profile from heel to non-heel strike (Anderson et al.). The authors surmised a change in foot strike pattern was not warranted for the uninjured.

Running with a rearfoot strike may impose greater loads at the knee as compared the higher loads at the ankle and achilles when striking with the forefoot(Xu et al., 2020). Many factors should be considered such as oxygen uptake and associated increases in muscular activity with the different running styles.

Overall, the research suggests that the most efficient footstrike pattern may depend on individual factors, such as running experience, foot morphology, and personal preference. Therefore, it is important for runners to choose a footstrike pattern that feels comfortable and natural for them while also considering the potential benefits and risks associated with different patterns.