The Different Types of Foot Strike

There are several issues arising regarding the three different types of foot strike. Every runner has their own perspective regarding which foot strike yields the best running performance and which one does not. To clear out some confusion, let us try to determine what a foot strike is, as well as its three different types.

A foot strike is one of the most important considerations that a runner should mull over before entering different running events and competitions. When choosing the right running shoes, a runner's foot strike is also taken into consideration.

A foot strike is a term referring to a person's running technique. This is identified by observing which part of the foot first hits the ground during touchdown. The human foot has three parts. These are the heel, the toes and the ball part, and all three has possible chances to hit the ground first. Thus, these parts determine the three types of foot strike:

HEEL STRIKE

A person has a heel strike if the part of the foot that first touches the ground upon landing is the heel. They say that this is the most common foot strike among several runners. This has good shock absorption because of the greater land surface area where the force can innervate from the ground. However, the debate begins from this foot strike since non-heel strike runners believe this foot strike is not an efficient running technique. This strike is producing slower running speed, thus making it an incompetent technique for many running competitions.

FOREFOOT STRIKE

The forefoot strike occurs when runner's land on the ground with their toes first. As opposed to the first foot strike, the forefoot strike is the lease common foot strike around the world. However, this can be observed in people who do the sport, sprinting, since this foot strike is believed to produce exceptionally high-speed when running. Thus, for faster running, some people recommend this running technique. But, some people are at risk for some running injuries particularly on the lower part of the leg, even though it does not cause as much stress on the knees and ankles.

MIDFOOT STRIKE or NEUTRAL FOOT STRIKE

Lastly, whenever a runner hits the ground first at the middle of their foot, that particular runner has the most advisable and efficient foot strike called midfoot strike or neutral foot strike. The feet lands at the center of the body's gravity. Thus, this is the most effective running technique since it produces less running injuries. It has better shock-absorbing capacity, which reduces harmful impact and stress on the feet and legs. However, in comparison to heel foot strike, this particular foot strike produces faster speed when running. But, it is relatively slower than forefoot foot strike.