How do you strike the ground while running?

How your foot strikes the ground when you run determines how much stress you put on your body.  Studies have shown that striking the ground with the heel places more stress on your body when compared to midfoot or forefoot striking.  An argument can be made that heel striking is not natural.  Try running barefoot on your heel, your body won’t allow you to.  Running shoes are built thicker in the heel to promote this motion.  But is this the right way to run?

Now should I just switch to a midfoot or forefoot strike and get the vibram five fingers / “toe shoes”.  It is not that simple.  You may not have the foot type to handle a mid or forefoot strike and you must transition gradually.

At Form & Function we have Running Asssessments and programs that will help you see what type of foot striker you are.  From the assessment we can advise if you should switch and how.  Come to Form & Function to ask how or visit our website for more info.

Dr. Paul Oh