If you run long distances, you are likely a heel striker. Heel striking is natural for many runners who run fast and run over long distances. Heel striking has also been attributed to stress fractures and other running-related injuries, perhaps unfairly according to Runners World Magazine. The idea that heel striking causes many running injuries has led many runners to retrain to different styles of running such as mid-foot striking which in many ways is less efficient and uses more energy. Running shoes such as the Hoka with its deep pocket design enhance mid-foot strike. Minimalist shoes with low heels do this as well. A recent Runners World article discusses the different types of running styles and discusses myths vs. facts. Running itself causes injuries according to some experts however, most runners stay injury-free, while others constantly have problems regardless of their foot landing style. Is it possible that those who injure themselves regularly have poor gait and movement patterns and body asymmetry rather than how they land may have more to do with their problems? Check out this Runners World article It’s Okay to Be a Heel Striker There’s no evidence that heel striking increases your overall injury risk. BY MATTHEW KLEIN, D.P.T JUN 9, 2021 One of the most frequent questions I’m asked by runners is, “How should my foot land on the ground?” In the wake of the previous decade’s barefoot/minimal shoe movement, people continue to emphasize certain foot strikes over others. (Heel striking is the primary “other” in these discussions.) Claims are often made about injury prevention, improved speed, improved running efficiency, and certain ways being more “natural.” As with most universal claims in running, there’s a great deal of misinformation here. Let’s look at the facts about foot strikes. The ways you land The three main types of foot strikes are heel, midfoot, and forefoot. Those whose feet first make contact with the ground at the rear part (heel) are known as heel strikers. Those whose front and rear part of the feet land at the same time are known as midfoot strikers. Read more