Are you always affected by stress injuries whenever you are running? Then, it will be appropriate to invest in forefoot striker running shoes. These shoes will help you make contact with the running surface while ensuring your knees and ankles are bent. This will ensure the body absorbs shock efficiently ensuring you are comfortable while running and injuries related to running are reduced.
According to research findings by Harvard Medical School, 30% to 75% of runners are hurt every year while running. The huge number has forced several researchers to investigate causes ranging from the type of running shoes, running frequency, stretching, weight, muscle imbalance, and much more.
With running shoes being one of the main causes of running injuries, we will be looking at some of the best running shoes for forefoot strikers in the market.
Best Running Shoes for Forefoot Strikers
The 10 forefoot strikers’ running shoes are among the wide variety of shoes currently available in the market. The 10 running shoes reviewed below aim at helping you purchase the best forefoot strikers shoes that will improve your running performance.
We hope you will get the best shoes after reading through this review guide.
1. ALTRA Women’s Superior 4 Trail Running Shoes
Technical Details
- Manufacturer: ALTRA
- Weight: 6.6 oz/ 187g
- Height: 21mm
- Cushioning: Low
- Material: Solyte and SpEVA
ALTRA Women’s Superior 4 Trail is considered to be one of the best trail running shoes for women who like zero drop style.
The foot shape toe box of these shoes offers enough room for toes to spread. This allows for feet joints and muscles to move freely. Its zero-drop platforms enable you to quickly sense the ground below the feet accurately.
The midsole of these shoes is made of soft quantic foam making the shoes lightweight. Despite not offering lots of cushioning, this is an important feature for running shoes. It might not be necessary depending on the wearers’ personal preferences.
These shoes have removable stone guard rock plates that ensure there is extra protection, especially when running on rocky terrain.
It comes with wraparound knit uppers that help in offering extra support while ensuring debris is kept out and offered. The shoes come with a sticky MaxTrac rubber outsole and a trail claw tread design that helps in giving the shoes superior traction.
These ALTRA Women’s Superior 4 Trail shoes are mainly available in two colors and available at mid-range prices.
What We Like
- Athletes’ feet can accurately sense the ground underfoot thanks to the zero drop style features
- It has superior traction offered by the sticky rubber outsole and lug positioning
- Removable stone guard rock plates offer these shoes extra protection to the feet
- There is enough room for the feet to spread and ensure free air movement.
What We Don’t Like
- Cushioning is less
- Only available in two colors
Summary
ALTRA Women’s Superior 4 Trail is a very popular woman running shoe in the market. It has great features that help in ensuring one has an enjoyable running or exercising experience. Despite being available in limited color options, its design is great and available at an affordable price.
2. ASICS Men’s Sneaker, Running Shoes
Technical Details
- Weight: 9.7 oz
- Height: 10mm
- Cushioning: Moderate
- Material: Solyte and SpEVA
ASICS Men’s Sneakers stands out from the wide variety of running shoes for forefoot strikers. These shoes will offer you a great running experience on any type of surface.
The sole area is stiff to ensure stability and prevent any form of slippage. It comes with an EVA sock liner that offers great cushioning. The sock liner also helps in absorbing moisture and sweat.
The sole is made from a combination of FLYTEFOAM Propel technology and rear Gel and forefoot. It offers shock absorption features that help in ensuring comfortable running. The FLYTEFOAM Propel technology provides extra cushioning and is the reason behind the lightweight nature of the shoes.
Extra comfort and support are from the Impact Guidance System which helps in enhancing the natural gait of the foot. The upper part of the mesh ensures the feet remain fresh and cool even after running in hot temperatures.
What We Like
- Comes with premium technologies that make it perfect for running
- Has midsole foam that offers shock absorption properties
- Upper part is well ventilated to help in ensuring the feet remains cool and dry
- Comes with reflective features that help in enhancing recognition
What We Didn’t Like
- Has a narrow toe box hence, feet does not have enough space to move freely
- It is quite stiff and heavy.
Summary
ASICS Men’s sneakers are perfect for stability and cushioning. The shoe’s great features make it suitable for long-distance running and other activities. It is available at a relatively affordable price making it an excellent option for people with a limited budget.
3. Topo Athletic Men’s Ultrafly 3 Running Shoes
Technical Details
- Weight: 9.75 oz.
- Height: 5mm
- Cushioning: Soft
- Material: ZipFoam
Topo Athletic Men’s Ultrafly 3 Running Shoes is a high-performing running shoe for forefront strikers.
This shoe ranks highly in cushioning and stability thanks to the Ortholite footbed. The high cushioning helps in resisting compression together with packing odor removing the power that ensures the wearer’s feet are kept fresh.
Despite the 28 mm heel stack of these running shoes making it slightly bulky, its overall weight is still less than 10 ounces. Topo uses breathable and lightweight materials which ensure comfortable and close fit. The molded footbed helps in ensuring all things are kept trim.
Top has used a seam-reducing construction that helps one avoid blisters and rubbing whenever they are running. A closer fit through the midfoot and the heel helps in reducing rubbing while ensuring great performance. It also offers support to the runners that overpronate.
What We Like
- Offers solid foot bed making it perfect for road running
- Its multi-density midsole ensures one is able to access two cushioning levels
- Has high breathability levels keeping the wearers feet fresh and odorless
- Made of lightweight materials making it excellent running shoes
What We Didn’t Like
- Its running platform lacks is short of responsiveness
- There are limited style designs and colors
Summary
The updated mesh upper of Topo Athletic Men’s Ultrafly 3 is an improvement of the previous versions. Its durability ensures that it avoids any form of breakdown before the soles wear down. Its great features make it rank high among the wide variety of running shoes in the market.
4. Saucony Women’s Echelon 7 Running Shoe
Technical Details
- Weight: 11.2 oz.
- Height: 8mm
- Cushioning: Moderate
- Material: Synthetic and mesh
Saucony Women’s Echelon 7 running shoes are an excellent option for old ladies. They offer a wide and stable base for women who are in need of all-around support. It is a great running shoe for women with supination.
It comes with a well-developed EveRun top sole that helps in ensuring great energy return, ultimate comfort, and continuous cushioning. The shoe is made using a high-tech mesh material that offers excellent breathability levels and elastic fit to keep the feet dry and fresh.
Its availability in different widths allows for stability and comfort making it an excellent shoe option for orthotic patients.
These running shoes come with a foundation platform sock liner that helps in making the shoe more durable and resilient whenever you strike the ground. Its external heel is well designed with a support frame that helps in ensuring it is a lockdown fit. The formFit footbed provides a well-contoured form that takes the shape of your feet.
The shoe users’ toes will have ample room that will help combat soreness whenever you are running. The midfoot together with the form-fitting heel helps in keeping your feet in place and framed.
What We Like
- Made using breathable materials which ensures the feet are well conditioned
- Perfect for women with supination or under pronation
- Well cushioned ensuring stability and comfort
- Comes with EveRun topsole that ensures energy return
What We Didn’t Like
- The size of these running shoes runs wide
- It is not durable enough
Summary
Saucony Women’s Echelon 7 is great running shoe for individuals suffering from supination. It comes with great features and together with the ultra-plush footbed, you can be sure it will be your favorite running shoes.
5. New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam More V1 Running Shoe
Technical Details
- Weight: 10.3 oz.
- Height: 4mm
- Cushioning: Soft
- Material: 100% mesh and fresh foam
New Balance Women’s More V1 Running Shoes are perfect for runners who are interested in less of a height drop and in need of a natural foot position.
The shoes has heel cushion of 34 mm heel, 30mm toe, and 4mm drop. This feature makes one not realize they are running on the ground.
They come with perforated fresh foam and an extra out layer of fresh foam that is not perforated. It means this shoe has two foam layers that ensure less chance of injuries and more comfort.
You can tell this shoe has lots of cushions by just looking at it. However, the manufacturer does not want runners to feel as if they are running in quicksand. Hence, its form is stiffer and firmer than expected.
It has a curved toe box that is well designed to work with firm foam that helps in rolling one into a strong stride.
These shoes are pretty light making them excellent running shoes. They achieve their lightweight nature by using foam for ground contact instead of the traditional rubber. With this, runners can be sure of getting a very stable and confident landing and takeoff.
What We Like
- Has very good grip in dry conditions
- The toe box is wide ensuring feet have free movement
- Has a great design and is lightweight ensuring comfortable running
- Made using breathable materials that help ensure the feet are always well aerated
What We Didn’t Like
- The foam might be too much for some runners
- Quite expensive when compared to other running shoes
Summary
New Balance Women’s More V1 lightweight nature and design make them great running shoes for women. The material used in making it ensures comfort and responsiveness. They are durable and you can always count on them to serve you for several years when well maintained. Its price is suitable for those limited in budget.
6. Brooks Women’s Ghost 13 Running Shoe
Technical Details
- Weight: 8.8 oz
- Height: 12 mm
- Cushioning: Moderate
- Material: Mesh and Synthetic
Are you in the market for an all-in-one kind and budget-friendly running shoes for forefront strikers? Then, think of non-other than Brooks women’s Ghost 13 running shoe.
This shoe is made from high-quality materials making it durable and long-lasting. Its sole is wide and thick ensuring great support and a good fit. The design comprises a shockproof technology that ensures smooth heel-to-toe transition regardless of how rough or rocky the surface is.
The shoe width is wide ensuring runners with high arched feet to flat feet can use it comfortably. The shaft height is well balanced ensuring easy mobility and stability whenever one is running. The upper part of these shoes is meshed helping them stretch and fit perfectly to the shape of the wearers’ foot.
Brooks Women’s Ghost 13 midsole measures 9mm in thickness enabling it to offer great support and absorb shock. Roads and trails having hard surfaces will not put any pressure on the sole foot whenever one is running on these shoes. There is a crash pad that comes with these running shoes which ensure the runners’ feet are safe from any form of injury and pain.
The forefoot part is well aerated and padded with the toes being able to move freely since the width and the shafts of the forefoot region are wide. The toes will not hurt even after long runs thanks to the firm cushioning of the shoes.
What We Like
- The inner part is made of a soft and breathable material that helps in ensuring the feet are air free
- Uses DNA loft foam technology that helps in ensuring there is extra cushion
- Air mesh that helps in keeping the toe box cool whenever one is running in hot temperatures
- Has an OmegaFlex groove that helps in making the shoes flexible for different foot shapes and sizes.
What We Didn’t Like
- Not very durable as it has a lifespan of around 300 to 500 miles.
- It is not available in different designs limiting buyers choices and preferences
Summary
Brooks Women’s Ghost 13 will offer you great comfort levels and security to your foot when running. The amazing features it comes with together with its adjustability in design make it an excellent running shoe for many people. Its affordable price makes it an excellent option from the wide variety of running shoes in the market.
7. Mizuno Women’s Wave Rider 22 Running Shoe
Technical Details
- Weight: 8.3 oz.
- Height: 12mm
- Cushioning: Soft
- Material: Textile and Synthetic
Are you in need of comfortable running shoes with high wearing capacity? Mizuno Women’s Wave Rider 22 is an excellent option. Mizuno brand designed these running shoes knowing very well the feet always get wider in the toe area whenever one is running.
The sturdy and lightweight design of Mizuno Women’s Wave Rider 22 makes it great for long-distance running. Sole of these shoes are made from both soft and hard rubber.
When running, you will always experience excessive sweating and overheating. However, this shoe is made of breathable mesh that ensures there is adequate ventilation around the ankle and feet. There is also imitation leather on the upper part of the shoes that helps in offering a comfortable sensation when one is running.
Mizuno Women’s Wave Rider 22 design style makes it stand out from the rest. It is also available in different colors hence one can always choose her favorite color.
The shoes can serve you for several years since they are made from durable and high-quality materials which make them long-lasting.
What We Like
- Offers great shock absorption to the heel ensuring maximum protection to the feet
- Its lightweight nature helps it enhance performance
- Very agile and responsive making it great for racing and exercising
- Composition of mesh helps in enhancing flow of air ensuring comfort to the feet
What We Didn’t Like
- Not a great option for use on hard or harsh terrain.
- Has light padding hence one can suffer from sore friction spot
Summary
Mizuno Women’s Wave Rider 22 ranks high in the market flooded with different brands and models of running shoes for forefront strikers. It is an affordable shoe and can be used for running, exercising, or walking for long distances.
8. Newton Running Gravity 9
Technical Details
- Weight: 7.8 oz
- Height: 2mm
- Cushioning: High level cushion
- Material: 100% synthetic
Are you in need of a perfect and stable running shoe that is not too boxy or heavy? Newton Running Gravity 9 is an excellent option.
This shoe is made from lightweight materials that take the shape of your foot ensuring great lockdown whenever you are running round tight corners. It is a great option not only for running long distances but also for cross-training and weight lifting in the gym.
Despite being one of the most costly designs from the Newton family, you will definitely find it worth the price. It is a great running shoe for runners interested in something that offers stability and is lightweight.
This shoe comes with a very flexible and supportive midsole. The midsole is made of Newtonian foam that ensures perfect marriage between cushioned and supportive. Its midsole is pliable ensuring the runners’ full range of motion is not hindered.
It is made of a very lightweight frame weighing slightly over 8 ounces. This makes it one of the lightest Newton designs running shoes currently available in the market.
What We Like
- Well cushioned, responsive, and neutral running shoes
- Encourages midfoot strike without one being forced to make any noticeable changes in the form
- It is very durable as it has very low and tears
- The upper part is very comfortable and made of breathable material hence no problems with blisters.
What We Didn’t Like
- There is a possibility of debris getting stuck in the actuator lugs
- Some runners find the cushioning to be too much
Summary
Newton Running Gravity 9 brings energy return system features and the most advanced cushioning feature together. Its adaptive fit mesh helps in taking responsiveness, comfort, and versatility to a completely new level.
9. HOKA ONE ONE Women’s Clifton 5 Running Shoe
Technical Details
- Weight: 7.6oz
- Height: 5mm
- Cushioning: Soft
- Material: ultra-lightweight Eva Foam
HOKA ONE ONE Clifton 5 is among the top-performing running shoes for forefront strikers in the market. It comes with a variety of great and unique features that make it an excellent option for people in need of cushioning and support when running.
These shoes have enough room and a straight fit for a toe box that helps in ensuring stability and power whenever one is landing. Its midsole makes it one of the best running shoes with forefront cushioning. The strobe board together with the soft EVA form the giant slab helps in offering low-profile cushioning.
Its durable insole ensures there is maximum arch support with the Meta Rocker technology ensuring forefront strikers are able to roll faster through the gate cycle.
These shoes also have a 3D puff print frame that helps in ensuring it does not lose shape while offering extra support. The heel cup helps in protecting them from any form of injuries or debris.
What We Like
- Offers excellent traction ensuring the shoes avoid any slippage
- It is lightweight making it perfect shoes for running
- Upper part of the shoes is made of breathable materials ensuring runners feet is odorless and dry
- Has a high-quality outsole made of rubber making the shoes durable
What We Didn’t Like
- The shoe tongue causes irritation
- Shoe responsiveness drops with time
Summary
Despite its lightweight nature, HOKA ONE ONE Clifton 5 still offers its users a responsive feel. It is an excellent shoe for running on paved terrains and roads. There is no form of compromise when it comes to arch support. It’s quite affordable making it an excellent option for those who have a limited budget.
10. ON Men’s Cloud Terry Sneakers
Technical Details
- Weight: 8.3oz
- Height: 6mm
- Cushioning: Low
- Material: Cotton
In case you are in need of running shoes that will offer you all supportive features, then, you have to try out ON Men’s Cloud Terry Sneakers.
The upper part of these shoes is made of terry cloth and vegan leather blend. Terry’s cloth looks like the soft cotton on the bath towels that makes the upper part of these shoes comfortable and soft. Terry cloth tongue helps in reducing hot spots ride on the feet and will never rub blisters regardless of how far you will be traveling.
The sole of these running shoes is made of a thick Zero-Gravity foam layer that takes the shape of your foot whenever you are running. This ensures it offers a great energy return.
There is a support rubber outsole that helps in adding extra spring in every step you make while the responsive midsole offers huge energy feedback.
Durable, soft, and vegan materials have been used to make these running shoes making it very comfortable to run with and long-lasting.
In case you do have slightly thicker feet, then ON Men’s Cloud Terry shoes are an excellent option for you.
What We Like
- Made using high quality and durable materials making it long lasting
- Offers great value at a relatively affordable price
- Zero-Gravity foam layer ensures it takes the shape of the foot
- Made using breathable materials which ensures the feet is well aerated
What We Don’t Like
- There are people who find it quite difficult to tie
- When put on for longer times, you will feel some pain and tired.
Summary
ON Men’s Cloud Terry Sneakers offers great comfort, durability, and stability for long hours. Despite being cushioned and padded for maximum stability and comfort, you will be amazed by how lightweight it is. Its sole is very flexible hence very easy to run with freely.
Important Factors to Consider When Buying Best Running Shoes for Forefoot Strikers
The wide variety of running shoes for forefoot strikers has made it challenging for interested buyers to identify their favorite shoes.
To help make your work easier, we will be taking you through some of the most important factors you need to consider when shopping for the best running shoes for forefoot strikers.
Materials
There are different materials being used in making running shoes. The durability of the materials is an important factor you have to consider when choosing materials. Never underestimate the impact a material plays on the overall weight of the running shoes and their performance.
For example, nylon and nylon mesh are durable materials that fit any running shoe. They can also boost the breathability levels of shoes and reduce the weight of the shoe. You can also consider shoes made from synthetic leather derived from either nylon or polyester. These materials are breathable, light, and dry up faster when compared to genuine leather.
Sole
Shoes with an ideal outsole will offer great traction and durability. Ensure the outsole has a footprint shape that resembles yours. When you go for running shoes with such outsoles, you can be sure they will offer you stability without being bulky or stiff.
Go for midsoles made from materials such as ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) since they offer great stability and cushioning. Consider settling for midsoles with shanks to help in increasing your shoe’s firmness whenever you are running on rough or rocky terrains.
Weight
Shoes weight will always affect your performance and running speed. The weight that is well put will be inversely related to the shoe performance. The materials used in making the shoes play an important role in determining their weight.
Heavy forefoot striker shoes are tiresome and will affect your running speed. It is advisable that you go for lightweight running shoes and allow for free movement of the legs.
Breathability
Hot weather will always affect the performance of any runner especially when their feet get wet. It is quite difficult to run comfortably on wet feet. Wet feet can lead to smelly, itchy, and blistery feet.
Shoes made from fabrics that can remove moisture are great for any runner. Such shoes are known to allow for aeration and free air circulation ensuring the shoe’s environment is cool. Breathable shoes help in preventing fungi infestation.
Shock Absorption
It is advisable that you settle for running shoes that have shock absorption features. Go for shoes with a midsole that absorbs foot strike shock.
Shoes having well-cushioned midsole will offer firm compression that will help handle huge foot strikes. Shoes with shock absorption feature help in reducing absorbed energy by muscles and soft tissues.
Durability
It is important that you settle for running shoes that can maintain their luster and performance for a long time. Ensure you check on the materials used in making the outsole, midsole, and upper sole as they influence the longevity of the shoes.
Remember to check the lacing eyelets enforcement. High-quality midsoles will always offer high resistance to high temperatures and constant compression. Rubber quality together with the layout is important in determining the lifespan of the outsole.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you choose the right running shoe size?
The right running shoes for the forefoot striker should properly fit your feet. If not, you risk grappling with discomfort whenever you are running. The right shoes need to ensure you are comfortable and happy. Consider your current running shoes size to help you determine the right new running shoe size.
Can the weight of the running shoes affect runners’ performance?
Any runner will want to buy a shoe that optimizes his or her running performance. Shoe weight is an important factor that can affect running performance.
It is advisable that you go for lightweight shoes that will save you from carrying lots of weight forcing you to apply too much effort when running.
Will you experience initial discomfort when using forefoot striker shoes?
Different running techniques will always engage different tendons and muscles. However, when you invest in the right running shoes, Achilles tendons, calves, and plantar fascia will coordinate to ease movement of the feet.
Do running shoes help in reducing joint stress?
Running shoes for forefoot strikers helps in reducing joint stress. The cushioning ensures you do not use lots of energy in absorbing shocks from the foot strikes.
How long can adjustment take?
Different factors will determine how long it takes for one to adjust to their forefoot running shoes.
Final Thoughts
There you have it! We hope you are now aware of the best running shoes for forefoot strikers currently available in the market. However, before you make any decision on which running shoes to purchase, it is advisable to read through the buyer’s guide section. The buyer’s guide section will enlighten you on the important factors you need to watch out for when choosing your running shoes.
References
- Foot Strike and Shoe Choice: https://sporttracks.mobi/blog/foot-strike-and-shoe-choice
- Should I run on my toes? Forefoot running vs heel strike: 4 Myths Busted!: https://sportandspinalphysio.com.au/should-i-run-on-my-toes-forefoot-running-vs-heel-strike-4-myths-busted/
- The effect of shoe type on gait in forefoot strike runners during a 50-km run: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095254614000301
