The best running shoes for forefoot striking are usually the ones that strike the forefoot best. The primary benefit of wearing runners with a forefoot strike is that the sturdier midsole of the running shoe protects the forefoot.
Again, encourages runners to run with a more natural stride. This can lead to better running, which can improve the running economy.
The best forefoot running shoes have a stiff midsole, supportive fit, and are constructed with a mix of materials that offers the best balance of durability, and energy return.
Again, shoes designed with a forefoot strike in mind provide more stability, support, and cushioning to the forefoot and help runners maintain a consistent running motion.
As a runner, you may have a lot of choices when it comes to the shoes you wear. But most runners opt for traditional running shoes with a heel rather than forefoot running shoes.
Why? Perhaps because they don’t know the benefits of the latter. In this article, I will explore what makes a good forefoot running shoe and help you find the best one for your needs.
Top 6 Best Forefoot Running Shoes Buying Guide and Reviews In 2022
Saucony Women’s Guide 10
You can never be too careful when it comes to running. So if you’re looking for the perfect shoes that can be used during training and also for running, look no further.
The Saucony Women’s Guide is a comfortable shoe with distinctive features that ensures that you are protected from unnecessary injuries.
If you’re a runner, you know that life is full of everyday challenges. But you also know that the best side effects from your running routine are freedom and inner strength.
The cushioning support was superb, and I immediately felt supported, while the lightweight sole made this shoe feel like an old friend.
The Saucony Women’s Guide 10 Running Shoe is specially designed for women who want nothing but the best in quality and performance.
Featuring a lightweight, air-cushioned upper, the shoe offers full support to your feet for a smoother stride.
I have worn these shoes walking, running, and even doing chores all day. They are very comfortable.
They are perfect for all times of the day and even for doing housework. I cannot say enough good things about these shoes.
KEY-FEATURES:
- Made from durable rubber sole and provides a little faster feel while running
- Made with streamlined midsole and dynamic engineered mesh upper
- The unique Grid system provides lumbar support and instability
- Allows you to play with height and length to find the perfect fit
Mizuno Men’s Wave Rider 24Â
Ever heard the phrase, “The shoe that makes the person” Did you know it’s actually a saying? The Wave Rider 24 is Mizuno’s best forefoot running shoe to ever made, with a quiver of new advancements – including an upper that lets your foot and ankle move independently of each other, support that’s perfectly balanced for every step, and an ultra-lightweight sole for efficiency in any sort of terrain.
This is the last year of the Wave Series, and you’re going to be in style wherever you go. With a built-in BioMoGo DNA to support your stride and a built-in Zertz for stability, you’re going to love this shoe.
It’s not just about comfort! You’ll be able to pick up lots of speed and get that extra boost every time you put this shoe on.
Their Wave Rider 24 Running shoe features a sporty design with a light, cushioned, responsive, and U4ic resilient midsole that comes to you at a great price.
There are so many exciting offerings available that you’ll never have to worry about running out of style again.
KEY-FEATURES:
- U4ic and energy foam technologies for a smooth and springy ride
- Lightweight and breathable mesh upper that offer controlled temperatures
- Mizuno Wave Rider 24 features a dual compound midsole
- 3-in-1 cushioning for an improved shock reduction and durability
Brooks Women’s Ghost 13Â
Who wouldn’t want to run while wearing the Ghost 13? It has a cushioned footbed and a flexible, bendable midsole to help you stay comfortable and maintain your balance, whether you’re out for a quick jog or completing your first marathon.
And since it comes in bold colorways to match your everyday wardrobe, it’ll definitely make you stand out from the pack.
Designed for women, the Ghost 13 shoe is a certified PDAC A5500 Diabetic shoe and it has a wide toe box, allowing you to run with a more natural foot position for better form and comfort.
This is the perfect running shoe for your everyday wear. It will keep your feet comfortable and fresh every time you lace it up.
You are running towards your goals, so this might be a key part of the good run to an outstanding life. Try it today, and you won’t regret it.
KEY-FEATURES:
- Athletic fit that provides a comfortable Situational Care feel
- The wearer can transition from landing to toe-off with ease
- The new Engineered Air Mesh top provides structure and breathability
- System of shock absorbers cushion every step and stride
Adidas Women’s Cloudfoam Pure
Ever feel uncomfortable when you buy new sneakers? You may not think so often, but trust me, you will. How about when you are about to run for the first time?
You might feel a small tremor, and it feels like it’s going to crush your bones and even make you cry out loud.
Just imagine how much more it would hurt if you were running for the first time wearing brand new sneakers.
The Adidas Women’s Cloudfoam Pure Running Shoe is here to make your running life more comfortable with 100% Textile Synthetics materials, durable and sustainable than ever before.
With a full-length padded collar and heel, this shoe provides the comfort you need as you run as fast as you can.
If you’re a runner, you know that downtime is the bane of your existence. You want to run no matter what and you want to be able to do it in comfort, so you want the Adidas Women’s Cloudfoam Pure Running Shoe.
A soft, lightweight shoe with an extended outsole to keep things steady, this sneaker is perfect for every type of activity.
KEY-FEATURES:
- A 100% textile, synthetic design ∙
- Made with a stretchy, mesh lining and extra cushioning for breathability
- Tangle-free care with the Cloudfoam memory sock liner molds.
Another Great forefoot running shoe is Adidas Performance Adizero Boston 6
Brooks Launch 8 Neutral Shoe
With ample cushioning in the forefoot, the Launch 8 is smooth and fast. The BioMoGo DNA midsole delivers a fast ride, adding no extra weight.
Brooks Launch 8 shoe is truly a streamlined yet cushioned trainer that offers the best of both worlds.
It has a neutral support fit and lightweight BioMoGo DNA midsole cushioning for a fast ride, but it still has the elements of a traditional race flat.
You need a shoe that does it all. The Launch 8 is a neutral trainer that focuses on the essentials and delivers a fast, fun, and durable ride.
The shoe is lighter than ever and offers all-day comfort with a responsive underfoot feel.
Brooks Launch 8 is the perfect shoe for neutral runners. Designed to make every run fun, it’s lightweight and durable enough for training but also light enough for race day.
The new shoe is designed to deliver the best. It combines the lightweight and flexibility of a racer with the security and stability of a trainer with a one-piece mesh upper.
It provides extra breathability while giving you enhanced fit and feel—a perfect choice for those who are seeking speed with control.
The Midfoot Transition Zone is shaped to go from heel to toe quickly and keep you moving forward.
In addition, the upper gives you greater breathability than ever before and features an integrated, stretchy, high-tech fabric that conforms to your foot.
KEY-FEATURES:
- This sneaker is designed with a one-piece mesh upper to help guard against over-striding
- Made with imported rubber to provide a low-profile traction
- The cushioning comes from BioMoGo DNA, which gives an extra springiness
Pros:
- Recommended by podiatrists and trainers
- Extra-wide to provide a stable base for a natural gait
- The Midfoot Transition Zone provides maximum comfort while reducing pronation
You may also check another Brooks best-running shoe for forefoot: Â Brooks Ghost 11
Pegasus 36 shoes are made for high-speed running. The shoes have a slim heel collar and tongue which reduces bulk without compromising comfort, while a slimmer upper provides targeted breathability. Nike Pegasus 36 shoes are the perfect shoe for your workout.
This lightweight, fast-drying shoe is designed to stay cool and comfy at high speeds with engineered mesh and perforations in the upper for targeted breathability, a slim heel collar and tongue, and Flywire cables that keep your feet snug at higher speeds.
You can consider it as a versatile running shoe that provides a smooth and responsive ride. Nike Zoom Air provides a high resiliency sockliner that adapts to the contour of your foot traction.
The waffle pistons on the outsole make impact and provide multi-surface traction for long-lasting durability.
The Nike Pegasus 36 is a lightweight, high-performance running shoe with a full length Zoom Air unit. Boasting a flexible, responsive ride, this shoe is perfect for runners looking for performance on the go.
KEY-FEATURES:
- Breathtakingly handsome aesthetics, yet nothing is too over-the-top
- The heel collar and tongue are designed for a fantastic fit and comfort
- The Zoom Air unit creates the perfect amount of cushioning
Pros:
- 100% perforated for breathability and lightness
- Heel collar stabilizes midfoot, preventing pronation
- Low density EVA outsole reduces weight and increases grip on the court
Frequently Asked QuestionsÂ
Why are you the best running shoes for forefoot strikers?
I’m sure you are wondering about the answer to this question. The main reason is that Forefoot strikers run more often than heel strikers and need a shoe that is going to help them in their everyday training routine.
They have high arches and tend to develop plantar fasciitis, shin splints, Achilles tendonitis, IT band syndrome etc. because of running. This causes pain in the foot and can even lead to serious injuries.
Because of this, they need shoes that will give them support during training sessions and keep them injury free during long distance runs as well as other activities like soccer or football games where they need to change direction quickly on grassy fields with lots of uneven terrain which can cause ankle sprains or knee injuries too.
Is a lower-drop shoe better for forefoot strikers?
A lower-drop shoe is better for forefoot strikers because it gives you more stability and less ankle roll. Forefoot strikers are the ones who have their weight on the ball of their foot while they strike the ball.
A higher-drop shoe will make them feel unstable and they may even fall over when they hit a ball. So, a lower-drop shoe would be best for them to get more power behind their shots.
What is a good running shoe for forefoot strikers?
Forefoot strikers are those who strike the ball in the middle of their foot, rather than using their heel.
There are several types of forefoot strikers and you need to pick a shoe that will work best for your foot type. For example, if you have wide feet, then you might want to go with Nike Free shoes or other similar running shoes.
In this case, there is no actual difference between running shoes, but I would suggest going with whatever fits your foot type and works best for you!
Is it okay to start with forefoot striking in regular running shoes?
No, we recommend the best forefoot running shoes for forefoot striking. Forefoot striking is a very popular form of running.
However, most runners are more likely to injure themselves because they have adopted this method of running without getting proper training and education.
The aforementioned reason is that there are no real benefits to be gained from forefoot striking when compared with other forms of running, such as heel striking or mid-foot.
It is important for you to understand that the best way to run is by adopting a balanced stride where you strike the ground in different parts of your foot.
Besides, I would like to mention here is that if you want to run faster, then it will be better if you adopt an efficient technique rather than going for another form of running which may not work out well at all!
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, although I highly recommend the shoes above, I think that the Pegasus 36 isn’t sufficient for a forefoot strike. Thus, I recommend the Saucony Guide 10.
Then the Mizuno Wave Rider 24 is the best forefoot running shoe on the market. It is a great running shoe for runners who are looking to get the best of both worlds: comfort and stability.
If you are an avid runner, you should try running on your forefeet to get the most out of your workout.
The best forefoot running shoes should be those which provide the runner with a secure and comfortable fit without sacrificing stability. This type of shoe will help you avoid injury and will allow you to perform at your peak.
References
1. Heel Strikes and Your Run: https://www.healthline.com/health/heel-strikes-and-your-run
2. Forefoot running and shin splints: https://exakthealth.com/forefoot-running-shin-splints/
