Looking for the Best Running Shoes For Heel Strikers?
Do you know that a greater percentage of runners strike the ground with their heel when landing? Now, that is a whole lot of people. Many naysayers say heel striking is the worst way to run. However, there is no single “correct” way to run, and that is the obvious truth. Well, that does not mean heel striking is the safest way of running.
Heel strikers need running shoes that are designed for their running style. The best running shoes for heel strikers will enable them to run safely without getting injured on the heel or the center of their foot. It would prevent shock on their ankles, pumps, and Achilles.
This type of running increases the chances of getting an injury, but you can be on the safer side with the best running shoes. We have put together a list of the top-rated running shoes for heel strikers as well as a guide on how to pick the right one for your running style.
Top 5 Running Shoes For Heel Strikers
OUR TOP PICK
If you want us to recommend just one running shoe for heel strikers, it would be the Brooks Glycerin 18 Running Shoe For Hell Strikers because it comes with great features that provide heel strikers with all the support and comfort they need while running.
1. Brooks Glycerin 18 Running Shoes For Heel Strikers
The Brooks Glycerin 18 Running Shoe is one of our top choices for the best running shoes for heel strikers. This is a well-cushioned, neutral shoe that provides great support for people that land on their heel while running. The high cushioning of this shoe separated it from other running shoes in the market, and this makes it super safe for heel strikers.
It comes with an 11.8mm heel-to-toe drop, and this provides you with more than enough padding when landing. This feature also provides additional comfort for people with plantar fasciitis and tight Achilles. Brooks made this shoe with its proprietary DNA LOFT foam, and this foam contains more air than previous models. This technology increases the responsiveness of the shoe and makes it much lighter.
This running shoe allows for easy transitioning from heel to toe, providing you with more speed and balance while running. The upper of the shoe is made with mesh and synthetic and it is also knitted. The knitting allows for adequate inflow and outflow of fresh hair to keep your feet comfortable, dry, and cool while running.
It comes with a synthetic outsole with grooves that allow for easy transitioning. The sole is flexible and it allows your feet to flex when needed. It also rolls you right into your next step, thanks to its turned-up toe. The sole helps to absorb shock while providing you with traction and grip on different surfaces. Men’s version.
Specs
- Material: Synthetic and mesh
- Gender: Women
- Sole: Rubber sole
- Size: 5 – 12
What We Like
- Available in narrow and wide options
- Provides great traction and stability
- Delivers smooth, comfortable rides
- Well-cushioned for more comfort and safety
What We Don’t Like
- Doesn’t dry quickly
2. ASICS Men’s Gel-Nimbus 22 Running Shoes For Heel Strikers
ASICS is one shoe brand that knows how to please its end users. This brand makes different shoes for different runners, and the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 22 Running Shoe is designed for heel strikers. This is a neutral running shoe that provides great balance while running. It features a drop that makes it great for heel strikers. This shoe has more cushioning but it delivers the feel and comfort of a traditional running shoe.
The additional cushioning of the shoe did not increase its weight, making it a super lightweight running shoe for heel strikers. It is highly supportive and feels firm. This running shoe is also great for people with wide feet, as it is available in larger and wider options. The heel drop of this shoe is 10mm, which is great for people with this running style.
There is also a Guidance Line that runs along the rubber outsole of this shoe, and it features grooves that enhance the transition from heel-strike to toe-off. This running shoe is great for those with neutral foot position or slight overpronation, thanks to its nominal arch support.
It comes with a highly breathable upper that is made with mesh and synthetic. The upper is highly durable and it provides a snug, comfortable fit. It comes with a lace-up closure for a secure and customized fit. The shoe is available in more than 26 different colors, with sizes ranging from 6 through 16. You can get the women’s version of the shoe here.
Specs
- Material: Synthetic and Mesh
- Gender: Male
- Sole: Rubber sole
- Size: 6 – 16
What We Like
- Highly breathable mesh upper
- Provides secure and customized fits
- Highly durable
- Stable and highly responsive
What We Don’t Like
- Cold weather increases the firmness
3. HOKA ONE ONE Men’s Bondi 6 Running Shoes For Heel Strikers
Next on the line is the HOKA ONE ONE Men’s Bondi 6 Running Shoe, and it is the number one choice of many heel strikers. The number one mission of this shoe is to make you comfortable while running. This running shoe features a great design and it is great for runners that strike their heel on the ground while running.
The cushioning of this shoe is one of the major reasons it is above many running shoes on the market. These shoes would make you feel like you are in a pillow while running. Some runners refer to them as the “massage spa of running shoes.”
They give you this feeling as if you are running or walking in the cloud with its thick rubber sole floating from the bottom of your feet. The shoes are highly durable and they will serve you for a long time without wearing out.
The shoes from this brand promote good foot health, which is why they have the seal of the American Pediatric Medical Association. It features an excellent cushioning that relieves some of the excessive pressure that is put on the knees, hips, and ankles when your heel strikes the ground. The shoe is highly supportive in the rearfoot and ankle area.
This running shoe is also great for long-distance runs, thanks to the design of its upper and tongue. The upper is made with mesh and it has some holes that allow for the constant flow of fresh air, which increases its breathability.
Specs
- Material: Mesh
- Gender: Male
- Sole: Rubber sole
- Size: 7 – 14
What We Like
- Designed to keep you comfortable
- Excellent cushioning
- Provides great ankle and rearfoot support
- Roomy toe box
What We Don’t Like
- It is expensive
4. Under Armour Men’s HOVR Infinite Running Shoes For Heel Strikers
If you are looking for a highly versatile, cushioned, and flexible running shoe for heel strikers, the Under Armour Men’s HOVR Infinite Running Shoe is one of the best options to consider. This shoe provides great support for different types of runners, including heel strikers. These shoes are designed to last forever, which resulted in the name “Infinite.” In addition to being highly durable, they are flexible and super comfortable.
This shoe is the winner of the 2019 Runner’s World “Recommended” Award. The excellent cushioning of this shoe has earned it a spot in the heart of many runners, including ours. The testimonials and reviews of previous users are outstanding, and they testified that the shoe is as advertised.
This shoe is digitally connected, with Under Armour’s Record Sensor technology that tracks, analyzes, and stores almost every running metrics to help you know how to make improvements. The shoe also boasts of great responsiveness and it helps you to maintain balance while running. It comes with Under Armour’s HOVR foam that provides zero-gravity feel to maintain energy return.
UA made this shoe with synthetic materials and it comes with a highly durable rubber sole. It features a roomy toe box with a highly breathable upper. The upper wraps around the feet to provide you with a secure and comfortable feel while running.
Specs
- Material: Synthetic
- Gender: Male
- Sole: Rubber sole
- Size: 7 – 15
What We Like
- Excellent cushioning for added support and comfort
- Designed to last forever
- Highly flexible and versatile
- Reduces shock impact
What We Don’t Like
- It rarely connects
5. Nike Women’s Joyride Run Flyknit Running Shoes For Heel Strikers
Nike is at the top of the game when it comes to making shoes for different types of runners. Over the decades, this shoe brand has been making high-quality shoes that have been making waves on the market, and the Nike Women’s Joyride Run Flyknit Running Shoe is one of the best running shoes from this brand.
This is not specifically designed for heel strikers, but the great features and high cushioning makes it great for runners who strike on their heels. The running shoe comes with a heel to toe drop of 10mm, and it provides excellent support on the heel. It also does a great job of absorbing shock, and this protects your heel and knees. If you are a new runner with little or no experience, this is a great option to consider.
This running shoe from Nike comes with a highly breathable mesh upper that wraps around the feet pretty well. The upper is also lightweight and it is made with knit material that is a bit stretchy. This shoe comes with tiny foam beads that are positioned strategically in the shoe, and they compress and adapt to your steps for great impact absorption and stability.
It features a dual-foam cushioning system and a lace-up closure that provides you with a customized and secure fit. This running shoe is called the Joyride because it provides enjoyable, easy rides. It comes with a rubber sole that provides great traction on different running surfaces. The low-cut design of the shoe provides great comfort around your ankle, making it very easy to wear and remove.
Specs
- Material: Mesh
- Gender: Women
- Sole: Rubber sole
- Size: 5 – 12
What We Like
- A dual-foam cushioning system
- A variety of colors to choose from
- Lightweight and breathable upper
- Very easy to wear and take off
What We Don’t Like
- A bit expensive
Common Questions About Running Shoes For Heel Strikers
How To Know When Your Foot Strikes When You Run
The running shoe you choose has a key role to play in your running experience. The shoe has more impact on your training than every other gear you put on. As such, choosing the right running shoe is very important, as it would help you to run to your full potential. Ending up with the wrong shoes can result in discomfort, fatigue, and even injury.
When choosing a running shoe, your foot strike is one of the most important things you need to consider. What works for your friend might not work for you, as your foot strike is as personal as your body shape. The best way to know your foot strike is through natural gait analysis, but there are other ways to go around it.
What Is Running Foot Strike?
Your running gait or foot strike is the way you land on the ground and then distribute the shock impact through the feet. There are three different types of running foot strikes:
- Overpronation: This is when the foot collapses to the inside or medially.
- Neutral: This is when the foot lands upright.
- Supination: Supination is also known as underpronation, and it is when the foot rolls to the ‘outside’ or laterally.
Factors To Consider When Buying Running Shoes For Heel Strikers
Cushioning
Heel strikers need a highly cushioned running shoe to get all the support they need. However, you need a heel that is not too soft; it should be firm enough to provide great support in the heel area. You should go for a shoe with an evenly cushioned midsole.
It should not be overly soft or overly firm, it should provide just the right amount of support your feet needs. The cushioning of the shoe should be enough to absorb shock, protecting your knee and heel when you hit the ground.
Higher Heel To Toe Drop
To protect your heel from any sort of damage or injury, you need to go for a well-cushioned running shoe. Normally, if the shoe has a higher heel to toe drop, it means the rear is well-cushioned. With an adequately cushioned running shoe, you will be able to overcome the common issues that heel strikers face, such as foot fatigue and injury.
As such, we recommend you go for a running shoe with a higher heel to toe drop. We recommend you keep your target between 8mm to 12mm. All the running shoes on this guide feature a high heel to toe drop.
Durability
The last thing you want is to spend your hard-earned money on a shoe that will not last through the test of time. Everyone wants to invest in something that would last him or her through the years, and there are few boxes to check in order to pick to durable running shoes for heel strikers.
It is a bit difficult to tell how durable a shoe is when you have not tried it out, especially when you are buying it online. However, you can get a better knowledge of its durability by checking what others are saying about the product online. You need to read the reviews of the product to know how durable it is. If it is durable, previous users would recommend it, but if it is not, you will also see complaints about its durability.
If you want to use the shoe in an area that rains a lot, you should go for water-resistant shoes. However, the issue with waterproof shoes is that they are less breathable, and breathability is one vital feature that you should not ignore.
You should consider the material used to make the shoe, as this contributes to its durability. The outsole should also be made with high-quality material.
Traction and Stability
You should go for a running shoe whose sole offers great traction and stability. You need to consider the terrain you want to run when picking a shoe. If you would be running on wet or smooth terrains, you need a lightweight outsole that provides great grip and traction.
The shoe should also help you to maintain a great balance regardless of where you want to use it.
Final Thoughts On The Best Running Shoes For Heel Strikers
Those are to top recommendations for heel strikers. As a heel striker, running with the right shoes is very important if you want to have a great running experience while avoiding potential injuries.
All the running shoes on this guide are great for heel strikers, but the clear winner is the Brooks Glycerin 18 Running Shoe because it features a great heel to toe drop with excellent cushioning to provide heel strikers with all the support and comfort they need while running. The shoe is highly durable and it would serve you for a very long time.
