Former world record holder in the 5,000m, Dave Moorcroft, tests a ‘heelless’ running shoes design by a Dutch PT.

It’s now common knowledge that running with a pronounced heel strike not only creates breaking forces that need to be overcome by the runner with each step, thus increasing the work involved in running, but these forces are also the likely causes of common running injuries to the lower legs.

Even runners with the best intentions for their form may struggle to overcome a heel striking foot placement due to shoe construction with a 2:1 height ratio from heel to forefoot, a common practice of shoe manufacturers. This video provides one solution to the challenge presented with such a shoe construction.

The modification of the running shoe seen here seems to allow the runner to have a mid to forefoot ground contact while maintaining proper cushioning via a supplemental midsole sans heel.

My thought is that this may very well be a viable option for runners struggling to find a footstrike oriented towards the mid to forefoot. It should be noted the the body as a system has many other contributing factors to how the where the foot touches the ground. Specifically control and stability of the gleuteal and abdominal area plays a major role in how the leg is ultimately positioned when touching down on the ground.

Runners interested in modifying their footwear to promote a more forward foot strike may want to begin with a racing flat that inheriently has a lower heel and thus reduces the need to hit heel first. Keep in mind changes to running form should be gradual and should be accompanied by appropriate strengthening and stretching exercises to compliment the changes.

Sean Coster