Should you focus on footstrike?

Let me start by saying my only qualification here is that I've been running barefoot for 16 years. But since the topics of bf running and forefoot strike always seem to go together I want to point out something I noticed over a lot of years: forefoot strike is a natural result of increased hip extension. I often see people doing this exaggerated forefoot strike thing where they stick their foot out in front of them and do this sort of deliberate tip-toe running. I don't think that is correct. You shouldn't be sticking your foot out in front of you and plantar flexing it. If your hip is extended, when you put your foot straight down your center of mass will naturally be farther forward so you will be more on your forefoot. You shouldn't have to deliberately point your foot.

bfef wrote:

Let me start by saying my only qualification here is that I've been running barefoot for 16 years. But since the topics of bf running and forefoot strike always seem to go together I want to point out something I noticed over a lot of years: forefoot strike is a natural result of increased hip extension. I often see people doing this exaggerated forefoot strike thing where they stick their foot out in front of them and do this sort of deliberate tip-toe running. I don't think that is correct. You shouldn't be sticking your foot out in front of you and plantar flexing it. If your hip is extended, when you put your foot straight down your center of mass will naturally be farther forward so you will be more on your forefoot. You shouldn't have to deliberately point your foot.

This. Do not decide mid-run you're going to become a forefoot striker. The only way you should change your footstrike is slowly through strength exercises and drills (barefoot running can be an excellent one).

Personally I wouldn't bother trying to change footsrike if you're not getting any injuries. There are plenty of elite heel strikers.

I naturally forefoot/midfoot strike but I'm constantly battling calf and ankle issues.

I agree about the momentum thing but I'm again I'm not sure it's worth trying to transition to forefoot just for this small trade off. I think as long as when you land it's under your centre of mass, you're fine.