Responsive shoes for forefoot runners?

Running Shoes/Running Gear Shoes

3 years ago 02/24/2021 12:44am EST

Should runners with good form (and who lands on forefoot) choose more responsive trainers? I mean, why go for a big cushioned heel when you're not landing there? (I assume most of these are mostly cushioned in the heel area).

To clarify. I know that many excellent runners land on heel, but I'm not talking about them. I'm talking about good runners who land on forefoot.

My other question is. I saw on another thread that one of the best runners in USA (don't remember who) only uses Ultraboost - the idea is that maximal cushioed being the best when you run super high mileage. I don't know whether this guy is a heel or forefoot striker..

If it is the case that heel strikers should stay to highly cushioned shoes and that more forefoot runners could choose more responsive, is it the same for pro runners?

Also, should you not choose more responsive shoes if you are a forefoot runner in order to trying to run with better form, i.e. that highly cushioed shoes can make you "lazy" and alter your gate and run on heel on days you feel tired which causes a higher injury risk.

3 years ago 02/24/2021 1:24am EST

re: Run6556

Run6556 wrote:
Should runners with good form (and who lands on forefoot) choose more responsive trainers? I mean, why go for a big cushioned heel when you're not landing there? (I assume most of these are mostly cushioned in the heel area).

The simplistic answer is that even for forefoot strikers, the heel of the shoe is going to come more significantly into play as the race distance increases, due to fatigue.

It is true, though, that a higher heel-to-toe drop is going to alter the gait mechanics of a good forefoot striker, who typically touches down first with his forefoot, followed by touchdown of the heel in order to load the arch and foot tendon 'springs' for some of their energy return.

Run6556 wrote:My other question is. I saw on another thread that one of the best runners in USA (don't remember who) only uses Ultraboost - the idea is that maximal cushioed being the best when you run super high mileage. I don't know whether this guy is a heel or forefoot striker..
If it is the case that heel strikers should stay to highly cushioned shoes and that more forefoot runners could choose more responsive, is it the same for pro runners?

In recent history, shoes like the Vaporfly are offering both cushion and responsiveness, and thus the pros are running in them, even if it sacrifices getting some of that energy return they use to get from loading up their arch and tendons. The shoe is providing the energy return instead.

Run6556 wrote:Also, should you not choose more responsive shoes if you are a forefoot runner in order to trying to run with better form, i.e. that highly cushioed shoes can make you "lazy" and alter your gate and run on heel on days you feel tired which causes a higher injury risk.

Some of the newer carbon-plated shoes are claiming both responsiveness and energy return, and they are not going to fatigue the muscles and tendons as much that used to be employed in storing and returning energy. One can train in different shoes to maintain that function so that the tendons and muscles don't atrophy. But on the other hand, if you always train and race in a highly cushioned, high stack shoe, that is also responsive, but doesn't allow the tendon and arch to load up like before, does it matter they are suffering some atrophy?

3 years ago 02/24/2021 1:25am EST

re: Jack Daniels Calculator

My previous post was with regard to road shoes and road running, and does not pertain to running on the track in spikes which do not have a high heel-to-toe drop.

3 years ago 02/24/2021 1:34am EST

re: Jack Daniels Calculator

What do you consider a too high heel drop for a defined forefoot runner?

3 years ago 02/24/2021 1:36am EST

re: Run6556

Will you ever be running on the track or in cross-country in spikes/flats?

3 years ago 02/24/2021 1:43am EST

re: Jack Daniels Calculator

No, will never be running in spikes.

3 years ago 02/24/2021 1:44am EST

re: Run6556

I've got a pair of Adios. Runs preferably distances longer than 5k.

3 years ago 02/24/2021 1:53am EST

re: Run6556

Adidas has a confusing naming system. They have an expensive version of Adios that is high stack, and contains carbon fiber reinforced rods in the forefoot.

If you are not running on the track, and training to race on the roads, and you are racing the 5k or below, and you are not going to rely upon the expensive cushion and responsive shoes, but instead are going lightweight, low drop, good ground feel, then look at something like the Skechers Speed 6 (if you have a narrow foot).

I think the adidas boost material in an old ultraboost shoe contributed to hurting my MTP joint some years ago. On the outside, the shoe looked fine after several miles of wear. However, the already thin-downed forefoot softened up over time, and it changed my mechanics to end up really compressing and concentrating load under the joint. YMMV.

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