Are you a forefoot striker? If yes, then you might already know the benefits and downsides of such a running pattern. Forefoot running is one of the most efficient running techniques, but the chances of sustaining an injury are also higher.
As a forefoot striker, you can improve your performance and pace with the right running shoes. There are different types of running shoes out there, and they are designed for different types of runners. With the best running shoes for forefoot strikers, you can increase your performance and run safely without any issues.
After talking to some pediatrics and extensive research, we have compiled a list of some of the best forefoot running shoes.
The Best Running Shoes for Forefoot Strikers Are:
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 6 Running Shoe SS20 |  Top Pick |
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| 2. ALTRA Men’s ALM1937F Torin 4 Road Running Shoe |  |
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| 3. Brooks Women’s Glycerin 17 Cushioned Road Running Shoe |  |
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| 4. New Balance Women’s Minimus 10 V1 Trail Running Shoe |  |
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| 5. ASICS Women’s Gel-Cumulus 21 Running Shoe |  |
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| 6. PUMA Men’s Tazon 6 Fracture FM Cross-Trainer Shoe |  |
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1. Adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 6 Running Shoe SS20 — Best Forefoot Running Shoes
The Adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 6 Running Shoe SS20 is one of the best running shoes for forefoot strikers on the market. This is the number one running shoe for many long-distance runners. It is a great low-profile running shoe that gives you the ability to feel the ground while running, thanks to its minimal cushioning.
While it does not provide the feeling of running on clouds, this shoe offers great all-around protection. The shoe offers firm protection to reduce the chances of injuring your feet significantly. The minimal cushioning of this shoe allows your tendons, muscles, and ligaments throughout the feet and ankle to move freely and build up naturally and strong.
The shoe is exceptionally lightweight and highly breathable, allowing for constant ventilation. It also comes with a highly supportive midsole that helps to wick away moisture from sweat effectively and efficiently. The shoe provides both rearfoot and forefoot protection, as it comes with thick material that surrounds the heel and toes.
It is also locked in place, thanks to its hugging fit. The light mesh upper is also there to reduce the overall weight of the shoe. This running shoe is great for forefoot strikers and it would serve you for years.
Specs
- Material: Celermesh
- Gender: Male
- Sole: Rubber sole
- Size: 7 – 15
Pros
- Great profile and design
- Ideal for track, light trail, and road running
- Perfect cushioning for forefoot strikers
- Exceptionally breathable and lightweight mesh upper
Cons
- Available in only one color
2. ALTRA Men’s ALM1937F Torin 4 Road Running Shoe
The ALTRA Men’s ALM1937F Torin 4 Road Running Shoe is another awesome pair of running shoes for forefoot strikers. This shoe comes with a highly responsive, soft cushioning that will provide you with sufficient feedback when running. The feedback system of the shoe is further enhanced by the IQ technology added to the outsole. With this feature, you can run with these shoes for hours without any issues.
This running shoe also comes with advanced technologies such as Fit4Her technology, FootShape toe box, and zero-drop cushioning to provide you with maximum comfort and support. It also offers an excellent level of stability and a lot of arch support. The shoe comes with a rubber outsole that provides great grip and stability on different surfaces.
It also provides a secure and snug fit, thanks to its asymmetric lacing and integrated tongue. This running shoe comes with an engineered mesh upper that is super lightweight and breathable. It is designed to keep your feet dry, cool, and fresh at all times. The shoe is also super-light, and it allows you to run much faster.
It is highly flexible, providing you with smooth and responsive rides. You can get this shoe in three different colors with sizes ranging from 7 through 16.
Specs
- Material: Mesh
- Gender: Male
- Sole: Rubber sole
- Size: 7 – 15
Pros
- Provides live feedback with IQ technology
- Ideal for both long and short-distance runs
- Highly versatile
- Maximum cushioning
Cons
- Breaking in is needed
3. Brooks Women’s Glycerin 17 Cushioned Road Running Shoe – Best Running Shoe with Forefoot Cushioning
If you are looking for the best running shoe with forefoot cushioning, you should consider the Brooks Women’s Glycerin 17 Cushioned Road Running Shoe. This is undoubtedly one of the best running shoes for runners that land on their forefoot. This shoe comes with excellent cushioning that is great for foot strikers.
It comes with DNA LOFT cushioning to provide you with a plush, soft feeling without sacrificing durability and responsiveness. Brooks designed this shoe to absorb shock impact when running, and this protects your entire foot as well as the knees. It provides great balance and stability.
The shoe features a DNA LOFT transition zone at the forefoot, and this increases the support and comfort of the shoe. This feature will provide you with smooth and soft transitions at every step.
The shoe comes with an upper that is made with a flexible 3D Fit Print mesh. It also features an interior liner that stretches and adapts to your feet as you run. The shoe is great for a variety of outdoor sports, thanks to its design and build quality.
It comes with a gum rubber outsole that provides great grip and traction on different surfaces. If you are obsessed with softness and cushioning, then this is a great running shoe to consider.
You can get the men’s version of this shoe here.
Specs
- Material: Synthetic and Mesh
- Gender: Women
- Sole: Gum rubber sole
- Size: 5 – 12
Pros
- Great for runners recovering from foot injury
- Highly breathable
- Made with lightweight, high-quality material
- Great shock absorbency and comfort
Cons
- The toe box is a bit narrow
4. New Balance Women’s Minimus 10 V1 Trail Running Shoe
For forefoot strikers looking for a great pair of trail running shoes, our top recommendation is the New Balance Women’s Minimus 10 V1 Trail Running shoe. If you love minimalist shoes, then you would love this shoe. The shoe provides excellent traction on different types of surfaces and terrain, which means you can use it anywhere. It is also designed to withstand harsh environments.
The shoe comes with a rubber outsole with flex grooves for enhanced durability and traction. This shoe is super lightweight, as it does not have excessive materials. It is not the most eye-catching running shoe on our list, but it provides forefoot strikers with all the support and comfort they need. This shoe provides a secure and snug fit, and it provides a comfortable feel while running.
It also helps to keep your feet in place, thanks to its great midfoot wrap. It comes with a premium performance foam that provides excellent cushioning. The shoe delivers lightweight support that allows you to run for a long time without any issues.
New Balance made this shoe with 50 percent synthetic and 50 percent mesh. The upper has a great cooling effect that helps to keep your feet dry and cool. It prevents sweating by increasing airflow, and this helps to reduce soreness in the feet.
Specs
- Material: Synthetic and Mesh
- Gender: Women
- Sole: Rubber sole
- Size: 5 – 12
Pros
- Comes with a long-lasting outsole
- A highly breathable upper that prevents sweating
- Eliminates and prevents odor buildup
- Wider to box for added comfort
Cons
- A bit pricey
5. ASICS Women’s Gel-Cumulus 21 Running Shoe
Next up is the ASICS Women’s Gel-Cumulus 21 Running Shoe, and it made it to our list because it features the perfect cushioning for forefoot strikers. This is an outstanding running shoe that could take your running experience to a completely new level. It comes with a soft tongue that will not irritate your feet. The shoe prevents slippage and it provides great stability, thanks to its internal heel counter.
It comes with an EVA sock liner that provides great cushioning. The sock liner also helps to absorb moisture and sweat, keeping your feet fresh and healthy. You can also remove, wash, and replace the sock liner. The upper of the shoe is made with fabric and it has perforations that allow for adequate airflow.
The midsole is made with FlyteFoam Lyte technology – the lightest midsole formulation of this brand – and it provides continuous cushioning. It also boasts of great shock absorption capabilities while ensuring your feet are comfortable regardless of how far and fast you run. It also comes with an Impact Guidance System technology that enhances the natural gait of the foot from heel-strike to toe-off.
Specs
- Material: Fabric
- Gender: Women
- Sole: Rubber sole
- Size: 5 – 13
Pros
- Available in wide and narrow options
- Comes with top-notch shoe technologies
- Provides great comfort and stability
- Excellent ventilation to keep your feet cool
Cons
- A bit weighty
6. PUMA Men’s Tazon 6 Fracture FM Cross-Trainer Shoe
If you are looking for a highly protective running shoe that you can use for different outdoor sports, you should consider the PUMA Men’s Tazon 6 Fracture FM Cross-Trainer Shoe. This shoe is made with 100 percent synthetic and textile, two of the most durable and lightweight materials for making running shoes. PUMA designed this shoe to help athletes that train for a very long time.
The shoe comes with a rubber outsole that provides great stability and traction while running or training. It features a lace-up design to provide you with a customized fit and added support. The collar also comes up to the ankle area for more stability and comfort. This shoe also helps to protect your toes and entire feet, thanks to its T-toe construction.
The midfoot area has additional cushioning for more comfort and support. It comes with an EVA midsole that absorbs shock impact when landing on your forefoot. The insole also features Eco-Ortholite technology, and this helps to reduce discomfort and excessive sweating.
The design of the shoe is also pretty impressive, and you can use it as casual footwear. It also blends with several casual outfits. It’s durable and is available in six different colors.
Specs
- Material: 100% Synthetic and Textile
- Gender: Male
- Sole: Rubber sole
- Size: 6 – 14
Pros
- Great fitting and comfort
- Roomy toe box for extra comfort
- Multifunctional and highly versatile
- Highly durable
Cons
- A bit weighty
How Do I Know I Am Picking The Best Forefoot Running Shoe?
Shock Absorption
The best running shoes for runners that strike on their forefoot have great shock absorption capabilities. Hence, you should go for a shoe that comes with shock absorption technologies. The midsole of the shoe should be able to absorb foot strike shock.
This means the shoe has to be well-cushioned. Well-cushioned midsoles have a higher capability of absorbing shock impact, and this helps to reduce the energy that the muscles and tissues absorb. It also makes the shoe more comfortable.
The Soles
The sole of a running shoe includes the insole, midsole, and outsole. You should go for a shoe that comes with an outsole that matches the shape of your foot. It should also be highly durable and provide great traction on different terrains. The outsole should not be too bulky neither should it be too stiff.
Material
There are different types of materials used in making running shoes. However, some materials tend to be better than others because they are lighter and more durable. Running shoes do not require heavy materials such as leather, as this would increase the weight of the shoe, making it more strenuous to run with.
Conclusion
Running shoes have evolved significantly over the years, and manufacturers are working hard to make different shoes for different types of runners. With our great lineup, picking the best forefoot running shoe should no longer be an issue.
Our top recommendation is the Adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 6 Running Shoes SS20 because it comes with the perfect cushioning for this running style. It is made with high-quality, breathable, and lightweight materials.
