If you are a forefoot striker and you have wide feet, it can be difficult to find the best running shoes for your needs. Many companies make shoes that cater to other foot types (i.e., heel strikers), but they don’t always take into account the needs of customers with wider feet or who want a shoe that is best suited for forefoot striking.
In this article, we will review the six best running shoes for forefoot strikers from various brands in order to give our readers a better understanding of their features and how they might work best for them!
A forefoot running shoe is specially designed to help the athletes to gain greater pace and hence, improve their performance. There is a huge variety in the quality and value of forefoot shoes but most of them are very minimalistic allowing your feet to feel as free as possible.
As compared to other standard running shoes, they are more durable and the runners feel more comfortable while wearing these.
Before waiting for too long, here is the list of the best running shoes for forefoot strikers. These shoes have been selected based on the buyer’s reviews, needs or forefoot strikers, and their durability. Let’s have a look, shall we?
Table of Contents
Brooks Transcend 7 Running Shoes
| Brand | Brooks |
| Model | Transcend 7 |
| Midsole drop | 10mm |
| Experience type | Cushion |
| Use | Road Running |
| Color | Black/Ebony/Grey |
Brooks Transcend 7 is, no doubt, the best running shoe available for forefoot strikers. It is a perfect pair of shoes and can act as your everyday long-run trainer or workhorse. It is because these shoes are equipped with special DNA loft cushioning that helps in providing a comfortable and softer ride for your legs.
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Whenever you feel like your body is tearing up or you are feeling pain in your legs while running, Brooks Transcend 7 is something you are missing. These shoes can be a solution to these problems because of their stability and fantastic cushioning system. The shoe’s soft and spineless platform makes it one of the best forefoot cleats for long runs.
The Brooks Transcend 7 has a lot of midsoles, whether in the front or rear. This is very important in providing cushioning and smooth motion against the foot-strike pattern. To reduce the friction while landing or to overcome non-jarring landings, the forefoot is provided with a rubber outsole.
The midsole of this shoe is very supportive and helpful throughout its length therefore, the Brooks Transcend is also known as the stability shoe.
This excellent shoe is less soft in the heel as compared to the forefoot due to the addition of the guide rail system in the midsole. Most of the forefoot strikers felt more confident and less wobbly when running in these shoes and rated the Brooks Transcend “the best” in terms of stability and cushioning.
Key Features
- Plush fit
- Super-soft cushioning
- Different colors available
- Reconfigured midsole
- Internal stretch bootie and 3D fit print
- Highly stable
Conclusion
The Brooks Transcend 7 is very adaptive and is used by a large number of footwear strikers for long runs. It is not overly firm and can also be used to walk around. However, be aware of its fluffy backside while running fast.
Pros
- Comfortable without being overly bulky
- Creates a smooth ride
- Durable and stable platform
- Highly comfortable
- Medium-weight shoe
- Rubbered outsole
Cons
- Narrow width
- Laces are overly soft
New Balance Men’s Hierro v3 Fresh Foam Trail
| Brand | New Balance |
| Model | Fresh Foam Hierro v3 |
| Type | Trail |
| Heel Drop | 8mm |
| Colors | Grey, black, yellow, dynamite, dark grey |
The Hierro v3 is the latest and probably the best New Balance trail forefoot cleat. With the highest amount of cushion offered, these shoes are ideal for long runs or sprints. At this price point and cushioning ability, Hierro v3 competes against the likes of Nike Terra Kiger, North Face Ultra Vertical, and Saucony Xodus ISO.
Hierro v3 uses high-quality materials to help you along the way and its sole unit is absolutely amazing. The midsole of these cleats consists of Fresh Foam used for padding. It also helps in providing a smooth feel for your feet and cushioning.
The midsole has an a8mm drop and is stacked fairly high to allow for a pillowy feeling. The outsole of Hierro v3 consists of a material called Vibram. This material is not sticky and has a great grip on dirt, gravel, concrete, and snow.
These running shoes consist of a wide base allowing for greater stability and a soft yet responsive ride. They can tackle all the given surfaces whether rocky, muddy, or grassy.
As compared to its previous models, the upper of Hierro v3 is completely restructured and is known as the sock-like upper. It consists of two durable materials that provide a supportive feeling and also increase breathability.
To keep the upper as comfortable as possible, they use a material called Hyposkin. Just like many of the forefoot cleats, Hierro v3 also contains a layer of blown rubber across the toe to help with rocks and sticks and increase durability.
Key Features
- Rubber sole
- 100% synthetic
- Bootie construction
- Imported
- No-sew material application
- Fresh Foam midsole
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Conclusion
Overall, Hierro v3 shows a different and unique side of New Balance trail offerings. Forefoot strikers reveal that these shoes can cover more than 170 miles on any given surface such as concrete, gravel, mud, dirt, grass, snow, or rocky roads.
Pros
- Beautiful Vibram outsole
- Tons of cushion for long runs
- Sock-like upper keeps mud out
- Wide platform provides extra stability
- Quick turnover
Cons
- Narrow trails can be hard to navigate due to wide base
Saucony Men’s Kinvara 11 Running Shoes
| Brand | Saucony |
| Model | Kinvara 11 |
| Type | Lightweight |
| Heel Drop | 4mm |
| Colors | white, blackout, blue, alloy, yellow, citron |
If you are looking for a pair of cleats that provides you with the expert balance of comfort and balance, Saucony Men’s Kinvara 11 is what you should be eyeing at. This shoe comes with a 4mm heel-to-toe offset and the ridges in its outsole do not pick up road debris, whether running on natural-surface paths or rocky roads.
Kinvara 11 is an ideal forefoot shoe for long runs and tempos. Its ride is pretty smooth but snippy. Its previous model consists of a full-length EVA midsole but in this model, it has been replaced by the PWRRUN foam midsole. Also, an additional 5.5mm of foam is also present in Kinvara 11.
There isn’t much of a difference between the two except the PWRRUN foam provides an excellent balance between the lightweight cushion and responsiveness.
To keep the shoe’s weight down, very little rubber is used in the outsole however, the midsole foam is exposed to ground contact in this way. Blown rubber is only used in the most important areas such as under the lateral side of the heel and under the toe. It helps in noticing the wear just after the first run and distributes shock evenly across the sole.
To encourage a smooth and straight transition from landing to toe-off, guidance lines are employed throughout the length of the outsole. Saucony Kinvara 11 also prevents your feet from various types of injuries and pains.
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With specially engineered woven mesh, the upper feels very soft and smooth against the foot and moves naturally with every step. At the top shoe-lace eyelets, and leather-like overlays are beautifully imprinted giving the shoe a premium touch.
In Kinvara 11, the center shoe-lace eyelet has been removed to improve the feel of the shoe. The only drawback of these cleats is that the laces are too short and do not provide enough real estate work.
Key Features
- Imported
- Flexible sole helps in the transition from landing to take-off
- PWRRUN foam midsole balances lightweight cushion and responsiveness
- FORM FIT provides the best fit and feels from every angle
- Specially engineered woven mesh
Conclusion
The Kinvara 11 is Saucony’s flagship shoe that provides high-performance comfort for athletes and forefoot strikers. Certain changes have been made to these shoes to improve their functionality and give them a premium feel.
Pros
- Secured arch
- Lightweight
- Upgraded upper
- Responsive and softer landing
- Better-quality heel counter
Cons
- Short laces
- Not the best cleats for heavy heel strikers
HOKA ONE ONE Men’s Bondi 6 Running Shoes
| Brand | HOKA ONE ONE |
| Model | Bondi 6 |
| Type | Cushioning |
| Heel Drop | 33 mm |
| Colors | Black, white, grey, blue, frost, lead, orange |
The Bondi is Hoka One One’s best and the most cushion-providing forefoot striker shoe. Now in its 6th version, it has undergone many changes and is probably the best of all Bondi’s models.
To provide a smoother ride, it is updated with excellent cushioning and its upper is made with engineered mesh and lycra, which provides a plush feeling as well.
Compared to its previous models, Bondi 6 running shoes have gained some more weight and some modifications have been made to the early meta-rocker design to ensure a softer ride that feels pillowy soft. This reliable forefoot cleat consists of a full EVA midsole and overall provides a comfortable and easygoing motion.
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The lateral side of its outsole has a greater amount of rubber compared to its previous models. This slight modification is important because the lateral side is where the impact typically occurs. The meta-rocker shape is really important in providing soft and less bouncing cushioning.
Hoka One Men’s Bondi 6 running shoes have a wide base that makes them highly stable. Reviews of most forefoot strikers reveal that it is an excellent shoe for long-distance and recovery runs.
You’ll never feel sorry after buying these fabulous shoes and your feet will always be happy running.
As discussed earlier, Bondi 6 comes with a new engineered mesh that is specially used for better durability and stability. The mesh is a soft material and to enhance breathability, it has specific cutouts.
However, it still does its job brilliantly, I’d say that the mesh used in the upper is slight of less quality as compared to that of Bondi 5.
Key Features
- Rubber sole
- Padded insole for cushioning
- Durable full-length EVA midsole
- New engineered mesh material
- Softer and a wide base
- Two-layered foam midsole
Conclusion
Overall, Bondi 6 is a great upgrade to the Bondi line and is definitely of higher quality and more comfortable that the others. This shoe is a workhorse which means that it can carry more weight
Pros
- Comfortable upper
- New heel design
- Soft and smooth ride
- Inherent stability
- Maximalist shoes
Cons
- Less breathable mesh
HOKA ONE ONE Men’s Clifton 5 Running Shoe
| Brand | HOKA ONE ONE |
| Model | Clifton 5 |
| Type | Running shoes |
| Heel Drop | 5mm |
This forefoot cleat is amazing when it comes to speed, I should say it is very very fast. It comes with an engineered mesh to optimize comfort and breathability. For the midsole, it uses a thick piece of EVA foam and from the side, it looks thicker than what actually sits beneath your foot.
As compared to other models, the heel of Clifton 5 is fairly firm but still, it feels soft and smooth when you strike it on the ground. On the other hand, the forefoot is remarkably pillowy.
The rubber configuration under the foot is exceptionally engineered and a couple of patches of rubber are also present at the back of the shoe. To reduce the weight of the shoe and increase durability, more rubber is present in areas of high abrasions such as the forefoot.
Clifton 5 is different from its previous models in that it uses an elastic mesh in the upper which ensures the proper flow of air inside the foot. The mesh also contains a 3D Puff Print Frame which enhances its durability.
Key Features
- Full-length EVA midsole
- Elastic and engineered mesh
- Lightweight rubber on the outsole
- Sole technology
- Ideal for long-run
- Meta-rocker geometry
Conclusion
If you are looking for cleats that are highly comfortable to wear, provide a soft and smooth motion, and are very fast, order Hoka One One Clifton 5 now!
Pros
- Offers extra support
- Wide toe box
- Offers fantastic rebound
- Durable and comfortable
- High arch support
Cons
- Little heavy
- The shoe is a little stiff
Mizuno Men’s Wave Rider 22 Running Shoes
| Brand | Mizuno |
| Model | Wave Rider 22 |
| Heel Drop | 12mm |
| Colors | Black and Monument |
From year to year, Wave Rider keeps on producing high-quality sports products and the latest one is the Mizuno Men’s Wave Rider 22 running shoes for forefoot strikers. Although it looks pretty similar to that of Wave Ride 21 some key changes are being made in these cleats such as an updated upper and midsole for better breathability and a smoother ride.
Reviews from its users suggest that Wave Rider 22 is the softest and smoothest of all the Mizuno options while maintaining the firm feeling of the plate as well.
The brand’s X10 carbon rubber and durable blown rubber are used in the construction of its outsole. The carbon rubber is applied in the heel area to reduce the pressure felt by the feet while landing and hence, increases the durability. The blown rubber is used in the forefoot to make the shoe feel lightweight and more flexible.
The midsole of Mizuno Men’s Wave Rider 22 is made of a special material known as U4ic. It is not only lightweight in nature but also provides responsiveness, better performance, and resilience. This material also distributes force evenly and gives a soft underfoot feel.
These shoes are firmer than the other running shoes offered by various brands for forefoot strikers and have a beautiful Dynamotion Fit Design. The logo of Mizuno Wave Rider is printed on the lateral side and is made up of synthetic material.
Key Features
- Blown and carbon rubber in the outsole
- Use of U4ic in the midsole
- Sole technology
- Dynamotion fit design
- Imported
- 100% synthetic
- Lace-up closing system
Conclusion
So that’s all about the best shoes for forefoot strikers in our today’s article. These shoes have been selected after thorough research and reviews from the athletes that wore them. Hope you like it. For further interesting and informative articles, stay tuned with us!
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Pros
- Lightweight and flexible
- Enhanced comfort and responsiveness
- Breathable upper
- Fantastic cushioning
- Softer and smoother
Cons
- These cleats are very firm
Buying Guide: Best Running Shoes for Forefoot Strikers
Forefoot strikers are a unique breed of runner. They tend to have a higher cadence and strike the ground with the forefoot first, rather than the heel. This type of running is often associated with faster speeds and shorter strides.
If you’re a forefoot striker, you need a shoe that can provide cushioning and support for your unique running style. When looking for running shoes for forefoot strikers, you’ll want to focus on cushioning and stability.
Forefoot strikers need shoes that can provide plenty of cushioning to absorb the impact of each stride, and shoes that offer stability will help keep your foot in position as you strike the ground.
Some other things to consider when buying shoes for forefoot strikers include:
The type of running you’ll be doing: If you’re a forefoot striker who only runs on trails, you’ll need a different shoe than a forefoot striker who runs on the road. Make sure to choose a shoe that’s designed for the type of running you’ll be doing.
The fit of the shoe: A good fitting shoe is essential for any runner, but it’s especially important for forefoot strikers. Make sure to try on shoes before you buy them to ensure a comfortable, secure fit.
The price: Running shoes can range in price from $50 to $200 or more. Don’t let the price tag be the sole deciding factor when choosing a shoe, but keep in mind that you may need to spend more to get a quality shoe that meets your needs.
FAQs
Is forefoot running better?
Forefoot running has been shown to be beneficial for some people, because it can help them run more efficiently and with less impact on their joints. However, for other people, forefoot running can actually cause more injuries than traditional heel-strike running.
The best way to find out which type of running is best for you is to experiment a little and see what works best for your body. There’s no one right way to run – everyone should find what feels best for them and stick with that.
What should I look for in a forefoot running shoe?
When looking for a forefoot running shoe, you should consider the height of the heel and toe. A heel height that is too high will cause your foot to pronate, while a heel height that is too low will cause your foot to supinate. You should also consider the toe box width and length.
The toe box width should be wide enough to allow your toes to splay, and the toe box length should be long enough to accommodate your toes. Lastly, you should consider the level of cushioning in the shoe. A shoe with more cushioning will provide more protection from impact forces.
Is forefoot or midfoot strike better?
For beginner runners, it’s best to start with a midfoot strike and gradually work up to a forefoot strike as your strength and endurance improves. Pay close attention to how your body feels when you make the switch, and if you experience any pain or discomfort, go back to a heel-strike running style.
Does forefoot running prevent injury?
There is some evidence that forefoot running may help to prevent injuries, particularly shin splints. Shin splints are a common running injury, and they occur when the muscles and tendons around the shin become overworked.
Forefoot running may help to avoid this problem by reducing the amount of impact on the shin. Additionally, forefoot running tends to encourage a shorter stride, which can also reduce the risk of injury.
Does forefoot strike cause shin splints?
There is no definitive answer to this question as the research on the topic is inconclusive. However, some experts believe that forefoot strike may indeed be a contributing factor to shin splints. Shin splints are typically caused by overuse and repetitive motion, so if you are experiencing shin pain after running with a forefoot strike, it’s possible that this could be the cause. consult with a doctor or physical therapist to get a definitive answer.
