Toe-striking is preferable for sprinters since they want to spend as little time on the ground as possible. Plus, sprinters are starting from a crouched position which forces them to toe-strike initially.
For casual running, toe-striking places more pressure on the calves. The calves are a smaller muscle group compared to your glutes, hips, quads, and hamstrings (which can absorb more impact).
If you toe-strike and you’re pain-free, then there’s no problem with it. If, however, you’re feeling pain and want to change your foot strike position, do so very slowly (over a few weeks with reduced speed). Any changes to foot position introduces the use of new muscles in the feet that are not used to that type of impact.
Toe-striking is preferable for sprinters since they want to spend as little time on the ground as possible. Plus, sprinters are starting from a crouched position which forces them to toe-strike initially.
For casual running, toe-striking places more pressure on the calves. The calves are a smaller muscle group compared to your glutes, hips, quads, and hamstrings (which can absorb more impact).
If you toe-strike and you’re pain-free, then there’s no problem with it. If, however, you’re feeling pain and want to change your foot strike position, do so very slowly (over a few weeks with reduced speed). Any changes to foot position introduces the use of new muscles in the feet that are not used to that type of impact.
Thanks. I used to tumble, so my calves and Achilles are pretty robust. Having an extra hinge to spring from improves comfort.