Does anyone have good knowledge on forefoot strike and the best shoes for this type of runner?

My son runs this way and is wearing his shoes out quickly. He needs a wide 4E fitting. Currently wearing ASICS anything in 4E. Is there a specific shoe that covers this?

Logically the control and support functions of runners are largely irrelevant given he lands on the front and so heel support and pronation control are of little use.

Any advice appreciated.

s

I'm not a forefoot striker so take with a grain of salt, but I think Nike Frees might be worth considering. I have a pair for walking and they feel like they have more support than normal under my forefoot. Take some getting used to though.

How old is your son?

Most of the youngsters that I coach love the little Nike Waffle Racers.

You should take a look at New Balance 1062. It it is a neutral cushion shoe and comes in the wider fittings

My son is a man - mid 20's and fit/big/strong - just that he is not a regular runner. New Balance does not fit the family foot - very high toe box. Prefer Asics / Brooks.

Nike Frees are interesting but I don't see them giving much forefoot support.

From discussion with a few experts locally, it seems that control/stability is almost irrelevant as he lands "ahead" of these systems so we are really just looking at correct width at the front and getting good cushioning. He wants something aesthetic of course.

Thanks for the ideas to date. It seems this is a little known topic and specialist shoe stores get few people requesting this.

s

i know the asics gel 3000 (formerly gel empire) are stability shoes for those who pronate later in the stride, so they might be more suitable. give them a look.

I am a forefoot striker, just checked my runners RBK Premier and they need replacing, front is worn out and the heel is still as new. I think control/stability is very important even if just landing on forefoot, doesn't mean there still isn't some pronating there! I used to have a pair of Asics Gel and they gave me such terrible sciatic in each leg I nearly gave away running, but they were supposedly the "right" shoes for me and also I think I would be the only one here not to think they a great shoe but they just didn't suit me. So reconsider your advise that because your son lands on the fore foot the control stability is irelevent, it just means you have to try a lot more shoes.

Also not sure about the wide 4E fitting comment. I also used to try and always get a wide fitting shoe until I realised what the "last" of a shoe was, its how much a shoe turns out. Your son may need a shoe with a straight last like some of the brooks or Rboks, If the shoe has a "bigger" last to it, then you may be incorrect in thinking you need a wider shoe just because it seems more comfortable to wear.

I am no expert, just a forefoot striker. It is worth searching here as this topic has come up before.

The only shoes that I know of that has been specifically designed for mid foot (forefoot) strikers is the New Balance 800MF (formally known as 800 NBx) as well as the Newton shoe range. The Newton shoes do seem to be possibly a gimmickry type shoe but would have to test it out some time to see if the 'Newton Active Membrane Technology™' works as promoted... as well as being durable.

I am a mid foot striker & haven't tried any of the following as I run in the Nike Free 3.0. Having said that I would be keen to give these shoes a go in the future.

New Balance 800MF:
http://www.nbwebexpress.com.au/newbalance/product/MR800MF
Newton Running:
http://www.newtonrunning.com/

Check out www.newtonrunning.com I personaly find them great for forefoot strike

If he wasn't a 4E width I would be suggesting Infiniti for a forefoot striker.....however this is only available in D width.

In the Brooks range we offer 2 men's running shoes in a 4E fit - Beast & Addiction - however, these are both motion control shoes.

We also do the Dyad in a 2E fit - this is a straight lasted neutral shoe, which offers a fairly generous fit through the forefoot.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions, or would like further information on the Brooks range.

Run happy!