Running for dummies

[Carpe Noctem]

Even with the foot strike occurring under my center of gravity? I was experiencing MUCH more of a braking effect when heel striking. Regardless, what I've got now's working for me very well, and has made running fun again.

[TaeBo_Master]

Do what works for you. My guess is that the reason toe running feels better for you is because it's some sort of compensatory mechanism. A good compensation is better than bad technique, but not as good as good technique.

[ChenPengFi]

As someone who has spent years trail running barefoot, i agree with TBM.
That said i have heard a very experienced running coach advocate a toe first strike for barefoot or minimalist shoe running.
Unfortunately i never did find out exactly why though...

[TaeBo_Master]

Probably because it's very common for people to have gait deficiencies. When you're running barefoot or with minimalist shoes, there is little or no added support. So if you have gait deficiencies, you're not getting any help whatsoever. But the best solution is to correct your gait deficiency and then go minimalist.