Forefoot Running Shoes: Our 5 Absolute Favourites

Are you looking for the best forefoot running shoes on the market today? Running has amazing benefits for the body. You will find that it helps you develop healthy muscles.

Woman running on a track with a green vest, black shorts, and Nike shoes

It is great for your heart and your entire body. When you run, you use a lot of muscles, which is one reason why it is a favorite for many people. One of the most important muscles that you exercise when you run is your heart. 

You can prevent cardiovascular diseases by keeping up a good running regimen. It also helps you maintain a healthy weight.

Sometimes going to the gym can seem boring, and the treadmill doesn’t offer any scenic views, but trail running does.

It is important that when you decide to start running, you do it with the right gear. Have you ever tried running in your everyday regular clothes?

Forefoot Running Shoes

Image Name What We Like URL
Brooks Launch 6 Running Shoe There are multiple colours to choose from. The shoes are fairly lightweight.
adidas Ultraboost 19 M Running Shoe There are a variety of colours to choose from. The soles are very flexible.
Vivobarefoot Primus Lite II They are suitable for vegans. They are incredibly lightweight.
Brooks Glycerin 17 Cushioned Road Running Shoe There are various colours to choose from. The shoes provide a lot of cushioning.
New Balance WT10v1 Minimus Trail Running Shoe The soles are made out of vibram. They are very flexible.

It can be quite tiresome and irritating and sometimes dangerous. How? Being in the wrong shoes, for example, can increase your chances of twisting your ankle as you run.

If the shoes are not flexible enough this can also hurt you. If they do not have the right amount of grip, you can slip and fall. 

Before you go running, it is important to know what type of running you intend to be doing. Running on your forefoot is a tactic used by many sprinters and this is mainly because it is biomechanically faster.

Most natural runners or barefoot runners strike the ground with their forefoot first.

It is now thought that this is the most natural way of running. You do not have to alter the way you run, you can find the perfect shoes to match the way you run.

If you are a forefoot runner, you need to get a certain type of shoe. In this article, we take a look at which shoes you need to be looking for.   

In a Hurry

Do you need a quick guide to buying the best forefoot running shoes? There are a few things that you will need to consider. One of those is knowing where you will be running.

The terrain counts a great deal in deciding the type of sole you need. The shoe needs to have a stable forefoot. This can be achieved by a firm midsole or a wide surface area. 

You will also need to check on the flexibility of the shoes. When you run on your forefoot, it means that is where you transfer a lot of your weight and your hoes have to be flexible enough to allow this.

You will also need to know what you need to use the shoe for. Marathons can do with more cushioning, unlike shorter distances which do not necessarily need a lot of cushioning.  Instead, a soft midsole will hamper your workout.

Our Top Pick

Adidas Ultraboost 19 M Running Shoe

We have done our research and found our favorite to be the Adidas Ultraboost 19 M Running Shoe. It has a synthetic sole and lace closure. The lace closure means that it is easily adjustable but at the same time, you can fasten it to the tightness that you need to feel secure. It has the special Adidas primeknit which gives a secure and supportive fit.

This shoe is lightweight and it also adapts well. It has a responsive boost midsole, a stabilizing torsion spring. The shoe’s outsole is made of flexible stretchweb. The way it is constructed gives you amazing traction in wet and dry conditions. Your run is sure to be full of energy. The cushioning in this men’s shoe is just what you need for a comfortable run.

Product Reviews for forefoot running shoes

Brooks Launch 6 Running Shoe 

Brooks Launch 6 Running Shoe

No one could doubt how attractive shoes are. If in doubt you have a wide variety of shoes that you can pick on. These are differentiated by colour and design.

So if you are looking for something subtle there is something for you and there’s also something for those that are looking for colours that are brighter or designs that are more aesthetically pleasing.

One of the key features of these shoes is the fact that it is lightweight and breathable. The entire production of the issue is man-made. 

There is a great emphasis on creating a shoe that is breathable. This is reflected by the material that was used on the upper part of the shoes.

The mesh fabric that was used allows for the free movement of air into and out of the shoes. It is finished off with a lace-up closure that allows you to get a secure fit.

You will also derive some benefit from the padded collar and tongue that provide you with additional support.

There is a fabric lining that is supported by a cushioned footbed to give you additional comfort. You also be pleased to find that they’ve also used the BioMoGo DNA midsole cushions.

This is known to give your feet a springy underfoot feeling. The main reason why this user is suitable for forefoot running is that they have a midfoot transition that allows you to go from heel to toe very quickly. 

Pros

  • There are multiple colours to choose from.
  • The shoes are fairly lightweight.
  • They have a roomy toe box.
  • There is no breaking in time required.
  • They provide a lot of cushioning.
  • There is a reasonable amount of arch support.

Cons

  • Quality control could be improved.
  • Not ideal for long-distance running.

CHECK REVIEWS AND PRICE

adidas Ultraboost 19 M Running Shoe 

adidas Ultraboost 19 M Running Shoe

Just by looking at this you can probably tell why it makes our list. The design is such that the shoe bends quite easily as you move.

This, of course, means that your forefoot and hindfoot are allowed to move as they would naturally do if you’re running without shoes on.

You probably have noticed that the material used in these shoes is a highly breathable mesh. This means that your feet will be kept cool regardless of the weather conditions or how long you are wearing the shoes. 

You also be pleased to find that the issues have rubber soles. This means that you will not have any issues where grip and traction are concerned.

The shaft of these shoes measures low top from your arches. This allows you to receive a decent amount of arch support. 

While the material used on the upper part of the shoe is breathable it is also designed to be durable. There’s also a sock liner mould that allows your foot to get that step-in comfort. 

This is to say that your feet are allowed to have that sort of feeling that you have when you put on the glove on your hand.

One of the key features when it comes to the durability of the upper part of the issues is the rubber material that is used for reinforcement on the sides as well as the rear end of the shoe.

This is also what ensures that your laces have a secure part of the shoe to hold onto. If they had been placed on the mesh material it is likely that it would not have been as durable.

Pros

  • There are a variety of colours to choose from.
  • The soles are very flexible.
  • They are very comfortable.
  • They are highly breathable.
  • They provide plenty of underfoot cushioning.

Cons

  • It can be tight fitting.
  • Not suitable for those with wide feet.

CHECK REVIEWS AND PRICE

Vivobarefoot Primus Lite II

Vivobarefoot Primus Lite II

It would have been almost criminal to not have vivobarefoot shoes on this list. One of the features that set apart this brand is the factored each shoe is designed to allow your feet to maintain their natural movement and a full range of motion.

As such, they’re incredibly ideal for those who want to run on their forefoot.

The Primus Lite 2 is made out of recycled material. They are vegan suitable. This makes these shoes ideal for those who are environmentally conscious.

Not only are you not adding waste material to the world by purchasing these shoes but you’re also getting rid of them. 

There is no leather material used in the manufacturing of the issues most of the material used is bio-based. This is perhaps one of the reasons why the issues are as lightweight as they are.

If you use vivobarefoot shoes before you probably already know that they bend quite easily. This is not a bad thing. It means that you have a shoe that does not hinder your foot’s movement as you run.

The upper part of these shoes is made out of a breathable mesh material. The outsoles are made out of a super-thin material that is bio-based.

There is no limit to what you can use these shoes for whether your training or walking or indeed running.

There are 2 main colours that you can buy these shoes in which are black and the bright white. Both of these colours are fairly versatile.

You can probably wear either shoe with most things that you would want to wear. For those among us who are looking for something stylish, these shoes fit that bill as well.

Pros

  • They are suitable for vegans.
  • They are incredibly lightweight.
  • They are highly breathable.
  • The soles are very flexible.
  • They are zero drop shoes.

Cons

  • Do not offer much underfoot cushioning.

CHECK REVIEWS AND PRICE

Brooks Glycerin 17 Cushioned Road Running Shoe 

Brooks Glycerin 17 Cushioned Road Running Shoe

The design of the Glycerin 17 is such that the hindfoot is slightly more elevated than the forefoot is.

This is what makes it easy for those who are running on their forefoot. The shoe essentially facilitates for the hindfoot to be elevated and the forefoot to be the first one to trade on the ground.

By looking at the images you could probably tell that it’s not an entirely functional shoe. This is to say that by making a shoe that works well they have not neglected the aesthetic side of things.

To provide you with sufficient cushioning the manufacturers have used their DNA loft cushioning that does a great job to provide underfoot protection without getting rid of the responsiveness and durability that we all like in our shoes.

They provide you with a good balance between comfort and protection. 

Perhaps our favourite feature of these shoes is there plus fit. This is a 3D fit print mesh upper interior liner.

It is designed to stretch and adapt as you run. This is to say that the shoes will get more and more comfortable as they adapt to the way that you run.

Your foot is always surrounded by soft material. This DNA loft also delivers a great transition zone.

It is engineered to create a soft but secure transition from the heel to your toes as you take every step. There are 6 color and design options that you can choose from.

Pros

  • There are various colours to choose from.
  • The shoes provide a lot of cushioning.
  • They are highly responsive.
  • It has impressive transition zones.
  • It is highly breathable.
  • They are very comfortable.

Cons

  • They are narrower than previous versions.

CHECK REVIEWS AND PRICE

New Balance WT10v1 Minimus Trail Running Shoe 

New Balance WT10v1 Minimus Trail Running Shoe

The last shoes on our list of 5 are not necessarily the best-looking one. In this case, the manufacturer has placed a greater emphasis on the functional side of things.

Some might even argue that this is where most of our minds should be when it comes to running. The Top part of these shoes is made out of synthetic material. They have Vibram soles. The shaft of the issues measures low top from your arches.  

What makes the shoe ideal for forefoot running is perhaps the same thing that the Vivo barefoot shoes have. This is the fact that they bend quite easily in the souls. What this means is that your feet are allowed to move with great freedom.

As with the vivobarefoot shoes these ones also zero drop. This is to say that there is no elevation between the hindfoot and the 4 foot of the shoe.

The sole that uses these shoes is the famous Vibram ones. They are known to be packed with traction as well as durability.

These shoes are designed for trail running. This is always a great indicator for shoes that can take on all sorts of terrain.

I know we’ve already said that they are not the best-looking shoes, however, we must say that they have brought together some new improvements in the form of their colours as well as being a little bit more stylish than they had previously been.

The design of these shoes is such that once you have them on you don’t feel like you have additional weight to carry with you.

They fit like a glove. You also have the lacing to adjust the fit to your preferred one. 

Pros

  • The soles are made out of Vibram.
  • They are very flexible.
  • They have antimicrobial properties to deal with the odor.
  • The heel pull tab makes them easy to put on and remove.
  • They are lightweight.

Cons

  • They do not always run true to size.

CHECK REVIEWS AND PRICE

Buyer’s Guide

Is running a forefoot running good for you?

If you are thinking of how your feet strike the ground and have decided to change your footstrike to your forefoot, there are a couple of things that you need to think about.

If you want to avoid injury,  then one of the best ways is to land on your midfoot and then roll onto your forefoot.

Striking the ground with your heel can be dangerous and also cause injuries.

This is because when you land on your heels, you are stopping the natural forward momentum of your foot and this places a lot of strain on your knees.

Landing on your heels can also cause shin splints. However, forefoot running also has a downside.

It can cause you to bounce, which is not the very best way of running. The best way to run efficiently is to strike the ground midfoot.

How do I choose running shoes for beginners?

You mustn’t go on looks only. There are many different factors to think about. What works for one runner may not work for the next.

You will want to get your gait analyzed at a shoe shop or you can look at the bottom of your shoes and see the wear patterns so that you know how you pronate and also which shoes will serve you best.

There are different types of shoes to suit the different types of pronation. They vary in stability, cushioning, arch support and flexibility.

Know your feet so that you get shoes that can help you run better. The well-cushioned shoe is heavier and great for everyday errands.

On the other hand, the lightweight running shoe is great for long distances and trail running. 

Should running shoes be a bigger size?

Some think it is best to go a size larger for your running shoes because your feet tend to expand due to increased blood flow.

As much as there is an element of truth to that, it is also important to know that this is not an exact science.

Go and get yourself measured at least once a year. Our feet change sizes due to different reasons like injury or pregnancy.

And as such, the only way to know which shoes fit is to get your feet measured, both length and width. If your feet are slightly different in size, then you will want to get a pair that fits the bigger foot.

Conclusion

Forefoot running is a pretty efficient way to run, especially long distances. The amount of cushioning that the shoes have can have a major influence on how well you run or not.

There are different key factors, such as stability of the midfoot, that matter a great deal in getting the best forefoot running shoes.

You can save yourself a lot of stress, pain, and strain by knowing what type of shoes to get and how you intend to use them.

We certainly hope that the forefoot running shoes we have chosen to review help you find your perfect pair. Happy shopping!

Hi there. This is Clare. Dave and I manage this site. We are outdoor enthusiasts. Most of the content is about products that we love using or have researched.
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