7 Best Running Shoes For Heel Strike, 100+ Shoes Tested in 2023

Choosing the right running shoe for heel strikers can be quite tricky. It’s not just a question of which model has less or more cushion. It’s a combination of many things like drop, rearfoot support, angles, and more.
The good news is you don’t have to go through all those. Here, you’ll find the ten best running shoes for heel strikers from five different categories.
How we test running shoes
To test their quality, we put all the running models on this list in a series of tests in our lab. To avoid brand loyalty, we purchase them with our own money. And we only give our feedback once we hit the 30 to 50-mile mark.
This helps us assess the shoe’s strength and performance better. It doesn’t stop there, we also:
- Slice them open to see what’s inside
- Measure every aspect of each shoe in various parameters
- Generate their CoreScore for you to see how they stack up against other running shoes
Best running shoes for heel strike overall
CoreScore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
- Top 1% in road running shoes
- Top 1% in running shoes for high arches
- Top 15% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Well-cushioned
- Works for all-day wear
- Stretchy sock-like upper
- Long-lasting outsole
- Simple yet attractive design
- Grippy outsole
- Reflective elements
Cons
- Lacks stability
- Not for wide feet
- Quite expensive
Verdict
Best road heel strike running shoes
CoreScore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
- Top 1% in road running shoes
- Top 4% in Mizuno running shoes
- Top 23% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Support that's not harsh
- Impact-absorbing
- Gives your stride a boost
- Very comfy for recovery runs
- Stable when cornering
- Breathable
- Keeps the foot in place
- Grip that sticks
Cons
- Long break-in period
- Comes with a hefty tag
Verdict
Best trail heel strike running shoes
CoreScore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
- Top 4% in trail running shoes
- Top 3% in Adidas running shoes
- Top 25% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Lightweight
- Nimble ride
- Grippy outsole
- Breathable
- Dries quickly
- Great lockdown
- Reflective elements
Cons
- Feels a touch minimalist
- No heel pull loop
Verdict
Best Nike heel strike running shoes
CoreScore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
- Top 9% in road running shoes
- Top 4% in Nike running shoes
- Top 2% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Insanely lightweight
- Very breathable
- Bouncy
- Responsive
- FAST
- No break-in period needed
- Good grip on dry surfaces
Cons
- Not ideal for wide feet
- Unstable
- Forefoot strikers only
Verdict
Best ASICS heel strike running shoes
CoreScore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
- Top 2% in road running shoes
- Top 2% in ASICS running shoes
- Top 2% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Super bouncy
- Cushy feel for miles
- Breathable
- Light AF
- Ready for cornering
- Locks you in
- Tongue stays in place
- Grippy outsole
- Mad durable
- Sets the bar for a do-it-all shoe
Cons
- A tad too long
- More expensive by $10
Verdict
Best value running shoes for heel strike
CoreScore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
- Top 1% in road running shoes
- Top 2% in Under Armour running shoes
- Top 21% most popular running shoes
Pros
- Versatile daily trainer
- Comfortable
- Breathable
- Durable outsole
- Integrated tech provides coaching
Cons
- Not for long distances
- Clunky for speedwork
- Lacks structure for stability
- Too much toe room
Verdict
Most popular running shoes for heel strike
CoreScore
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
- Top 3% in road running shoes
- Top 7% in Brooks running shoes
- Top 1% most popular running shoes
Pros
- All about comfort!
- True to size
- Lots of padding
- Smooth ride
- Really stable, even on light trails
- Breathable
- Great out of the box
- Built for longevity (500 miles, easily)
- Great grip
Cons
- Lacks breathability for hot summer days
- Not the best for long distances
Verdict
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