7 Best Running Shoes For Heel Strike Pattern in 2024

We cut open the best heel-strike running shoes and learned that Novablast 5 is the best in the category. Its plush cushion supported every distance and pace we went for while burning daily mileage. Despite the visual bulk, it sustains a steady ride and maintains an effortless experience.

Novablast 5 delivers heavenly and cloud-like comfort. Each landing feels gentle, more notably on the heel since our calliper measured a towering 40.9 mm cushion. Our heels feel protected from surface impact. Upon checking with our durometer, the midsole emerged 38.4% softer than average, translating to a pillowy yet bouncy feel underfoot.

While most maximalists are unstable, Novablast 5 deviates from the standard by providing generous width to the midsole. It has an extra 8.3/6.9 mm in the forefoot and heel to find our footing securely without any ankle rolls. Even during sharp turns, our feet remain planted to the ground.

Novablast 5 is the perfect daily trainer because of its uncomplicated midsole and airy build. It moves naturally with our strides and is comfortable enough for walking. Our bend test confirms our observations when it measured 32.2% more flexible than average. And, our scales show it’s only 9.0 oz (254g)!

We warn caution that the outsole lacks traction for wet pavements. Those who need maximum grip should look elsewhere.

After running with the best heel-strike running shoes and dissecting them in the lab, we learned that Pegasus 41 is the ultimate daily trainer. It serves as a reliable partner for burning daily mileage with its natural yet steady ride, comfy yet responsive cushioning, and smooth transitions. From steady runs to LSDs to speed bursts, this Nike smashes them all.

Pegasus 41 promotes foot strength with its uncomplicated midsole. It moves naturally with our strides and feels effortless on foot, together with the curved sole that brings springier toe-offs. Our bend test confirms this emerging 34.0% more flexible than average.

Another standout feature is the new ReactX foam, which our calliper shows is 33.6/22.2 mm. It strikes a good balance between impact protection in the heel and surface feedback in the forefoot. With its high 11.4 mm drop, it's suitable for heel strikers. For added comfort, the foam is a plush 15.8 HA with two Air Zoom units elevating the experience.

The Peg also has subtle support elements, perfect for beginners or long-distance runners who need more guidance as their feet get tired. The midsole sidewalls prevent excessive movements, while the heel’s 89.2 mm landing area is wide enough to find our footing securely.

While Pegasus 41 is not overly heavy at 9.9 oz (281g), runners accustomed to lightweight shoes may feel it’s a drag.

In terms of comfort and speed, the Endorphin Pro 4 is undefeatable. In our test runs, its plush and vibrant midsole is complemented by the carbon plate’s Speedroll technology, creating a smooth and energetic ride—definitely the heel-striker’s ultimate racing kick.

The lab and our own feet witnessed the magnificent power of this light supershoe. At only 7.8 oz (220g), it has so much energy to give that comes from the S-shaped carbon plate within the midsole, crafting an ultra-stiff core. We double-checked with our flex test and true enough, it emerged 137.5% stiffer than average.

Another energy source is the lively midsole that promotes effortless transitions without sacrificing comfort. Its plush 38.1 mm heel mutes out the ground with a 9.5 mm drop that supports heel-striker strides. Despite its stack, EP4 retains stability by incorporating a firmer 22.0 HA foam below the soft 18.5 HA top layer for steady support.

What’s even more impressive is the durable outsole that can survive repetitive landing impacts in the rear area. Our durometer reveals the 2.1 mm thick XT-900 rubber is a tough 85.3 HC. EP4 doesn’t stop there and performs better than average in our brutal Dremel test.

However, our experience tells us other elite racers feel faster since EP4 highlights comfort. Those who crave peak performance can explore other options.

All our lab measurements and run observations prove the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 is perfectly matched for heel strikers in need of stability. It’s a comfortably cushioned shoe that positions gentle and rigid elements in the right areas to keep each landing secure.

The rear is where the magic happens in this shoe. We manually assessed the heel counter and awarded it a 4/5 stiffness rating, offering a steady hold without feeling too harsh. We also found the shoe to have a vast landing base in the heel, measuring 95.0 mm and exceeding the average by 4.3 mm.

In terms of comfort, the heel stack is a generous 39.0 mm vs. the 34.2 mm average, offering endless comfort for repetitive impact. Paired with a steep 13.5 mm drop, it smoothens our transitions and confirms this shoe is dedicated to rear strikers.

The GuideRails technology seals the deal as it extends along both sides of the shoe to embrace our feet in position. It almost felt impossible to lose our balance in this shoe.

However, the shoe feels slightly firm to boost support. Runners who prefer a more cushioned sensation should find an alternative.

Slipping our feet in the Ghost 16 has a similar homey feeling to tucking ourselves in our cosy bed. It’s all about exceptional comfort, freedom of movement, and a protective outsole—making it our most comfortable running shoe for heel-strikers.

Our durometer confirms the DNA Loft v3’s velvety touch upon landing, measuring a balanced 21.6 HA, while our takeoffs prove its bouncy nature. Its heel measures 35.1 mm, effectively dampening the landing impact. Its 22.7 mm forefoot falls slightly below average, resulting in a heel-to-toe drop of 12.4 mm (vs. the 8.7 mm average), making transitions more seamless for rear strikers. Meanwhile, the tongue that blankets our foot measures 10.4 mm, 85.7% thicker than average.

Our movements feel natural with the fluid midsole, making it suitable for walks and gym workouts. Our flex test shows it's 53.3% more flexible than average, explaining why it’s so easy for us to feel relaxed in this pair.

Its outsole proves to be tough, looking new even after testing. Our Dremel establishes its longevity as a fact when it emerged more resistant than average, showing a minimal 0.7 mm dent.

While the Ghost 16 offers some responsiveness, it still lacks the energy of modern daily trainers. Those who prefer a boost in power and pace should try other shoes.

Utterly spacious, supportive, and easy on the feet—these are just some of the wonderful thoughts we had while testing the Adidas Supernova Rise 2 on the road and in the lab. With its forgiving ride and accommodating fit, we felt like we could log countless miles, making it the ideal choice for those with wide feet among heel-strike running shoes.

The shoe offers generous space for broad or swollen feet. Using our gel mould, we measured the ball of the foot area to be 98.7 mm, wider than the 95.5 mm average. We didn’t experience any unwanted pressure on our feet during testing.

The shoe offers a touch of stability through the small side wraps in the heel and the Support Rods, which work together to guide our foot alignment. And, it does so without compromising comfort! Using our durometer, we confirmed its well-balanced sensation through its 21.0 HA reading that is at par with average.

Its effortless sensation stems from its light and flexible build. Weighing only 9.1 oz (257g), it falls below the 9.4 oz (267g) average. Its low resistance adds to its airy sensation, emerging 37.4% more bendable than average in our flex test.

We believe the outsole has room for improvement, especially in terms of durability. Those seeking a long-lasting shoe should check alternatives.

Our top trail shoe for heel-strikers is Nike’s Pegasus Trail 5. Staying true to its name, our lab confirms it gives us all the support and defence we need to conquer mixed terrains. It boasts a reliable outsole for safety, a plush cushion for a comfortable ride, and a rockered flexible design that fosters smoother transitions.

An excellent all-terrain shoe needs traction and strength against mixed surfaces, and that’s exactly what the PT5 delivered in our runs. It features a tough 87.9 HC All Terrain Compound, equipped with 3.2 mm lugs supporting our uphill and downhill adventures.

Our heels received a lot of TLC with the Peg’s 34.6 mm rear stack, absorbing much of landing impact. Combined with a modest forefoot and a rockered structure, the resulting drop is a steeper-than-average 9.6 mm promoting smooth heel-to-toe transitions. The ReactX foam feels exceptionally plush and bouncy, making the ride more enjoyable. True enough, our durometer reveals it’s 51.1% softer than average.

Promoting our agility is the midsole’s high level of flexibility. Our bend test confirms it’s 31.3% more adaptive than average, validating our comfort during testing.

Unfortunately, the upper’s focus on durability lost significant ventilation. With a 2/5 breathability score, it will feel too stuffy during warmer days.