7 Best Running Shoes For Heel Strike in 2023

Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen on
| Reviewed using methodology 1.6
7 Best Running Shoes For Heel Strike in 2023
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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. 

Best overall
PUMA Deviate Nitro 2 PUMA Deviate Nitro 2
$160 $150 From Amazon
Best for trail
Salomon Ultra Glide Salomon Ultra Glide
$140 $56 From Running Warehouse
Best with wide toebox
Brooks Revel 5 Brooks Revel 5
$100 $70 From Zappos
Best stability
ASICS Gel Kayano 28 ASICS Gel Kayano 28
$160 $90 From Amazon
Best cushioning
ASICS Novablast 3 ASICS Novablast 3
$140 From Zappos
Best for long distance
Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2.0 Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2.0
$220 $108 From Amazon
Best with plush cushioning
Brooks Ghost 14 Brooks Ghost 14
$140 $89 From Amazon
See all 804 running shoes for heel strike

    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

    puma deviate nitro 2 test
    puma-deviate-nitro-2-cut-in-half
    puma-deviate-nitro-2-cut-in-half
    puma deviate nitro 2 lab test
    puma-deviate-nitro-2-breathability-test
    puma-deviate-nitro-2-breathability-test
    puma-deviate-nitro-2-transparency-test
    puma-deviate-nitro-2-transparency-test
    puma-deviate-nitro-2-heel-stiffness
    puma-deviate-nitro-2-heel-stiffness
    puma-deviate-nitro-2-cushioning-test
    puma-deviate-nitro-2-cushioning-test
    puma deviate nitro 2 midsole test
    puma deviate nitro 2 freezer test
    puma-deviate-nitro-2-ride2
    puma deviate nitro 2 outsole
    puma deviate nitro 2 outsole thickness
    puma deviate nitro 2 heel stack height
    puma deviate nitro 2 forefoot stack height
    puma deviate nitro 2 insole thickness
    puma-deviate-nitro-2-testing
    puma-deviate-nitro-2-testing
    puma deviate nitro 2 forefoot max width
    puma deviate nitro 2 big toe2
    puma-deviate-nitro-2-flexibility-test2
    puma-deviate-nitro-2-flexibility-test2
    puma-deviate-nitro-2-flexibility-test1
    puma-deviate-nitro-2-flexibility-test1
    puma-deviate-nitro-2-road-test
    puma-deviate-nitro-2-road-test
    puma-deviate-nitro-2-stability
    puma-deviate-nitro-2-stability
    puma deviate nitro 2 midsole width heel
    Puma%20Deviate%20Nitro%202%20-%20Reflective%20elements
    Puma%20Deviate%20Nitro%202%20-%20Reflective%20elements
    puma deviate nitro 2 outsole test
    puma deviate nitro 2 from above
    puma deviate nitro 2 in pieces 2
    PUMA Deviate Nitro 2
    92
    Superb!

    What makes it the best?

    The PUMA Deviate Nitro is back with a significant update that makes an already great shoe even better. It’s really comfortable, which is not always the case for carbon-plated shoes, and it’s extremely versatile. As a result, we have a real do-it-all companion to take on the road for every run, not to mention the quality-price ratio, which basically makes it a no-brainer.

    Pros

    • Great all-rounder
    • Super-smooth and responsive ride
    • Plush cushioning
    • Comfy upper
    • Grippy outsole
    • Above average durability
    • Fairly priced

    Cons

    • Heavier than other similar shoes
    • Not many colors available
    Full review of PUMA Deviate Nitro 2

    Today's best price

    Men
    Women
    Any color
    Azul (37680709)
    Orange (37680712)
    Black (37756701)
    Black (37680701)
    Black (37680711)
    Sunset Glow (37680703)
    Gul (37680705)
    Bianco (37680704)
    $150
    See deal  
    $155
    See deal  
    $160
    See deal  
    $160
    See deal  
    $160
    See deal  

    Best running shoes for heel strike for trail

    Salomon-Ultra-Glide-Features
    Salomon-Ultra-Glide-Features
    Salomon Ultra Glide Parts
    Salomon-Ultra-Glide-Saw
    Salomon-Ultra-Glide-Saw
    Salomon-Ultra-Glide-Reveal
    Salomon-Ultra-Glide-Reveal
    Salomon-Ultra-Glide-Cut
    Salomon-Ultra-Glide-Cut
    Salomon Ultra Glide Tongue Thickness
    Salomon Ultra Glide Insole Thickness
    Salomon Ultra Glide Cross Section Heel
    Salomon-Ultra-Glide-Flex-Test
    Salomon-Ultra-Glide-Flex-Test
    Salomon-Ultra-Glide-Flex
    Salomon-Ultra-Glide-Flex
    Salomon Ultra Glide Cross Section
    Salomon Ultra Glide Outsole
    Salomon Ultra Glide Stack Heel
    Salomon Ultra Glide Weight
    Salomon Ultra Glide Heel
    Salomon Ultra Glide Outsole%20(2)
    Salomon Ultra Glide
    Salomon Ultra Glide Upper
    Salomon Ultra Glide Lacing
    Salomon Ultra Glide Cross Section Tongue
    Salomon Ultra Glide Reflective Side
    Salomon Ultra Glide Reflective Heel
    Salomon Ultra Glide
    89
    Great!

    What makes it the best?

    Plush comfort in a Salomon! It’s what the trail running community has been waiting for. The Ultra Glide is Salomon’s answer to Hoka’s reign over the cushioned trail shoe category and they nailed it. This shoe has a peppy, energetic ride, a soft, breathable upper, and a grippy, durable outsole. It’s worth a look at $140 and has a ton of great features. The only gripe I could conjure up is it’s a touch narrow if you have a wide foot.

    Pros

    • Durable
    • Breathable
    • Grippy
    • Great lockdown
    • Plush and comfortable
    • Great lacing system
    • Protective overlays
    • Energetic ride
    • Cushioned

    Cons

    • Tight midfoot for wider feet
    • No reflective details
    Full review of Salomon Ultra Glide

    Today's best price

    Men
    Women
    Any color
    Black/Alloy/Goji Berry (L414305)
    Crystal Teal Barrier Reef Goji (L415791)
    Blazing Orange/Vibrant Orange/White (L470712)
    Arctic Ice/Pacific Black (L417273)
    Multi (L414308)
    $56
    See deal  
    $63
    See deal  
    $70
    See deal  
    $83
    See deal  
    $85
    See deal  
    $140
    See deal  

    Best running shoes for heel strike with wide toebox

    Brooks-Revel-5-Features-2
    Brooks-Revel-5-Features-2
    Brooks Revel 5 Parts
    Brooks-Revel-5-Showoff
    Brooks-Revel-5-Showoff
    Brooks-Revel-5-Saw
    Brooks-Revel-5-Saw
    Brooks-Revel-5-Reveal
    Brooks-Revel-5-Reveal
    Brooks-Revel-5-Cut-Apart
    Brooks-Revel-5-Cut-Apart
    Brooks-Revel-5-360
    Brooks-Revel-5-360
    Brooks Revel 5
    Brooks Revel 5 Side Logo
    Brooks-Revel-5-Running-Side
    Brooks-Revel-5-Running-Side
    Brooks Revel 5 Heel Stack
    Brooks Revel 5 Weight
    Brooks Revel 5 Outsole Thickness
    Brooks Revel 5 Outsole
    Brooks-Revel-5-Running-Angled
    Brooks-Revel-5-Running-Angled
    Brooks Revel 5 Upper
    Brooks-Revel-5-Fog
    Brooks-Revel-5-Fog
    Brooks Revel 5 Laces
    Brooks-Revel-5-Heel-Loop
    Brooks-Revel-5-Heel-Loop
    Brooks Revel 5 Heel Tab
    Brooks Revel 5 Freezer
    Brooks-Revel-5-Flex-Test
    Brooks-Revel-5-Flex-Test
    Brooks Revel 5
    90
    Superb!

    What makes it the best?

    An affordable trainer that's got the makings of advanced running shoes? Hello, Brooks Revel 5! It's a smooth and lively jack-of-all-trades that will keep your feet comfy and bouncing. It can push the pace, eat up half-marathon distances, and breeze through your daily runs!

    Pros

    • Fits like a dream
    • Accommodating stretchy upper
    • Efficient transitions
    • Surprisingly peppy
    • Laces stay tied tightly
    • Low to the ground
    • Durable construction
    • Great deal
    • Do-it-all shoe
    • Impressive weight
    • Breathable

    Cons

    • Not for long runs
    • No reflective details
    Full review of Brooks Revel 5

    Today's best price

    Men
    Women
    Any color
    Black/Grey/Blue (053)
    Black/Ebony/Crystal Teal (091)
    White/Oyster/India Ink (182)
    White/Peacoat/Blue Shadow (153)
    titan/peacoat/flame (498)
    Pageant Blue/True Blue/White (403)
    White/Black (121)
    Bluetiful/Navy/Irish Cream (471)
    More colors
    $70
    See deal  
    $70
    See deal  
    $70
    See deal  
    $70
    See deal  
    $70
    See deal  
    $100
    See deal  

    Best stability heel strike running shoes

    asics-gel-kayano-28-intro
    asics-gel-kayano-28-intro
    asics gel kayano 28 pieces of the shoe
    asics-gel-kayano-28-cutting-in-half
    asics-gel-kayano-28-cutting-in-half
    asics gel kayano 28 profile photo
    asics gel kayano 28 lacing
    asics gel kayano 28 tongue
    asics-gel-kayano-28-heel-slipping
    asics-gel-kayano-28-heel-slipping
    asics-gel-kayano-28-360
    asics-gel-kayano-28-360
    asics gel kayano 28 midsole
    asics-gel-kayano-28-love-kayano
    asics-gel-kayano-28-love-kayano
    asics gel kayano 28 gel
    asics-gel-kayano-28-toe-off
    asics-gel-kayano-28-toe-off
    asics gel kayano 28 weight
    asics gel kayano 28 half
    asics gel kayano 28 heel padding
    asics-gel-kayano-28-vs-27
    asics-gel-kayano-28-vs-27
    asics-gel-kayano-28-reveal
    asics-gel-kayano-28-reveal
    asics gel kayano 28 outsole
    asics-gel-kayano-28-cutting-the-upper
    asics-gel-kayano-28-cutting-the-upper
    asics gel kayano 28 upper
    asics gel kayano 28 length
    ASICS Gel Kayano 28
    90
    Superb!

    What makes it the best?

    Still staying true to its Kayano roots, the Kayano 28 retains its hallmark of stability and support while seeing some updates to amp up comfort and flexibility. And with better flex, the shoe was just overall fun! Although designed as a daily trainer, runners also find it fitting as a standalone shoe that you can take out of the closet during race day and on long, slow miles.

    Pros

    • Familiar Kayano fit
    • Roomier toebox
    • No lace bite
    • Added pep
    • No medial post
    • Lost weight
    • Kayano durability

    Cons

    • Heel slipping
    • Overly plush
    • Runs warm
    Full review of ASICS Gel Kayano 28

    Today's best price

    Men
    Women
    Any color
    Black White (1011B189005)
    Black/Electric Red (1011B189002)
    Black/White (1011B189003)
    Grey (1011B189022)
    Black/Graphite Grey (1011B189001)
    Carrier Grey/Black (1011B189021)
    Sheet Rock/Orange Pop (1011B189020)
    Lake Drive/Black (1011B189402)
    More colors
    $90
    See deal  
    $95
    See deal  
    $105
    See deal  
    $120
    See deal  
    $140
    See deal  

    Running shoes for heel strike with best cushioning

    Asics Novablast 3 review
    Asics-Novablast-3-saw-cutting
    Asics-Novablast-3-saw-cutting
    Asics Novablast 3 lab measurements
    Asics Novablast 3 heel stack
    Asics Novablast 3 forefoot stack
    Asics-Novablast-3-cushioning
    Asics-Novablast-3-cushioning
    Asics Novablast 3 foam durometer softness
    Asics Novablast 3 freezer test
    Asics-Novablast-3-smoke-breathability-test
    Asics-Novablast-3-smoke-breathability-test
    Asics-Novablast-3-light-transparency-test
    Asics-Novablast-3-light-transparency-test
    Asics-Novablast-3-lightweight
    Asics-Novablast-3-lightweight
    Asics-Novablast-3-springly-ride
    Asics-Novablast-3-springly-ride
    Asics-Novablast-3-flex-measurement
    Asics-Novablast-3-flex-measurement
    Asics-Novablast-3-flex
    Asics-Novablast-3-flex
    Asics-Novablast-3-stable-sole
    Asics-Novablast-3-stable-sole
    Asics-Novablast-3-stable-ride
    Asics-Novablast-3-stable-ride
    Asics Novablast 3 all arounder
    Asics Novablast 3 tongue
    Asics Novablast 3 tongue thickness
    Asics Novablast 3 gusseted tongue
    Asics Novablast 3 forefoot
    Asics Novablast 3 length
    Asics-Novablast-3-heel-stiffness
    Asics-Novablast-3-heel-stiffness
    Asics Novablast 3 traction
    Asics-Novablast-3-landing
    Asics-Novablast-3-landing
    Asics Novablast 3 price
    Asics Novablast 3 lab tests
    ASICS Novablast 3
    91
    Superb!

    What makes it the best?

    It's a comfy daily running shoe. It can go fast. It can go far. In the words of an expert, the Novablast 3 from ASICS "sets the standard for what a daily trainer should be." What's more, you can race in it in your next marathon too. Talk about versatility! And if you want a light shoe that won't drag you down, the ASICS Novablast 3 is the all-rounder you need.

    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
    Full review of ASICS Novablast 3

    Today's best price

    Men
    Women
    Any color
    Black/Island Blue (1011B458004)
    Black/Amber (1011B458001)
    Cream/Fawn (1012B288101)
    White/Deep Ocean (1011B458100)
    Sheet Rock/Black (1011B458021)
    Black/White (1011B458002)
    White/Piedmont Grey (1012B288102)
    Electric Red/Midnight (1011B458600)
    More colors
    $140
    See deal  
    $140
    See deal  
    $140
    See deal  
    $140
    See deal  
    $140
    See deal  
    $140
    See deal  

    Best running shoes for heel strike for long distance

    Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2 360
    Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2 360
    Adidas%20Adizero%20Adios%20Pro%202%20Pieces
    Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2 Saw
    Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2 Saw
    Adidas%20Adizero%20Adios%20Pro%202%20Reveal
    Adidas%20Adizero%20Adios%20Pro%202%20Reveal
    Adidas%20Adizero%20Adios%20Pro%202%20360
    Adidas%20Adizero%20Adios%20Pro%202%20360
    Adidas%20Adizero%20Adios%20Pro%202%20Cutaway
    Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2 Flex
    Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2 Flex
    Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2 Flex Test
    Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2 Flex Test
    Adidas%20Adizero%20Adios%20Pro%202%20Freezer
    Adidas%20Adizero%20Adios%20Pro%202%20Width
    Adidas%20Adizero%20Adios%20Pro%202%20Side
    Adidas%20Adizero%20Adios%20Pro%202%20Weight
    Adidas%20Adizero%20Adios%20Pro%202%20Outsole
    Adidas%20Adizero%20Adios%20Pro%202%20Outsole%20Heel
    Adidas%20Adizero%20Adios%20Pro%202%20Upper%20Toe
    Adidas%20Adizero%20Adios%20Pro%202%20Upper%20Side
    Adidas%20Adizero%20Adios%20Pro%202%20Lacing
    Adidas%20Adizero%20Adios%20Pro%202%20Reflective
    Adidas%20Adizero%20Adios%20Pro%202%20Front%20Angle
    Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2.0
    92
    Superb!

    What makes it the best?

    Top-tier race shoe from Adidas gets an update. In 2020 V1 won a ton of praise and world records with its carbon rod (and plate) design and Lightstrike Pro midsole. The super shoe category was once owned but just one brand but in 2021 there’s some serious contenders for best in show.

    Pros

    • Breathable
    • Responsive
    • Carbon rods
    • Soft midsole
    • Laces stay tight
    • Price

    Cons

    • Runs narrow
    • Unstable at slow speeds
    Full review of Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2.0

    Today's best price

    Unisex
    Any color
    Legacy Indigo/Turbo/Sky Rush (GX3117)
    Pulse Lime/Real Teal/Flash Orange (GX3124)
    Sonic Ink Screaming Green Ftwr White (FY4082)
    $108
    See deal  
    $165
    See deal  
    $220
    See deal  
    No stock  

    Best running shoes for heel strike with plush cushioning

    Brooks-Ghost-14-Features
    Brooks-Ghost-14-Features
    Brooks Ghost 14 Parts
    Brooks-Ghost-14-Running-Angled
    Brooks-Ghost-14-Running-Angled
    Brooks-Ghost-14-Saw
    Brooks-Ghost-14-Saw
    Brooks-Ghost-14-Reveal
    Brooks-Ghost-14-Reveal
    Brooks Ghost 14 Ankle Collar
    Brooks Ghost 14 Thickness Tongue
    Brooks Ghost 14 Lacing Pattern
    Brooks-Ghost-14-Running-Side
    Brooks-Ghost-14-Running-Side
    Brooks-Ghost-14-Flex-Test
    Brooks-Ghost-14-Flex-Test
    Brooks-Ghost-14-Cutting-Apart
    Brooks-Ghost-14-Cutting-Apart
    Brooks-Ghost-14-Compression
    Brooks-Ghost-14-Compression
    Brooks Ghost 14 Width Forefoot
    Brooks Ghost 14 Weight
    Brooks-Ghost-14-Showoff
    Brooks-Ghost-14-Showoff
    Brooks Ghost 14 Thickness Outsole
    Brooks Ghost 14 Outsole Forefoot
    Brooks Ghost 14
    Brooks-Ghost-14-360
    Brooks-Ghost-14-360
    Brooks Ghost 14 Upper Forefoot
    Brooks-Ghost-14-Fog
    Brooks-Ghost-14-Fog
    Brooks-Ghost-14-Lace-Slip
    Brooks-Ghost-14-Lace-Slip
    Brooks Ghost 14 vs 13
    Brooks Ghost 14 Reflective Back
    Brooks Ghost 14 No Reflective Side
    Brooks Ghost 14 Freezer
    Brooks Ghost 14
    91
    Superb!

    What makes it the best?

    The Ghost 14 from Brooks really fits the bill as the shoe for all runners. It's a workhorse that's comfy enough for easy days, responsive for tempo sessions, and is heavy-duty to handle light trails. Overall, a no-fuss daily trainer that will work for all your runs!

    Pros

    • All about comfort!
    • True to size
    • Lots of padding
    • Smooth ride
    • Really stable, even on light trails
    • 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
    Full review of Brooks Ghost 14

    Today's best price

    Men
    Women
    Any color
    Primer Grey/Black/Alloy (039)
    Titan/Teal/Flame (488)
    Grey/Alloy/Oyster (067)
    Black/Blackened Pearl/Blue (056)
    Black/Blue/Nightlife (069)
    Grey/Blue/Red (078)
    Green Gecko/Blue/Black (310)
    Grey/Titan/Maize (029)
    More colors
    $89
    See deal  
    $100
    See deal  
    $100
    See deal  
    $100
    See deal  
    $100
    See deal  
    $140
    See deal  

    Comparison of the 7 best running shoes for heel strike

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    Ranking
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    Author
    Jens Jakob Andersen
    Jens Jakob Andersen

    Jens Jakob is a fan of short distances with a 5K PR at 15:58 minutes. Based on 35 million race results, he's among the fastest 0.2% runners. Jens Jakob previously owned a running store, when he was also a competitive runner. His work is regularly featured in The New York Times, Washington Post, BBC and the likes as well as peer-reviewed journals. Finally, he has been a guest on +30 podcasts on running.

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