Our social algorithms are full of quick-fix suggestions from "experts" telling us how this one change to foot strike (or cadence or form, etc) will fix all our pain! But they're often too good to be true. Matt, David, and Nathan do some footstrike mythbusting, starting with a primer on what footstrike actually is and how it factors into injury risk. They work through several persistent myths such as that most elite runners are mid/forefoot strikers, that forefoot striking is inherently more efficient, that changing footstrike is an easy fix for pain and more.

Rabbit is the presenting partner of our podcast. You can use code AUGDOR10 to get 10% off your entire order of $50.00 or more. Note that the code is limited to one use per customer and can't be combined with other discounts. The code is active from 1st of every month to last day at 11:59PM PST, but don't worry because we'll be bringing you a new code every month. Shop now at https://www.runinrabbit.com.

Our In For Testing segment is fueled by Skratch Labs! Get 20% off your first order from Skratch with code: DOCTORSOFRUNNING! https://www.skratchlabs.com

Chapters

0:00 - Intro
1:01 - Reacting to Josh Kerr's new mile world record
11:32 - In for Testing: Powered by Skratch Labs
25:20 - A primer on footstrike
35:30 - How footstrike influences injury risk
39:36 - Myth: most/all elite runners are mid/forefoot strikers
42:20 - Myth: forefoot strike is more efficient
47:38 - Myth: changing your footstrike is an easy fix for pain reduction
52:04 - Myth: footstrike never changes
55:40 - How footstrike can influence shoe choice
1:06:30 - Wrap-up

#305 We Debate Footstrike Myths!

Doctors of Running Podcast

#305 We Debate Footstrike Myths!