Is it better to run on the balls of your feet or whole foot?

Question

I've been running on my toes for a long time and someone asked me if that was better or worse for my feet. I didn't know either, but it always seems to make me run faster, because I barely touch the ground, but at the same time it puts a lot of pressure on the balls of my feet.

Answer 1

When sprinting you run on your toes [if trying to do the correct form]. If you're running long distance than it's better to run on the balls of your feet. Striking the heel can increase the amount of shock in your knee's and ankles...which can lead to injury. If you land on the balls of your feel it absorbs more shock so that less shock hits your knees and ankles.  

Answer 2

I run balls out.

Answer 3

Check out this NY Times article.  There seems to be no way to say one method is better then the other.  As already said sprinters are more up on their toes, but other than that it is very individualistic.

BTW coaches sometimes tell runners to run as if they were running on eggshells.  In other words very lightly.  Your light touch is probably a good thing.

Answer 4

your toes