The Forefoot Explained

In brief: The forefoot is the front part of the foot, made up of the toes and the ball of the foot. It is the last part of the foot to leave the ground at push-off, so its flexibility, cushioning and room in a shoe shape how a stride finishes.

What is the forefoot?

The forefoot is the front section of the foot, made up of the toes and the ball of the foot over the metatarsal heads. It is the area you finish each stride on as the foot leaves the ground.

Why it matters

Because the forefoot drives push-off, its flexibility and cushioning influence how efficient and comfortable running feels. Forefoot strikers land here first, but every runner pushes off through it, so forefoot fit affects everyone.

How it works

At the end of a stride, weight rolls onto the ball of the foot and then the toes, which grip and spread to give a stable final push. A shoe needs to bend at the forefoot in time with the foot for this to feel natural.

What to look for

Forefoot flexibility, cushioning and a toe box with enough room all matter here. A shoe that bends in the right place and lets the toes splay supports a natural push-off.

The forefoot and your running kit at OD's

Forefoot flex and room shape how a shoe rides. The team in St Helens can help you compare shoes by forefoot feel and fit, and we offer next-day delivery and free click and collect.