# Existing humanoid robots are programmed to run forefoot-first without heel striking

- Source: Reddit r/humanoidrobotics
- Published: 2026-11-04T12:09:31.000Z
- RoboHot: https://robohot.news/en/items/c0glgk3uxv7u4vldaw1qe3nji
- Original: https://www.reddit.com/r/humanoidrobotics/comments/1xnmlce/found_it_interesting_this_humanoid_robot_was/

## Summary

An observer noted that existing humanoid robots are programmed to run like barefoot runners: they do not heel-strike, but instead contact the ground with the forefoot first. The relevant clip appears at 2:59 in the video. This method is considered the most efficient way to run, which also highlights the relatively low efficiency of the heel-striking style that most human runners are accustomed to.