You heel strike when you walk because your body uses that initial contact as a way to decelerate and control your movement, especially in contrast to running where forward momentum is key.
Here's a breakdown:
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Deceleration: When walking, you need to slow down your forward movement with each step. Landing on your heel provides an initial braking force.
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Controlled Movement: Heel striking helps maintain stability and control as you transfer your weight from one foot to the other.
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Running is Different: As the linked video explains, running is "basically falling forward while jumping." In running, your goal is to maintain forward momentum, not decelerate. This often leads to a midfoot or forefoot strike. The ground contact time is shorter, and energy is used for propulsion, not braking.
Think of it this way: Walking requires a different strategy than running. You're not trying to propel yourself forward with the same intensity. You're prioritizing control, stability, and a slower pace. The heel strike is a natural consequence of these priorities.
