I have been riding with a basic Blackburn rack for 25+ years, it is on my 58 cm cross check. I have size 11 1/2 shoes. Never have heel strike with my Jannd economy panniers. Before the Jandds I had Nashbar brand panniers, no heel strike there either.

Depending on how heavy you use them, the Nashbar panniers are not bad. In 25 years I went through three sets of budget panniers, but I ride daily and load/unload daily. I finally decided to get nicer ones, and my experience with Jandd products is they just don't wear out.

That is my experience, hope it helps.