Share:

What are Rocker Soles?

rocker sole, sometimes called a rocker bottom shoe, is a shoe sole that has a higher thickness level and rounder heel than other soles. One of the primary purposes of a rocker sole is to ensure the wearer doesn’t have a flat surface along the length of the foot.

There are two popular types of rocker soles:

  • Half-rocker soles (toe-rocker soles): The sole curves upward toward the toes. These are sometimes called a mid-rocker sole or a late-stage rocker sole
  • Full-rocker soles (heel-to-toe rocker soles): The sole curves upward toward the toes and downwards towards the heel.

Can Wearing Rocker Soles Help With Certain Foot Conditions?

Absolutely! Chiropodists often recommend rocker soles to people with specific foot conditions, including arthritis, diabetes, metatarsalgia and any condition with reduced movement in the toes.

what are rocker soles?

Osteoarthritis / Hallux Limitus (big toe arthritis) / Rheumatoid Arthritis

  • Rocker soles help manage big toe, midfoot, and ankle arthritis. First, they limit movements of the foot joints, preventing excess tissue damage. The structure of a rocker sole also allows you to continue a normal walking motion without added strain to the joints.
  • forefoot rocker sole (half rocker sole or mid-rocker sole) is excellent for big toe arthritis, as the rocker extends just behind the metatarsal heads (another term for the ball of the foot), reducing motion in the big toe joints. By reducing motion it reduces the pain upon this joint.
  • The heel-to-toe (full rocker sole) is suitable for ankle and midfoot arthritis. Since the thickest part of the sole is towards the back of the shoe, it helps limit ankle and midfoot motion.

Diabetes

  • If a patient has been assessed professionally, a rocker-bottom sole can help reduce the risk of diabetic ulceration. Ulcerations in many cases are there because of excess pressure upon a certain part of the foot. A rocker sole redistributes plantar pressure, alleviating this pressure under the forefoot. Diabetic neuropathy can reduce muscle function and reduce the feeling in a Diabetic foot. The curved structure of rocker soles mitigates this by pushing you forward to help with walking difficulty.

what are rocker soles?

Metatarsalgia

  • Since metatarsalgia targets the ball of the foot, rocker soles are an ideal footwear choice for those experiencing this condition. The sole reduces the pressure felt under the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th metatarsal heads.

What Shoes Have Rocker Soles?

Now it’s time to have some fun and look at a footwear selection that includes rocker roles. We’ll also highlight some other beloved shoe features that maintain consistent comfort. There are many styles and brands out there that have Rocker soles. The following are the footwear that we sell in our clinic

Clarks Wave 2.0 

Clarks Wave 2.0 

This everyday shoe from Clarks has a full rocker sole and is excellent for activities around Toronto, helping protect your feet all day long while guaranteeing comfort. The WaveWalk motion control technology and rocker sole help you effortlessly propel forward without tiring yourself out. Furthermore, features like the laced upper provide bonus support for your ankles, and the Contoured Comfort footbed works with the rocker sole to achieve maximum comfort. Lastly, the A C-Shell membrane keeps your feet dry from rainy weather. Overall, the Clarks Wave 2.0 is a relaxed, versatile shoe perfect for the spring, summer and fall.

Saucony Endorphin Shift 2.0

Saucony Endorphin Shift 2.0

This great half-rocker sole shoe helps runners and athletes with performance enhancement and propelling forward with ease. Thanks to the SPEEDROLL technology, it’s suitable for both the treadmill and the road. The rocker sole gives you a speed boost, allowing the foot and ankle to roll forward while reducing impact with the ground. The Endorphin Shift also comes with other features that physically fit people love, like plush cushioning technology (PWRRUN) and breathable upper mesh.

ASICS Gel-Nimbus

The ASICS Gel-Nimbus is one of our most popular shoes. It features a toe-rocker sole and stacked heel specifically designed to help the foot through the gait cycle. It is also extremely cushioned, which is great for people with sensitive feet and joint issues – you’ll feel like you’re walking on a cloud! The extra cushioning gives this shoe premium shock absorption, which makes it ideal for runners and people with high arches.

Footwear for Sensitive Feet

If you do have foot pain then it is best to get that pain diagnosed by a footcare professional. They can assess your foot, how you walk and find out the causes of your foot pain. Sometimes just simple modification of footwear and finding the right footwear can be the treatment.

Come to Feet First For Some Amazing Rocker Sole Shoes!

The brands we talked about today are available at our foot clinic, which doubles as a one-stop-shop with the best footwear and products!

Call us at 416-769-3338 or Book Your Assessment Today!

Related Posts

Request an Appointment

Our simple to use, online booking process makes it easy to book an appointment with a chiropodist for any of our services. No referral needed!

Carolina Charles

Patient Relation Coordinator (She/Her)

If you’ve been to the clinic before, chances are you had the pleasure of meeting Carolina! Carolina’s daily goal is going above and beyond to make sure patients are always completely satisfied. Having worked in the podiatry industry for 22 years, Carolina brings a wealth of knowledge pertaining to client service, insurance policies, and procedures.​ She steers the ship to make sure everything runs smoothly on the daily. Carolina is known for spicing up every outfit with her signature costume jewellery.