Why should I choose rocker-soled shoes?

Common foot and ankle conditions that our physios often see are ones affecting the big toe joint or the ankle joint. This affects people’s ability to move and run pain-free, impacting quality of life as well as sporting performance.

To aid the rehabilitation of these injuries, a rocker sole can alleviate the concentration of local stresses on parts of the foot and ankle as well as change movement patterns.

Although still a specialised type of footwear, now there are many different rocker-soled shoes available to buy. So why, and when, would you choose to buy rocker shoes? And what type?

How do rocker-soled shoes work?

The general structure of a rocker-sole shoe is a curved front outer-surface, a flat midsection and a curved heel section. The curvature of the front or back section can vary by shoe, sometimes just a curved toe-section (half rocker-sole). By creating an artificial pivot point, limiting movements of the foot joints, they can prevent excess tissue damage.

The apex of the rocker can be placed proximal to the area where pressure relief is required. It will depend on an individual’s requirements, their movements, and strengths and weaknesses. When dealing with injury, a full biomechanical assessment with a foot and ankle specialist is recommended before changing footwear. A physio-led assessment and treatment plan can help address any problem areas and speed up the recovery from injury.

For conditions like Hallux Rigidus (stiff big toe) causing toe stiffness, a forefoot rocker can help reduce forefoot plantar pressures. The rocker extends just behind the metatarsal heads (ball of the foot), reducing motion in the big toe joints.

What other conditions can rocker-soled shoes help with?

For chronic achilles tendinopathy, a rocker-soled shoe causes a significant reduction in plantar flexion moment in the late stance phase of running and walking. Again, firstly a biomechanical analysis will be needed to determine the root cause of the inflamed tendon. The rocker-shoes can help with relief from this condition, but a physio-led progressive loading programme with appropriate exercises will aid healing of the tendon.

A heel rocker-soled shoe can also change the angle of dorsiflexion during heel strike, reducing the load on the anterior tibialis during initial contact. This can be beneficial for people that are susceptible to medial tibial stress syndrome or shin splints. For preventing shin splints, we recommend a physio-led exercise programme that builds arch control and strength.

Rocker-sole shoes can help people to walk more comfortably when returning from injury or after surgery. However, they may not be appropriate for all musculoskeletal conditions. Physio Sian, one of our Foot and Ankle team specialists who’s PhD researched the effectiveness of rocker-soled shoes in the management of chronic low back pain, says:

Where can I get rocker-soled shoes?

We have worked for many years with Profeet in Fulham and can recommend their custom fitted footwear service. They’ll ensure that your footwear meets your needs and goals, while getting you moving more efficiently and comfortably so you avoid injury and perform at your best.

“We can help people with shoes that will aid their recovery and improve their quality of life while they undergo their rehab,” says Tom, Profeet’s run and footwear technician.

If you are experiencing foot or ankle pain, if you are returning from injury or have a recurring running-related niggle, then do get in touch to book an appointment with our friendly physios by calling us on 02030 12 12 22.