Rocker Sole Shoes: Consumer Alert!
Are rocker sole shoes the greatest footwear ever invented or are consumers getting set up for the 2010 version of the popular 1970’s Earth shoe?
Joe Dyament, Certified Pedorthist and Owner of Foot Solutions in St. Clair Shores, Michigan gives a rundown on the history, benefits and other must-know tips before purchasing your rocker sole shoes.
Background
Rocker shoes have been around for a long, long time. As pedorthists, we use a variety of rocker soles to help people with foot problems. Rocker soles can be:
* a negative heel to help unload the forefoot (like an Earth shoe)
* a double rocker to help relieve mid-foot arthritis
* a heel-to-toe rocker to help replace lost motion at the ankle (MBT) or hybrid like a negative heel/forefoot (Chung Shi) that uniquely accomplishes results for a variety of foot pathologies.
Below are three brands of rocker sole shoes (L to R): MBT, Chung Shi, and the newly introduced Skechers Shape up- but Joe warns consumers that despite what advertisers may tell you, rocker sole shoes cannot be worn by everyone.
Since the shoes mimic the experience of walking on soft, natural terrain, pressure is reduced on your back, knees and hips- but before investing in a pair of rocker sole shoes, Joe advises consumers to do their research and follow a few guidelines:
* Stability: If you have balance issues, a leg length discrepancy of ½” or more or experience vertigo, it’s best to consider other options.
* Excessive Pronation: If your ankles and feet roll in a lot and you’re not wearing good orthotics you’re asking for BIG trouble. This will cause more stress on your feet, knees and hips and could complicate physiological issues.
* Heavy Lifting: If you lift heavy objects on a regular basis you need more stability not instability. The natural instability of rocker sole shoes will make work more difficult and increase your chance of injury.
* Workout shoes: These are NOT workout shoes! Rocker shoes are made to help you walk in a straight line. Any side-to-side movement should be avoided. Do not wear them for aerobics, running or weight training, for example.
Learn more about rocker sole shoes (and more) by reading Joe Dyament’s Blog.
They returned home to bamboo huts with bamboo floors and walkways. Walking on the uneven surfaces created a massage-like effect and roller action to the bottom of the feet, which helped to realign the entire body after a long day of bending over. As society evolved, even today, many Asians still walk on bamboo mats to relieve foot, leg and back issues.
