Definition: Heel to toe rocker shoes are shoes engineered specifically to reduce impact, change posture, improve foot rotation and improve gait. They are a new generation of Smart Footwear. Heel to toe rocker shoes simulate walking on soft, uneven ground and provide all the benefits. One’s center of gravity is changed and posture improves. There is less impact and less stress of ankle, knee and hip joints. Nearly all foot pain and some knee, hip and back pain can be managed when we walk in a more natural way. These kinds of shoe are referred to as “workout” shoes because they are more comfortable to work out in and also because they work the muscles of the legs, buttocks and back more than regular shoes do.
MBT Heel to Toe Rocker
Ryn Heel to Toe Rocker Shoe
There are 2 kinds of heel to toe rocker footwear. One is unstable and the other stable. Unstable shoes are meant to cause a wobble. This signals the brain to tell the muscles to balance. The muscles start working to balance and over time those muscles develop. For those with ambulation issues, unstable shoes can be too much of a risk. Examples of unstable shoes are MBT, Sketchers and Z-Coil.
Stable shoes do not have a wobble, although they do have a rock. Stable shoes are easier to walk in at first and are recommended for those with slight ambulation issues. Ryn, Cogent, Aetrex, Instride, PW Minor and Mephisto have stable heel to toe rocker shoes.
Benefits: Although most feel wobbly or like they are rocking in these shoes at first, the small muscles of the foot related to the body’s natural balancing system are developed wearing the shoes. There is less heel pain immediately and better posture, balance and gait. There is 19% less pressure on the ankle, knee and hip joints.
Here is a YouTube presentation on Heel to Toe Rockers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZ0t5KUrWro&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL
Text: Copyright 2010 Carole Romig, YouTube Cam White Image: MBT Product Catalog 2008, ZCoil Website 2010, RynAmerica.com