- Tag: Shoe Guides
What Are Rocker Bottom Shoes?
Have you ever run with shoes that might make you feel at first like you’re almost falling forward, or at least leaning a bit over your toes? Those are rocker bottom shoes. The sole on the shoe is curved, such that when your foot strikes the ground, it rolls on the curve in a motion like a rocking chair. The motion propels you from heel to toe, giving you more momentum with less effort.
When you’re looking for running shoes for men and women, a rocker bottom shoe might sound appealing. Couldn’t we all use a little boost? But this style makes a critical alteration to your natural stride. So it makes sense to think carefully before you commit to them.
We’ll get into all the details of rocker bottom shoes to help you understand the science and decide what shape is best for you.
The Science Behind Rocker Bottom Shoes for Running
The sole on a rocker bottom shoe — a “rocker sole” — takes some strain and pounding off the front of your feet. If you have discomfort in that area, or limited mobility, this effect can be helpful. By keeping your momentum rocking forward in every step, rocker soles can help with a smoother transition from heel to toe and into the next stride.
If you’re curious about the rocker shape, but aren’t interested in a very intense rocking motion, you might want to try the Altra Experience Family, which features a gentle rocker geometry that serves as a great introduction to the rocker bottom shoe. There are Experience models made for roads as well as trails.
You can compare the rocking motion and flexibility of all our Altra shoe families and models by checking out this diagram. If you’re interested in rocker soles for trail running or roads, we can get you started.
Rocker Shape vs Flat Platform Shoes: Which Is Better?
Logically, the rocker shape seems like an advantage over flat platform shoes, but the only way to know if it really helps you is to give it a try. Some runners find the rocker shoe unnatural, while others love it.
On the other end of the support spectrum, plenty of runners swear by low cushion shoes, which keep them even closer to the ground and running with their natural gait.
It’s important to know that the rocker shape lacks key benefits that are in flat bottom shoes for running. Zero drop shoes naturally align your heel and your toe, which locks in your whole natural stride. This can improve stability—and instead of feeling like you’re rolling on wheels down the road, flat platform shoes offer a solid ground connection.
The choice of Zero-to-Low Drop vs. rocker bottom shoes for running will be very different for everyone, and depends on your stride, what makes you comfortable, and what’s important to you about running in the first place. No matter your preference, Altra has running shoes with great cushioning that will support your stride naturally.
Meet FWD, Altra Rocker Shoes to Propel You Forward
Altra has rocker shoes to get you rolling. The FWD Via 2, part of the FWD experience, features a 4mm drop—in the land of Altra, this is new territory. But this adventure features our classic roomy toe box, so you can get the best of both worlds. Your natural stride stays intact, with a rocker sole for powerful momentum.
Altra’s Take: Forward Motion Meets FootShape™ Fit in Rocker Bottom Shoes
Rocker bottom shoes are probably an intriguing concept for any runner, especially those who like to go fast. With Altra, we’ve got running shoes for trails and roads that let you choose your way forward, whether you want to rock a little bit or go with the Zero-to-Low Drop lifestyle.
Altra has a wide variety of shoes to choose from. We have everything from the lowest cushion trail running shoes to high cushion running shoes that will keep you out all day, like our favorites Torin and Olympus. We’ve got rocker bottom shoes, too. At Altra, there’s no adventure that we won’t try.
