Rocker Bottom Shoes: A Different Way to Walk
When Gaston and I introduced MBT to Canada in 2004, a heel-to-toe rocker bottom sole was new to many of the customers walking into Foot Sensation. They could see that the sole was curved, but the real discovery came when they took a few steps.
More than twenty years later, we still believe the best way to understand a rocker bottom shoe is to walk in one.
What is a heel-to-toe rocker bottom sole?
A rocker bottom sole has a curved shape that helps the foot move through a rolling motion, from heel strike towards toe-off. Instead of feeling exactly like a conventional flat-soled shoe, it guides you forward as you take a step.
The shape alone does not determine whether a shoe is right for you. How it fits your heel and toes, how stable you feel standing and walking, and how the rolling motion feels to you all matter.
What does the research tell us?
Rocker bottom footwear has been studied for many years, including in Canada. Researchers from Acadia University and the University of Calgary compared walking in MBT shoes with walking in conventional shoes. They observed changes in movement at the hip, knee, and ankle.
Other research has examined how rocker soles affect pressure beneath the foot. These studies help us understand why the shoes feel different, but they do not establish that every rocker bottom shoe will relieve pain or suit every person. Different sole designs—and different feet—matter.
Discover Finnamic and Sano at Foot Sensation
Today, we carry two collections that bring a rolling motion to walking: Finn Comfort Finnamic and Sano.
Finnamic shoes pair their rolling sole with the supportive fit and removable footbed Finn Comfort is known for. If you already enjoy the feel of Finn Comfort, a Finnamic style offers a way to explore a different walking motion.
Sano shoes use Easy-Walking Technology to create a rolling step, with cushioning built into its sole design. We carry Sano shoes and sandals, so you can explore the collection in the style that suits your day.
Both deserve more than a quick look at a photograph. They are shoes you should walk in to understand.
Come and feel the difference
At our Bloor and Danforth stores, our team can help you try rocker bottom shoes, check the fit, and give you time to walk in them. You can compare the movement and decide what feels comfortable and secure on your feet.
Curious about rocker bottom shoes? Visit Foot Sensation and take a few steps in Finnamic and Sano.
