Effect of rocker sole design on plantar forefoot pressures

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Abstract
The authors quantify rocker sole designs currently used in the management of the insensitive foot and examine their effectiveness in reducing forefoot pressures. Twenty subjects were tested with six different shoe soles modified with various radii or curvature and locations of the take-off or pivot point. Relative pressure was measured at four sites on the forefoot while subjects walked in each shoe design. Analysis of variance of relative pressure was highly significant at all sites tested. Further analysis demonstrated that the traditional rocker design was the most effective in reducing forefoot pressures. The curved sole design with a take-off point at 50% of the sole length was also effective in reducing pressures. This design is more conventional in appearance and may be of greater practical value in the clinical setting.

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