Let's Rock!


Rocker Soles: The Latest Trend in Fitness Footwear
With promises to tone your body, perfect your posture, and melt away fat, it’s no wonder shoes with rocker-bottom soles have rocketed in popularity. They’re not new to the marketplace -- both Z-CoiL and MBT (Masai Barefoot Technology) launched their differing versions of rocker-soled shoes back in 1996 -- but many of the health benefit claims made by newcomers to the scene are a lot more hype than help.

Real Health Benefits
Rocker soles were originally intended to assist forward motion, especially if you suffer from injuries or arthritis and need to limit motion in your feet or ankles, or if you need to reduce impact to your heels at heel strike, as the foot rolls faster off your heel with a rocker sole. People with diabetes or plantar fasciitis often benefit as well, because rocker shoes alleviate pressure on key areas of the foot.

Double Rockers = Twice as Good!
Z-CoiL’s innovative design creates, in effect, a double rocker, from the flexible coil that compresses at heel-strike, to the rounded and cushioned forefoot at toe-off.



And unlike other rigid rocker-bottom shoes, Z-CoiL shoes provide both cushioning and lateral stability. In fact, a built-in Orthotic support that runs from the heel to the ball of the foot helps to compensate for abnormal gait issues like over-pronation (where you feet roll inward).

Some Make Questionable Claims
MBT and other so-called “toning” shoes have taken a slightly different tack. They use rocker-soles to promote a rolling heel-to-toe gait that simulates walking barefoot in the sand. The idea is to force you to work harder to maintain your balance and stand erect. You engage muscles that are otherwise less active, and so burn more calories.

But do they really live up to their fitness claims? A recent study from the Exercise and Health Program at the University of Wisconsin warns that “extended wear of these toning shoes may alter the walking gait mechanics of wearers and, in some cases, potentially cause problems for those who may already be at risk for lower-extremity issues.”

In other words, if you have flat feet or a tendency to over-pronate, you should be wary of toning shoes that may exacerbate the problem and place extra stress on your joints and lower back.




“Wellness” vs. “Toning”
Rather than “toning” shoes, we like to think of Z-CoiL as “wellness” shoes that tone your body naturally by making it easier--not harder--to walk! You’re able to walk more, to meet your fitness and weight loss objectives, with less wear and tear on your body!