Rocker-Bottom Shoes
The Trendy Shoes That May Shape You Up |
Long before they became the latest fashion statement, rocker-bottom shoes were routinely used by podiatrists and orthopedic doctors to treat a number of foot problems.
Depending on where the rocker is placed on the shoe, it can provide benefits to reduce pressure under the ball of the root, to reduce motion in the toe joints and to treat arthritis of the big toe and pain in the ball of the foot.
Sketchers, maker of Shape-ups says on its Web site that its line or rocker-bottom shoes gives wearers more toned and strengthened leg, back, buttock and abdominal muscles, reduces body fat, improves circulation, aerobic conditioning and exercise tolerance and improved posture, relief of muscle tension and back/joint problems.
Morristown podiatrist Dr. Joe Creazzo said the shape of the shoe changes the natural muscle pattern people use when walking and engages muscles not normally used in walking.
Can that lead to the benefits the shoe companies claim?
Creazzo said there has been minimal research validating the claims. He admits that the shoes can be helpful for people with ankle joint fusion or middle foot arthritis.
But that doesn’t come without cost.
The doctor said at this point, he does not recommend rocker-bottom shoes to his patients, because “I don’t think there’s enough large studies that indicate the shoes do what their advertising claims.”
For people who opt to try the new shoes, Creazzo cautions that the following warning signs should not be ignored. They include pain and instability when walking. The heaviness of the shoe may be a problem for some wearers.
The doctor said that for people who are looking for a good quality shoe to help them with their fitness goals, he recommends a proper, well-fitted running shoe as the best option. It is important, Creazzo said, that the shoes be properly fitted to the customer’s individual foot needs.
“Runner’s World and the New Balance Store in Knoxville do a good job,” he said.
In addition to the Sketchers Shape-ups, other companies marketing the rocker-bottom shoes include MBT and Dansko.
“MBT has been around the longest,” Creazzo said.
For more information about the treatment of diseases and conditions of the foot, call Dr. Joe Creazzo at 423-581-0444.
For more information about rocker-bottom shoes, visit the following shoe companies:
• Sketchers Shape-ups: www.skechers.com/info/shape_ups
• MBT: www.mbt.com
• Dansko: www.dansko.com