Rocker Bottom shoes ideally have a thicker than normal sole that is curved either in front, at the back, or both.
Rocker Bottom shoes for arthritis can help to limit joint movement and reduce joint pain in your feet, ankle, and toes.
The Rocker Bottom Shoe and Its Benefits
A rocker bottom or sole rocker shoe has a very thick sole that is curved to aid in the smoother transitioning from your heel strike off to your toe off when you walk or run.
The Rocker bottom shoe has been around for many years. It is usually used by people with diabetes and diabetic foot problems, as they tend to redistribute Plantar Pressure and prevent further foot issues.
- Why Use Rocker Bottom Shoes – Some Rocker bottom shoes have increased their popularity by the benefits they bring to the table regarding reducing running-related injuries and increasing running performance. Besides that, the rocker’s bottom is well known to reduce the symptoms of quite a few foot conditions. They limit movement and likewise reduce pressure in certain areas of your feet, which helps with managing pain and discomfort when you have certain foot conditions.
- When to Use a Rocker Bottom Shoe – Many podiatrists recommend rocker bottom type shoes for forefoot pain, heel pain, shin splints, or foot posture issues. Rocker bottom shoes reduce your toes’ upward bending motion, allowing the joints to settle down comfortably. Individuals with painful arthritis in their big toe or bunions are most advantaged in wearing a rocker bottom shoe.
- When to Avoid Rocker Bottom Shoes – You need to consider that a rocker bottom shoe is only designed for forward and backward motion and is not a good shoe choice for lateral, side, and other motions. They are suitable for running, jogging, walking, and daily wear but not for sports such as tennis, basketball, netball, dancing, and exercises entailing many side-to-side movements. Rocker bottom shoes have more forefoot and midfoot support and cushioning and are more suitable for forefoot and midfoot issues. Thus, they offer very little lateral and side-t-side or heel support.
How do Rocker Bottom Shoes Help with Arthritis
Most Rocker Sole shoes will only have a curve in the forefoot, with a thick and well-cushioned midsole that absorbs ample shock. You do also get models with a forefoot and back curve.
In terms of arthritis, osteoarthritis, bunions, and hallux Rigidus are all conditions associated with arthritis that affect your big toes.
Arthritis may also affect the joints in the rest of your toes, or you may suffer from a condition called Claw toes, where your toes bend upward, which may be caused by arthritis.
There are so many toe and forefoot conditions alone that could be caused by different forms of arthritis, even Gout, which is a form of arthritis.
The Rocker sole shoe, as mentioned, is an excellent choice for any foot deformity, pain, mechanical issues, or arthritis that affects the toes or the forefoot.
As the rocker sole provides much smoother transitioning from the toe-off to your heel strike when you walk or run, there is less strain on the toe and forefoot joints, and they can comfortably relax during this stage.
As we have mentioned, the Rocker Bottom shoes will reduce your toes’ upward bending motion, allowing the joints to settle down softly and easily without any strain.
Thus, there is less pressure on your toes and joints.
On the other hand, the Rocker sole will reduce excessive motion, which could cause further pain and discomfort with toes affected by arthritis.
Features of a Good Rocker Bottom Shoe for Arthritis
- Comfortable Uppers – Especially if you have deformities, bunions, or Hallux Rigidus caused by arthritis, always look for shoes with a roomy toe box and wide fit, with comfortable and soft, flexible uppers and a smooth lining. The uppers may be mesh, knit, or soft and supple leather. You get Dress shoes and athletic shoe models with a Rocker sole which we have included.
- Support – Make sure the shoe has some other support features, including a cushioned insole, arch support footbed, and well-cushioned midsole.
- Sole – The Rocker bottom sole will be very thick, almost like a platform style, with a slight curve at the toe or the heel and the toe. The outsole will be a regular rubber for slip resistance.
- Options – Most Rocker Bottom shoes come in wider widths options and more colors and sizes from which you can choose.
Reviews: The Best Rocker Bottom Shoes for Arthritis
In our review section, I have added some casual, athletic, and dress-style shoes that all have a rocker bottom sole;
1
Shoe for Arthritis
- MBT is a well-known brand that makes some of the best available Rocker Bottom shoes.
- I have chosen a daily wear athletic shoe model from MBT, their GTC-2000.
- You can use it for running and walking.
- The shoe has mesh and synthetic uppers with plenty of cushioning.
- It has a roomy fit and is available in more colors.
2
Stability Shoes with Rocker Bottom
- The Brooks Launch GTS 9 has a light and lower profile durable rubber rocker sole.
- It offers a roomy and comfortable fit for arthritic feet and excellent support and stability.
- There is a 2mm higher BioMoGo Foam midsole and a comfortable lining.
- The shoe has a roomy toe box and flexible uppers.
3
Rocker Bottom Shoe for Arthritis
- The Asics Novablast 2 LE is a comfortable Rocker sole shoe for arthritis.
- It is well cushioned with FF Blast foam.
- There is a thick rocker sole and a durable rubber outsole.
- The fit is roomy and accommodating.
4
Rocker Sole Dress Shoe for Arthritis
- I have chosen two dress shoe models from MBT for arthritis.
- They offer a roomy and accommodating fit with a thick rocker sole.
- The shoes are leather with an nd elegant dress styles.
- There are closed pumps for the ladies and a decorated loafer for the gents.
5
Rocker Bottom Shoe for Arthritis
- The Asics Gel-Kinsei is the ideal rocker sole shoe for arthritis.
- It has flexible and comfortable engineered knit uppers for a more accommodating fit.
- There is FF Blast cushioning and Flytefoam in the midsole for support.
- The shoe has a medium-thick rocker sole with a rubber tread.
6
Stability Shoes for Arthritis
- The Brooks Levitate Likewise has the perfect fit for arthritic feet, with a low rocker-based sole.
- It has energizing and comfortable cushioning.
- The fit is secure and adaptable with a roomy toe box.
- There is a thick rocker sole and a durable rubber outsole.
Index Table: Top Rated Rocker Bottom Shoes for Arthritis
| No. | Shoe | Men ♂ | Women ♀ | Features | Brand | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MBT® - Shoe for Arthritis |  |  |
| MBT | 98 |
| 2 | Brooks® - Stability Shoes with Rocker Bottom |  |  |
| Brooks | 97.9 |
| 3 | Asics® - Rocker Bottom Shoe for Arthritis |  |  |
| Asics | 97.7 |
| 4 | MBT® - Rocker Sole Dress Shoe for Arthritis |  |  |
| MBT | 97 |
| 5 | Asics® - Rocker Bottom Shoe for Arthritis |  |  |
| Asics | 97.7 |
| 6 | Brooks® - Stability Shoes for Arthritis |  |  |
| Brooks | 96 |
Table of Contents
- The Rocker Bottom Shoe and Its Benefits
- How do Rocker Bottom Shoes Help with Arthritis
- Features of a Good Rocker Bottom Shoe for Arthritis
- Reviews: The Best Rocker Bottom Shoes for Arthritis
- Index Table: Top Rated Rocker Bottom Shoes for Arthritis
