Rocker Sole Shoes for Ankle Fusion

The Rocker Sole shoe model for ankle fusion I something that has been medically approved by podiatrists to help limit ankle motion and reduce pressure on the joints, both after the surgery and when you have arthritis.

A rocker sole is a thick outsole that has a curved design to reduce pressure on your feet and allow for natural motion, with less tension and motion in your ankles.

Ideally, this will help with the healing process during ankle fusion and also prevent further issues.


Some Facts on Ankle Fusion

Ankle Fusion is mainly a surgery where they fuse the bones of your ankle into one single piece of bone.

The procedure, also known as arthrodesis, is mainly done to treat arthritis in the ankles or an injury.
The ankle joint also called the tibiotalar joint, is where the shinbone, or Tibia, rests on the top of the foot bone the talked. The ankle also includes a subtalar joint where two-foot bones, the talus, and calcaneus, meet.

Arthritis mainly affects these two bones, the Talus and Calcaneus, and over time the smooth tissue cartilage on the surface of the bones starts to wear away, resulting in pain, swelling, and inflammation in these joints.

Ankle fusion is then used to fuse these two bones or more to the ankle bone to stop the pain and swelling. Mostly Ankle fusion is minimal invasion, done with a small incision and tiny camera.

  • Why You May Need Ankle Fusion – Mostly, when you have very severe arthritis in your ankles that causes much pain, stiffness and inflammation, ankle fusion may be needed. Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that occurs because of wear and tear on the ankles over the years. Rheumatoid Arthritis is caused by an autoimmune disease that may affect your joints, and regular arthritis may be caused by an ankle injury.
  • Ankle Fusion Risks – Every surgery comes with its risks, and the same goes for ankle fusion. A normal side effect of ankle fusion is reduced range of motion in the ankle joint, which is not a major problem for most individuals. The risk of complications will vary according to your age and your general health. Other risks include infection, nerve damage, bleeding, blood clots, bones not joining properly, Misaligned bones, and new arthritis developing close by, which is quite common.

Why Choose a Rocker Sole Shoe After Ankle Fusion?

Rocker Sole, or Rocker Bottom Shoes, are very commonly used after an ankle fusion or when you have ankle arthritis.

A Rocker sole shoe will have a thicker platform style sole that will have a curve from the toe to the heel in a direction to alleviate pain by reducing ankle motion.

The rocker style of the sole of a rocker bottom shoe takes the pressure off your feet and allows for natural and easy motion without you having to use your ankles for the motion.


Features of a Good Rocker Sole Shoe for Ankle Fusion

Rocker Sole for Ankle Fusion

  • Uppers – For Ankle Fusion, I would suggest shoes with comfortable fit uppers such as a roomy toe box and flexible or leather uppers. The Fit should be secure, and a lace-Up or boot style will be more suitable.
  • Cushioning and Support – Look for a shoe with a comfortable cushioned insole and light stability and support features such as arch support and a firmer sole.
  • Outsole – The Outsole will be a rocker design with a higher or lower profile that will be rubber, with a foam midsole.

Reviews: The Best Rocker Sole Shoes for Ankle Fusion


1

Rocker Sole Shoes for Ankle Fusion

  • The Hoka One Bondi is a favorite Rocker sole shoe that offers good cushioning and stability for ankle fusion.
  • It has breathable synthetic and mesh uppers with a comfortable sock-like fit and supportive heel.
  • There is a contoured and cushioned footbed for light stability and shock absorbency.
  • The shoe is a running shoe that has a built-up rocker sole that takes the pressure off your feet and ankles.

2

Rocker Sole Shoes for Ankle Fusion

  • The Skechers Max Cushioning Elite offers maximum cushioning and a platform Rocker sole that reduces all pressure on your ankles and feet.
  • They have a stretchable sock-like fit and slip-on design.
  • There is an Ultra Go Cushioned Platform sole, and Air Cooled Goga Mat cushioned insole.
  • The shoes are very lightweight, which is also a plush point when you have fused ankles.
  • They are available in more colors and come with a high traction rubber outsole.

3

Rocker Bottom Shoes for Ankle Fusion

  • The New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 V12 is the latest in this rocker sole model.
  • The shoe has a supportive fit for your heel and a lower rocker style sole for ankle fusion.
  • There are Hypo knit uppers for a stretchable and breathable fit.
  • There is Fresh Foam X cushioning and a shock-absorbing midsole.
  • The outsole is durable rubber.

4

Walking Shoes for Ankle Fusion

  • The Propet LifeWalker is more of an Orthopedic style, sole rocker shoe.
  • The Orthopedic features, along with the rocker sole, are ideal when you have had ankle fusion.
  • It has Velcro strap closures and leather uppers with a roomy toe box.
  • The shoe is Medicare/HCPCS code A5500 and rated as a diabetic shoe.
  • Inside is orthotic cushioning that is removable, and there is a secure, padded collar and ankle fit.

5

Rocker Sole Shoes for Ankle Fusion

  • The MBT Gadi is a very lightweight rocker sole shoe for ankle fusion.
  • It has a secure and stable fit, with good heel cushioning and a rocker sole for ankle fusion.
  • The uppers are mesh and synthetic with a relaxed fit.
  • There is a High Abrasion Rubber outsole and cushioned midsole.
  • Inside is a comfortable cushioned insole.
  • The shoe is available in a few more color options from which you can choose.

6

Rocker Sole Shoes

  • The New Balance Fresh Foam Roav 2 has a slight rocker sole and a stable fit for ankle support.
  • It has stylish knit uppers and more colors available.
  • There is a Fresh Foam cushioning midsole and cushioned insole for comfort.
  • The sole has a slight rocker design and an 8mm drop for stability and to take pressure off your feet and ankles.

Index Table: Top Rated Rocker Sole Shoes for Ankle Fusion

No.ShoeMen ♂Women ♀FeaturesBrandScore
1Hoka One® - Rocker Sole Shoes for Ankle Fusion Bondi 8 Bondi 8
  • Rocker Sole
  • Cushioned
  • Roomy Fit
  • Supportive Ankle
Hoka One98
2Skechers® - Rocker Sole Shoes for Ankle Fusion Max Cushioning Elite Promised Max Cushioning Elite Promised
  • Rocker Sole
  • Cushioned
  • Stretchable Uppers
Skechers97.9
3New Balance® - Rocker Bottom Shoes for Ankle Fusion 1080 V12 1080 V12
  • Cushioned
  • Rocker Design Sole
  • Breathable
  • Stretchable Fit
New Balance97.9
4Propet® - Walking Shoes for Ankle Fusion LifeWalker Stability Walker
  • Velcro Strap Closure
  • Rocker Sole
  • Medicare Diabetic Shoe
  • Heel Stabilizer
  • Wider Widths
Propet97.6
5MBT® - Rocker Sole Shoes for Ankle Fusion Gadi Gadi
  • Rocker Sole
  • Mesh Uppers
  • Cushioned
  • High Heel
MBT97
6New Balance® - Rocker Sole Shoes Fresh Foam Roav V2 Fresh Foam Roav V2
  • Ultra-Cushioned
  • Heel Pillows
  • High Abrasion Resistant
  • Wider Widths
  • Rocker Sole
New Balance97.8


About the Author

Eliza Ward

Eliza Ward is a running enthusiast, nature lover, and full-time mother for 3 lovely kids in South Africa. She has always had a fetish for shoes and has the best product recommendations for all her friends and family. So she turned what she loved into her full-time job - by testing and recommending the best shoes for our online readers. Read her reviews to know how detailed her observations are.