Rocker Sole Shoes Research Articles

Getting Ready for Foot Care Certification: Implementing Off-loading Interventions to Prevent or Manage Injury.

Getting Ready for Foot Care Certification: Implementing Off-loading Interventions to Prevent or Manage Injury.

Do biomechanical foot-based interventions reduce patellofemoral joint loads in adults with and without patellofemoral pain or osteoarthritis? A systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of biomechanical foot-based interventions (eg, footwear, insoles, taping and bracing on the foot) on patellofemoral loads during walking, running or walking and running combined in adults...

Kinematic Strategies for Sustainable Well-Being in Aging Adults Influenced by Footwear and Ground Surface.

Falls are an inescapable problem influencing the health and threatening the safety of older adults. Exploring the kinematic strategies of aging adults can help reduce the risk of falls. To study kinematic strategies of aging adults in response to footwear (flat shoes, toe spring shoes, rocker sole shoes) and ground surfaces (level ground, grassland and rock road), a 3D motion capture system and subjective stability evaluation, with 14 female participants, were performed. Results indicated that footwear and ground surfaces significantly impacted joint dynamics during walking. Compared with young adults, aging adults tended to adopt a more conservative walking pattern. Wearing different shoes on the three ground surfaces mainly reduced the ROM (range of motion) of the ankle (p < 0.05). By analyzing the objective and subjective results, rocker sole shoes gave aging adults a stronger sense of instability, so they controlled the movement of ankle joint initiatively. When walking on grassland and rock road, aging adults adjusted the movements of hip, knee and ankle joints to maintain gait stability. Aging adults are recommended to strengthen flexibility training of the ankle joint, perform hip adduction and abduction exercises, and wear rocker sole shoes to improve their balance ability and sustainable well-being.

The rocker-soled shoes change the kinematics and muscle contractions of the lower extremity during various functional movement

While rocker-shaped soles have become popular for running shoes, whether or not this type of shoe benefits other functional movements has rarely been discussed. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of rocker-soled shoes on lower extremity biomechanics during different exercises. Seventeen healthy university students were recruited. A motion capture analysis system and surface electromyography were used to measure kinematics and muscle activation while walking (10 m), running (10 m), cutting, jumping, and ascending and descending stairs. The results showed that when wearing rocker-soled shoes, greater peak external ankle rotation was present during most exercises. Smaller peak joint angles were observed in hip extension and external rotation when walking, and in ankle dorsiflexion when ascending stairs and jumping. The vastus medialis and vastus lateralis contracted more in most exercises when rocker-soled shoes were worn. However, the biceps femoris and medial gastrocnemius showed less muscle contraction. Wearing rocker-soled shoes during testing movements change the kinematics and muscle contractions of the lower extremity. These findings may provide information for choosing shoes for different exercises or training purposes.

The effect of toe-only rocker sole shoes on gait variability of the elderly.

Gait variability could associate with fall risk in older people. Rocker sole shoes are commonly prescribed to reduce plantar pressure and facilitate forward movement. Thus, it may affect gait stability. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of toe-only rocker shoes on gait variability in the elderly. Seventeen healthy elderly participants walked on a treadmill under six different conditions including barefoot (BF), normal shoe (NS), and four types of toe-only rocker sole shoes with various degrees of rocker angle (RS10, RS20, RS30, and RS40). Then the step length variability (SLV), the step time variability (STV), the step width variability (SWV), and the stance time variability were measured. Increasing rocker angle in toe-only rocker did not significantly affect gait variability more than the standard shoe. It seems that different rocker angles in toe-only rocker sole shoes do not pose a threat to gait variability compared to the standard shoes in healthy elderly. Findings of the study suggested that the toe-only rocker sole can be used to facilitate forward progression in the elderly. Further investigation is also required to examine the long-term effects of toe-only rocker sole shoes on gait variability in frail elderly.

The effect of rocker sole shoes on ground reaction force in the elderly.

Aging is associated with decreases in gait performance and mobility. Toe-only rocker sole is prescribed as a common shoe modification in restricted foot and ankle joints mobility. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of toe-only rocker sole shoes on the ground reaction force (GRF) in the elderly. Twenty-one older adults walked on a walkway equipped with one force plate under six different conditions including barefoot (BF), normal shoe (NS), and four types of toe-only rocker sole shoes (RS) with various degrees of rocker angle (RS10, RS20, RS30, and RS40). The peaks of the GRFs in three planes were obtained. Different rocker angles could affect GRF parameters. The first peak of GRF (FZ1) significantly increased with both RS30 and RS40 compared to BF, NS, RS10, and RS20. FZ1 significantly decreased with RS30 compared to RS40. The braking force (FX1) was significantly lower with NS compared to RS30 and RS40. FX1 was significantly higher with RS40 compared to the other shoe conditions. The propulsive force (FX2) significantly decreased during walking with BF compared to NS, RS20, RS30, and RS40. A higher FX2 was observed in RS40 than the other shoe conditions except RS30. Also, FX2 was significantly lower with RS10 compared to RS30. Increasing rocker angle may result in an increase in the peak magnitude of FZ1, FX1, FX2 in the elderly without any improvement in walking speed.

Nonlinear analysis of dynamic stability in walking with toe-only rocker sole shoes in elderly

BackgroundElderly subjects are at the risk of falling. One type of shoe intervention used for this group of the subjects is the shoe with rocker. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of shoes with various degrees of rockers on dynamic stability of elderly subjects while walking. Method15 elderly subjects were recruited in this study. A motion analysis system was used to record the motions of body while walking on a treadmill. The local dynamic stability (LDS) was evaluated based on use of Lyapunov exponent of center of mass (COM) movement. The subjects were asked to walk barefoot, with shoe with no rocker and with shoe with various rockers (10, 20, 30 and 40°). ResultsThe mean values of LDS (λmax-S) in anteroposterior direction were 0.95 ± 0.46, 0.78 ± 0.51 and 0.74 ± 0.54 in bare foot, shoes with no rocker and shoe with 10° rocker, respectively. The mean value of LDS (λmax-S) in vertical direction varied between 1.21 and 1.23. There was no significant difference between LDS of elderly subjects while walking with shoes with various rocker angles. DiscussionUse of shoes with various rocker angles dose not influence on dynamic stability of elderly subjects while walking. Therefore, it is recommended to use this kind of shoe intervention for other trapeutic purposes.

The effects of ankle-foot orthoses with plantar flexion stop and plantar flexion resistance using rocker-sole shoes on stroke gait: A randomized-controlled trial.

Objectives This study aims to evaluate the effect of two ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs), AFO with plantar flexion stop (AFO-PlfS), and AFO with plantar flexion resistance (AFO-PlfR), while wearing standard shoes and rocker-sole shoes. Patients and methods Between November 2017 and July 2018, in this randomized-controlled study, a total of 20 stroke patients (8 males, 12 females; mean age: 48.1 years; range, 33 to 65 years) in chronic phase were randomized to AFO groups (AFO-PlfS group, n=10 and AFO-PlfR group, n=10). Each group received the allocated AFO along with two kinds of shoes (standard shoe and rocker shoe) for a two-week adaptation. Two effects were separately evaluated: The orthotic effect and rocker shoe effect were defined as the evaluation of using an AFO wearing standard shoe compared to only standard shoe, and evaluation of using an AFO wearing rocker shoe compared to an AFO wearing standard shoe, respectively. The gait of each group was measured by three-dimensional motion analysis. Results A significant orthotic effect was found in both AFO groups in spatiotemporal parameters and maximum ankle dorsiflexion in the single-support phase. Additionally, the AFO-PlfR group showed a significant improvement in the parameters related to the first rocker of gait, but not for AFO-PlfS group concerning the orthotic effect. The rocker shoe effect was found in significant reduction of peak ankle plantar flexor moment and power ankle generation during preswing for both AFO groups. Conclusion According to the orthotic effect, an AFO-PlfR can create better function in the improvement of parameters related to the first rocker. Although a rocker shoe can facilitate rollover for weight progression in the third rocker of gait, it cannot make a strong push-off function in stroke survivors.

Effect of Toe Only Rocker at 10 and 15 Degrees on Balance and Walking Speed in Elderly Adults

Objective: Balance is one of the indicators to determine independence in performing daily activities in the elderly. One of the influential factors in postural control and balance is walking speed. This study aims to evaluate the effect of rocker soles at two degrees of 10 and 15 on the walking speed and balance of the elderly. Materials & Methods: The study participants were 19 older adults aged 60 years or older (13 women and 6 men; mean age=66.1 years, mean height=1.63 m, mean weight=70.3 kg). Three models of shoes were used: shoes with a 10-degree rocker sole angle, shoes with a 15-degree rocker sole angle, and control shoes. Walknig speed was evaluated with 10-m walking test, while balance and dynamic postural control were assessed with the Berg balance Scale (BBS) and Star Excursion balance test, respectively. The Shapiro-Wilks test was used to examine the normality of data distribution, and repeated-measures ANOVA and Wilcoxon test were used to compare the effects of different rocker angles on balance and walking speed. The obtained data were analyzed in SPSS v. 22. Results: There was no significant difference in walking speed (P= 0.993), dynamic postural balance at anterior (P= 0.835), posterolateral (P= 0.86), and posteromedial (P= 0.598) directions and balance obtained from BBS (P= 0.625) among the groups using three shoe models. Conclusion: It seems that the use of rocker sole shoes does not affect the balance and walking speed of the elderly. This study supports the administration of shoes with toe-only rocker soles to the elderly.

Effect of rocker-sole footwear on knee joint biomechanics while walking in people with ACL-reconstructed knees: a cross-sectional biomechanical study

Background: Reinjury has occurred at a high rate after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Low knee flexion angles and high peak posterior ground reaction forces in landing tasks increase ACL loading. Some studies reported that rocker-sole shoes increased knee flexion angle in the early stance phase of the gait. The aim of this study was to investigate the biomechanics of walking with a custom-made heel-to-toe rocker shoe design, with special attention to the sagittal knee joint kinematics of patients after ACL reconstruction. Methods: This study examined 10 male participants with ACL-reconstruction participants. Three-dimensional gait analysis was performed under two conditions of level walking that were tested in random order using either modified footwear adapted with a heel-to-toe rocker sole or baseline footwear with a flat sole. The knee flexion angle at initial foot contact with the ground, average knee flexion angle from heel strike to 25% stance phase, and first peak knee flexion angle were compared across footwear conditions. Results: Walking with the heel-to-toe rocker shoes increased the knee flexion angle at the early stance phase of the gait cycle when compared with the baseline footwear. Conclusions: Rocker-shoe intervention was found to have potential as a rehabilitation tool to modify gait patterns in the sagittal plane of people with ACL-reconstructed knees and may protect against high reinjury rates. Further research is required to evaluate whether prolonged wear of rocker-sole shoes can modify lower extremity biomechanics of participants who have undergone ACL reconstruction. Level of Evidence: Level II.

Unloading Shoes for Intermittent Claudication: A Randomised Crossover Trial

Introduction - Intermittent claudication is a common condition often managed with high-risk invasive arterial revascularisation procedures. The primary first-line non-invasive intervention of supervised exercise training is rarely available for several reasons. As such non-invasive management is often sub-optimal. This study aims to assess the functional effects and acceptability of rocker-soled shoes that were designed to relatively “unload” the calf muscles during walking in people with calf claudication due to peripheral arterial disease. Methods - In this randomised AB/BA crossover trial, participants completed two assessment visits up to two weeks apart. At each visit, participants completed walking tests whilst wearing the unloading shoes or visually-similar control shoes. At the end of the second visit, participants were given either the unloading or control shoes to use in their home environment for 2 weeks, with the instruction to wear them at least 4 hours every day. The primary outcome was total distance walked during a forced-pace, 6-minute walking test. We also assessed pain-free walking distance and gait biomechanical variables during usual-pace walking, adverse events, and participants’ opinions about the shoes. Data for continuous outcomes are presented as mean difference between conditions with corresponding 95% confidence interval Results - Thirty-four participants (27 males, mean age 68 years, mean ankle-brachial index 0.54) completed both assessment visits. On average, the 6-minute walk distance was 11 m greater when participants wore the control shoes (95% CI -5 to 26), whereas mean pain-free walking distance was 7 m greater in the unloading shoes (95% CI -17 to 32). Neither of these differences were statistically significant (p=0.18 and p=0.55, respectively). This was despite the unloading shoes reducing peak ankle plantar flexion moment (mean difference 0.2 Nm/kg, 95% CI 0.0 to 0.3) and peak ankle power generation (mean difference 0.6 W/kg, 95% CI 0.2 to 1.0) during pain-free walking. The survey and interview data was mixed, with no clear differences between the unloading and control shoes. Conclusion - Shoes with modified soles to relatively unload the calf muscles during walking conferred no substantial acute functional benefit over control shoes.

Impact of rocker sole footwear on plantar pressure distribution during standing and walking in adult obese women

Purpose: Obesity increases the stresses applied to the foot. Ergonomic rocker sole shoes increase energy expenditure of standing and walking in obese individuals but could potentially alter plantar pressure distribution. The aim of this study was to compare plantar pressure distribution during standing and walking between rocker sole and flat-bottomed shoes in obese subjects.Methods: Twenty adult obese women were asked to stand quietly and to walk at their preferred walking speed whilst wearing flat-bottomed or rocker sole shoes. Plantar pressure distribution was assessed using instrumented insoles.Results: During standing, toe pressure and as well as midfoot force were higher with rocker sole than with flat-bottomed shoes (p < 0.05). During walking with rocker sole shoes, mean pressure and maximal force were lower under the toes and the forefoot, but higher under the midfoot and rearfoot regions with respect to flat-bottomed shoes (p < 0.05).Conclusions: While standing with rocker sole shoes, obese subjects showed augmented pressure under the toes whereas forefoot and heel pressure had no significant difference compared to the flat-bottomed shoes. As walking with rocker sole shoes resulted in decreased forces and pressures under the forefoot but increased overload at heel and midfoot regions, obese individuals may not benefit from wearing rocker sole shoes during walking, at least from a plantar pressure distribution perspective.Implications for rehabilitationThe use of ergonomic rocker sole shoes causes a redistribution of in-shoe plantar pressures leading to potentially detrimental adjustments that fail to attenuate the obesity-related increase in midfoot pressure during standing, while accentuating this region-specific impairment in dynamic conditions.Rocker sole shoes may best be avoided for walking in obese patients with heel pain or with any midfoot/rearfoot alteration such as medial arch flattening.

Three-curve rocker-soled shoes and gait adaptations to intermittent claudication pain: A randomised crossover trial

BackgroundIntermittent claudication (IC) is a symptom of peripheral arterial disease where a cramp-like leg pain is exhibited during walking, which affects gait and limits walking distance. Specifically-designed rocker-soled shoes were purported to mechanically unload the calf musculature and increase walking distances until IC pain. Research questionsDo three-curve rocker-soled shoes increase walking distance and what are the biomechanical differences during pain-free walking and IC pain-induced walking, when compared with control shoes? MethodsFollowing NHS ethical approval, 31 individuals with claudication (age 69 ± 10 years, stature 1.7 ± 0.9 m, mass 83.2 ± 16.2 kg, ankle-brachial pressure index 0.55 ± 0.14) were randomised in this cross-over trial. Gait parameters whilst walking with rocker-soled shoes were compared with control shoes at three intervals of pain-free walking, at onset of IC pain (initial claudication distance) and when IC intensifies and prevents them walking any further (absolute claudication distance). Two-way repeated measures ANOVA were performed on gait variables. ResultsWhen compared with control shoes, rocker-soled shoes reduced ankle power generation (mean 2.1 vs 1.6 W/kg, respectively; p = 0.006) and altered sagittal kinematics of the hip, knee and ankle. However, this did not translate to a significant increase in initial (138 m vs 146 m, respectively) or absolute (373 m vs 406 m, respectively) claudication distances. In response to IC pain, similar adaptations in temporal-spatial parameters and the sagittal kinematics were observed between the shoe types. SignificanceThe three-curved rocker shoes, in their current design, do not augment gait sufficiently to enhance walking distance, when compared with control shoes, and therefore cannot be recommended for the intermittent claudication population.Clinical Reg No. (ClinicalTrials.gov): NCT02505503.

Foot osteoarthritis: latest evidence and developments.

Foot osteoarthritis (OA) is a common problem in older adults yet is under-researched compared to knee or hand OA. Most existing studies focus on the first metatarsophalangeal joint, with evidence relating to midfoot OA being particularly sparse. Symptomatic radiographic foot OA affects 17% of adults aged 50 years and over. The first metatarsophalangeal joint is most commonly affected, followed by the second cuneometatarsal and talonavicular joints. Epidemiological studies suggest the existence of distinct first metatarsophalangeal joint and polyarticular phenotypes, which have differing clinical and risk factor profiles. There are few randomized controlled trials in foot OA. Existing trials provide some evidence of the effectiveness for pain relief of physical therapy, rocker-sole shoes, foot orthoses and surgical interventions in first metatarsophalangeal joint OA and prefabricated orthoses in midfoot OA. Prospective epidemiological studies and randomized trials are needed to establish the incidence, progression and prognosis of foot OA and determine the effectiveness of both commonly used and more novel interventions.

Unloading shoes for intermittent claudication: a randomised crossover trial

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to assess the functional effects and acceptability of rocker-soled shoes that were designed to relatively “unload” the calf muscles during walking in people with calf claudication due to peripheral arterial disease.MethodsIn this randomised AB/BA crossover trial, participants completed two assessment visits up to two weeks apart. At each visit, participants completed walking tests whilst wearing the unloading shoes or visually-similar control shoes. At the end of the second visit, participants were given either the unloading or control shoes to use in their home environment for 2 weeks, with the instruction to wear them for at least 4 h every day. The primary outcome was 6-min walk distance. We also assessed pain-free walking distance and gait biomechanical variables during usual-pace walking, adverse events, and participants’ opinions about the shoes. Data for continuous outcomes are presented as mean difference between conditions with corresponding 95% confidence interval.ResultsThirty-four participants (27 males, mean age 68 years, mean ankle-brachial index 0.54) completed both assessment visits. On average, the 6-min walk distance was 11 m greater when participants wore the control shoes (95% CI -5 to 26), whereas mean pain-free walking distance was 7 m greater in the unloading shoes (95% CI -17 to 32). Neither of these differences were statistically significant (p = 0.18 and p = 0.55, respectively). This was despite the unloading shoes reducing peak ankle plantarflexion moment (mean difference 0.2 Nm/kg, 95% CI 0.0 to 0.3) and peak ankle power generation (mean difference 0.6 W/kg, 95% CI 0.2 to 1.0) during pain-free walking. The survey and interview data was mixed, with no clear differences between the unloading and control shoes.ConclusionsShoes with modified soles to relatively unload the calf muscles during walking conferred no substantial acute functional benefit over control shoes.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov, Trial Registration Number: NCT02505503, First registered 22 July 2015.

The external force associated with callus formation under the first metatarsal head is reduced by wearing rocker sole shoes.

Callus is one of the main causes of diabetic foot ulcers. Therefore, preventing callus formation is very important. In a previous study, it was clarified that callus formation under the first metatarsal head (MTH) is associated with high shear stress time integral/pressure time integral (SPR-i). another study, it was clarified that rocker sole shoes are effective in reducing peak pressure under the first MTH. Therefore, we hypothesized that rocker sole shoes reduce SPR-i under the first MTH. This study aimed to clarify the effect of rocker sole shoes for external forces and leg motions in comparison with that of the normal sole shoes. In-shoe external forces and leg motions were measured during walking wearing the normal sole shoes or the rocker sole shoes in healthy participants. As the external forces, the peak plantar pressure (PP), pressure time integral (PI), peak shear stress (PSS), and shear stress integral (SSI) of each gait cycle were calculated. Additionally, shear stress-pressure ratios (SPR) were calculated by dividing shear stress by pressure; concretely, peak values (SPR-p) and time integral values (SPR-i). As the leg motion, hip and knee joint motions were analyzed for the axis of flexion- extension. Three axes of ankle joint motion (inversion-eversion, plantar flexion-dorsiflexion, and adduction-abduction) were analyzed. Six participants attended, and twelve feet were analyzed. When wearing the rocker sole shoes, the SPR-i under the first MTH was significantly smaller than when wearing the normal sole shoes. The SPR-i higher than 0.60 is associated with callus formation under the first MTH. In three of five feet with callus, SPR-i exceeded 0.60 in the normal sole shoes. The SPR-i of all three feet became smaller than 0.60 when wearing the rocker sole shoes. Although the knee (flexion-extension) and ankle (plantar flexion-dorsiflexion) joint motion became smaller when wearing the rocker sole shoes, there was no significant difference in walking speed. It is considered that propulsion was maintained by the push-off support provided by rocker sole shoes. It was suggested that rocker sole shoes are effective preventing callus formation under the first MTH.

Effect of Rocker Sole Shoe on Foot Plantar Pressure: Is It Useful in Diabetic Patients?

Effect of Rocker Sole Shoe on Foot Plantar Pressure: Is It Useful in Diabetic Patients?

How do rocker-soled shoes influence the knee adduction moment in people with knee osteoarthritis? An analysis of biomechanical mechanisms

The primary objective was to examine mechanisms behind previously observed changes in the knee adduction moment (KAM) with rocker-soled shoes, in participants sub-grouped according to whether they experienced an immediate decrease, or increase, in peak KAM. In subgroups where frontal plane knee ground reaction force (GRF) lever-arm emerged as a significant predictor, a secondary aim was to examine biomechanical factors that contributed to change in this parameter. Thirty individuals with symptomatic, radiographic knee osteoarthritis (OA) underwent 3D gait analysis in unstable rocker-soled shoes and non-rocker-soled shoes. Multiple regression analyses, within each subgroup, examined relationships between changes in frontal plane knee-GRF lever arm and frontal plane resultant GRF magnitude and changes in peak KAM and KAM impulse between shoe conditions. In the subgroup that decreased peak KAM with rocker-soled shoes (n=23), change in knee-GRF lever arm and frontal plane GRF magnitude at peak KAM together were significant predictors of change in peak KAM; however, only change in mean knee-GRF lever arm significantly predicted change in KAM impulse. Decreased medial GRF magnitude, increased lateral trunk lean towards the stance limb and reduced varus/increased valgus hip-knee-ankle angle were associated with a lower knee-GRF lever arm in this group, with rocker-soled shoes. In contrast, none of the independent variables predicted changes in KAM in the subgroup who increased peak KAM with rocker-soled shoes (n=7).

Stiffness Effects in Rocker-Soled Shoes: Biomechanical Implications.

Rocker-soled shoes provide a way to reduce the possible concentration of stress, as well as change movement patterns, during gait. This study attempts to examine how plantar force and spatio-temporal variables are affected by two rocker designs, one with softer and one with denser sole materials, by comparing them with the barefoot condition and with flat-soled shoes. Eleven subjects’ gait parameters during walking and jogging were recorded. Our results showed that compared with barefoot walking, plantar forces were higher for flat shoes while lower for both types of rocker shoes, the softer-material rocker being the lowest. The plantar force of flat shoes is greater than the vertical ground reaction force, while that of both rocker shoes is much less, 13.87–30.55% body weight. However, as locomotion speed increased to jogging, for all shoe types, except at the second peak plantar force of the denser sole material rocker shoes, plantar forces were greater than for bare feet. More interestingly, because the transmission of force was faster while jogging, greater plantar force was seen in the rocker-soled shoes with softer material than with denser material; results for higher-speed shock absorption in rocker-soled shoes with softer material were thus not as good. In general, the rolling phenomena along the bottom surface of the rocker shoes, as well as an increase in the duration of simultaneous curve rolling and ankle rotation, could contribute to the reduction of plantar force for both rocker designs. The possible mechanism is the conversion of vertical kinetic energy into rotational kinetic energy. To conclude, since plantar force is related to foot-ground interface and deceleration methods, rocker-design shoes could achieve desired plantar force reduction through certain rolling phenomena, shoe-sole stiffness levels, and locomotion speeds.

Effect of Rocker Soled Shoe Design on Walking Economy in Females with Pes Planus.

The energy cost is increased during walking in pes planus condition whereas, energy cost during walking using rocker bottom shoes is debatable. To determine the walking economy with rocker soled shoes, when compared with bare feet walking in females with pes planus over treadmill. Seventeen collegiate flat footed females aged 18-25 years were recruited in accordance with inclusion and exclusion criteria. Subjects were asked to walk barefooted and with rocker soled shoes on treadmill for four minutes at a speed of 3.8 km/hour. Oxygen consumption (VO2) was measured directly using PowerLab 8/35 data acquisition system with Lab Chart Pro (AD Instruments, Australia) one minute before walking, four minutes during walking and one minute after walking. Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) was taken after termination of walking. VO2 during barefoot walking was significantly lower than rocker soled shoe walking during four-five minutes (p<0.001) and during recovery (p=0.04). RPE is significantly lower during barefoot walking than rocker soled shoe walking (p<0.001) over treadmill. Oxygen consumption and RPE were increased during walking with rocker soled shoe design in comparison to bare feet walking over treadmill at same speed.