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Rocker? Finally? Quitting? What does this word mean? Here’s a rundown of the most common words you’ll encounter, both in the county and on the streets and trails.
Midsole rocker: Most shoes now have a rocker where the midsole slides over the toe, heel, or both. The rockers encourage a smooth motion to transition from heel to toe, and help improve your economy and comfort.
Carbon/nylon plates: In recent years, we have seen more and more species add plates to their shoes. The main function of the plate is to add stiffness, control, and spring to the shoe’s soft, light and comfortable foam. Each type takes a different design, from spoon-shaped or long bowls to winged bowls. The Adidas Adizero Adios Pro ($250)for example, have what Adidas calls Energy Rods 2.0, with a series of carbon rods under each toe to create a flexible, natural ride. Plates are often used in running shoes or speed training shoes, but they also appear in shoes designed for everyday walking and running.
Power Return: The amount of bounce or spring that returns from the center of each foot. As more energy returns, the rate increases. Running shoes are designed to restore energy, but this can come at a price.
Height of pile: This is the average thickness, measured from bottom to bottom. You get two sizes, one for the heel and one for the front. Tall piles often result in more absorption and vibration, while shorter piles result in more stable and stable soil. This also has to do with…
Leave: Also called heel-to-toe drop or offset, this is the difference between the heel and the stack height. Drops range from 0 to 12 millimeters, with most shoes in the 6- to 10-millimeter range. Low-cut shoes change the heel, which gives heel strikers more. Low-to-the-ground shoes encourage a mid or forward strike, and tend to put more stress on the calf muscles. But be aware—and yes, I appreciate that this all sounds very complicated—rockers can also change the fall.
Multiplication: If you run too fast, the foot moves too much inward as you run, putting more stress on the wing and the inside of the foot. If you are new to running, go to a professional runner and ask them to recommend a treadmill. They will be able to see if you are over- or under-running, or if you are running neutrally.
Underpronation: Sometimes called supination, the underpronator foot moves outward. This can reduce harmful absorption and put more energy into the body.
Stability: Stability shoes provide more support for under- or overpronators. Features such as stack height, solid midsoles, midsoles, or guide rails align the foot, which helps distribute the stress more effectively and reduces stress.
