Running shoes with rocker sole construction | RUNNER'S WORLD

Soft shell, hard core: "Rockers" often have a very soft interior. At least that's how it is with running shoes. This has nothing to do with leather cowls or motorcycles, but "rocker" refers to the construction of the midsole.

The term is common in engineering language and has found its way into sport in different variants. Perhaps the most well-known is the rocker construction in alpine skis: Here, the pre-tension of the ski is adjusted in such a way that the ski does not lie flat on the ground, but only in the middle. The tip (tip) and tail of the ski point slightly upwards. The rocker construction of the running shoe is similar. Here, the sole section on the heel and the tip in the forefoot area are curved upwards, in principle similar to a rocking chair. And functionally, the comparison is not so far-fetched. The rocker construction is intended to give a dynamic swing. The Asics developers even say that energy is saved during the rolling movement of the runner, up to 20 percent according to Asics' own research results.

The rocker should roll

This is not directly noticeable when running. However, the initially idiosyncratic and unusual rolling behavior of the rocker midsole is clearly noticeable. Important: Pronounced heel runners, i.e. those who land with the heel first (and not with the midfoot), benefit the most from the rocker construction: The heel area is softly constructed to absorb the impact. Test runners report that when rolling, the rocker construction sometimes gives you the feeling of rolling over an easy hill. And then you roll off the midsole, which becomes thinner towards the front, as if accelerating by itself.

Middle or even forefoot touchers sometimes feel uncomfortable with this construction - and depending on the respective model. In the RUNNER'S WORLD test team, individual test runners were not on good terms with the rockers. Incidentally, this was also the case with earlier, comparable constructions from other manufacturers, whether it was the “Fulcrum” construction from Karhu (which still exists today) or the running shoe models from the originally Swiss brand MBT.

Earlier rocker running shoes didn't catch on

None of these earlier rocker constructions were able to establish themselves on the running shoe market in the long term. Midfoot runners report that they sometimes feel that the midfoot is put under more stress when they land. Which is understandable insofar as the middle of the shoe (often more than three centimeters thick) is significantly thicker than the heel and toe. The foot bends, so to speak. If the heel then moves upwards during the rolling process, slipping in the shoe can sometimes occur. On the other hand, heel runners report that the rocker construction accelerates the heel-to-toe transition and they feel that the ground contact time is reduced.

From fast to comfortable: Rocker running shoes at a glance

There is definitely still potential in the type of construction. And our overview includes models that are also suitable for mid- or even forefoot runners. In addition, the spectrum of rockers is growing: it ranges from the very comfortable, softly cushioned training models to the lightly constructed models for competition use, which often also have a carbon plate in the midsole - we also present these light shoes in a separate article .

Hoka One One Clifton 8

Manufacturer

Order here: women's model, men's model

The Hoka Clifton is considered one of the pioneers of heavily cushioned shoes with a rocker construction. The eighth version continues the success story of Hoka's most popular training shoe. The seventh was the lightest, the eighth now has a new midsole material that's said to be 15 percent lighter, but the overall weight has stayed the same. The sole (29 mm thick at the heel) also has the same characteristics, only the contact point on the heel has been rounded off more. According to the test runners, this contributes to the fact that the running impression is slightly softer than the predecessor, and that suits a calmer training pace better. The now even softer upper material ensures good wearing comfort.

The Hoka-typical rocker sole construction is very pronounced and determines the rolling behavior. This takes some getting used to for some runners, especially if you're new to the brand or haven't run a rocker construction before. One test runner who ran the Clifton for the first time put it vividly: "The 'integrated bump' under the midfoot feels a bit like a hasty house-elf shoving a bolster under your foot with every step, um." to cushion the impact.”

How you get along with this "neck roll" under the metatarsus is a question of running style and rolling behavior - and last but not least personal preference. The midsole with the rocker bend is suitable for both heel and midfoot runners. It is precisely this rolling dynamic that many Hoka fans appreciate about the brand - especially with the Clifton. The Clifton is well suited for light to medium-weight runners who do not have any noticeable biomechanical peculiarities. The Clifton is good in the best sense as a neutral training shoe for many kilometers.

To the detailed test report of the Hoka One One Clifton 8

Weight: 215 grams (women), 250 grams (men) drop: 5 millimeters price: 140 euros

Adidas Ultraboost 21

Kroeger + Gross

Order here: women's model, men's model

"That's fat", is the comment of a test runner when he sees the UB 21, as it is called by fans. This means above all the sole. And it keeps what its looks promise: maximum comfort. The “LEP-Torsion” element ensures “that the sole plops back nicely and rolls more dynamically at the push-off”, according to a test runner. In the latest version, Adidas has redesigned the upper. As a result, the UB 21 is slightly smaller, but sits very securely in the midfoot area and on the heel and is still best for narrow to medium-wide feet. It is an all-round shoe that is suitable for all training sessions.

The outsole supports flexibility and the Continental rubber offers great grip - even on wet surfaces. The modeled upper has been adapted even better to the stress zones in terms of strength and flexibility. If you want to save a few grams of weight, you should choose the "Ultraboost PB" version, where the upper is thinner, lighter and more breathable. The new Adidas Ultraboost offers a lot of cushioning and still enables a brisk, springy stride. The rocker construction is also responsible for this - which of course is not as decisive for the rolling behavior of the Ultraboost as it is of the Hoka Clifton.

To the detailed test report of the Adidas Ultraboost 21

Weight: 310 grams (women), 340 grams (men) drop: 10 millimeters price: 180 euros

Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 2

Manufacturer

Order here: women's model, men's model

The Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 2 is extremely comfortable thanks to the high resilience React foam. The extremely wide sole ensures stability and with the curved "rocker" shape for a gentle rolling movement. The sole construction of the React Infinity borrows from the Nike Vaporfly and its "rocker" rocking chair shape, which is intended to enable a particularly gentle yet dynamic rolling process from heel to toe. The rearfoot section of the outsole, which is not exactly narrow, is complemented by an even wider forefoot section. In this way, the shoe provides guidance and support in the rolling movement even without the classic stability elements previously used. The "React" foam in the midsole, already known from the predecessor Epic React, is very comfortable and offers high resilience. Nike developers speak of a real "feel good foam". The volume of the midsole is 24 percent larger than its predecessor. A stabilizing clip made of harder TPU runs around the heel.

To the detailed test report of the predecessor Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit

Weight: 244 grams (women), 302 grams (men) Drop: 8.4 millimeters (women), 9 millimeters (men) Price: 160 euros

Skechers GoRun MaxRoad 5

Manufacturer

Order here: women's model, men's model

The running brand Skechers is still relatively unknown in this country. The Maxroad 5 could change that: The comfort running shoe has a midsole made of modern EVA foam, which is also used in the Razor 3 or Speed ​​Elite. But with this model, the midsole is much thicker, which is almost reminiscent of the Hoka Clifton. One tester raved about the "most comfortable cushioning despite the low weight". The test runners praised the "rocker" construction, which is also suitable for midfoot runners and subjectively provides a better forward thrust. The MaxRoad has sometimes been criticized for the upper material being too warm, which did not offer optimal support for narrower (women's) feet.

Weight: 173 grams (women), 235 grams (men) drop: 6 millimeters price: 150 euros

New Balance 1080 V11

Manufacturer

Order here: women's model, men's model

The best news right at the beginning: The toe box of version 11 has become a bit more spacious compared to its predecessor. That was one of the few points of criticism that was not often expressed. This is better now, but the tight fit of the midfoot area, which runners with wide feet criticize, is no better: Here, an elastic band connects the tongue with the midsole and ensures a great fit even with narrow feet. This construction is suitable for wide feet but often too narrow. Otherwise, the chassis is unchanged from the previous model, which the testers praised enthusiastically for its rolling comfort.

The 1080 knows comfort and it knows speed - it stands between pure training models like the Adidas Ultraboost or the Hoka Clifton - and the more competition-oriented rocker constructions from Brooks or Nike. In conclusion, the New Balance 1080 could be declared one of the best training shoes currently available.

Weight: 225 grams (women), 282 grams (men) drop: 8 millimeters price: 170 euros

Asics GlideRide

Manufacturer

Order here: women's model, men's model

After the MetaRide from Asics, the GlideRide was the second rocker sole construction - and at the same time the version that was more suitable for everyday use. The fit is very similar due to the same last shape. However, the GlideRide has a drop of 5 millimeters (MetaRide: 0 mm), a differently constructed "guidance line" in combination with a 90° gel cushioning unit and a modified cushioning layer directly under the foot. The GlideRide rolls off more easily and is noticeably more comfortable than the MetaRide, and is more reminiscent of a cushioning shoe in terms of comfort. However, heel runners benefit the most from the construction.

To the detailed test report of the predecessor Asics GlideRide

Weight: 230 grams (women), 295 grams (men) drop: 5 millimeters price: 160 euros

Asics MetaRide

Manufacturer

Order here: women's model, men's model

The MetaRide's rocker construction is intended to provide dynamic momentum. The Asics developers even say that energy is saved during the rolling movement of the runner, up to 20 percent according to their own research results. In particular, heel runners, who land with the heel first (and not with the middle foot), benefit from the rocker construction. Because the heel part of the MetaRide is designed to be particularly soft to absorb the impact. Test runners report that the rocker construction gives you the feeling of rolling over an easy hill at first. And then you roll off the midsole, which becomes thinner towards the front, as if accelerating by itself.

Asics has developed the so-called Guidesole technology for the MetaRide. The midsole is significantly more voluminous, at the same time the sole construction is stiff: Where other Asics models have flex notches just under the forefoot area to bend the sole, the sole of the MetaRide is completely stiff. In return, the sole is curved and rounded towards the toes – typical for rockers; so it gets thinner towards the front.

To the detailed test report of the Asics MetaRide

Weight: 275 grams (women), 300 grams (men) Drop: 0 millimeters Price: 250 euros

Asics EvoRide

Manufacturer

Order here: women's model, men's model

Like the other Ride models, the EvoRide is characterized by the rocker construction: the midsole is relatively high, the heel and forefoot area are curved. But the GlideRide's rocker construction is milder overall and designed flatter. The EvoRide has 17 mm of midsole foam under the forefoot and 22 mm in the heel area. This is FlyteFoam Propel, a foam mixture that is particularly light and energy-returning. So it's not that soft.

The rolling feeling is much more direct. Above all, the rocker construction supports faster training speeds. The rocker's tipping point is quite far forward. Together with the more direct FlyteFoam cushioning, the narrow cut and the low weight, the Asics EvoRide is a shoe for brisk runs on asphalt.

To the detailed test report of the predecessor Asics EvoRide

Weight: 192 grams (women), 230 grams (men) drop: 5 millimeters price: 130 euros

Brooks Hyperion Elite 2

Manufacturer

Order here: unisex model

The Hyperion Elite 2 is a pure competition shoe and its predecessor was the first Brooks model with a carbon plate in the midsole. The new Hyperion with the suffix "Elite" has almost nothing in common with the old Hyperion, except maybe that both are lightweight competition shoes. The new Hyperion with a voluminous midsole and wider forefoot area is built on a new last that gives the toes more room in the forefoot, has a very light, flexible upper material. The new midsole is made from a foam material called DNA-Zero, which is 45 percent lighter than Brooks' traditional material BioMoGo - and a carbon plate is sandwiched between two layers of the new material. The thin plate is very similar to what Nike uses in their Vaporfly Next% 2 or Hoka One One in the Carbon X2, and supports the footprint especially at high speeds.

The comfortable fit surprises pleasantly. This is not what you are used to from competition shoes. The very reduced, thin heel cap offers a padded "collar" that also ensures a great fit in this area. The shoe is extremely light and gives a lot of "propulsion", the runner is very actively moved onto the forefoot and into the footprint, but only noticeable at higher speeds - at slow speeds this might be annoying, but the shoe is just not built for that.

To the detailed test report of the predecessor Brooks Hyperion Elite

Weight: 215 grams, drop: 8 millimeters, price: 250 euros

Scott Pursuit

Manufacturer

Scott knows his way around rocker constructions. The sole construction of the Pursuit, which is curved at the front and back, is reminiscent of competition shoes, although its volume (30 mm under the heel) indicates the high cushioning comfort. In addition, the shoe offers a very fine, solid upper, which is supported by an easy-to-adjust lacing and a stable heel construction. The fit, which is unsuitable for narrow feet, was praised by test runners with medium-wide feet, as was the running properties. "Whether you're at a leisurely pace or running at less than 4:00 min/km, the ride comfort is simply great," says a test runner.

Weight: 225 grams (women), 250 grams (men) Drop: 8 millimeters Price: 140 euros

Hoka One One Carbon X2

Manufacturer

Order here: women's model, men's model

The voluminous midsole characteristic of the brand is stabilized with a thin carbon plate on the Carbon X2 - making it a thoroughbred competition shoe. The shoe is supposed to unfold its capabilities over distances beyond the classic 42.195 kilometers. The Carbon X2 is light, well cushioned and dynamic - but more suitable for lighter runners. The rocker construction noticeably forces the foot's rolling process.

Weight: 198 grams (women), 239 grams (men) drop: 5 millimeters price: 180 euros

Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 2

Manufacturer

Order here: women's model, men's model

Nike shoe designers have used 15 percent more Zoom-X foam in the midsole compared to the 2018 model. However, the rearfoot area is only 1 millimeter thicker, while the forefoot area has increased in height by 4 millimeters. As a result, according to Nike, there is even more recoil energy for the foot in the footprint. In addition - and this is quite noticeable when running - the forefoot is higher and cushioned even more softly in the shoe. And at the same time the drop is lower, from 11 mm before to 8 mm now. The difference when running is immediately noticeable: the shoe gives you even more forward momentum. Even with the first steps you can feel that the midsole is very soft. But you don't just sink in. In combination with the high rigidity provided by the carbon plate, the high resilience of the ZoomX foam ensures noticeable propulsion when running. The wide base in the forefoot area ensures significantly more stability. This makes the shoe usable for a broader clientele, although the following still applies: The Vaporfly requires an active running style. If you walk very hard over your heel, you are better off with other shoes. The shoe works best when you run more on the midfoot or forefoot.

Compared to the original Next%, the second edition has only changed significantly in terms of upper material. This is now knitted. More noteworthy, however, is the price reduction from 275 to 250 euros.

To the detailed test report of the predecessor Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next%

Weight: 184 grams (men) Drop: 8 millimeters Price: 250 euros

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