Hoka One One Meta-Rocker Explained and What it Means for You.
Shoes with a rocker sole or rocker bottom feature thicker-than-normal soles that are rounded at either the toe, the heel, or both. This curve is designed and placed strategically so that the wearer does not land flat footed but instead on a on a curve to reduce pressure on the foot.
Understanding the HOKA's Meta Rocker
If you have ever shopped HOKA ONE ONE footwear you may have noticed a technical specification stating "Meta-Rocker for a smooth ride". The Meta Rocker is a HOKA ONE ONE proprietary technology that combines a low heel-toe drop and a traditional rounded sole rocker. This combination complements your natural stride and promotes a healthy running gait.
Two Types of Meta-Rockers
HOKA ONE ONE footwear with a meta-rocker can come in two varieties, early stage and late stage. This designation is based off the placement of the transition zone in relation to the metatarsal bones in your feet. Your metatarsal bones are the long bone beginning in the middle of the foot connecting the ankle to the toes.
Early Stage Meta Rocker
Late Stage Meta-Rocker
Deciding What Meta-Rocker is Best for You
Who Should Wear Early Stage Meta-Rocker HOKA ONE ONE's
Early stage Meta-Rocker footwear from HOKA ONE ONE should not be worn by people who have any balance or stability issues. Instead we recommend the early stage Meta-Rocker to runners and walkers who can take advantage of the boost provided from the longer transition zone. We make this recommendation because the elongated slope helps transition the foot from heel to toe more easily which provides a biomechanical advantage at the cost of stability.
Who Should Wear Late Stage Meta-Rocker HOKA ONE ONE's
Late stage Meta-Rockers from HOKA ONE ONE are the correct choice for people looking to reduce plantar pressures in the medial forefoot, central forefoot and toe regions. The late stage Meta-rocker may be a good choice for people with plantar fasciitis and midfoot or ankle arthritis. With a late stage Meta-Rocker you will have more balance and stability due to the reduced slope length.
Have You Had a Professional Fitting?
Proper fitting footwear is one of the most important general health choices you can make. We always recommend that people visit their local running, orthopedic, or reputable shoe store to have a professional measure and evaluate their feet. This measurement will look beyond just legth but also width, and arch in order to suggest footwear matching the ergonomic shape of you foot.
If you are located in the Calgary or Southern Alberta region come visit on of our Sole to Soul locations and get your free professional foot fittings.
Shop Hoka Now