Rocker, last, and drop are all terms commonly used in the running world to describe different aspects of a shoe’s design and performance. A midsole rocker refers to the upward slope of the midsole at the toe or heel, which helps to promote a smooth rolling motion and improve running efficiency. Carbon or nylon plates are often added to shoes to provide stiffness and spring to the foam, and can be found in both racing and training shoes. Energy return is a measure of how much bounce or spring a shoe provides with each foot strike. Stack height, or the thickness of the midsole, can affect cushioning and stability, and is often related to the shoe’s drop, or the difference between the heel and forefoot stack heights. Overpronation and underpronation refer to the way the foot rolls during running, and stability shoes are designed to provide support for these types of foot movements. Understanding these terms can help you choose the right shoe for your running needs.
