I needed a new pair of walking shoes, for two reasons; my high-top walking shoes were getting harder to put on and take off due to extra lacing on the high top, and my feet had gotten about half a size bigger. So I investigated walking shoes and asked via Twitter and Facebook how the experience with shoes like Sketcher’s Shape Ups was.

I got lots of feedback. The rocking-style walking shoes are made by several brands, and almost universally those who tried them swore by them and not at them. So I set out to try some on and see how they felt. I found one pair in my size, made by Danskin.

I wasn’t sure how stable the rocker sole would feel, but once I had my feet in them, I discovered that they really do stabilize you side to side and force the forward/backward motion instead. If you stand in them you have to rock to your toes or heels, but it’s comfortable either way and you can easily shift position back and forth. Walking, the stride is slightly different; you rock along with the shoe, but it’s easy to get used to.

They really do increase the workout, too. My muscles worked harder on the same walks and my joints were better cushioned and supported; win.

So now I’m rocking the walk. And the next time you see somebody in those funny looking rocker soled shoes, you might be tempted to try a pair yourself.