Rocker toes are an excellent way to change the breakover of the foot. With a rocker toe, you can move the breakover back while still supporting the dorsal hoof wall. This is one advantage that a rocker toe has over a square toe.

Rocker Toe Advantages

A rocker toe can also take the place of a clip in many instances. Because the rocker toe makes a break in the normally flat plane of the bottom of the foot, it takes the shearing force off the nails. Rocker toes may also make shoes last longer. Since the toe of the shoe  is the area most likely to wear out, moving that area of the shoe  off the ground can extend the shoe’s life.

Rocker Toe Disadvantages

On the down side, rocker toes can be hard to fit and can do more harm than good if not made and applied properly. Here are the basics of making and applying a rocker toe.

Trim the foot normally but leave a little more  length than usual. The more severe the rocker toe, the more foot length you should leave.

Once the foot is trimmed, determine where you want the rocker placed. While you are learning how to apply this modification, it may be helpful to draw a line on the bottom of the foot to aid in hoof preparation for the rocker toe (Figures 1 and 2). Use the edge of your rasp as a guide, or any straight edge that is handy.

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