Effects of Longitudinal Bending Stiffness of forefoot rocker profile shoes on ankle kinematics and kinetics

•Longitudinal bending stiffness does not affect rocker profile shoe biomechanics.•Restricting toe plantarflexion is essential to maintain rocker shape and function.•High stiffness is not essential in rocker profile shoes with a small rocker radius.•Shoe prescriptions should include advice regarding longitudinal bending stiffness.